A good catalog design uses the catalog pages to showcase the merchandise and provide a space for product name and price. It is more than just the layout of text and images.
Eye-catching visuals are important, but it won’t be easy to sell items regardless of look or price if the presentation of information does not work. A good catalog design shows off all the features of the product rather than just a picture or name.
Below are things that make a good catalog
1. A Good Catalog is Consistent with its Appearance
When there are breakpoints in the layout, it can be confusing for readers, making them unsure if they are turning the page or have a blank spread. It also breaks up advertisements within items, which causes an unnecessary interruption to the reading flow.
2. Good Catalogs make it Easy for Readers to see the Product
When a catalog is well designed, it hits all three visual communication targets, including being legible, clear, and accurate. It is readable, facilitates understanding, and makes it possible to read with comprehension. A good catalog also identifies the main copy as the header, not the image or illustration, which draws the eye first.
3. Good Catalogs are Clear About Pricing
It means that printed price tags are separate from any advertisements, which is done by using solid color boxes or another manner of marking them clearly as something else.
4. A good Catalog Makes it Easy for Shoppers to find items They Want
The layout of the catalog should be simple and easy to follow. There shouldn’t be a page crammed with too many items or a mostly blank page. A good catalog design clearly states where each item is located within the book, either via numbering or large arrows, for instance.
5. Good Catalogs Aren’t Overcrowded
The best way to avoid this is to have the same amount of space between items as there are items on each page. The catalog items should not overlap or be close together, making it difficult for readers to identify what they are looking at.
6. Good Catalogs Provide Discounts and Sales Facts
It can be done by using different text formatting within the copy, easily identified, and stands out. The best way to do this is by having discount and sale items bolded or in a different color.
7. Good Catalogs are Modular
Products in an average catalog have much in common with each other. They are usually presented in similar formats according to size, material, or function. Having different layouts for different product types helps readers find the information they need without scanning for it.
8. Good Catalogs Highlight Popular Items
The best way to show the popularity of an item is by using a dot system that uses different colors to indicate how popular each product is. The more dots, the more popular the product.
Good catalogs show off what the product can do, what it looks like, all of its features, and show off the discount items. The layout should be simple to follow with consistent spacing between each item, clear pricing information, and large enough images close to the copy. Hence, viewers know exactly what they are looking at.