# Illustrated Barcode Designs Spice Up Your Packaging with a Clever Barcode Design By Mesel Isaac | Published 2013-12-21 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barcode-design References: [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/gallery/Illustrated-Barcodes/7747763) & [stevesimpson](http://www.stevesimpson.com/) Illustrative designer Steve Simpson has created some spectacular barcode designs that liven up what is otherwise the most boring part of [any packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cooper-street-snacks). Barcodes serve a strictly utilitarian purpose, they may be bland but they serve an incredibly important sale and inventory function. Steve Simpson wondered why they couldn't "be more fun" considering the real estate they command on every package. With that in mind, Mr. Simpson created 'Illustrated Barcodes,' these barcode designs add a sense of whimsy to the brand and really liven up [the packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/higgidy-1). Steve makes it clear though that adding a barcode design isn't a simple matter of drawing on the lines and hoping for the best. You have to worry about line spacing and the readability of your code so the scanner can recognize your new barcode design. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 69% | Activity: 26% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Illustrated Barcodes:** Customized illustrated barcodes can bring personality to packaging and enhance the customer experience. - **Functional Design:** Designers can enhance the functionality of products and packaging by adding creative elements. - **Retail Trends:** Retailers can attract consumers with unique packaging experiences, setting themselves apart from competitors. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Consumer Goods:** Consumer goods companies can differentiate their products with creative packaging designed to engage customers. - **Printing and Packaging:** Printing and packaging companies can offer specialized design services for illustrated barcodes and functional packaging. - **Retail Marketing:** Retail marketing companies can help brands utilize illustrated barcodes to stand out and drive sales. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Literature-Inspired Packaging Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/good-to-read.md) - [Expressive Beer Packagings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buqui-bichi-brewery.md) - [Scannable Hot Sauce Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buldak-hot-sauce-packaging.md) - [Creative Collectible Spirits Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collectible-spirits-bottle.md) - [Interactive Packaging Content](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smartlinks.md) - [Striking E-Commerce Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maksim-arbuzov.md) - [Dynamic Scannable Product Codes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fazer-remix-30th-anniversary-candy-bag.md) - [Comic Strip Milk Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seki-milk.md) - [Playful Coffee Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunday-coffee-project.md)