Our Thinking
The World Through our Lens
Kaleidoscope is a CPG packaging design and prototyping agency headquartered in Chicago. We’re makers, thinkers, and opinionated observers of everything packaging. Here’s what’s on our minds — from design trends and sustainability to the forces reshaping consumer goods. For a deeper look at our capabilities, visit: strategy, packaging design, and prototyping.
Latest Perspectives
June 23, 2026
CPG innovation has never moved this fast, and for most teams, the process still hasn’t caught up. Here’s why speed is the defining factor in modern product development, and what it takes to actually move at the pace the market demands.
Are Top Leaders Hurting Their Bottom Line?
Leaders are assumed to be the ones that guide themselves and others to do the right thing. They inspire others while most importantly building trust. However, while mapping out the direction in which the brand needs to go, they can sometimes take the wrong path. Design Director, Bart Laube, explores seven ways leaders can ultimately end up hurting their brand more than helping it.
The Power of First Impressions
Package design is all about visual, on-shelf impact. Whether that impact stems from product recognition, appealing aesthetics, or eye-catching design, it should come as no surprise that imagery plays a huge role in creating these visual influences. Imagery can also help explain what the package contains, convey a level of value or quality, and even evoke a subconscious emotional response or connection to a product.
Kaleidoscope Promotes Fred Richards to Chief Marketing Officer & Partner
Kaleidoscope is thrilled to announce Fred Richard’s promotion to Chief Marketing Officer & Partner alongside CEO, Gary Chiappetta and COO, Bert Hodapp.
Hairy Who?
The Art Institute of Chicago has organized the first-ever major survey exhibition dedicated solely to the Hairy Who artist group on display through Jan 6, 2019.
Driving The Change
Kaleidoscope is proud to announce its most recent office opening in the Over The Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. Much like the neighborhood itself, Kaleidoscope celebrates a uniqueness that has driven its rise and success in the branding and design industry over the past several decades, and is excited to have a long-lasting impact on the area’s vibrant arts community.
Top 4 Sustainability Trends to Watch for in 2018
This year, SustPack continued its role as the leading sustainable packaging event in the industry as individuals, companies, and brands gathered to discuss their passions for making a difference. Coming out of the conference, here are our top 4 trends to watch for in 2018.
Top 4 Houseware Trends to Watch in 2018
The Home and Housewares Show provides a unique opportunity to highlight up and coming trends in home, environmental design, and lifestyle technology. We captured four of our favorite trends from this year’s show.
2018 BXP Live: Key Takeaways
This past week, the Kaleidoscope team attended the Brand Experience Live conference in Bonita Springs, Florida. A healthy dose of Vitamin D wasn’t the only takeaway. Delivering consistent brand experiences for consumers, “the attention economy,” and purpose driven innovation; these trends and more offered a thought-provoking line-up that will help us better serve our clients. Here are our key takeaways.
WHY NEW TECHNOLOGY AND BRAND DESIGN MUST BE A PACKAGE DEAL
It’s no secret that ecommerce, smart devices and digital wallets are rapidly reshaping the focus that retailers and brands must maintain. As consumer expectations change, the strategies with which we meet them can’t stay stagnant.
THE MAGIC OF MOVIES: HOW GREAT FILMS INSPIRE GREAT DESIGN
The magic of great storytelling is a first-hand experience. And for anyone in the creative and design business, experiencing different types of storytelling isn’t just a good idea, it’s imperative.
NUTRITION FACTS UPDATE: WHY UPDATING IS A GREAT STRATEGY
Though 2021 could now be the new nutrition label deadline, there are advantages to updating sooner than later to reformulate ingredients & update brand design.
SIX EXCITING TRENDS IN CONFECTIONERY AND SNACK PACKAGING FOR 2018
There’s no guarantee for what the future holds, here are our top six trends in confectionery and snack packaging to keep an eye out for in the near future.