> Documentation index: https://packinspo.com/llms.txt · Full documentation: https://packinspo.com/llms-full.txt

# Packinspo Skill

> A research-first method for packaging work, for AI agents.

The Packinspo Skill teaches an agent how a packaging designer researches: start from real products, read what makes them work, then design or brief with evidence. It works best with Packinspo MCP connected.

## Install

**Claude Code plugin** (MCP and skill together)

```text
/plugin marketplace add packinspo/packinspo-skill
/plugin install packinspo@packinspo
```

**Skill only**

```bash
npx skills add https://github.com/packinspo/packinspo-skill --skill packinspo-research
```

Or copy `skills/packinspo-research/` with its `references/` folder into your agent's skills directory. Source: [github.com/packinspo/packinspo-skill](https://github.com/packinspo/packinspo-skill).

## The method

1. **Frame the brief**: product, category, audience, price level, constraints, feeling.
2. **Map the filters** with `list_taxonomy`.
3. **Search wide, then narrow**: references in the category, plus one search outside it for a transferable idea.
4. **Read before you borrow**: full studies of the strongest references and one or two styles.
5. **Extract patterns, not copies**: why each reference fits and one move to borrow.
6. **Decide a direction** with what to do and what to avoid.
7. **Check before handoff** with the bundled checklist.

## Rules the skill enforces

- Cite every reference with its Packinspo URL; never present a real brand's pack as your own design.
- Do not reproduce logos, illustrations or photos.
- Label typefaces as lookalikes and colours as sampled.
- No invented prices, lead times, suppliers, certifications or regulations; no health or medical claims.

## Bundled references

- `references/brief-template.md`: direction, cited references, patterns, do, avoid, open questions.
- `references/checklist.md`: ten checks before a pack or brief goes to a designer or printer.