Publication design and packaging design are both forms of visual communication that are tangible—you can pick them up, turn them around, or flip through them—but they serve different purposes. Publication design focuses on the visual layout and presentation of content within a printed or digital format like trade books, magazines, or websites. Packaging design, on the other hand, is concerned with the exterior of a product, including its shape, materials, and visual elements, to attract consumers, convey information, and reinforce the brand.