M&M's
Package Redesign
Packaging Design, Product Prototyping, Brand Refresh, Material Study, Dielines
The Challenge:The M&M’s brand is world-famous, but its theater-box packaging hasn't seen a significant structural shift in years. The challenge was to modernize the packaging for better shelf-impact while maintaining the brand's legendary "joyful" essence. I focused on solving technical issues regarding transparency, material finish, and scale to ensure the package felt premium yet accessible.
The Strategy:I began with a deep dive into M&M’s history—from its 1941 origins as a military staple to its current status as a global icon. My strategy was to move away from the solid-colored, cluttered boxes of the past toward a character-centric, transparent design that highlights the product itself while celebrating the brand's diverse cast of "Spokescandies."
Process & Technical Highlights:
Historical Context: Researched the "Melts in your mouth, not in your hands" legacy to ensure the new design respected the brand's core value of durability and fun.
Iterative Prototyping: Documented an extensive "Process Book" detailing the transition from digital concepts to physical mockups.
Material Testing: Faced and solved real-world production challenges, such as ink smearing on transparent paper and the "blotchy" results of certain printing techniques.
Character Layout: Strategically integrated all M&M characters into a unified design that works across different package orientations.
Self-Reflection & Pivot: Critically evaluated the final prototypes, identifying that a transition to vinyl and high-gloss sticker paper would have yielded a more professional finish—demonstrating a commitment to technical growth.
The Result:A digitally polished and physically prototyped package that stands out on-shelf. The design uses transparency to invite the consumer in, making the colorful candies part of the visual identity. This project proves your ability to navigate the full product development lifecycle, from concept to physical execution.
Key Deliverables:
Packaging Process Book: A step-by-step documentation of research, sketches, and failed iterations.
Digital Design System: A new layout featuring a transparent background and character-led branding.
Physical Prototypes: Hand-constructed mockups exploring various material finishes (clear paper vs. gloss).
Final High-Fidelity Mockups: Professional digital visualizations of the redesign in a retail context.