When I see that big companies making limited edition cans or products, I always think to myself, “Why don’t more companies do this?” Granted, that is not to say that all items are designed well or look great, but I find it more appealing when companies switch it up a little. Why not give your customers something new to look at?

Throwbacks, limited edition, and holidays are just some of the reasons for a packaging switch up. Here is an example, Coors Banquet Beer. I know these cans coming from a family that loves banquet beer so when I saw these, I was more intrigued.  I read a little more about this on the Dieline:

The Coors Banquet brand is built upon the legends of its timeless western spirit, from miner banquets to it’s high quality ingredients. We celebrate the Banquet Beer’s rich heritage with the release of four commemorative can designs selected from the brewery archive. The cans represent the 1930s to 1980s, and are a testament that Coors Banquet is Golden Forever. Born in Golden, Colorado, Coors Banquet has stubbornly refused to compromise since 1873.

As you can see they have stayed within their brand since the beginning. Isn’t it nice to pay a little tribute?

On the W we always talk about big brands and big changes. What about the in-house brands or smaller mom and pop shops? Today, we are featuring a private label package re-design from Publix.

Not only did they re-design their package, they thought ahead and made an entire system for their products. This system provides consistency and reinforces their brand. For their candy in particular, their approach here gives consumers what they want–simple, cut to the chase packaging but in a playful yet simple way AND a window to see the actual product.

Personally, I think that the use of color is awesome. I love the fact that the product windows are of a different shape depending on the item. Although each package is not identical, through their use of identical logo placement, color blocks and fonts there is enough brand awareness. It goes to show you that just because it is a store brand, doesn’t mean they were skimping when it came to design!

As I was browsing the Dieline, one of our favorite sites, I came across this article.
I was intrigued to view the opinions as well as the visuals to go along with this study. What if you took a brand logo down to its absolute minimum? Would it help or hurt the brand?

Guinness was the first that Mehmet Gozetlik of the design collective Antrepo looked at.

Some might work at this 4th most simplistic level because of the brand equity that has already been established.  Would you still recognize it in the liquor store? Chances are yes. The can, color and taste will be the same.

But what about M&M’s? It almost looks like their original packaging!

So as some may indeed work at the 4th level of minimalism, most would work best at the 3rd level. The 3rd level would be where the logo itself stands out on a colored field within or with a certain shape (such as Pringles). If you took the image away I am not sure that it would have the same impact?

Would RedBull get as much recognition? Sure the can is the same shape but it has lost its signature color scheme…what do you think?

To read the full article, click here.