Create impactful and relevant communications resulting in a
Supercharged Customer Experiences
Create impactful and relevant communications resulting in
Supercharged Customer Experiences
Case Studies

A Case Study on Redesigning for Retail Impact: WD-40 Multi-Use Product Can

Introduction

WD-40, a household name synonymous with versatility and reliability, has been a staple in workshops, garages, and kitchens worldwide for decades. Its iconic blue can, while instantly recognizable, faced challenges in the increasingly competitive market. The cluttered regulatory labeling and lack of visual appeal hindered its retail presence and consumer engagement. To address these issues, we embarked on a can redesign project, prioritizing streamlined iconography and a more visually impactful aesthetic.

Design Challenges

The existing can design was burdened with a multitude of regulatory warnings, resulting in a visually cluttered and unappealing appearance. This cluttered design made it difficult for consumers to quickly identify the product’s key benefits and understand its uses. Additionally, the lack of visual coherence and consistency made the can less appealing on retail shelves, potentially limiting its shelf life and consumer interest.

Design Objectives

Our primary objective of the redesign was to create a can that was both visually appealing and informative. By incorporating regulatory warnings as integral design elements, the team aimed to improve the can’s overall aesthetic while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, the use of iconography was intended to enhance the can’s visual appeal and facilitate understanding of the product’s various applications.

Design Process

1. Research and Analysis:

  • Competitive Analysis: A thorough analysis of competing products was conducted to identify trends in can design, labeling, and iconography.
  • Consumer Research: Consumer feedback was gathered to understand their preferences, needs, and expectations regarding can design.

2. Concept Development:

  • Visual Exploration: Several design concepts were explored, focusing on the integration of regulatory warnings into the can’s aesthetic.
  • Iconography Development: A set of icons was created to represent the product’s key features and applications, ensuring clarity and simplicity.

3. Iteration and Refinement:

  • Design Feedback: The design concepts were reviewed and refined based on feedback from internal stakeholders
Design Outcomes

The redesigned WD-40 can successfully address the challenges posed by the previous design. By integrating regulatory warnings into the can’s aesthetic, our team achieved a more visually harmonious and appealing appearance. The use of iconography further enhanced the can’s visual appeal and provided a clear and concise representation of the product’s benefits.

Key Design Features:

  • Streamlined Iconography: The use of simple, geometric shapes and clear lines facilitated understanding and made the can more visually engaging.
  • Integrated Regulatory Warnings: Regulatory warnings were incorporated into the can’s design, ensuring compliance while maintaining a visually appealing aesthetic.
  • Enhanced Visual Appeal: The redesigned can feature a more modern and contemporary look, making it stand out on retail shelves.


Conclusion

The WD-40 can redesign project demonstrated the power of effective iconography and integrated design elements in creating a visually appealing and informative product. By addressing the challenges of cluttered regulatory labeling and lack of visual appeal, the redesign can enhance the product’s retail presence and consumer engagement. This case study highlights the importance of considering both aesthetic and functional aspects when designing packaging for consumer products.

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