Comments on: Kid-tested, Designer-approved.

By: Grocery Store Time Machine – Orange Element

Grocery Store Time Machine – Orange Element — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 20:08:59 +0000

[...] back in 2009, I posted about some vintage-inspired cereal packaging that I spotted at my local Target store. Well, it’s 2011 and we seem to have taken another [...]

By: Design Sunday: NOTCOT.ORG «

Design Sunday: NOTCOT.ORG « — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 15:25:17 +0000

[...] Retro cereal box designs! From here. [...]

By: Andy Bonner

Andy Bonner — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:53:11 +0000

I agree Michael–I think that while this is a cool promotional idea, General Mills should start designing their new boxes with some of the style and techniques of these older ones. I really do think that simpler is better, and especially in a recession, a more “classic” (not necessarily “retro”) design could help create a stronger, more stable brand image. Even if the design is new for 2009, using some of the old style and techniques to create something new would be really refreshing!

By: Geneva

Geneva — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 00:15:09 +0000

I think the word “retro” gets thrown around a lot… It doesn’t look much like the old boxes, in my opinion (no fun character or cute car ad… just a self-aware little promotion for a “retro” t-shirt). I frankly think this looks very modern (like the new Pepsi cans). I mean, don’t get me wrong, I like it a million times more than the last box design, for sure.

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 23:50:58 +0000

It looks great, and it’s a nice gimmick, but i wish they would evolve and apply the skills used in the old boxes to a new, 2009 design. I imagine, immediately after this little phase, they’ll go right back to the chaotic, ugly designs they’ve been using.

By: emily

emily — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:08:12 +0000

Aside from it being ‘hip’ right now to have retro looking stuff, I think that a lot of companies are going in that direction because of the recession. I think that in times of uncertainty and fear consumers want things to be familiar, cozy, and “safe.” Vintage packaging elicits memories of a more secure time. I would assume that a lot of (traditional, stodgy) companies won’t be taking any risks in the near future…in regards to packaging, product design, etc. People are probably a lot less likely to take a risk in purchasing a new or new-looking product when money is tight. This is just a theory.

I wonder if any part of change is motivated by a desire to suggest the “good old days” when certain cereals and other foods were seen as being wholesome and healthy, versus the knowledge now of sugar content, no carb diets, and organic versus non-organic food products…?

By: Brian

Brian — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:17:47 +0000

Ugh. Now, not only to I have to look at the young kids dressing like it is the ’80s again, but now when I go shopping, I have to turn retro too by eating food from these boring boxes? I want my Trix in the epileptic seizure causing, overly colorful box that I know and love.

Just kidding. But I don’t understand the logic with so many brands nowadays going to the “retro” look? Didn’t we learn from our mistakes?

By: Ande

Ande — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:51:50 +0000

They are going to sell a ton!

By: General Mills retro cereal boxes « Words & Images: Integration of Forms

General Mills retro cereal boxes « Words & Images: Integration of Forms — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 20:50:48 +0000

[...] 12, 2009 General Mills is releasing some old versions of their cereal packaging. Kid Tested, Designer Approved Posted by cfredricks Filed in Chris F, Project Three [...]