MR.MAKHANA
Ramadan Edition
Self-inititated
The Sacred Month of Reflection and Community
Timeline
2 Weeks
Skills Applied
Cultural Research
Concept Ideation
Illustration
Graphic Design
Packaging Design
Prototyping
During the holy month of Ramadan, Iftar is more than just a meal—it's a moment of spiritual reflection, family bonding, and community gathering. In my university project, I was tasked with designing packaging for Mr. Makhana, a leading brand in flavored foxnuts, tailored specifically to resonate with the rich cultural essence of Ramadan.
SKIP TO FINAL PACKAGING
About the Brand: Mr. Makhana
Mr. Makhana, a leading brand in flavored makhana (also known as foxnuts or popped lotus seeds), is known for its gluten-free, MSG-free offerings.
Their bold flavors like cream and onion, lime and chili, and tomato butter cater to both traditional and adventurous palates. With the surge in demand for healthier Iftar options, Mr. Makhana's products fit perfectly into the Ramadan meal—a light yet satisfying snack.
My Design Inspiration
The packaging design for Mr. Makhana took inspiration directly from the sacred month of Ramadan, a time that revolves around deep spiritual reflection and joyous communal gatherings.
After much iteration, the final design emerged—a sleek, visually compelling packaging that reflects the architectural beauty of mosque domes and high arches.
Stages of Development
Brainstorming & Concept Ideation
We began by deep-diving into the nuances of Ramadan.
The sacred geometry of mosques—domes and arches—became central themes, reflecting both cultural heritage and the solemn beauty of the festival.
Structure Design Iterations
Numerous design iterations were tested.
From sketching the initial dielines to prototyping, the goal was to create a packaging that was both visually striking and functional.
We explored dual flavor compartments, a die-cut outer cover, and a well-thought-out structural format to ensure practicality while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Cutting Out Dielines
Numerous design iterations were tested.
From sketching the initial dielines to prototyping, the goal was to create a packaging that was both visually striking and functional.
We explored dual flavor compartments, a die-cut outer cover, and a well-thought-out structural format to ensure practicality while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Final Design Execution
The final packaging featured intricate Ramadan-themed dielines for six different flavors.
The outer cover embraced the cultural aesthetic with a design evocative of mosque arches, while the inner compartments stored two triangular boxes, each containing a distinct flavor.
The entire prototype was a reflection of real-world usability, balancing elegance and function.
Cooking up the Visual Identity
Each flavor had its own unique design element, inspired by the spirit of Ramadan.
For example, flavors like lime and chili incorporated bold, vivid designs to reflect their tangy nature, while more subdued flavors like cream and onion had a soft, elegant touch.
Cooking up the base Iillustration
The Mr. Makhana Ramadan packaging illustrations draw from mosque architecture, featuring elegant arches and domes that evoke the spirit of the holy month. Subtle, flavor-inspired details are woven into each design, creating a visually unified and culturally resonant look.
A Cultural Feast for the Senses…
Flavour-Centric Approach
Individual Flavor Packaging
Featuring vibrant illustrations, this book is a guided tour through the habitats of India's river fauna. The book acts as both an introduction to new knowledge and a storytelling companion.
Dual Flavour Packaging
Available in 6 Different Flavours
Next Steps
Expanding the Vision
To align with the needs of shops during Ramadan, the packaging can be adapted for bulk storage and sale.
With Iftar often being a communal meal shared with extended family and friends, a larger celebration pack could cater to these groups.
Future explorations could involve packaging tailored to other Islamic festivals, ensuring Mr. Makhana remains a staple at every celebration.