Xiaomi’s Mi Watch packaging is a masterclass in time-inspired design. Lu Chen and her team transform an ordinary box into a narrative of time itself, elevating the ordinary into a futuristic masterpiece. With a nod to the fluid rhythm of time, the box features a mesmerizing holographic water ripple effect and tactile embossed textures that mirror the smartwatch’s cutting-edge spirit. Smart, sleek, and undeniably cool, this award-winning design is a standout in the industry and a fresh take on tech packaging flair.

By: Lu Chen, Senior Design Director, Xiaomi

The Mi Watch is a comprehensive smart device that delivers multi-dimensional insights into fitness, activity, and lifestyle management. As Xiaomi’s first smartwatch to operate on a customized version of Wear OS, it is dubbed a “smartphone-on-the-wrist” due to its eSIM-enabled calling capabilities. The device features a 1.78-inch square AMOLED display and a dedicated app store offering over 40 apps (currently China-centric). Powered by a 570 mAh battery, it provides up to 36 hours of usage on a single charge, aligning with Xiaomi’s claim of two-day battery life.

Project Overview

The packaging design of the Mi Watch masterfully integrates technological innovation with philosophical symbolism. Drawing inspiration from the metaphor “time flows like water,” the holographic water ripple pattern on the box symbolizes the ephemeral nature of time, while the elevated watch design creates an illusion of temporal suspension. This approach not only emphasizes the product’s high-tech identity but also redefines sustainable packaging aesthetics.

Key design elements include:

3D Holographic Effects

The surface employs embossed holographic techniques (3D hologram effects) to transform flat ripple patterns into dynamic, multi-dimensional visuals. These patterns shift fluidly with viewing angles, visually embodying the passage of time.

Tactile Embossed Printing

Through embossed printing, the entire watch face and strap are rendered in three-dimensional relief on the packaging. The strap section uses tactile ink to replicate the authentic silicone texture of the actual product.

Floating Display Concept

The interior tray is designed to elevate the watch rather than embed it, creating an illusion of suspension above the packaging. This design choice enhances the product’s premium and futuristic appeal.

This integration of visual metaphors and material innovation reflects Xiaomi’s philosophy of merging technological sophistication with artistic expression in product presentation.

Lu Chen is the senior design director of Xiaomi and is responsible for packaging, product, and VI design. She graduated from Art Center College of Design, USA, with a bachelor's degree in graphic design. She joined Xiaomi in 2011. Over the years, Lu Chen has been committed to improving Xiaomi's product strength with design. She led the team to complete the packaging design of an entire line of products starting from the first generation of Xiaomi mobile phones, the brand design of Xiaomi, and many derivative products around Xiaomi. Her work has won many international design competition awards. 

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