How Do You Build Consensus With 62 Diverse Divisions?
3M Global Exhibit Program
The objective in this 3M multi-division exhibit program was to design a completely new exhibit system for all of 3M's sixty two widely diverse divisions for use in a broad range of exhibit configurations at over fifteen hundred shows in North America per year.
McMillan Group designed custom ID towers, demonstration cabinets and product pedestals to integrate with the aluminum structural exhibit system. We were responsible for interior architecture, graphic and lighting design as well as material options.
McMillan Group developed and published the 3M exhibit design standards that provided extreme flexibility in applications for any size show and were adaptable to the objectives of different 3M divisional markets.
The high quality German extruded aluminum system reduced the exhibit weight by over 60% compared to traditional panel surfaces, also allowing single material make-up for
easy recycling.
The design provided a palette of surface material options that gave each division or product group the chameleon ability of changing the exhibits look from a natural, softer expression to a very hard edged and technical look, depending on the show.
McMillan Group designed this "kit of parts" into a group of modular configurations published in a working manual for 3M exhibit managers to plan shows and costs. Expansion into global usage provided 3M advantageous economies of scale.
Answer: Asking the right questions. Prioritizing the answers. Developing the right dimensional brand architecture. Capturing it all in a Master Plan document evaluating corporate and divisional priorities with pre-planned exhibit configurations and graphic standards. Results: 40% operational savings over five years and one consistent 3M global Brand look.
