Papermaking System
Experiments
Not for everyone
Not for everyone
Through this concertina book I wanted to build up a closer relation to the subject matter. I only used found materials from my Commune project. Using what is surrounding us plays a crucial role in my project. I used a print press to explore ways to translate an object in a different way.
The cover of the book consists of a found cardboard box as well. The title "not for everyone" reflects the fact that everyone sees something different in these prints. Furthermore, we often see the environment as an endless resource that is available to anyone.
So, this criticises the exploitation and careless treatment of natural resources or even found property. The regulations of ownership are blurred.
Colour Manipulation
Colour Manipulation
From my concertina book, I then experimented with colour manipulation and the impact of colours on our perception of the image. It elevates the patterns to become a narrative.
Ecological FoodPrint
Ecological FoodPrint
The logo represents a certification that indicates the ecological footprint of a product. It gives the customer an indication of how sustainable a product is. It includes factors such as commodities and their origin(s), production and transportation as well as waste. This certification will be printed on packaging. Therefore, the design will be used on products in supermarkets.
It functions as a reminder of the impact of our behaviour. Every choice we make has an influence on our environment which is represented by the footprints. The footprints underline the aspect of having a direct effect on our surroundings and how we change our environment.
Logo Design
Firstly, it refers to the ecological footprint on which this design and certification will be based on. It includes several dimensions such as packaging, transportation and production. Secondly. the footprint as a symbol of sustainability embraces the aspect of making an impact on our world. We change our environment directly or indirectly by every choice that we make.
The limited colour palette simplifies the whole issue. A sustainable product is not only identified by its packaging - there are many various measures that have to be considered. This certification intends to support customers making more sustainable purchasing decisions. People do not have time to really engage with a product and investigate what processes it went through. Therefore, this certification makes it easy to be good.
Does this certifaction has a potential to be expanded?
It definitely has a lot of potential to be expanded. The logo and certification themselves can be extended by modern technologies. An app could be created which enables customers to scan a product to get more detailed information about the exact manufacturing. Furthermore, it offers a lot of oppurtunities to make people interact with each other by creating a network where people can share tips, advices and experiences. Moreover, it encourages people to compete.
Logo in context
Why on packaging? Why not on displays?
Even though it is probably more easy to see and compare the labels when it is depicted on displays, it would require the production of stickers (non digital displays) which are not very sustainable since they produce a lot of waste. In addition to that, companies could take that oppurtunity to rethink their branding and packaging in general since they have to add this logo to their design anyways.
Is it successful? If so, why?
Personally, I think the logo looks very simple, but still quite playful. Since the target group is rather younger people (18-34 years old) the tone of the design should not be too infantile nor too serious. So, I think that the design is very inviting and appropriate for the age group that it intends to address.
Scale up
Ecological FoodPrint - scaled up
To scale something up is a very good possibility to catch someone´s eye. We are tend to be more attracted to large scale things. They often just overwhelm us and draw our attention to it in this way.
Also, the very bright colours of my design support this effect of eye-catching.
Placing it on the floor intends to make the customers slow down so that they recognise the accordance of the design on the floor and on the packagings. It should make them more attentive concerning their surroundings.
Additional project
Bring Back Memories
Final Visualisation Task
Final Visualisation
About the poster itself
I tested out a few different ideas of using questions on these posters such as Do you want to be part of creating the next world? I also considered using quotes of people from my website.
However, I wanted people to really engage with the design. So, I withheld information to make people curious. The colours and fonts just give a little glimpse of what this website could be about.
About the locations
Therefore, I chose locations or other ways of communication where people really have time to interact with the design. In addition to that, I also thought about where and when I can reach my audience, younger people, best.
The Bus Stop Billboard
The bus stop is a very good location for people to engage with a design. People often get bored while waiting so that they get inspired by what is surrounding them. Therefore, I withheld information to make people curious. Moreover, the logo itself functions as an encouragement to have a closer look at the website.
The Tube Station Billboard
The same principle also applies to the tube station billboard. In addition to that, these first two locations reach younger people since they mainly travel by public transport.
Interactive Touch Screen (gallery space or public buildings)
Placing this design in a gallery space would follow a rather artistic approach. It focusses more strongly on how we can use design to raise awareness for positive change. Nevertheless, people come into contact with the concept of this website for the first time. Especially if it is installed in a public building, people can share their ideas and thoughts for the first time. They can now continue using this website as an idea pool on their own.
The Postcard
The postcard follows a more direct approach. They could be sent to schools and universities to make younger people aware of this website as a chance to take part in shaping our future.
Papermaking System
LeafBehind
LeafBehind is driven by an innovative and sustainable approach. This design system intends to encourage people working together to create an alternative sustainable future.
It is inspired by Robert Johnson's Fatconomy which is based on the principles of the circular economy. Furthermore, Fatconomy is a design system for rethinking the value of fat waste produced in commercial kitchens across London. It illustrates the potential of discarded fats for the economy, material innovation and urban planning.
In this way, LeafBehind stresses the urge to leave outdated systems behind and rethink the value of materials seen as waste such as leaves. Instead of clearing entire woods, leaves are now used to produce paper which saves many resources.
Experiments
Exploring papermaking from leaves
Leaves as a potential replacement for wood in the paper industry
These images show the different outcomes of my papermaking experiments. The base for all of those was cut and boiled leaves. However, I changed the composition a bit each time.
The first piece is made from crushed leaves and water only. Therefore, it was quite loose and did not really form a consistent mixture.
For the second piece, I have added vinegar and starch. The starch definitely supported the solidness of the pulp. It sticks a bit more together. However, it has an unpleasant smell and remains quite sticky.
The third one is added up with citric acid instead of vinegar. Again, the starch helped to form a more solid consistency. In addition to that, the citric acid reacted more noticeably with the leaves. It has oxidised, so that it became a bit lighter. However, it has to be admitted that this is not a wished texture and look at all. So, this is absolutely not a final recipe that could exist in the real world.
In addition to that, the pulp was not very even which was because of the boiling time. I am convinced that it has to be cooked way longer to break down the fibres.
Nonetheless, I think that different additions might create a different finish. It can probably not completely replace current systems regarding art supplies or very robust packaging. Despite all that, it offers an efficient addition to today's paper industry.
Logo Design
Logo in context
Scale up
Ecological Foodprint Manifesto
Ecological Foodprint Manifesto
The manifesto declares the aims and policies of this new certification. It intends to draw attention to the failures of current misused design systems. Policies are mentioned that aim to build a better future together. It does not only highlight my personal values, but it appeals the readers to be part of this movement.
The used colours stress the ranking system of this certification. It is as simplified as the principles of the Ecological Foodprint itself. Further, the colours and shapes communicate sustainability which is one of the key aspects. Circular economy, innovation and ecology are further aspects to mention.
additional project
Bring Back Memories Description
I started this project before the lockdown started. Unfortunately, my sketchbook development is still in London which I cannot access. However, I still wanted to include this project to show the outcome and outline my initial idea behind it.
What is this project about?
We are often distracted by our phones and social media in general because of being in fear of missing out. Actually we do miss out because of waiting for new things to happen in other peoples' lives.
This project started as a game reminding people to form deeper connections and interact offline. It can also be expanded by one's own memories which makes it even more personal. It also challenges people to follow my experience of being offline and really live in the moment.
About the design
The photographs were taken with a polaroid camera. I wanted to avoid online technology as much as possible. The back design of the memory cards are based on the shape of apps on a phone. Being blacked out communicates that they do not find usage here. It underlines the aspect of being offline. The typeface is retro as well which refers to old memories. Moreover, the game itself intends to promote offline interaction.
About the experience
It was a very interesting and new experience for me to be completely offline. Usually I listen to music on my phone during my journeys and I use a lot of social media applications such as WhatsApp, Snapchat and Instagram. I experienced London in a totally different way while I was absolutely focussed on what was happening around me. I was way more sensitive to my environment which made me notice so much more - sounds, people, cultures, languages and behavioural patterns.
How has this project developed throughout the lockdown?
I took these polaroids while I was staying in London. I did not expect that I would sadly look at them now because my London experience is already over. However, it really showed me that this game can bring back memories.
In addition to that, the lockdown has added a whole new dimension to it. People pass even more time online now instead of using this time to get closer to each other on a deeper level. I had a lot of fun playing this game with my friends and family which is a good starter for further conversations.
Soap Bubbles
YouTube Video Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bqft53l92yU&feature=youtu.be
Soap Bubbles
What is "soap bubbles" about?
We recollect soap bubbles from our childhood. They are carried by the wind and embody carefreeness and optimism, freedom, happiness and hope. All of that could be put to good use in this extremely surreal and unsettling situation.
I wanted to remind people of these lighthearted times and spread hope by sending out these soap bubbles which find their way out to this world.
What was the intention of this project?
Living in a Bubble was part of my one day project Reach out. I wanted to experiment with the limited possibilities of physical interaction in times of a lockdown. So, I explored and tried to transcend the borders of communicating in a direct and offline way.Today, we need to take action and rethink each of our decisions to
contribute to a whole.
Website: Look ahead
website description
Look Ahead is a concept for a website that connects people to help one another. The website enables people to share ideas, comments and thoughts in order to live more sustainably. People can share their experiences.
Why trying to inform people about scientific facts that do not move them emotionally if you can learn from each other first hand instead?
It also includes topical happenings as it deals with questions as how we can learn from the current situation. Positive future perspectives are shown and debated. In this way, people can take part in shaping their future. The interaction puts them to the heart of the creative process.