Design Exploration

November 23, 2020

Design Exploration

24/8/2020 - 23/11/2020 (Week 1 - Week 14)

Lee Yu Hui | 0335787
Design Exploration

Project

During our first class, our lecturer Miss Anis told us that we are given the freedom to create any sort of product/ content for this module within the specific theme given. The theme that was given to us was about Covid-19, and we are required to create a project that is related to Covid-19.

It didn't take us long to figure out what we want to do. One of my teammate Zoe propose that we can create a pouch dedicated for Covid-19, so that people can put the essentials and bring it on the go. After proposing out initial idea to Miss Anis, she gave us the green light and we were allowed to proceed.

Alongside with the pouch, we also wanted to create something else so that the product could have a more complete branding. We listed out a few ideas on Miro, and we try to narrow it down based on our time available and the limitations that we might face.

Listing in Miro

As for the pouch itself, since it is the main subject of our project, we looked for a few reference for the possible design of our product. This project is actually quite challenging for us since none of my teammates have any experience in graphic design and advertising, therefore we think that this would be a great opportunity to try working on something that is out of our comfort zone.

Reference image for product

After various discussions, me and my groupmates come into terms that we wanted to create this product from recyclable items, and to focus on the portability and mobility of the product.

On week 5, we are required to propose our idea to Miss Anis. Below is our proposal:

Project Proposal

After the proposal to Miss Anis, they were fine with our proposal, but they suggested us to reduce the amount of outcome that we'll be doing as she fears that we won't be able to produce it on time. After discussing with my teammates, we agreed to remove the website from our outcome so that we could balance better on other aspects.

Product

After the proposal, we move onto executing the project. In our initial plan, we wanted to make our product into some sort of pouch, however during our project execution, we went to consult Mereka space for advice for our product, and they provide us more ideas on ways that we could better execute it. Therefore after the consultation with Mereka space, we decided to change our product design to make it more flexible and portable.

Initial ideation

Initial Prototype #1

Initial Prototype #2

Initial Prototype #3

Amended Prototype #1

Amended Prototype #2

After settling with the prototype, Zoe moved onto creating the product itself. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned as we faced numerous challenges in creating the prototype. One of it being having limited resource due to the implementation of MCO in our area, and we weren't really in the condition to go out, therefore we had to improvise and use canvas cloth to substitute the initial recyclable cloth that we wanted to go for.

Zoe used canvas cloth, elastic, buttons and Velcro to create the product. For the inside of the mask pouch, we went to look for waterproof materials as we wanted the users to be able to clean and sanitize it. Zoe ended up using plastic as a substitute for the waterproof material.

Improvement on Prototype

Final Outcome

Mask Pouch with waterproof material (Plastic)

Items made detachable
When we created the product, we never really thought of the packaging design until Miss Anis reminded us about it. After some discussions, we thought that we can use drawstring bag to package our product, one reason being that it is reusable and eco friendly, and the second reason being it requires less cloth to sew it.

Packaging for product

Social Media (Instagram)

As for the infographics (which is handled by me), I start to search for references for art style, however I also need to make sure that the art style would comply with the brand, so that it'll look consistent.

Reference for infographics

I looked up for a more cartoonish artstyle with bright colors as reference, and I proceed to create some visuals based on the information about mask hygiene that I found online.

Visuals Created

With the visuals created, its time to implement them into our social media. Joseph created a layout plan for the Instagram post, and place the visuals in as part of our advertising plan.

Infographic implementation

Zoe also helped drew a few more illustrations for the infographics to make things more interesting.

Illustrations made by Zoe

We also took a few images of our product to be showcased in the Instagram account.

Final layout design

Video Ad

Aside from the infographics I also helped out with the ideation for the video advertisement. Initially I thought of creating a short film to deliver the ad, however after consulting with Miss Anis, she suggested that we should get the ad straight to the point, and therefore I started changing the storyline according to Miss Anis suggestion.

For the style of the ad, we take reference from a Muji ad as we thought it suited our brand art direction.

Reference for video advertisement

Storyboard #1

Storyboard #2

Storyboard #3

Storyboard #4

With the storyboard done and finalized, we proceed to shoot the video ad. The shooting did not went as well as we thought as it was raining on the days that we plan to film. Nevertheless, due to the time constraint, we went on with the shooting and improvise as we go.

Behind the scenes

Video Ad Outcome

Brand & Logo

As for the brand, my teammate Joseph made a few variations for the logo. We settled with the name Pouchika for our brand, and he proceeds to design the logo inspired by the things that represents our group. We opted for a minimalist and cute style for the brand to appeal to our target audience, which is young adults.