Projects
24.08.20-23.11.20
week 1- week 14
Jennifer Tan Qing Ni
Design Exploration
Module Information Booklet
Week 1
Introduction and Brainstorming
This week, we were introduced to our module. Design exploration is a module which allows us to the freedom to explore different things, particular things outside our specialization and our comfort zone.
For this module, we were to create something that would comply with the terms of the new normal during this Covid-19 pandemic. We first formed groups, and I grouped up with Joanna and Yameen. We proceeded to brainstorm some ideas, of what we can do to solve some of the problems that came with the new normal. We came up with a few ideas, and we ended up with going for a DIY mask kit for kids, with the aim of encouraging them to wear a face mask. We thought about how we can make it unique, so we thought about how we can attract our product to kids, especially in the 21st century. We thought about incorporating technology into our product, and we decided that it would be cool if the facemask is integrated with an interactive AR game filter, which can only be activated if the kid is wearing a face mask. From there, we came up with our problem statement, rationale as well as our target audience.
Problem Statement
With the worldwide coronavirus pandemic going on in the world, wearing a mask is considered a new normal. Due to the uncomfortability of wearing a mask, kids may avoid it and this in turn makes them more susceptible and exposed to the virus.
Rationale
To encourage children to wear a mask whenever they are out and about. Especially in school. A way to tackle this problem is to make things fun enough so that kids are motivated to wear a mask. With that being said, a mask DIY can be made as children are more likely to wear something that they have made themselves. Along with that, an AR game can be made by detecting a mask on the face so that kids can interact with the game while unknowingly still protecting themselves from the virus, making it a win-win for both the children themselves and the parents.
Target Audience
Children aged 7-12
Week 2
This week, we started to conduct our primary research in order to get to know the market more. One of the methods we used is a case study, in which we analyzed the different existing DIY kits for kids. We analyzed them based on the different category, like the function of the diy kit, the packaging, instructions, parental guidance and others.
This week we started with our secondary part of our primary research, which is an interview, so that we understand our target audience's wants and needs better. There are 3 groups of people that we have interviewed: Children between ages 7-12 that like arts and craft, children between the ages 7-12 that doesn't like arts and craft, as well as parents. Below are the questions that we have asked.
After our interview, we gathered the information and results and started to generate our product.
Assembled Mask DIY Kit
- No sewing required
- Kids get to colour and have fun
- Mask is Washable (They get to colour again). This means that the activity is not limited to only one time
- We will be providing washable markers (5 colours) along with the box. This will help to create a better user experience since the user's won't have to buy the marker's separately.
Instructions on the box
- Having visuals along with instructions would make it easier for kids to follow.
- Having a booklet might also on the other hand might be too much for a diy kit.
AR Game
We had some issues as there was yet the technology in which it can detect a face mask. Since the face mask is going to be worn on a child, the design may be crumpled and it may affect the ability to be able to track the design .
Week 4
This week, we started of the class with a small activity that helps us understand how to effectively communicate with audience using visuals. (Visual Communication). We were asked to find good and badly designed social awareness campaigns and discuss the pros and cons. Below is the presentation that we gave.
Week 5
This week we proceeded to come up with a concept and art direction for our product. As needed to propose our idea, we started gathering all the data and planned concepts and put it in our slideshow presentation. Below is the proposal that we presented.
Week 6
This week, I worked on the brand identity while my groupmates Joanna and Yameen worked on the AR filter and packaging. For the brand identity, as it is targeted at kids, I wanted it to be fun and fresh, and most importantly gender neutral. One of our interview questions that we asked is, whether parents would prefer gender targetted packaging or gender neutral. Most of them said that they prefer gender neutral packaging and its important to do so to decrease the gender bias especially in this age. So, the colour palette as well as the design has to appeal to both genders. From this, we decided that our product will be animal/safari themed as it may appeal to both genders and that is how we came up with our product name- Animaksz.
I then proceeded to do some research. I mainly came up with the typography, colour palette as well as the characters.
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| Typography choices |
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| Colour palette |
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| Character style tryouts |
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| Initial logo design |
Week 7
This week, I digitalized the logo. Miss Anis suggested to adjust the kerning, especially between he words of 'S' and 'K'.
I then proceeded to draw a character out from the design tryout that I tried the previous week. I referenced the style with the characters of the meditation app, Mindspace. Below is one of the characters that I drew based of the reference that I had. This is Leo the Lion.
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| Leo the Lion |
After the first character, we discussed what other characters that we could include as a set of characters. We took the colour palette into consideration as most animals do stay in the orange and brown hue, so we need a diverse set of characters that are really different. We narrowed down into a few animals, which were: elephant, pig, frog, tiger as well as the coronavirus. Below are the character that were illustrated.
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| Pip the Frog Prince |
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| Squiggles the Piglet |
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| Dinky the Elephant |
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| Raja the Tiger |
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| Mr Rona |
Week 10
The week before, we sent measurements to a tailor to custom-make our masks according to measurements. Below are the custom made masks. We measured the masks individually the check whether the size is the same. The size is a little bit different by a few millimetres.
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| Mask #1 |
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| Mask #2 |
Yameen then proceeded to create the designs that would be put on the mask. We created the outlines of the characters and left a lot of blank space, so that it allows the children to draw whatever they want.
After the mask was made, I proceeded to draw the assets for the AR Game.
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| Smoke GIF |
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This week, we also faced some challenges for our packaging, like the sleeve being irregular and making the whole thing quite redundant. So instead of making a sleeve, we thought of making a separate brochure with the instructions and QR Code for the game.
Week 11
This week, we worked on the design for the packaging as well as the mask's packaging. Yameen proceeded to sketch out some designs for the box. Below are the sketches.
From there, we chose one that each of us liked. We ended up going with the 4th one. Yameen also made digital mock ups to better understand the design of the packaging.
Below are the packaging designs that Yameen has produced.
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| Inner wrap |
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| Lid |
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| Outer packaging |
I then proceeded to give it for printing using a matte surface, similar to an Apple packaging texture.
Week 12
This week, while Joanna is working on sticking the printed packaging to the rigid box that has been made, Yameen and I worked on the brochure design.
Yameen also worked on the AR filter, by replacing all the drawn assets into the prototype filter. Below is me trying out the filter.
Week 13-14
This week, we went to print the brochure along with the mask so that everything could be assembled by into the box. We also started to prepare our final presentation for Animaskz. Below are the final outcomes for our product Animaskz.
Below is the prototype for the mask and AR Game with the feature of face mask detection.
Final Thoughts
This project has been a ride. I indeed learnt a lot and explored a lot of different things which are really beneficial. I was also blessed with a team as great as my team mates, Joanna and Yameen. They are really the greatest people to work with and communication is never a problem, and I'm really glad I got to work on this project with them.
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