Review: 11th Hour

This video was one the most inspirational and had thought out views of the world in regards to the importance of the environment. As quoted we need a balance between human life and the environment. Our way of life and mass production of the industrial revolution is throwing this out of balance hence the effects of global warming. The video re articulates the phrase “save our environment” stating that it’s our life we need to save from eventually killing ourselves or suicide. We have created the unbalanced between nature. Action starts with us to fix the world and sustain the resources and life.

 You learn through the number of interviews presented that the way our world is as such of depleting resources and overdoing it, it is due to human nature having the quality of greed, the economy and superiority to that of nature rather than thinking we are a part of it. It’s importantly noted that the industrial revolution provided the thought of limitless resources thus accelerating usage. It highlights the destruction we as humans are creating pollution, deforestation, destroying ecosystems and landfills changing the environment. 

 The video points out the bridge between the people and government in failing to create a harmony between people and nature. The video is empowering, screaming out that people need to priorities, correct objects of desire and choice. We need to face reality and see the importance of losing the beauty of the world.

 The most motivated point is where they embrace design as such we need to consider cradle to cradle rather than to gravel so mass production to mass utilization. Looking at leading to sustainable design were new design is not visual, form is unlimited, it’s what’s inside – the performance, intelligent, structure will have the greater impact to the world and environment we live in.

The video ends with the idea that what we choose suggests our value of the environment. The level of awareness and then experience in consumer choice will make a difference. The inspiring ending focused on how to let us focus on local produce and nature. Your voice and action is the strongest power, embrace the love of the land and its existence to continue by being eco.

 3 key messages:

1.   Humans are in control of the affect made to the environment. We are to blame for the effect of global warming ever since the industrial revolution. It is due to the over use of resources, the importance of oil and the economy rather than sustainability. It’s the action of the government and the people who are responsible to change the world before it’s too late.
2. We need to find balance and harmony between human and environment that needs to be correct for the world and its life to be sustained. We are in control of our life with the idea of extinction being a possibility. FACE REALITY.
3. The idea of design moving from mass production to mass utilisation were design is eco in the sense that the materials chosen to use have to be cradle to cradle rather to gravel after use.

Why industrial designers should watch this video is because it gives them an insight as to how the industrial revolution which we are a part of has affected the environment. We as designers can start to change and reduce the effects of the environment by for example, looking at the lifecycle of a product, the materials we use are sustainable thus cradle to cradle rather than to gravel. We take influence from this video as does the way architecture can be adapted to use nature’s resources without harming it back. We can look at not depending on oil as a part of transport design but adapting solar technology and wind turbine design.  Our design challenge is to adapt as fast and intelligently as possible such as utilizing the sun as the main energy source rather than coal/oil. We as designers have to take notice in design the eco environmental saving it possess so that when people choose products its more than function but choosing to save the environment.

Review: Giving packaging a new life and How it’s made > Packaging

These short video clips explore the manufacturing process involved in recycling a material. It focuses on recycling existing resources that provide benefits to the environment by creating a more sustainable living and at the same time demonstrating the harm we do if we don’t.

 The videos demonstrate the possible recycled industrial materials with the advantages if done so. Such as recycling a material does more to sustain the existing resource and reduces the energy otherwise used in harvesting it raw. It is seen how products are easily produced through recycling that weren’t known such as cartons, cardboard boxes, bottles, pizza boxes, packaging tubes, toys (PET) etc. 

 Things that were learnt by watching these videos were that it was able to give an insight to many materials and how they are recycled very simply. It creates an awareness to understand the true meaning of trash equals treasure through recycling. Such as:

Paper/Cardboard boxes -An interesting point noted was that when producing new paper, 60% of it is already recycled paper. It was interesting to discover that cardboard and news print are solely made of recycled paper waste but most of all that toilet paper/tissues is 60 – 70% recycled. So the next time you go to the bathroom that’s something to think about?

Tetrapak - Not knowing the recycling capabilities of these packs were intriguing and informative, the packaging of juice, milk and sauces. It is done through the use of a pulpier and water to separate the layers which in turn get recycled. The paper form in cardboard/premium waste paper and the plastic and aluminium are used in the cement production.

 Tinplate – It was found that the magnetic component to separate tin was ingenious. Although it was intriguing to discover that tin makes up 40% of raw materials in the steel works which leads on to produce 15000 slabs making 9 billion new cans. At the sometime it can be recycled over and over again with no quality lost.

Aluminium (cans/tubes)-The most significant point in recycling aluminium is the energy saving component it has in recycling comparison and its 100% recyclability without deterioration. Such as producing sheets out of recycled aluminium saves 1/20 energy than mining it.

Glass (bottles)–Separating and separating…..it was an insight to the level of separation required, to the smallest degree to recycle and the tedious process to separate according to colour. Also knowing that glass can be endlessly recycled, using less energy than metal and plastic.

Plastic - bottles and jars - The most memorable quote stated about plastic was “properly separated is half recycled”. It’s shown how polystyrene is grounded and made into other polystyrene products, melted old films create new films and bottles are reprocessed into high grade granules. Although the disadvantage learnt is that reprocessing plastic may lose some of its physical properties.

 Other Industrial Designers should watch this video as it give you an insight into the significance of recycling and its possibilities to improving design and cost efficiency. It allows designers to see the benefit of aluminum recyclability as it doesn’t reduce in quality thus at the same time understanding its environmental saving as reducing the amount of energy required to process. Also the video demonstrates the process at which a particular design in made, this thus acting as a teaching aid on applying similar labeling techniques to designs can be adapted. It allows first hand to see how packaging materials can be manipulated thus the limitation to the physical properties plastic have. Understanding processing methods for each different material such as glass and how detail can be obtained rather that labeling. It gives an insight to how we design is what is making the landfills. Designers have to be vigilant regarding the environmental aspects to their design, understanding how to minimize the need to landfill and maximize recyclability and sustainability.

 3 most important messages

1. In understanding the physical properties of materials and their ability to be recycled allows for smarter design. Knowing that paper, glass and aluminum have that ability to be recycled over and over age without losing their physical properties is an advantage in terms of design and cost efficiency. Knowing this maximizes the materials resource capabilities and life. Thus allowing for more resourceful thinking rather than landfill.
2. Understanding the meaning of trash is treasure as such recycling add value to a company through the benefits of reusing materials and reducing cost on the environment as such the materials life cycle doesn’t end at landfill becoming something useful, functional as the  previous.
3. The process of recycling will reduce the harm on the environment.

To see these videos go to: http://www.youtube.com/user/dsdgpanl?feature=results_main and http://ides1031.blogspot.com.au/search/label/packaging

Australian Design Awards Review - Pebble Modular Ottoman

 

The Pebble Modular Ottoman designed by Schamburg + Alvisse Design are Eco designed seating which come in 3 sizes, inspired by the Australian landscape being that of “a series of geometric river stones worn and rounded with time” . They have been credited for “GECA rated, Green Building Council Australia compliant (100% green star points), and FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) certified”. This design was awarded ‘Good Design’ because of it’s creditability for being green wash and independently environmental.

Whilst studying this one design, it displayed an array of pros and cons.

Pros:

• It is to innovative in its form and ability to shape up to be a furniture piece.
• It is a well thought and positive contributor to furniture design.
• It is aesthetically pleasing through is proportional’s and minimalism structure.
• It s five sided geometry is seen to be a natural ordering and thus sees that Australian inspiration within the shape.
• Handcrafted touch stitching rather that the mass-produced and outsourcing manufacturing relates to its value and quality trust.
• It’s geometrical structured communicates sturdiness and durability whilst complying with the Australian standards.
• The usability of the fabric – leather has added a roundness and softness welcoming to the ottoman seating. Thus hinting its comfortableness and purpose of relaxed furniture whilst being user friendly.
• It is able to pursue playfulness through the rearrangement of the piece and childish playfulness.
• Its shape and size highlights its proportional balance, strength and natural smooth memory.
• ECO FRIENDLY – “uses less carbon, local manufacture, and chiefly renewable resources (100% FSC certified timber).”
• Its production includes “water based glues, FSC certified timber, and GECA approved foams.” And no need for metal construction thus reducing the co2 footprint and degradability through the productivity process.
• It is recommended that PEBBLE is 100% ‘eco preferable status’.

Cons:

• Is the use of the 5 sided geometrical shape economical compared to a four sided shape?
• Could the use of its Eco productivity plans be used for a 4 sided ottoman?
• Through the inspiration of the Australian landscape doesn’t fit with majority of the marketing sector as not all homes have the same contemporary decor.
• Its large size of a 5 piece set constraints the usability within the room.
• Its ability not to line use straight may cause discomfort and cluster within a room.
• The solid shape could provide more purpose than just to sit on but to keep that contemporary visual appeal this could be embedded within the design.

 Suggested improvements:
 Idea 1: It exhibiting how the idea of a stone being eroded by the river flow of water can be more economical as a 4 sided shape. It demonstrates below how one shape can be versatile (turn up side down) to create the dynamic Australian water flow of a river. It creates the possibility of the shape to be lined up and more space saving through its fit in structure  in a smaller area. As shown and annotated below images the possibilities this shape explores keeping its original Eco structure and inspiration.

This is the inspiration for the below improvements:
(Noting that the colours for the Ottoman are deep reds, brown and white)

Idea 2: This idea articulates how every rock erosion is different, there is no identical rock. Through devising 3 different shapes which can be placed together to create a connecting Ottoman which keeping the context. IT can be seen from the below drawings the multiple variations on collating the shapes together. Seeing these possibilities it is assumed that the possibility of adding repetitious shapes is possible. I have tried to resolved more compactability for a smaller space whilst keeping that organic natural vibe the ottoman brings with the assistance of the colours being variations of red, brown, black and white.

This is the inspiration for the below improvements: 

 

PROJECT 2: CONTEXT OF USE - BABY FOOD JAR

The jar having a flat bottom creates stability on the production line through mobility techniques used.  It helps when in use by a mother who is able to place down the jar with no worry of breakage. This also allows ease in shelving with the addition of the lid having a circular indent in the centre, it being deep enough is able to provide stability whilst stacked on shelves or being transported in the box. In comparison to existing baby food jars which don’t incorporate this. With the lid, mothers are able to place this underneath like a cup and saucer technique, hence increasing the stability and rolling of the jar, as children movements are unpredictable.

Thinking ergonomically the firm form of the jar, being smaller at the bottom allows more grip whilst untwisting the lid thus easy re sealing ability.

PROJECT 2:PACKAGING ON SHELVES

It brings a simple shape with personality. The organic form is different to all existing baby food glasses. This has enabled when put on the market shelves more attention and appeal to the target market compared to competitive brands. Its shrunken down shape will be an eye catching feature above the common elongated ones.

The shape reflecting compatibility and travel capabilities through the way it is stacked, it gives the customers a reason to buy the product. The gentleness posed by the shape and colour, no harsh edges attracts mothers to thinking the products safe through food and quality of manufacture. It reflects the delicateness and softness of a baby conveying a hidden meaning of the product doing the same, creating a trustworthy product hence profitable.

PROJECT 2: COMPARING LABEL/JAR TO EXISTING

It can be seen through the uniqueness of shape and difference of graphics to that of the ones that are existing.

LIDS

The colour of the lids was used to distinguish between a fruit, dessert flavouring (lime green) and if it’s dinner/lunch mixture (soft yellow). This is a different approach to the existing market as Heinz uses colour in terms of food preference towards age although all foods can be eaten by above a 4 month old baby. It was decided that a 2 lid system makes it easier to distinguish rather than concentrating on reading the label to see the combination.


Choosing colour for each lid, it was decided that choosing the pastille and tone down, non primary colours for the lids was different to the existing markets using the bold, punchy primary colour palette.
 It was thought that using a more sophisticated and soft mother like colours would enhance reliability rather than the brand name. Also it seems that the primary colours are more a child’s choice for toys but this food is aiming for the older women to purchase, it should be a colour eeflecting them.

The pastel palette reflects the gentle and delicate feel that they want for their child whilst having nutritious benefits and freshness of food. The colour choice adds value and quality, a somewhat sophistication to baby food.

Why the colour SOFT YELLOW?
For the lunch and dinner originally the colour red was considered but it was seen when actual food colours were put in the jar, the lid drained out the foods delicacy creating a bad representation hence hesitance in buying. So yellow was able to brighten up the darkness of the food, lifting the weight that the red posed on the food making it attractive to eat.


Why the colour LIME GREEN?
The lime green reflects the fruity sweet desserts that the jar contains. When this colour was put with the different food combinations it was seen to complement the food. With the use of these colours it attracts more attention and appeal, catering for a more sophisticated and reliable market.

PROJECT 2: DEVELOPMENT LABEL

BRAND IMAGE:
When approaching the labelling of the jar it was a necessity to know the brand image wanting to be conveyed. The design of the label had to say:
-  Nutrition
-  Healthy
-  Wholesome
-  Reliable/ Trustworthy
-  Appealing
Delicate and gentle child’s touch
Also reflecting the target market. These aspects were reproduced through the choice of font, images, placement, layout and nutritional labelling. It also has been emphasises through the shape, colour of lids as mentioned above.


BRAND NAME:Naming the baby food minor MASH it reflects it being for a junior infant, baby and mash meaning the delicate structure of food to be eaten. Through the use of alliteration it was able to retrieve this clever and straight forward approach to recognise the substance of the food and its direct user. The play on words provides a child like feature to the food.The choice in font – minor – teenage angst and mash – aka Dylan provided a visual reference to what the words mean. Also the food combination was in the teenage angst font shown, gentle and delicate yet freshness the food is capable for children.

IMAGES

When considering the images placed on to the baby food jar it was decided that through consultations with people’s opinions, using the real fruit image targets provides a sense of security that there is no preservative in the food but is fresh, nutritious and wholesome for their children. It creates a sense of trust to present the types of quality foods that are blended within.