degree project: research experiment prompts

I approached brainstorming for my research experiments for my degree project as hypothetical statements starting with the phrase "what if..."

What if:

...the government made designers put a sustainability "nutrition facts" label on all their packaging solutions?

...designers could no longer use petroleum based plastics in their design solutions?*

...every package had a life beyond the shelf?*

...There was a free resource to help designers grade their packaging against and obtain a green score/standard?

...people knew the truth about the "recycle" symbol and plastics? (dispel common misconception that plastics w/ "triangular" recycle symbol are made from recycled materials)

*denotes prompts requiring more information (ex. mindmaps, lists, etc.) to be posted.

degree project: dream job

As unbelievable as it may seem, I’m finally at the age where I actually have to put my dreams, goals, and aspirations into practice. In order to do so, I have been asked to designate what my “dream job” would be. Because I love print design, especially branding and packaging, I would really love the opportunity to work for VSA Partners, Inc., in their Chicago offices. I have admired work being produced by this company for a while now (even before I realized it was VSA doing it) and after a presentation one of their partners, James Koval, gave during my design systems class last semester about their process and work, I can’t help but set my sights on working there someday.

From what I’ve seen, I think that they produce many different “styles” of work. I think I would benefit from and enjoy this variety of tasks and styles. They seem to approach every project with a fresh, clean slate which results in every identity being unique. They aren’t a one note design firm.

I am also attracted to this particular job’s location, the city of Chicago, for a number of reasons. I’ve always thought that it is a big city that still has the midwestern charm I’ve grown up with. I feel like moving there wouldn’t be as big of a transition as New York or LA would be, but would still be a big enough change of scenery to be an exciting experience.

Laugh at me if you want to, but this is what I want. I think the craziest thing about my dream job is that I feel like it is within my reach. I’ve worked really hard to get to where I am, and soon I’ll be out in the world trying to make it happen.

degree project: identifying my researchable question

Corie Chambers helped me come up with a researchable question for my degree project:

How can graphic design educate the consumer culture on sustainable packaging?

We then began to tweak it in order to fit my project a little better. So my researchable question for the semester is:

How can graphic design educate consumers on sustainable packaging?

-or-

How can interactive print design educate and engage consumers with sustainable packaging.

Then I revised it:

How can sustainable practices in package design engage designers and persuade consumers?

Then I revised it again:

How can information design, branding, and packaging design merge to educate designers and consumers about sustainable practices.