Major Project 1

You are to work as groups in presenting an innovative concept that introduces unique social, cultural and/or economic value to the intended target audience within your chosen field of specialization.

You are to conduct research on current technology and design trends that influences and benchmarks your area of specialization. Case studies with analysis reports on product/service functionality and effectiveness, technical innovations and challenges, aesthetics and design appreciation are required to support your new project proposal.

The project must address the ‘gap’ where you have discovered and realized ideas and solutions that creates and captures value in a novel way.

WEEK 01

In week 1, we had a brief by our lecturer Ms. Vitiyaa to introduce our current module - Major Project 1. We were assigned to work as a group of 4 people based on our specialization to complete our tasks. Major Project 1 is more about brainstorming the idea and form as a foundation or preparation for Major Project 2.

After grouping, we also had to find some ideas that we wanted to do for our project and share the ideas with our supervisor.

In the first step, we have several ideas to go with

IDEA 1: Creating a sanitary pads brand

IDEA 2: Poker card/ board game design

IDEA 3: Blind box + Beverage

After discussing, we preferred idea 1, which is creating a sanitary pads brand, so we shared our ideas with Ms. Anis, she said that this was a good idea, but it required a lot of research because the problem us quite niche.

We also form a group on WhatsApp to conveniently discuss our Major Project 1.

Figure 1.1

WEEK 02

In week 2, Ms. Vitiyaa announced we were having a presentation on week 3 to introduce the concept of our project, so we were assigned to complete the proposal guideline from Introduction to Project Objectives.

Proposal Guideline:

Week 2 is the process of confirming our idea and starting to explore more in our brand. At first, we are still struggling with Idea 01(Sanitary Pads Brand) or Idea 02(Poker Card/ Board Games Design), but after consulting with Ms. Anis, she told us that if we were doing Idea 02, we needed to be innovative and interesting. Build a new kind of game, ensuring clarity and the above requirements, Ms. Anis also shows us a sample of one of the previous students doing an amazing board game design as the final project outcome.

So after discussing with my groupmates, 4 of us decided to go with Idea 01(Sanitary Pads Brand). We determined that our brand aims to convey the message that menstruation is normal, and we want to empower women to embrace confidence. Breaking the taboo of the embarrassment of buying sanitary pads in public. By delivering this message, our product tends to create an image of nearly self-care products.

After we conveyed our message to the supervisor, they shared some ideas for our brand. Ms. Vitiyaa suggested implementing a vending machine to assist women who forget to bring sanitary pads in public, providing a convenient solution while keeping the business operational. Additionally, they recommended offering different versions of menstrual products, such as tampons and menstrual cups.

We had voted for our brand name and brand styles, there are several name options that are

AURA
ELAN
LUMI
NOIRE
VERA

Figure 1.2

After voting, the brand name results came out with AURA, which is to express the charm and confidence of women. For the style, we also decided to go on more elegant, modern, minimalist, vibes.

Figure 1.3

We also held a meeting to determine the style of our packaging and define our brand image. While preparing slides for the Week 3 presentation, our goal was to complete the Introduction and Project Objectives for our brand.

WEEK 03

In Week 3, we had our first group presentation for the final Task 1 slide, where we introduced our brand to the supervisor and our coursemates. Everything went smoothly, and we received approval to move forward. Additionally, our problem statement was well-defined and solid.

SUBMISSION - TASK 1

TASK 2 - DESIGN PROPOSITION (Week 04 - Week 05)

Students are to carry on from proposal development and continue to develop the final proposal with a comprehensive design proposition. It shall contain the curation of the production process while demonstrating resourcefulness and creativity in effectively channeling and managing resources and potential risks to drive solutions in the complex and dynamic environments and/or contemporary real-world settings.

The design propositions need to be justified by the use of a variety of supporting evidence, making appropriate reference to information or analysis that significantly supports the points being made.

Students are to demonstrate the culmination of your proposal on how your design solution effectively addresses a specific need in your targeted audience, utilizing a newly created product or service that brings unique social, cultural and/or economic value. The focus will be on your attention to detail and the successful execution of a wide range of conventions particular to your specific area of specialization including organization, content, presentation formatting, aesthetics and style.

WEEK 04

In Week 4, we conducted Audience Research, Existing Media Research, Ideation, Concept Development, and Information Design. During the ideation and concept development phase, we created our initial color palette and gathered logo inspiration. Tyra and I developed several logo sketches, but they were ultimately rejected. Ms. Vitiyaa suggested selecting a softer, pastel color palette, as our current choice was too bold and made it too obvious that the packaging was for sanitary pads.

Initial Colour Palette and Logo Inspiration

Figure 2.1

Figure 2.2

Initial Logo Sketches (AURA)

Rejected Ideas: Uterus shape is not allowed due to Cultural Sensitivities & Taboos

Tyra's Sketches

Figure 2.3

Figure 2.4

My Skteches

Figure 2.5

WEEK 05

In week 5, Kerly made an online survey on Google Forms to collect data for researching the preferences and experience of sanitary products. We had 52 respondents participating in this data analysis, by targeting the age group of 18-24 as our target audiences.

Google Form Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwFi3H-ysSElrB02wkFeDrqm3fzIVI4WioJ0mSUbjsJMX-Ew/viewform

In week 5, we had a meeting on distributing each role for each person to take part in, the distribution comes with

Tyra (Logo, Inner Packaging)

Wee Han (Outer Packaging, Advertising Video)

Kerly (Merchandise & Exhibition)

Charmine (Merchandise & Poster)

We had discussed the refined with a softer and more subtle colour palette, to make the packaging not obvious when they put it on the table.

Second Colour Palette

Figure 2.6

Mind Map

We also created a Miro mind map to add our ideas, notes and visual references into it.

Miro Link: https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVIYV-y4M=/

Figure 2.7

After viewing the visual references and coming out with the concept and ideas, I started developing the layouts of the outer packaging since we already distributed different parts for each person.

My Workspace - Outer Packaging

Visual Reference

I want to create something minimal yet timeless in packaging design so I get more inspiration from self-care and beauty products.

Figure 2.8

Sketches

Figure 2.9

Progress on Outer Packaging Digitalization

Figuring out other layouts

Figure 2.8

Decided on the layout but still figuring out the colour choice, I mostly used gradients in the first attempt of digitalization.

Figure 2.9

Figure 2.10

Since the design is more minimalist and clean, I added several ideas to make my designs more interesting:

Words on the top front - AUCH.

There is an AUCH. on the upper side of the design, the idea actually came from Ms.Vitiyaa, once she had given us an idea about our brand name, AURA could be conducted by AU - which means the feeling of pain when women are having menstruation.

Slogan on the right front - This is the week, stay comfy, period.

The period can be meant by menstruation but at the same time, it also means ending the conversation.

Circle on the back

This is a design of DAY 1 - DAY 7, which is a circulation period of menstruation, and there is also a positive message that I want to convey to encourage and empower women.

-Inner Packaging (Tyra)

Visual Reference 3

Figure 2.1

Sketches

Figure 2.12

-Merchandise (Kerly & Charmine)

Finding visual references for merchandise

Merchandise

Poster
Totebag
Vending Machines
Sticker
Pouch

Visual Reference 4 - Poster

Figure 2.13

Visual Reference 5 - Totebag & Vending Machines

Figure 2.14

Visual Reference 6 - Sticker & Pouch

Figure 2.15

To make our brand more consistent, I also redesigned the slides to make them more appropriate with a minimalist, clean, and elegant style.

After we showed Ms. Vitiyaa and Ms. Anis our progress, they gave us feedback that the color of the outer packaging was not so appropriate for menstrual product packaging. The green hue looked sick, as it was usually associated with illness, but the pink one should be ok. Miss. Anis suggested us try to use some refreshing colour and Ms.Vitiyaa suggested that on the inner packaging, we could classify different sizes of pads with different colours, which would make it easier to identify the sizes. Otherwise, the direction and problem statement are solid and clear.

SUBMISSION - TASK 2

TASK 3 - CONCEPT PRESENTATION (Week 06 - Week 07)

The project presentation demonstrates the culmination of how your design solution effectively addresses a specific need in your targeted audience, utilizing a newly created product or service that brings unique social, cultural and/or economic value.

The focus will be on your attention to detail and the successful execution of a wide range of conventions particular to your specific area of specialization including organization, content, presentation formatting, aesthetics and style.

WEEK 06

In week 6, I based on the feedback from week 5, tried to use different color palettes to choose the right color, so I had a few further explorations on the outer packaging.

Figure 3.1

Figure 3.2

-Logo (Tyra)

Exploration on logo

Figure 3.3

Final Logo

This is the final logo of our brand, AURA. We decided on a simpler one, but at the same time this stands out more on our packaging.

Figure 3.4

-Merchandise: Sticker (Charmine)

Charmine also explores several versions of stickers that are related to menstrual.

Figure 3.5

After getting feedback from Ms.Vitiyaa and Ms. Anis, they suggested that the stickers can be replaced with pimple patches, which would be more appropriate for our brand's merchandise. Unfortunately, the colour of the outer packaging was also not approved by 2 lecturers, so I still need further refinement on that.

My Workspace

Figure 3.6

I had also tried on different layouts to differentiate the tampon packaging.

Figure 3.7

Different layout and colour

Figure 3.8

Figure 3.9

Figure 3.10

Figure 3.11

We finalized the patterns of watercolor marks that were suggested by Ms.Vitiyaa.

Final Decision - Outer Packaging (Sanitary Pads)

Figure 3.12

Final Decision - Outer Packaging (Tampons)

Figure 3.13

Inner Packaging (Tyra)

Sanitary Pads

Figure 3.14

Tampons

Figure 3.15

Merchandise (Kerly & Charmine)

Totebag

Figure 3.15

Pouch

Figure 3.16

Figure 3.17

Vending Machine

Figure 3.18

Pimple Patch

Figure 3.19

Figure 3.20

Advertising Video

After the outer packaging was confirmed, I also conducted the advertising video in Canva, I first edited the blurry image in Photoshop and found the sound effect in Pixabay to fit in my video.

Figure 3.21

Prototypes

Due to the technical issue, the printing shop does not support printing A2 hard paper so I ended up only printing the tampons packaging which fits A4 size.

Figure 3.22

Charmine suggest printing in a smaller size just to see the outcome of it, so she printed out the sanitary pads and inner packaging design.

Figure 3.23

Figure 3.24

WEEK 07

Week 7 Concept Presentation Week

Final Adjustment

After the presentation, Ms.Vitiyaa reminded us of the alignment and the golden ratio of the front page, so I did a little refinement before submitting task 3. The slogan I also changed it to "Stay comfy, period."

Figure 3.25

Figure 3.26

SUBMISSION - TASK 3

FEEDBACK

Week 1

Miss Anis says that the sanitary pads idea is good and it is a good starting point, but it requires a lot of research because the problem is quite niche. She gave us tips on whether the packaging has good designs, whether males buy for females and not feel ashamed, or whether females buying pads in the pharmacy would not be hidden.

Week 2

Miss Anis showed us the board game from a previous student, she told us that if we are doing a board game, we should make it interesting and creative. She also mentioned the information about the slides in Task 1 is complete. Miss Vitiyaa suggested that we can also install a vending machine in the toilets, which is a solution for those who forget to bring pads in public and also find out the practical for easy disposal. She also encourages us to do different versions of menstrual products, not only sanitary pads, such as tampons or menstrual cups.

Week 3

We had a presentation on our Task 1, and we also had a QnA session from our coursemate and Ms.Vitiyaa.

Week 4

We received feedback on our logo, which was rejected. Concepts incorporating uterus shapes were also rejected due to cultural sensitivities and taboos. We were advised to explore more references for potential colour palettes and sanitary pad packaging. Miss Vitiyaa suggested using a more fun and vibrant colour palette for the packaging, avoiding colours that resemble blood, as they might cause embarrassment when taking the product out.

Week 5

For our initial outer packaging, we explored three gradient colours. Miss Anis felt the green tone appeared sickly, while pink was seen as a better option. Both lecturers recommended using more refreshing colours like blue. Different colours for the inner packaging were suggested to represent the three sizes of pads and tampons. The direction and problem statement is solid, but the colour scheme needs to be carefully considered, as we are addressing a sensitive topic.

Week 6

A bold, simple logo is preferred as it stands out more on packaging compared to a curvy design. Ensure a prototype for the packaging is created, making necessary adjustments to the outer packaging. Stickers are not practical, whereas pimple patches are more functional. Vending machines should be compact rather than large.

Week 7

The presentation went smoothly, Ms.Vitiyaa said we should be proud of what we have done but there are some minor changes needed for the packaging. Remember the blog and feedback sheet were due on Friday by 11:59 PM. Including reflections of each group member.

REFLECTION

Experience

Major Project was an incredibly fun yet challenging journey. From the very beginning, we had to brainstorm an entirely new concept, which was quite a sensitive topic. We had to carefully consider the buyers’ perspectives while addressing an important societal issue. Our goal was to promote women’s empowerment and normalize menstruation, making it a more open and accepted topic.

Throughout this project, I gained invaluable experience—not just in graphic design but also in problem-solving and communication skills. The Major Project allowed for a free-form approach, giving me the freedom to explore and expand my knowledge. I deeply appreciate the opportunity to work on this project, and I am grateful to my supportive teammates who embraced the idea.

To accomplish this, I learned a great deal and received valuable feedback and direction from our two lecturers, Ms. Vitiyaa and Ms. Anis. Although I faced challenges, especially in choosing the right color palette, overcoming these struggles became a key part of my learning journey. Despite the difficulties, this experience was truly rewarding.

Observations

Working on a group project has taught me the importance of collaboration—an essential skill for any graphic designer. This project felt like a mini societal experiment, where each member played a different role. Constant communication was crucial to ensuring brand consistency, and aligning four people with one vision was sometimes challenging. I also realized the importance of time management in achieving better results. Balancing deadlines, discussions, and design work required careful planning, and this is something I will continue to improve.

Findings

Over these seven weeks, I discovered that this topic has great potential for further development. I also noticed my growth in emotional resilience—despite facing personal challenges, I was able to recover faster than before, gather my thoughts, and push forward. Although there were times when my work didn’t turn out as expected, I kept trying until I achieved results. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and being open to different perspectives beyond my own.

Reflection on Contribution of Each Member

Kerly

Kerly plays an important role in our group as the leader, always communicating with others and checking on everyone's progress. She provides valuable feedback to ensure brand consistency and keeps us on track with her patient and organized approach. Beyond her leadership skills, she also brings creative ideas to the table, helping us explore different design directions.

Charmine

Charmine is the fastest worker in our group and has an impressive ability to generate ideas and experiment with them. Her time management skills allowed her to explore multiple design directions, which is something I admire and want to learn from. She is also highly skilled in technical aspects, collaborating with Kerly to develop various versions of merchandise and final outcomes.

Tyra

Collaborating with Tyra was a new experience for me. Her creative approach is quite different from mine. While working together on the packaging, we explored contrasting styles—her designs were bold and experimental, while mine were more structured. The fusion of our ideas created an unexpected and exciting contrast effect, which I found surprising and inspiring.

Search This Blog

Chong Wee Han (0368863)

Major Project 1

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

Publishing Desgin - Task 2 : Content Generation

Information Design - Exercises