Besides my love for and education in graphic design, I have cultivated an interest in experiential and interactive pieces and installations. Collaborations, studios, and museums such as Luftwerk, Leviathan, Wndr Museum, and Artehouse are examples of innovative art and design experiences I wish to one day be a part of. An issue I am curious about tackling is the loss of physical awareness especially stemming from the increased reliance on technology during these unusual and overwhelming times. I want to challenge myself and see how I can incorporate my graphic design skills into the project.
Based on my mindfulness trend research, a lot of focus seems to be on meditation, clean and plant-based diets, openness about mental health, CBD products, and limiting screen time, among many others. Even on social media, I have noticed advertisements of apps that help with focus and productivity, such as the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method through which one sets a timer for 25 minutes of work time followed by a 5-minute break.
The products I have chosen from Uncommon Goods relate to tangibility and interactive qualities. The Sunflower Garden Grow Kit, for example, requires focus and a hands-on approach. Planting seeds allows for physical connection with the ground and it is also a straightforward and effortless process often with charming results. Similarly, in terms of experience is the Scratch Travel Journal which encourages the user to travel and explore new environments while updating the journal through planning and documenting trips as well as scratching off countries and cities they have visited.
I began learning towards pop-up books as they seem to align more with my skills and expertise. A great example from Uncommon Goods that fits this category is The Great Escape Pop-Up Search Book, which not only attracts the reader through the 3D paper sculptures that bloom upon separating the pages, but also does so through the intricate details and story. This made me think of kids’ books in the likes of “Where’s Waldo?” which I personally appreciated as a kid.
Another phenomenal example of an interactive print sold by Uncommon Goods is Spooky Hidden History Book which utilizes red, blue, and green layered illustrations which the viewer can observe while looking through a colored lens.
Below I included graphic design-oriented pop-up / interactive material. Due to my background in art, I am fond of physical mediums and engagement with materials. I find interest in blending traditional and new technologies.
More interactive prints! Let us interact with something besides the phone! All these and other techniques could be combined in one cool book where's every page is different and maybe some are for coloring or sticking your favorite sticker to. Idk Im going into journal theme that I had when I was little. I gave it to all my friends and each page was a task for them, like write a funny joke, draw a face etc
Wow, the pop-up book brought back memories of a Disney Pixie Hollow Field Guide I had as a kid. It was a pop-up book with little pockets and gems inside, different textures to touch, and images of different faeries' homes. It felt like magic when I opened it, and I never let anyone else touch it.
I find the scratch travel journal really cool and unique! As a person who enjoys traveling a lot, it's definitely something that seems interesting to have and use!