Steady Development

This week was certainly a lot more productive than last week. I managed to make a list of experiments that I want to conduct using plastics. The research and planning was important for me because I want to make sure that I am aware of the necessary health and safety precautions. As mentioned last week, when plastic is heated up, toxic gases can be released, and I want to ensure no one around gets harmed.

Along with the planning the experiments, I am also constantly researching about subject areas relating to my project. This week I specifically looked into branding of products and campaigns. Two weeks ago, Ewan had mentioned I should look into creating more of a brand around my products, rather than just creating one simple product. This idea really intrigues me because of my interest in business. I enjoy the business side of design, figuring out how to properly brand and market objects to then be able to successfully integrate them into the market. Throughout my research, I realised that a lot of products and campaigns around plastic pollution have a similar brand style. The predominant colours that are used for environmental campaigns and brands are white, blues and greens, with fonts being relatively simple, modern and more geometric, similar to Helvetica-style fonts. The message is clear and a lot of information tends to be provided to educate the customer.

Applying these campaign ideas to what I want to do, I think 4Ocean’s environmental idea is a concept that I would like to adapt for my project. Their bracelets are made from 100% recycled ocean waste and their profit then sponsor their ocean clean ups. Compared to other campaigns, that either want people to change their plastic-use habits or simply donate, 4Ocean has created a cycle of not only cleaning the waters, but also finding a use for the material. What they do takes the whole environmental intention one step further and actually makes a difference.

During my brand research, I also came across websites and other campaigns promoting alternatives for plastic. This has become a recent trend, particularly after the UK has set a ban on all single-use plastics, such as straws. There is a vast range of materials that have similar properties, which could opt as a future alternative for certain products. For example, instead of using cling film, reusable food wraps made out of bee’s wax have been advertised as an environmentally friendly alternative. This got me thinking about whether my project could possibly go in another direction: Instead of using old plastic, I could use alternative materials to prevent the necessity for plastic. However, throughout my research I realised that this is very difficult because plastic combines a vast range of features that currently cannot be replace yet. Especially because I am not a chemist or an expert on plastic, I am not too sure how realistic it is for me to pursue that path. While I’m not completely discarding this idea, I will try and focus on experimenting with plastic a little more and figure out how I could utilise it as a material.

During this week I have certainly picked up my pace and more importantly I am no longer stuck, but instead know what areas to pursue further. Next week’s goal is to finally do some experiments with plastic! I’m very excited about the outcome!