Wednesday 21 October 2009

Some more packaging Design








Product: Black Fleece Eau De Parfum
Designed by ESTABLISHED


I like this because it has two layers to the packaging, and is something i could consider because i dont want there to be too much information on the packaging of this product, by designing something like this which has multiple layers, i could put all the neccessary print based info on the outer layer and have a pure white inner layer. Things are starting to fall into place...

CONSIDERATIONS FOR INDUSTRY:

  • The higher quality the stock, the more expensive to produce it would be.
  • The more paper I use, the higher the production cost and effectively print cost
  • A budget would probably be a limitation in this instance.
  • Complex print methods = Money spent!

ta!


Tuesday 20 October 2009

Moodstream! We are Build





Postcard set consists of 16 cards and 9 badges, the postcards use various print processes (heat sensitive, scratch off, spot UV!) The set is a play on touch and feel and physical perception. In a sense this is a polar opposite the the concept of my design which will hopefully aquaint the reciever with the subtler aspects. This idea of tactile imagery could be a really good springboard for a reactive idea on my behalf.

Meditation machine packaging



The "Laxman" meditation machine - packaging is white and neutral and the print is a tint of black making it subtle and similar to how I want the print on my packaging to be.


Although I do have a problem, most things I'm coming across are designed pretty poorly and I'm starting to think these existing meditation based products have little consideration to how the design of the packaging relates to the product, and the what the product is actually trying to achieve. I suppose (as I said in my sketchbook) meditation kind of sells itsself because you are effectively selling a piece of mind.

Break it! Packaging




This is some packaging for a stress relief music Cd, and some herbal tea , designed by Mi Rae Kim. The idea is to break the outer shell to release stress and reach the peace within. A similar concept to mine. I like the idea but I'm not too keen on the actual look of the product.

I do like the fact this product's packaging is made out of Potato Starch! When it comes to a product that is geared towards relaxation and similar methods I think an organic stock is a useful tool to reinforce the whole look and feel of a product like this.

Sunday 18 October 2009

Visual Referance: Eckhart Tolle

I thought it was about time to put something up on this blog that is actually visual, so I want to show some design that has a direct referance to meditation.

Eckhart Tolle is a Spiritual teacher and non fiction Author that promotes "Awakening" (the same idea of meditation - alert prescence yet stress free mindset and also the hushing of the mind).





The natural, light and airy visuals look really calming and relaxed but still have a nice visual edge to the overall website. This aspect is one that I think would be really relevant in my own design, but I think the idea of "subtlety" in my design also needs to be there. (For reasons I will go into in my next entry, which will be a design proposal.)

ta

An amazing quote taken from the questionaire

"A chicken sees the snake's foot, and s snake sees the chicken's breast."

"A different strand of yarn, makes a different carpet."

Really, really insightful comments on their opinion of meditation, basically saying each to their own and everyone has a different perspective and therefor a different life reality.

Thanks to whoever gave this response to the questionaire!

Findings from the first questionaire

I did a questionaire aimed at the guys in the studio to get a more design based perspective on purely the word "meditation". I did this to see what stereotypes and stigmas are attached to it and also what the root of negativity towards it might be, so anyway here are the results:


Over 50% of people asked said they would try meditation if given more information or they have already given it a go.
The other % said they do not have time (people obviously think meditation is a time consuming practise) or said that they would'nt because of mind made stereotypical attachments such as : "It's for hippies." or "too busy"
and "its not all about sitting with your legs crossed looking like an idiot."

These are all common stigmas related to meditation that need addressing and can be easily addressed in the design when it happens.

100% of people asked said they get stressed.

This research is extremely valueable and really helps me to pick and refine what I should be getting across - based on the research its clear that everyone doesnt know the full story with meditation so that is definitely something to take into consideration with the outcome. I think another questionaire is needed just to add a bit of glue to matchstick house so to speak.

ta!

List of research sources: What is good?

Just wanted to post up some of the better research I found on meditation for anyone who is interested:

they are probably the best reseources I have so far, but the hunt is still on!

Tuesday 6 October 2009

Starting the "what is good?" Brief

I want to impart a bit of background as to why I picked meditation to research about. Over the summer I looked into "meditation" out of interest to see whether it did have the calming effect evryone goes on about, so yeah basically learnt about it for a few months and now practise basic meditation methods in everday life... and its nothing like you imagine - sat cross legged shouting "OHM". Its just little techniques you can learn to help chill and gain clarity in life.

Heres a short list of the sort of things I want to research into:

Falun gong in china
What is considered a meditation
How to do it
How its considered in society
How it effects everyday people - e.g, enlightened buisnesses.
"New age teachers" e.g Eckhart Tolle.
"Consciousness shifts" <>

I think there is alot to go on with this as a research subject and it will quite quickly gather a momentum of its own because at this stage in my life it is an interest just like music or art is. I'll post up more findings after some delving.