#finalcontext

Context images- one way of finalising the project

Within previous projects and throughout the duration of my time at NUA, I’ve struggled with envisioning my designs within a particular context. I don’t have a reason as to why I’ve struggled with this in the past, (most probably because it involved photoshop). I had simply wanted to create art work- not products. It wasn’t until the last term of my second year when I realised that being able to put my designs into context, meant that they would come alive. They would become something real, something that shops might sell and people might use. It gave my design work a purpose. I think the context I chose for this project [Weighted Textiles], helped push forward the act of using my designs within it. I had no interest in seeing my designs on cushions or curtains, stationary, or even fashion items. These things just didn’t excite me, and they already existed on the market in a hundred thousands different designs- there were already aesthetic choices available in regards to these kinds of products, so people’s options weren’t restricted in any way. I make no judgement, we need artists and designers who want to create designs for these products. I myself am particularly fussy when it comes to design and aesthetics. But for me, as a designer, it wasn’t where I was headed. 

There was a personal reason as to why I chose this context to work towards within my brief, and this helped me connect with the project on a first level basis. Albeit some people informing me that I was too interconnected with my work, (something I didn’t realise was possible, and definitely didn’t view as a negative). I knew individuals who used these exact products, and who benefited massively from their use on a daily basis, 24/7. I’d seen first hand the importance of them, and also how they improved the quality of people’s lives. When I first began researching them I was surprised by how few decorative and aesthetic options there were online, and I knew that this project could be huge. Of course there would be many technical issues to figure out, I’d have to create prototypes and research how to do this if I were to actually make them. However, I decided to begin by focusing on creating bright, fun, designs that could be used as fabrics for these products. The above images show the original photograph of the product alongside my edited contextual version, and to me the difference is quite surprising. I loved how these bland, one colour, products, (which looked as though they belonged in a hospital) had turned into these bright, flowery, visually interactive products. Surely they were more appealing, and straight out nicer to look at, whilst still benefiting the individual in exactly the same way. I knew which one I’d rather wear, use, or have in my bedroom. This was the difference that I was trying to achieve, and as soon as my designs were in context, I knew I’d done it. Whether the actual product was there or not, the Photoshop images explained the project exactly how I wanted them to, and they helped make obvious what I’d been attempting to achieve within the brief, and within the project as a whole. 

Referring back to previous posts in which I wrote about my target audience, looking at the final product collection made me think that these designs were more likely aimed at young girls and young women, perhaps apart from the weighted lap pad which could be appropriate to both genders, however of course there is no rulebook! 

FINAL CONTEXT

It was important that alongside the digital final designs , i had a live photoshoot with children interacting with the textiles. My design were always to encourage play and stimulate the child in different ways. To convey this, i have used children and photographed them as they play together and interest with the TIPI.