CAT Visit

As a part of the course we had a chance to visit the Centre for Alternative Technologies in Wales, where they focus on creating new and effective ways to reduce our pollution, waste and impact on the nature. One of their biggest aims being “Zero Carbon Britain”

Below is some of my photos and thoughts about the visit.

Visually the whole centre was awesome, ther love for nature really showed through their architecture (including the green building made of soil) and their use of materials throughout. There was also a design thought apparent in much of their exhibits and decorations.

There was also a lot of information placed all around the gardens and different exhibitions so if the visitor was particularly interested by and idea they always had the option to find out more.

Much of their exhibits was interactive, allowing the visitors to understand through doing and experience rather than just reading. This is very entertaining as well as educational.

Overall it was a great experience to visit the Centre.. below is my notes on the zero carbon Britain questionnaire… i wish we had longer to discuss the topic as it definitely is a topic worth discussing, but with the information I was given I could not yet make my own conclusion if I think it possible, or effective, or not.

 

3D artefact

To accompany my booklet I want to create a 3D artefact that would be used by the people who would hire the e-bikes. The main points that I feel the artefact needs to fulfil are:

• Add value to the e-bikes
• Make renting an e-bike more attractive/simple
• Easy to understand
• Encourage casual users to sign up for membership?
• encourage good practise when using the e-bike (i.e. wearing safety equipment, following the road rules etc..)

Bellow is my initial research into the various  concepts that I’ve come up with:

High Visibility items:

High Vis backpack, more functional than attractive

Basic high-vis vests, functional,but unattractive, and hard to convince people to wear one

An alternative to the high vis vests from “WatchOut”, uses more resources (led lights etc..) But much more attractive and pleasing to wear

Light up bracelet from Mixxfit, very cool and preactical, but doe not add high amount of visibility.

There is many different high visibility items and accessories. There is some clever and interesting designs that could be created for high visibility items, and they can be functional as well as attractive, however it is hard to find green materials to work with in the area.

One of the available materials is Eclipse 5721 from 3M, it is a High visibility material with subtle appearance (i.e. not lime green or bright orange) and more importantly a eco-friendly transference process.

It can be used to create functional yet fashionable and attractive items, making it a good choice if I wanted to work with high visibility items.

“Eclipse 5721 reflective combines safety and style in one application. Using a low-cost and eco-friendly heat transfer process, it is exclusively produced by Safe Reflections based on 3M™ Scotchlite™ reflective material and using Safe Reflections’ proprietary Tribondex™ adhesive. Eclipse 5721 large-format reflective features a self-weeding design, which eliminates the highest cost of making a transfer and makes closed-area designs possible. The material also has high-stretch capabilities and large-format modularity to provide design flexibility for a variety of applications.” – Advanced Textiles Source

Another good option would be LED lights as they produce maximum amount of light while using minimum energy, they are durable and have long lifespan and their production requires less toxic materials than other light sources, therefore they are considered one of the most Eco friendly light sources. Much like the Eclipse material they are cost effective, while looking attractive, making them a good option for attractive product design.

Bellow is some of my initial sketches of how I could work with these materials:

Helmet

One of the hated, yet most important pieces of equipment for any cyclist – a bike helmet, they are an unpopular choice with young and grown cyclists alike for it’s looks as well as it’s clumsy size for carrying around while not on the bicycle. I could develop some accessories to both add aesthetic and functional value, as well as an initiative to wear a helmet.

Another route I could take is to make the helmet more compact and available, bellow are examples of this:

The design I especially like is the paper helmet by Isis Shiffer, a New York Designer. The obvious reason being it’s eco-friendly and highly recyclable properties, low production costs and elegant design. This helmet was designed with bike hire schemes in mind, bridging the gap between the casualness of such scheme and the difficulty of obtaining a helmet.

In the end I’ve decided on going with badges as they are more realistic as a product to be handed out to the e-bike users, cheap to produce and more likely to be utilised. Things like badges also lends themselves to a “reward” system, and encourage people to collect and take part.

Above is my mock up for the badge, as I explained in my initial sketches the image of the bike would be printed on recycled card with holes where the led lights would be inserted, and a pressure button in the centre of the badge to switch them on and off, the whole badge would be incased in soft, but thick shell of recyclable plastic (PET) heat-melted shut around the edges. A pin at the back would attach it to clothes, bags and so on.

The concept behind the badges, beside adding visibility, is that there would be a variety of colours that could be collected as achievements – this would be linked to an app, the user would sign up to become a member and then record their rides whenever they hire an e-bike. For different achievements, they would receive a new badge for their collection. This would add fun to riding the e-bike, as well as encouraging people to ride more.

Above is mock up of the app, it would be simple to launch the tracker and it would run in the background, allowing the rider to use their phone as normal. In order to access the tracker the rider would first need to set up a full membership which would also simplify the renting of the e-bikes for them and so on, this would allow the collected data to be linked to their account, allowing for an accurate reward system.

Pocket guide development

After deciding on the style I want to go with I’ve started developing my digital version in Adobe InDesign

Version 1:

Version 2:

Going with the colourful look concept I’ve developed the cover, however I consdier it only temporary version as it needs the correct colour selection to match the booklet.

I’ve also decided that each section would be divided with colour coded spreads for better navigation as well as more attractive design.

Version 3:

I’ve experimented with more colour choices, and also decided that the section cover needs to match the colour scheme of the section itself. I’ve also created vector icons to go on the cover spreads to make it more attractive.

I’ve created my second section “routes” It would suggest the best rides around the area, it could also include an overall routes map of Worcester. The routes section would also be printed as a seperate booklet avaiable at the e-bike renting stations, or if people sign up for membership, to be used while on the bike (means they don’t need an extra map). It would also come with a set of stickers (see bellow) which could be used to mark the rides after completing them.

Version 4:

After analysing the feedback from the peer review (read here) I’ve decided to unify the colour scheme, as it was one of the most raised points I received.

I still kept it bright, but I decided to stick to one colour – Orange, using 3 shades of it.

I’ve updated the cover so it’s more relevant to the new colour scheme, I also didn’t like the original composition.

I’ve changed the section covers slightly to match the bold style of the rest of the booklet.

I’ve changed the composition the this spread to neaten it up and make it easier to follow.

I’ve updated the icons on the bottom to a high res icons created in illustrator, as well as adding a legend to the map

Pocket guide initial ideas

 

After looking over my research I have started developing some of my ideas into sketches. In my initial research I’ve considered creating an interactive pdf as I’ve had some interesting ideas for the layouts (see sketches)

However after researching more into the interactive pdf I’ve realised it is an impractical choice. It might not work across all media, as the user would need a specific version of the adobe reader, which would mean that the user might not access some of the information at all times. If I wanted interactivity in my design I would have to tale the app or website rout, it is better suited for use across wide variety of medium. This I think would be more appropriate response to the requirements of the project, but as the brief specifies it is to be a pdf document I will have to reconsider my layout.

I’ve decided I want to create a very square, strongly grid base layout with a bright and vibrant use of colors to make it more appealing. This will create a clear and well organized look, with that corporate feel that the audience will subconsciously be looking for, but also be inviting, vibrant and fun.

Although it is specified to be an e-booklet, I have many ideas that would translate well onto a physical booklet and it would be shame not to pursue them so I want my design to be functional on screen but also work well as a physical booklet.

 

Colour scheme

Originally I considered using the Worcester City colour scheme (see bottom of “Branding”)  however I didn’t like how the specific colour shades worked with my graphics.

Looking at the Worcester City Brand colour scheme we can see that, although the green and yellow dominate, they have a whole array of other colours and they are all bring and vibrant. This definitely gives me a direction to go in.

I’ve looked at other Worcester based organisations and how they market thmselves and based on these I’ve decided to deviate from the specific Worcester City Council shades, but keep to a sympathetic set of colours, below is some of my experimentation:

The two images above use the official Uni of Worcester blue as their base colour.

 

Although green colour would be good to make association with the eco friendly notion of the project, and also with Worcester council, it is a difficult colour to use in the vibrant spectrum, especially if viewed across various screens, as it can appear very bright and unpleasant sometimes. Below are some hues I considered a good choice.

 

Worcester E-Bike Branding

After going through my research I’ve decided to start coming up with logo design. See my sketches below.

My Final concept was reminiscent to other e bike scheme logos in that it actually included the bike, which, in my research I’ve discovered was an important feature as it creates a strong link to the medium of bicycles. I’ve also tried to make a subtle yet effective link to the “Electronic” part through the use of the electricity plug and cables, this seems to be effective as I carried about some testing with people unaware of the project (general public, customers at my part time job, friends etc..) and vast majority understood the concept straight away, without feeling like it was too obvious.

Through this “user-testing” research it was also pointed out to me that the shape of the bike, reminiscent of the infinity sign resonates strongly with people. It was unintentional on my part to include this shape, however I feel that it is a good association to be created. This was confirmed at the meeting with the environmental studies students when they commented positively on one of the drafts of another design student, who’s work very strongly revolved around the shape of the infinity sign and even the word “infinity”, saying that it is a positive term to be associated with and lends itself to interpretation of evolution, bring future and progress.

I’ve chosen to keep the name Worcester E-Bikes but decided to shorten it to We-B, read “Web”, for convenience and memorability. I feel that although there are other associations to the word Web, it, more than ever, means connection, network, something that makes communication easier. This are the associations I would want people to have with the e-bike scheme- something that makes life easier, something fun and convenient.

Logo

Vector

I’ve started to recreate the concept as a vector logo

This is a selection of the various versions I’ve created. I’ve decided to use either the bottom left, or the top right, depending on the font. 

Since I was happy with the logo it was time consider the typography and colour scheme. Based on my research I wanted the colour scheme to be bright and bold, but it also needed to be kept simple, maximum of 3 colours to be practical. As for the typography I want it to be modern and smart, but not necessarily what would be used through out the other promotional materials – I want to set type for the logo and a complimentary, but different font for the body. This would allow me to choose a more interesting font for the logo or even create my own lettering, based on my sketches.

I’ve experimented with various colour combinations, of bright and complimentary colours to see which one would be most effective. I also want to try the official Worcester Green/Yellow, it would be effective in linking the project to the Worcester City council. Combining it perhaps with darker green or yellow might create the bright, fresh and modern look I want to achieve:

I do enjoy the combination, however it looks more retro than fresh and green can be a difficult colour to work with between two different medias (print&web)

Font

Fonts going left to right top to bottom: Rockwell, Caviar Dreams, Bauhaus 93, Century Gothic, Berlin Sans FB, Ch&L, Britannic, Geomancy,  Broadway, Times New Roman (Official font of Worcester Council)

My favourite were Caviar Dreams and Bauhaus 93, and I’ve decided to experiment with them further.

Eventually I’ve decided on the final logo font and composition.

The colour is still only temporary, I need to make a decision!

The official Worcester yellow/green

is not looking great on my design, it makes it look a bit outdated. With this in mind I really enjoy the colourful look of “colour test” image and I would like to perhaps go more in that direction.

E-Bike Test ride

I’ve had an opportunity to test out an e-bike tricycle available from the university.

It was useful in seeing how the e-bikes are operated i.e. how the battery is connected, how the power is witched on etc… Bellow I have a set of photographs from the day.

I’ve had a look at the different features of the e-bike, after talking to the lecturer I found out that they are similar to the standard e-bike in many ways, however there are some differences such as the battery indicator light sometimes being on the battery rather than the handlebars, the GTech e-bikes use a belt, rather than a chain and the mechanism for removing and inserting the battery is slightly different of the tricycle, as you can see in the photos the tricycles seat flips forward and the battery slides behind it, where as on the standard eBikes it clips on the main frame of the bike. Unlike the gTech bikes this tricycle doesn’t have pedal assists, this means that it can be either fully powered by the battery, or fully manual, there is not option in-between.

To really understand the functionality of the eBike I had a go a riding it.

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Beside it being a fun experience it helped me understand the main differences between a battery powered bike and a standard bicycle. It requires no to very little effort to get around and can make traveling quicker. As it doesn’t require much physical effort the ride can get from one place to another quickly, without getting sweaty or worn out. This makes it a more practical option if the user wants to cycle to work and such. The manipulation and control of the eBike is a bit harder than normal bicycle, but this could also be caused by it being a tricycle.

We also had a lecture where the Environmental Studies students talked to us about their research into the e-bikes and we were able to discuss our ideas and concept with them. It was useful the get the feedback of people outside of our module as they have a different mind set and see the project from a very different perspective.

 

Pocket e-guide initial research

See my visual research at my Pinterest board above.

Second deliverable for this project is an e-guide on how to use the e-bike. It needs to be in keeping with the visual style I create for the brand. The client wants it to be in a PDF format that can be viewed across various formats such as smartphones, tablets and PCs.

I will need to research several topics to help me with the project:

• Other guides and pdf materials
• Technical information about e-bikes to create the content for my e-book

I have started looking at various other PDF guides to inspire me.

Alhambra fortress guide

The style of it goes nicely with the Moorish look of the Alhambra Fortress. They have a detailed and well executed map pointing out the main attractions as well as plenty of information about them. They also include the basic need-to-know info about the fortress. It is designed to be printed and folded however, not used as a digital guide.

Lake District Walking and cycling guide

This leaflet is information heavy, focusing manly on the text and photos, it does include a clearly designed map. It keeps a clear colour scheme through out. Again it’s intended for print and fold rather than e-guide.

Lakes Experience Leaflet

Again intended for print this leaflet has a very clear layout and attractive, vibrant colour scheme. They use vector graphics as well as photographs. Their map design is interesting, and different to what I’ve seen before.

(see pinterest for further visual research)

I also like the idea of interactive guides as it would make the content more interesting – it could include openable tabs, animation, links and even videos.

E-bikes technical info

To demonstrate my concept for the e-book I need to design two spreads, each containing different information. My two spreads will be:

1. Easy maintenance tips/before you ride
2. Signs and systems within Worcester

 

1. Maintenance

Research:

Here are links to various different maintenance guides:

1. Electric Bike World
2. E-bikeshop
3. Fully Charged

• Check your bike before you ride
  1. This is your ride!
  2. Check the battery – Plugged in, no emergency indicators, enough charge
  3. Check the tires are  fully inflated
  4. Make sure the light at the front and back work
  5. Make sure everything is there and working!
  6. Start slowly to test the breaks and acceleration
• What to do if you break down
• Technical support phone numbers
• Service locations

2. Signs and Systems

Research:

Worcester city centre map gives me a solid base to work from and indication as to what the road systems within Worcester are.

Worcestershire County Council website provides some crucial information for cyclists, including cycle paths, safety tips and links to external sources.

List of Road Signs is also a useful resource

• General info about cycling in Worcester
• Road signs

 

 

 

 

Second life Packaging

WRAP:

Back to their website – Who are Wrap? Describe what they do in a paragraph.

Re-think and re-design the way our everyday products and services can become more sustainable. Developing ways in which change can be implemented effectively and practically. Working towards more sustanable future with less waste and strong ecological movement.

What commercial sectors do they deal with and ‘why’?

Food&Drink – this sector produces 10 million tonnes of food waste which accounts for 20% of UK’s CO₂eq emissions.

Electrical –

• Each year the UK buys 1.4 million tonnes of electrical and electronic products.
• The lifetime greenhouse gas (GHG) impacts of these products total around 160 million tonnes CO2 eq4.
• In-use energy is the largest part of this impact, which is why government policy is driving energy efficiency in these products.
• However, the supply chain (or “embodied”) impacts are significant, roughly 11 million tonnes CO2 eq, and these material consumption impacts link directly to business resilience and resource security.

WRAP estimates that each year the UK discards a similar weight of products – around 1.4 million tonnes. We landfill around a third of this waste and just over half is recycled. Only around 7% is re-used as whole product. This waste represents a significant environmental and business loss.

Textile-

• clothing makes up 5% of the global carbon footprint of UK goods and services and up 6-8% of the global water footprint.

the industry could collectively reduce the carbon, water and waste footprints of clothing by 10-20% each.

Do they deal with the idea of a circular economy? If ‘yes’ how do they aim to tally with these ideas?

Yes, they have developed a “WRAP’s vision for the UK circular economy” witch highlights it’s benefits and changes that can be undertaken

What are Wrap’s 3x key priority areas and what do they aim to do in these?

• re-inventing how we design, produce and sell products. This includes packaging, commerce, durability and lifecycle of products.
• re-thinking how we use and consume products. Including our values and relationship with the product.
• re-defining what is possible through re-use and recycling to achieve the best value from the product.

Download ‘Packguide: A guide to Packaging Eco Design’

Look at section 4: Design for Re-Use, Recycling and Recovery.

• Describe 3 key considerations within ‘design for re-use’
  • Ensure that the packaging is designed for and is robust enough for re-use.
  • Check that your business partners will also treat the packaging as re-usable and will return it as appropriate, or that collection arrangements are in place to enable private end-users to return it.
  •  Ensure that facilities for cleaning, repair or reconditioning are available if this is necessary before the packaging can be re-used.

• Describe 3 key considerations within ‘design for recycling’
  •  Minimise the use of substances or materials that might create technical, environmental or health problems in the recycling process or in the disposal of recycling residues.
  • Try to design your packaging so that minimum product residues remain when the used packaging is collected for recycling.
  • Construct your packaging so that the end-user can easily separate any components that should not go into the recycling process (‘design for disassembly’).

Describe how effective Metal, Glass, Paper and Board and Plastics are and which (in your eyes) of these may achieve the ‘most effective’ award for recyclability

• Metal is one of the easiest substances to recycle and re-purpose as new packaging because the recycling process has not effect on the functionality.
• Glass is also very recyclable and easy to re-purpose. However different colours of glass can make it difficult for straight bottle-to-bottle recycling. There is some interesting considerations mentioned in the report:
  • If you are importing drinks or any other product in green glass, would white flint glass do as well for product protection and marketing purposes?
  • If you are filling in the UK for the export market, could you use green glass?
  • If you use white flint glass, does it have to be crystal clear or could you accept the cloudier appearance that would result from contamination with coloured glass?
• Paper and board is recyclable, but with each recycling it looses strength and more fibres are needed to achieve protection therefore the more paper packing is recycled the heavier it becomes to achieve the same protection as virgin fibre.
• In the report Plastic is marked as one of the more difficult materials to recycle, especially for food use, however they point out that technology is evolving quickly to make recyclable  plastic more effective. Since 2008 (when the report was first printed) PET and HDPE milk containers has become recycled into food grade materials, allowing a closed loop bottle-to-bottle recycling (1) and new processes for making plastic has been developed, such as the Coca-Cola Plantbottle, made entirely of plant substances, eliminating the need for fossil fuels and lowering the product’s carbon footprint (2)

From what I read in the report I would have to say metal, especially aluminium is one of the most effective packing materials for it’s strength, easy of recycling and durability, however it also comes at a much higher cost, making it unavailable and impractical for many products. Card on the other hand can be a cheaper option, however the quality of it degrades over time, making it impossible to create a closed loop recycling cycle.

Below is further research into the topic of eco-packaging by my class mates:

Alex Williams 

Lenka Simackova

References:

(1) “Plastics Recycling”. Bpf.co.uk. N.p., 2016. Web. 9 Nov. 2016.

(2) Mitchell, Dan. “The Iconic Coca-Cola Bottle Is Getting A Surprising Update”. TIME.com. N.p., 2014. Web. 9 Nov. 2016.