Week 2 Journey - Refinement of ideas [D4G: what is]

I kicked off the week by immersing myself in inspiration. Conducting preliminary research allowed me to explore various cultural aspects related to the Maori totem. Creating a mood board was an enriching experience as I curated a collection of captivating visuals, colors, and patterns. This process fueled my creativity and set the tone for the project's design direction.

Researching previous case studies of similar sustainable projects was enlightening. I learned from the successes and challenges faced by some existing solutions, gaining valuable insights and applying them to my own work. I had already done case studies during DES300, but there were still some shortcomings. This time I relied on Roma's feedback for more in-depth research and study. To be honest looking at the case studies I did again after a month or so of holiday did reveal some shortcomings. These case studies laid the foundation for my design strategy. So after delving deeper into these case studies, I think I got quite a bit of inspiration. I tried to write out the insights from each case study on sticky notes. By combining their strengths and avoiding their weaknesses, a preliminary idea for the final project emerged. It was definitely inspiring.

While the second week was full of progress, it was not without its challenges. The process of choosing materials was both time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the vast amount of options available on the market. The two materials I have selected so far are Semi-transparent PVC and Electrostatic stickers, which are not terribly different in appearance but differ in orientation. The first is semi-transparent PVC, which is characterized by its beauty and durability. It guarantees a high-fidelity finish. Also, an electrostatic sticker saves energy and glue, and it is reusable. I think I need some more time to choose the materials, and I will compare them according to various aspects.

1. Cost-effective

2. Ease of operation

3. Durability (wind and rainproof or not)

4. Sustainability

5. Life span

As I enter my third week, I am eager to delve deeper and begin the next phase. But I need to report my progress so far to Gabi at this moment, and hopefully I can get her approval.