Supervisor:
Hilde Angelfoss
Materials play a central role in Design and are used with intention: they dictate shape, performance and communicate through sensory qualities. As the search of fossil-fuel alternatives grows, the use of biomaterials has expanded, although practical design framework remains little.
This project explores how the characteristics of an unconventional material like grass, can define design constraints and opportunities. Through hands-on experimentation, a binder-free, mouldable material that can degrade naturally was obtained. Revealing potential in pressing matters such as plastic use in agriculture and packaging.
By designing two illustrative products in each matter, a nursery tray and ski packaging, I explored the potential of grass fibres as a material for product design, where product lifecycle and communication were key considerations:
Plant propagation products are plastic containers were seeds grow into seedlings before they are transplanted to their final location. They are disposed of after use. During the transplant, the rich root structure may be damaged, and plastic fragments may remain present in the soil.
In my concept, the nursery tray has puncturing holes between each cell, so the user can “break” a cavity and transplant the seedling, together with the grass cell, directly to the destination. This makes the product versatile from a collection of cavities to individuals.
Since each individual cell can be planted, no transplant means no damage in the roots. Positioning the material as a cradle for a new cycle. In addition, no waste is created.
The concept is compatible with a circular economy: the material is a by-product from a refinery process of farmland and finds a valuable use in agriculture (a cradle to a new cycle) before it returns to the soil, closing a cycle.
Upcoming regulations and a ban on plastic packaging, position the material as worth exploring for Packaging Design. The choice of materials in packaging design plays a role not only in the physical and experiential traits of it but, it also helps create a user experience.
A material driven design methodology was used to understand how the material performs and communicates. This positioned the material within the packaging industry and defined the kind of products, environment, and brands it would be attractive to as a material. Under the idea of contrast, I targeted products that are the opposite of my passive yet, solemn material, products with provocative attributes.
The analysis led me to EVI Skis, a ski manufacturer with a circular and only on demand production model. The study case continued by a simple iterative design approach to the skis’ needs for shipping. Resulting in packaging inserts that tighten the skis together while limiting their movement inside a box. Their bold shape and material characteristics match the brand message and product identity.
Contact
Mariona Riera Herranz / 97rieramariona@gmail.com