What does sustainability mean in today's society?
How can we as designers make a difference through innovation and creative storytelling to inspire more sustainable behaviour and choices? This was an open brief where we had to develop our own narrative around the theme of living.(Health, Consumption and Environment)
Project by Julia
Insights / Research
Insights / Research
The project focused on tackling the issue of throwaway culture furniture longevity awareness and emotional connections with the aid of graphic design.
Why furniture? According to NEA statistics, Singapore generated around 5.88 million tonnes of solid waste in 2020. Highlighting the urgent need for sustainable design solutions.
Approach
MUJI is a well-loved Japanese brand that has a nod to minimalism and sustainability in its design philosophy. They aim to reduce waste and environmental impact by using eco-friendly materials such as rubber wood, minimizing packaging and promoting the concept of long-lasting, durable products.
Solution
MUJI's Artstyle Moodboard
The decision to use a simple, sketch art style with easy-to-understand expressions for the AR character in the MUJI Timeless project fits well with MUJI's minimalist design aesthetic. Keeping a consistent hairstyle, such as a ponytail, also adds to the character's simplicity and recongnisability.
Exhibition Planning
An exhibition was designed at MUJI Jewel to showcase their sustainability efforts. I developed the floorplan and customers flow using SketchUp and Enscape. Referencing the existing Jewel Changi outlet for the exhibition layout to create a sense of continuity and familiarity for visitors.
Site Visit: Jewel Changi Airport; MUJI
Exhibition Concept
To inspire people to invest in quality furniture that lasts for years, I've created 3 bedrooms with different timelines, each featuring the same MUJI furniture. The purpose is to show how MUJI's furniture is "timeless" and can adapt to different styles and trends over the years. By displaying the same furniture in different contexts, we demonstrate how these pieces can last a lifetime, rather than being disposable.
Signs on how MUJI products is benefiting the earth and what they are doing to help reduce carbon emissions.
The signs would be placed around the exhibition with the products beside it, for the visitors to better understand the product and benefits.
Incorporating AR features engages and showcases different aspects of the furniture, such as the materials used and the manufacturing process to the users.
Users can simply point their device at the stock cutting of the girl and see information pop up about the sustainable materials used, the story behind and tips for maintaining the furniture to extend its lifespan. This would not only educate users about sustainable design but also make them feel more connected to the furniture.
Since the majority of the working population takes public transportation, while waiting the Bus / MRT, they can scan the QR code in the poster, leading them to a short description of where the exhibition is about. Animated graphics of the furniture falling into place, revealing the silhouette. Symbolising that the furniture has become part of her identity with the memories they hold.
In closing, our MUJI Exhibition project is not just about showcasing sustainable design and innovation—it is about inspiring a fundamental shift in our attitudes and behaviors towards consumption. It is a call to action, a reminder that every choice we make has an impact on our planet and future generations.
