ABOUT THE PROJECT
In our subconsciousness, the word “outcast” always associates with negative connotations. However, in many cases, it could be a beneficial experience and have a positive impact on people. I had an outcast experience when I was younger, and as I grew up, I became a better person because of embracing my experience. It was also partially the reason I chose this particular topic. I also wanted to dedicate my project to those whom either had or are currently undergoing the experience of being outcasts.
Personally, I believe that all of us at some point in our lives, have moments of feeling like outcasts; for instance, when we move to another city, switch to a new job, or place ourselves in certain positions. I hope that my audience will be able to understand that being an outcast could be a good thing. Since it could happen to anyone of us, I hope we would be more supportive of each other. After all, no one has to be a loner in society.
VULNERABLE
The Story
“I have been a shy person all my life. It was very hard for me to start everything over in a new country. Not only have I had trouble communicating with others, but I also didn’t have the courage to speak my mind due to the lack of confidence. It got better when I entered University. However, when I feel nervous, the feelings I had in the past years come back and haunts me. I became more considerate and understanding when I interact with people. I also feel stronger and more confident now. I believe in facing your weaknesses instead of running away from it, and working to improve on them.”
— D. T.
Form
The form and structure were limited by the fragile nature of the symbolic object. I played with different folding techniques, and eventually settled with this form, which complimented the shape of the bulb as well as properly protected it. The folding technique of this packaging provides better protection for the symbolic object, which is a light bulb. The form captures the delicate nature of vulnerability.
Colour
The exterior was white, which represented the vulnerable feeling of being an outcast. The interior was a warm and soft orange colour, which symbolized the positive transformation.
The form and structure were limited by the fragile nature of the symbolic object. I played with different folding techniques, and eventually settled with this form, which complimented the shape of the bulb as well as properly protected it. The folding technique of this packaging provides better protection for the symbolic object, which is a light bulb. The form captures the delicate nature of vulnerability.
Colour
The exterior was white, which represented the vulnerable feeling of being an outcast. The interior was a warm and soft orange colour, which symbolized the positive transformation.
White
According to my research about the psychology of colour, the colour of white reflects purity, and has an innocent feel to it. As a clear and simple colour, it is easy to create warm-soft colour combinations with other warm tones. The pure and innocent perspective of white conveys the idea of vulnerability.
Orange
Orange is a clear, bright, soft tone, friendly and free. It is ideal for this specific story, and creates a comfort and positive experience when audiences interact with the package. As it has a domestic, familiar feel, it works well in the packaging of everyday goods, which in my case is the light bulb.
The Light Bulb
Light bulbs are usually very fragile objects, which need extra attention in terms of properly protecting them by using packaging. The delicate nature of them could represent the sense of vulnerability. They also are a symbol for light, which could represent the personal transformation and positive outcome. In order to make the message more personal and sympathetic, the word “vulnerable” was in lowercase and hand written onto the bulb. After opening the package and revealing the light bulb inside, the audience would see the word and make connections between the package and the story of outcast experience.
Light bulbs are usually very fragile objects, which need extra attention in terms of properly protecting them by using packaging. The delicate nature of them could represent the sense of vulnerability. They also are a symbol for light, which could represent the personal transformation and positive outcome. In order to make the message more personal and sympathetic, the word “vulnerable” was in lowercase and hand written onto the bulb. After opening the package and revealing the light bulb inside, the audience would see the word and make connections between the package and the story of outcast experience.
Typography
In order to tell the story without creating too much distraction from the form of the packaging, I chose a more reader-friendly typeface, which was Helvetica Neue. Since my concept was all about making connections between an audience and the storytelling of the real experience, I chose a hand-written type of typeface for the person’s initial, which humanized the story.
In order to tell the story without creating too much distraction from the form of the packaging, I chose a more reader-friendly typeface, which was Helvetica Neue. Since my concept was all about making connections between an audience and the storytelling of the real experience, I chose a hand-written type of typeface for the person’s initial, which humanized the story.
Pattern
To enhance my narrative, I used different patterns for each of the packages; however, all of the patterns were actually based on a spiral shape. In this case, not only had the intricate spiral pattern helped with storytelling, it also represented the positive impact and the keyword, which was vulnerable. By revealing the bulb through the hand-cut pattern, I tried to create an illusion of insecurity, which made the package look more vulnerable.
To enhance my narrative, I used different patterns for each of the packages; however, all of the patterns were actually based on a spiral shape. In this case, not only had the intricate spiral pattern helped with storytelling, it also represented the positive impact and the keyword, which was vulnerable. By revealing the bulb through the hand-cut pattern, I tried to create an illusion of insecurity, which made the package look more vulnerable.
Spiral Shape
The spiral shape suggests the process of growth and evolution. It also represents transformation. The clockwise spirals suggest projection of an intention, and the counter wise spirals represent the fulfillment of an intention. As a result, I used both clockwise and counter wise spirals for all my pattern designs.
AWKWARD
The Story
“At work, when people are talking about a specific subject that I have no knowledge of, it makes me feel awkward that I couldn’t participate in the conversation. It made me curious about the subject. Later on, I would do some research regarding the topic so I actually learned something new. We do it all the time to others, so it’s ok to be an outcast sometimes.”
— M.M.
Form
The form and structure reflected the awkwardness of both the symbolic object and the outcast experience. The concept was to design a package that could not be opened without completely destroying it, and could not be set down properly on any surface. It made the viewer experience of the package awkward in terms of trying to read the story and see the symbolic object inside. I played with different shapes, and eventually settled with this form, which was a much more interesting design solution.
Colour
The exterior was light grey, which represent the awkward feeling of being an outcast. The interior was a light blue colour, which represent the positive transformation.
Why Light Grey
Grey is a very neutral colour. I found it was very appropriate to use as the colour for representing social outcast. It creates the impression of subtleness, which could relate to the desire of getting along and seeking sense of belonging. For the entire series of packages, the exterior colours were a range of different greys, which stared with white and ended with black.
Why Blue
The light blue is a cool and soft colour, which has a steady and gentle image, with a cultured feeling. General speaking, blue is the colour that symbolized wisdom. In this case, from not knowing to understanding, the soft blue showed the positive transformation with a refreshing quality and neatness.
The Clay
To represent awkwardness, I wanted to use an object that had no meaning or no one could understand what it was. Then, I came across a piece of white air-dry clay, and I held it in my hand and squeezed it. In order to capture the awkward and frustrating feeling of not knowing certain things, it was purposely shaped into this form in white colour, which represents the innocence of unwareness. The symbolic object has no common knowledge associated with it. It is not supposed to be understandable.
Typography
In order to tell the story without creating too much distraction from the form of the packaging, I chose a more reader-friendly typeface, which was Helvetica Neue. Since my concept was all about making connections between audience and the storytelling of the real experience, I chose a hand-written type of typeface for the person’s initial, which made the story more like a personal message to viewers. On the symbolic object, the handwritten word “awkward” humanizes the narrative, as well as makes the message much more personal.
Pattern
To enhance the narrative, I used different patterns for each of the packages; however, all of the patterns were actually based on a spiral shape. In this case, not only had the intricate spiral pattern helped with storytelling, it also reflected the keyword, which was awkward. The purpose of this hand-cut pattern is to make viewer experience with the package awkward, in terms of trying to read the story and see the symbolic object inside. By revealing the clay through the pattern without being able to access it, the overall views would be awkward.
ALONE
The Story
“In high school, it was really hard for me to make friends. For some reason, I didn’t know which clique to join, and I was not athletic enough to be just ‘generally popular’. I felt like an outcast, and all alone because I didn’t belong to any group. It made me think more about the people I wanted to be around, and the person I wanted to be. Nothing is forever. You will find your place or group where you belong, and if not, who cares?”
— E.C
Form
The form represented the loneliness of both the symbolic object and the outcast experience, which inspired the packaging design. By creating tall, thin and narrow shapes, I intended to capture the sad perspective of loneliness and the elegant side of “who cares”. I played with different shapes, and eventually settled with this form. The way the package opened, it created an element of surprise, which also captures the unexpected “who cares” response of the experience.
Colour
The exterior was medium grey, which represents the lonely perspective of the outcast experience. The interior colour was a refreshing light green, which symbolizes the positive transformation and the cool “who cares” response to the lonely situation.
Why Green
The light green colour evokes the image of youth, fresh, health and gentle. It is a clear colour— crystalline, refreshing, and pure. It also has a cool quality, and the pale tone gives it an innocent, supple and neat feeling. It would give people a charming impression.
The Pearl
To represent “alone”, I wanted to use a single object, which originally was supposed to be a pair or more than just one. First, I wanted to use one pearl earring, however, I eventually decided to use one pearl instead. I was really inspired by the phrase, “who cares”, and wanted to somehow emphasis on this free-spirited response to the outcast experience. When one tiny pearl was held in a big box, it created an impression of loneliness. Pearls are also associated with value, which I thought it would be appropriate to represent this person as well as the positive impact from outcast experience.
Typography
In order to tell the story without creating too much distraction from the form of the packaging, I chose a more reader-friendly typeface, which was Helvetica Neue. Since my concept was all about making connections between audience and the storytelling of the real experience, I chose a handwritten type of typeface for the person’s initial, which made the story more like a personal message to viewers. The word “alone” was handwritten on the pearl to humanize the narrative and make the message personal.
Pattern
To enhance the narrative, I used different patterns for each of the packages; however, all of the patterns were actually based on a spiral shape. In this case, not only had the intricate floral-styled pattern helped with storytelling, it also reflected the transportation. By revealing the interior colour of the packaging through the hand-cut pattern, it gave the box a fresher and softer look.
SELF-CONSCIOUS
The Story
“When I was in elementary school, I had some friends but I got teased a lot by my classmates. It made me sad and I always felt self-conscious. It actually made me more outgoing today and appreciative of my friends. I also try not to make other people feel like an outcast.Just know that it won’t last forever. Reach out to friends and family if you continue to feel rejected. You should always be able to lean on them for support.”
— E.K.
Form
To represent self-conscious, the exterior of the package should to be as plain and unnoticeable as possible, and the interior is gradually transformed. This package contains another three packages inside. Together, they represent the process of overcoming the outcast experience. The exterior is dull and ordinary. To represent the transformation, interior packages gradually reveal more and more pattern and the colour.
Colour
The exterior was dark grey, which represented the outcast experience. The interior was light yellow. Yellow symbolized peace and self-esteem, and it represented the positive transformation.
Why Yellow
The light yellow colour evokes a sense of wholesomeness, freedom, and a friendly feeling. It is a familiar sight in our environment. Light and soft in tone, it is appealing and peaceful, which captures the positive outcome of the outcast experience.
Pattern
Psychologically, spiral shapes suggest process of evolution, which could represent the positive impact. The purpose of this hand-cut pattern is to gradually reveal all of the inner layers.
The Pocket Mirror
Mirrors allowed people to see their own reflections. A pocket mirror could represent the sense of self-consciousness, as well as longing for recognition from people and a place in the society.
Typography
In order to tell the story without creating too much distraction from the form of the packaging, I chose a more reader-friendly typeface, which was Helvetica Neue. Since my concept was all about making connections between audience and the storytelling of the real experience, I chose to a handwritten type of typeface for the person’s initial, which made the story more like a personal message to viewers. The word “self-conscious” was handwritten on the pearl to humanize the narrative and make the message personal.
DEPRESSED
The Story
“I’m from a middle-class family, and my parents wanted to provide me with the best education that they could afford. Thus, I went to a private high school, where all my classmates were from wealthy families. I had no friends, and I felt really disconnected with my peers. I was depressed during my entire high school career. After this experience, I know how it feels as an outcast. Now, whenever I see someone that is alone or left out, I would make a special effort to get to know that person and make friends with them.”
— Y. S.
Form
To capture a depressed impression, the exterior of the package should convey a depressed look and feel. With the hand-cut pattern showing the interior, the connection and contrast between the outcast experience and positive impact were subtle, yet engaging. The structure and the wrinkled surface create an illusion as if the box had been squashed. It captures the depressed sensation of desperation.
Colour
The exterior was black, which represents depression. The interior was a silver colour, which symbolizes the value and pride. The contrast between exterior and interior captures the process of overcoming the social outcast experience.
Why Silver
The color silver is associated with meanings of sophistication, represented in tenderness, kindness and sensitivity. It had cool properties like grey, but is livelier. Silver was a precious metal and, like gold, often symbolizes riches and wealth. Silver was believed to be a mirror to the soul, helping people to see themselves as others see them. In this case, becoming a better person is much more valuable than money.
Typography
In order to tell the story without creating too much distraction from the form of the packaging, I chose a more reader-friendly typeface, which was Helvetica Neue. Since my concept was all about making connections between audience and the storytelling of the real experience, I chose to a handwritten type of typeface for the person’s initial, which made the story more like a personal message to viewers. The word “depressed” was handwritten on the pearl to humanize the narrative and make the message personal.
The Spoon
The phrase “born with silver spoon in the mouth” refers to social status as well as the difference between being rich and poor. To create a contrast, the wooden spoon represents the common middle-class.
Pattern
Psychologically, spiral shapes suggest process of evolution, which could represent the positive outcome. The purpose of this hand-cut pattern is to emphasis the illusion of being squashed and going to fall apart.
POSTERS
PROCESS BOOK
