An Ancient Reptile
Narrative Information Design
Tuatara are rare, medium-sized reptiles often described as a living fossil from the dinosaur age. They are only found in New Zealand, making them a native species. Once found all over New Zealand, they now only survive on offshore islands due to predators being introduced to the mainland.
The plight of an endangered native species in New Zealand is the subject of this research project. The aim was to present gathered research in the form of visualised data in an information narrative. The outcome was to develop a compelling narrative using statistics, facts and context using visualised data, maps, diagrams and symbols. The aim was to condense a large amount of information into a clear, accurate and easily understood form.
The plight of an endangered native species in New Zealand is the subject of this research project. The aim was to present gathered research in the form of visualised data in an information narrative. The outcome was to develop a compelling narrative using statistics, facts and context using visualised data, maps, diagrams and symbols. The aim was to condense a large amount of information into a clear, accurate and easily understood form.
I chose to portray the researched information through beer packaging design, allowing me to create my own brand. I was very fortunate for there to be an already established beer company, Tuatara, who surrounds their brand around this native species. The Tuatara Brewery packaging allowed me to gain an understanding about the content, layout and flow of the packaging, from the box to the bottle. This inspired the visual elements as well as the style of my design aesthetic.
Through the packaging I aimed to raise awareness surrounding the tuatara. From research I decided to call my company Third Eye Brewing Co. because of the tuatara main distinguishing feature. To showcase the history the beer cans and packaging are named An Ancient Reptile.
From my research of existing beer companies a lot of designs were quite bold and colourful. From this I was inspired to create a design aesthetic that portrayed the natural environment of the tuatara using coloured tones that come from the tuatara itself. Creating an aesthetic that is more toned down compared to existing precedents, making it clean and crisp to best express the information design narrative allowed me to have a cohesive aesthetic design throughout all my elements with a clear visual journey.
From my research of existing beer companies a lot of designs were quite bold and colourful. From this I was inspired to create a design aesthetic that portrayed the natural environment of the tuatara using coloured tones that come from the tuatara itself. Creating an aesthetic that is more toned down compared to existing precedents, making it clean and crisp to best express the information design narrative allowed me to have a cohesive aesthetic design throughout all my elements with a clear visual journey.
As my target audience is 18+, I wanted there to be an element of maturity within it through visual information. I tried to limit the use of text with imagery being the most important. I wanted the text to be a quick read, with the ability to gaze over it and gain an immediate understanding.
I aimed for there to be a journey throughout these elements. These being beer box packaging, the beer cans, and coasters. The design elements on the beer box packaging portrays the lifestyle of the tuatara, including their reproduction, conservation status, habitat and their predators. The beer cans portray tuatara characteristics and interesting facts. The beer coasters are an element of informational fun which include multiple choice questions and answers.
I aimed for there to be a journey throughout these elements. These being beer box packaging, the beer cans, and coasters. The design elements on the beer box packaging portrays the lifestyle of the tuatara, including their reproduction, conservation status, habitat and their predators. The beer cans portray tuatara characteristics and interesting facts. The beer coasters are an element of informational fun which include multiple choice questions and answers.
Year
2020 Third Year
2020 Third Year
School
Massey University, Wellington School of Design
Massey University, Wellington School of Design
