QUT Design For Good Project for TradeMutt

Project Title: THE KENNEL
Project Designers: Julian Cavallo, Kartya Smithers, Joel Flaherty, Li-ling Hsu, Lucas Dods, Nathan Barradas 

 

Our concept - The Kennel is to be a place for people to feel safe and begin to make it easier to start a conversation about mental health. A conversation to build understanding and have a bit of fun! The design problem we identified from listening to Ed and Dan was that the workplace is tough, and tradies need to be able to talk about it onsite and offsite. Our solution is the Trade Mutt Kennel. A mobile event hub designed to allow people to gather and talk about mental health in a safe and fun space.

During the design process we explored many ideas ranging from a Food Van to a Trade Mutt App that had links the various services you provide. We initially wanted to bring the conversation to the worksite and deal with the problem directly with the Food Van. However, during our design process we spoke to some tradies around QUT to see what they deal with on a daily basis. We found that tradies already brought or had easy access to food, but have little to no time to discuss personal issues on a busy worksite. So instead of bringing the conversation to work we decided bring the conversation outside of work hours, during the time where they are most relaxed and open.

Through this concept we want to create a point of gathering for tradies and the community to talk about mental health in a safe and comfortable environment; a space that will make the invisible impossible to ignore. The Kennel will be set up at community events such as weekend footy, musters and music festivals. Like the Trade Mutt Shirts, the unmissable camo will be wrapped on The Kennel to attract people for cheap food, drinks and good music that will start a conversation about mental health amongst the community. By creating a space at community events, it also allows Trade Mutt to interact with the tradies direct support network and spread the message even further.

Mental health is a huge problem and it does not discriminate for anyone. We believe The Kennel will be a great way to continue Trade Mutt's amazing work. It will also allow them to continue with their awesome shirt designs while also expanding their organisation and further promoting the conversation of mental health amongst the community.