Omnu
Service Design
Duration
14 weeks
My Role
Individual/self-driven project
14 weeks
My Role
Individual/self-driven project
Programs Used
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Photoshop
Problem
In the early 2000’s, a new business model emerged within the fashion industry called fast fashion. Fast fashion can also be referred to as disposable clothing or well known international brands such as Forever 21, H&M, Zara, etc. Not only can the thread life of some of these garments be millions of years (some infinite), but the environmental damage caused by production, manufacturing, and distribution is in no way temporary. 95% of this disposable clothing however, can be recycled, upcycled, and or put back into circulation rather than ending up in a landfill. There are ways to keep up with the trend cycles without succumbing to the global chains and the 10% of the world emissions they are responsible for. As the designer, I felt responsible to provide an accessible service for all community members to learn, create, and make a difference.
In the early 2000’s, a new business model emerged within the fashion industry called fast fashion. Fast fashion can also be referred to as disposable clothing or well known international brands such as Forever 21, H&M, Zara, etc. Not only can the thread life of some of these garments be millions of years (some infinite), but the environmental damage caused by production, manufacturing, and distribution is in no way temporary. 95% of this disposable clothing however, can be recycled, upcycled, and or put back into circulation rather than ending up in a landfill. There are ways to keep up with the trend cycles without succumbing to the global chains and the 10% of the world emissions they are responsible for. As the designer, I felt responsible to provide an accessible service for all community members to learn, create, and make a difference.
Solution
The most revolutionary result of this project was the obvious degradation of fast fashion. Second hand clothing comes in many forms; thrift stores, resale applications, social media platforms, etc. The most important aspect of this progression is ensuring these resources local, accessible, and tangible. I designed this service to not only get the community involved, but to educate attendees and followers on the harmful environmental impacts of fast fashion, and how we can alleviate that as consumers through recreation. There is great opportunity provided by swapping garments or utilizing the upcycling station, giving new life or new home to clothing that may be viewed as useless in one’s closet in its current state. Omnu was created in efforts to inspire the community, connect locals, bring awareness, and generate mindful creativity.
The most revolutionary result of this project was the obvious degradation of fast fashion. Second hand clothing comes in many forms; thrift stores, resale applications, social media platforms, etc. The most important aspect of this progression is ensuring these resources local, accessible, and tangible. I designed this service to not only get the community involved, but to educate attendees and followers on the harmful environmental impacts of fast fashion, and how we can alleviate that as consumers through recreation. There is great opportunity provided by swapping garments or utilizing the upcycling station, giving new life or new home to clothing that may be viewed as useless in one’s closet in its current state. Omnu was created in efforts to inspire the community, connect locals, bring awareness, and generate mindful creativity.
Research
This project began by dividing my research categories into four parts: industry, community, environment, and service.
Secondary
I first conducted secondary research regarding the current operations of the fashion industry. I investigated which garments and materials are most harmful, how clothes are made, the relationship between production and consumer, etc. This is what set the stage for the rest of my research and helped me understand the severity of the issue at hand. I then explored already existing alternatives to “buying new”, and the most popular and effective ways to combat these issues on the consumer end.
Primary
The primary research phase consisted of interviews asking students about their shopping and disposal habits. This led to inquiry on how to host a successful clothing swap (especially during a pandemic) keeping sanitization, fairness, and little to no waste in mind.
Service Mapping
From there, I curated upcycle inspiration no-waste event boards, and a list of tools necessary to bring the service to fruition. This was made possible through the use of service design methods such as territory mapping, persona profiles, user journey experiences, and service blueprints. With all of these elements in mind, I designed posters, signage, and social media profiles to visually communicate what this service stands for.
Identity
Omnu was chosen as the service name with the prefix “omni” standing for “everyone or everything” and “nu” representing newness and revival. Omnu’s visual language consisted of elements of nature juxtaposed with the tools necessary to complete an upcycling project.
Learnings
Industry
The research portion of this project was incredibly valuable to the content in which I produced, but also to the way I live my life day to day. My discoveries regarding the fashion industry and the way it functions globally as one of the largest without Much concern for the planet, change my perspective as a consumer entirely. Understanding what fuels the current linear system has left everyone with a huge job to do, that doesn't have to feel like one.
Self Driven Project
This is the first self-driven project that I have ever conducted. As intimidating as it sounded, and as some portions were, I learned so much about self scheduling, effective research, communicative deliverables, and presenting myself and my findings. The creative freedom in tandem with newly learned research skills helped me understand who I am as a designer and how I can clearly communicate what matters to me.
Industry
The research portion of this project was incredibly valuable to the content in which I produced, but also to the way I live my life day to day. My discoveries regarding the fashion industry and the way it functions globally as one of the largest without Much concern for the planet, change my perspective as a consumer entirely. Understanding what fuels the current linear system has left everyone with a huge job to do, that doesn't have to feel like one.
Self Driven Project
This is the first self-driven project that I have ever conducted. As intimidating as it sounded, and as some portions were, I learned so much about self scheduling, effective research, communicative deliverables, and presenting myself and my findings. The creative freedom in tandem with newly learned research skills helped me understand who I am as a designer and how I can clearly communicate what matters to me.
Design Thinking
Putting yourself into the perspective of the user is a difficult task to perform without the proper use of design thinking methods and mapping. I learned that in Service design especially, the varying perspectives and details can (and must) be captured through territory and use mapping. Through these methods I was able to ensure the success of the event before it happened in real time.
Design Skills
As a student and junior designer, I'm constantly absorbing new information and skills. This project in particular led me to find newtechniques regarding poster design, process book presentation, and effective social media branding. I experimented with textures, blending modes, duo tones, and mock ups. I also refined my publication design skills through designing this magazine format process book.