Meet the Young Leaders of the New Activist Design Movement
&Play
As a purpose-driven company we’re always on the hunt for the best new talent. So for our &Play outing we decided to check out the summer graduate shows to see what is inspiring and challenging the incoming generation of designers.
At both we noticed something: the kids are on it! We saw projects trying to solve the plastics crisis, and others integrating calm and wellbeing into our stressed and anxious lives. Here we meet and explore the work of a new crop of bright graduates committed to designing a better, fairer and more sustainable future.
B.Light
Cassie Mai Aspden
Falmouth University, Sustainable Product Design BA (Hons)
When working in a space that doesn’t get enough natural light, one can begin to lose track of time, motivation and productivity. To solve the mental health and wellbeing implications of working in windowless environments, Cassie designed B.Light — a window that mimics the natural daylight cycle through Arduino Technology. The B. stands for Biophilic, an innovative design movement that aims to incorporate nature into our built environment. The laser-cut, plywood branches included in the window reinforce the sense of being connected to the natural surroundings.
“I believe the more we connect ourselves with nature, whether that being simply having a plant on our desk, or walking in the park at lunchtime, the more people will care and look after our environment.”
To find out more, visit: www.cassiemai.com
Drawn the Short Straw
James Hardy
Northumbria University, Graphic Design BA (Hons)
Even though straws amount to a small fraction of plastic in the ocean, their size makes them one of the most insidious polluters. They entangle marine animals and are consumed by fish. Drawn the Short Straw is an award-winning poster campaign that raises awareness to the harm these unnecessary products inflict on the marine environment. While researching the topic, James uncovered a number of alarming facts and statistics — the three most striking where then communicated through posters.
“As environmental issues escalate, I feel it’s the job of designers to raise awareness and to educate people on how they can become involved and do their bit.”
To find out more, visit: jameshardy.myportfolio.com
ethic*
Lucy Richardson
Arts University Bournemouth, Graphic Design BA (Hons)
The ethic* app informs consumers on the ethical score of different brands. It applies a rating system, developed by the Ethical Consumer Research Association, which evaluates brands in five main areas: environment, people, animals, politics and product sustainability. Depending on their performance — which is measured from 0 to 20 — a brand receives one or more segments that compose the shape of an asterisk. Lucy’s ambition is to make every consumer aware of brands’ principles and morals, through an independent and clear index.
“If the new wave of designers has the ethos of making everything we create as socially conscious as possible, I think we’ll all be on the right track.”
To find out more, visit: lucyrichardson.myportfolio.com
