Initial Ideas and Concepts

Moving on from the research stage of the project I had to come up with concepts combining ‘reconnecting with nature’ and each design discipline – product design, interior environmental design and digital interaction design. Using the onsite research from Tentsmuir I began sketching out ideas that related to each discipline, and how they would approach it differently.

For Product Design I began by thinking about how such designers would tackle the brief. For example, what products could be created to aid in experiencing nature. From such, I then sketched tables, vases and furniture that could involve nature in some way. Maybe the materials were made from nature or the furniture got people out enjoying nature. I found brainstorming these ideas to be stressful at times. They didn’t become much until I moved onto the simple prototyping stage which allowed me to use paper and card to put together quick and simple models. Creating these allows me to take a step back from the sketchbook and open my mind to other possibilities. For example, I created different variations of chairs and tables that I had sketched, which I then used to create models further developing these designs.

The next discipline I looked into was Interior Design where I looked at various huts and shelters. Similar to product design, I began by brainstorming how interiors can be combined with nature. Starting with classic shelter structures, I decided that I wanted to continue with something different, so I began to research more into modern and unusual shapes. Combined with the research at Tentsmuir, I managed to find locations that would be ideal for an environmentally friendly structure. This assisted in the design, as I was inspired by the surroundings of trees and water.

Finally,  I looked into digital interaction and the way that I can use photography to reconnect with nature. This has been tackled by other designs which helped with where to begin. TV shows like Nature Watch look at how products can be made from simple household objects and cameras, allowing insight into the wildlife that roams around the area. Another project that connects people with nature is #WildOz, which is a link to a 24hr feed that looks at Australian wildlife. It uses the social media platform Twitter as a means of connecting with nature that isn’t local, but as a means of looking at wildlife more exotic in the country of Australia.

This research led to my own ideas for the interaction project. I needed to answer questions like how do I get people to interact with it? Is it fun or informative or both? Is it a physical product or digital based? I had ideas such as a Go Pro style camera that targets nature and wildlife. Other ideas I had didn’t seem to have the wow factor I was looking for.

My next idea was a billboard/ poster that you could interact with on the trail. This could give you information about the site as well as some history of the area. Also, I thought including some games that could help younger kids get interested in nature at a young age. As I continued with this concept it became obvious that I tried to force too much into one idea. So I took a step back and looked at choosing a more specific target market and stopped trying to please everyone.

Interior Environmental Concept Board

Product Design Concept Board

Digital Interaction Concept Board

Personal Inspiration Concept Board