"Debrief: A Fusion of Creativity and Reflection,' an immersive showcase celebrating the transformative journeys and exceptional talent of Otago Polytechnic's graduate design students. Through meticulous attention to detail and storytelling, this exhibition offers a profound exploration of the creative process and personal growth. Featuring Communication, Fashion, and Product Design, 'Debrief' invites you to experience the unconventional and inclusive world of design in Dunedin."
The project's theme embodies the transformative journey experienced by students within the design school, highlighting their potential through visually striking manual effects. Drawing inspiration from traditional manual processes, our design methodology utilises malleable materials such as paint, water, ink, and light to depict the dynamic development of the designers. These resources serve as symbolic representations, illustrating the students' creative process' flexibility and adaptability, showcasing their capacity to conceive a wide range of concepts.
With a dedication to experimentation driving their design approach, The primary responsibility shifted to applying these resources consistently across all touch points, ensuring coherence throughout the project. Combining overhead projectors with bowls of water and ink, we created captivating visual effects that transcended conventional boundaries. These meticulously crafted images served as the foundation for our promotional materials, including posters, social media content, merchandise, and publications.
Our colour palette, featuring Adrenaline Orange, Sea Fog Grey, and Basalt Black, was central to the design. Each colour symbolizes our connection to our place of study: orange represents our energy and drive for success, mirroring the journey from sunrise to sunset or the start of a new chapter; Sea Fog Grey embodies the familiarity of Ōtepoti's landscapes and the potential within uncertainty; and Basalt Black signifies the solid foundations and resilience of Otago Polytechnic students.
Ensuring sustainability was a top priority for Debrief. We aimed to break away from conventional methods and redefine spatial experiences with each doorway crossed. To achieve this, we replaced vinyl prints with immersive wall projections, positioning ourselves as pioneers in sustainable design practices. Our decision to forego digital techniques in favour of embracing creative play, interaction, and experimentation reflected not only our commitment to sustainability but also our thematic focus on transformation. By returning to the roots of hands-on exploration, we infused every aspect of the project's design process with a sense of growth, mirroring the essence of our transformative theme.
The goal wasn't just about creating an experience it was about igniting a passion for manual techniques. Nowadays, in our high-tech world, going back to hands-on methods is pretty important. It's a way to feel more connected to what you're creating and to be more mindful of the resources you're using. By promoting the exploration of manual techniques, we're reviving the art of crafting by hand—an endeavour that feels refreshing in today's era of digital dominance.
