Final year project
Kumba kit [Read more]
Kumba kit
72% of menstruating schoolgirls in Zimbabwe do not use sanitary pads because they cannot afford them. Studies also show that 62% of schoolgirls miss a week of school every month due to this.
Kumba Kit, has been designed to give girls between the ages of 11-14 in rural, poverty stricken areas of Zimbabwe, the opportunity to learn how to make their own sanitary pads; in order to fight period poverty and empower these young girls with the knowledge and ability to take control of their lives and feel their best-selves. As a charitable initiative, giving these free packs will be life changing and means these girls will not miss out on life and education.
In the local language, Shona, 'Kumba' means home and carries the essence of a secure, safe, place.
Relaxation station
An experiential journey through a London underground station. Commuters can experience a more calming environment, that reduces stress on a daily basis. Taking the commuter through a journey from the entrance to the platform, gradually surrounding them in nature, scenery and sound. Allowing them to escape the negative thoughts they would usually feel in the underground, and feel transported out of their urban environment into an exotic immersive environment; in a way that does not disrupt the processes and fast-moving environment of the station. This scene shows a passage way just before the commuter reaches the platform. The nature projections are shone onto the walls and onto the floor. When a commuter walks through it they are also ‘touched’ by the projection. This is done to create a more immersive experience without it being distracting and dangerous. This immersive experience also includes ambience sounds.
Sol
A vitamin D product in the form of drops. This branding and packaging product is aimed at females between the ages of 13-30. With the Vitamin D deficiency on the rise, and studies showing the decrease of Seasonal Affective Disorder when Vitamin D is at optimum levels in the body; I wanted this product to shine light on its importance for mental health. The aim, to empower women to live healthier, happier lives and to support, recharge and uplift their mind, body and soul.
Kumba Kit: open package
The kit opens with a welcoming message, one that personifies an empowered girl receiving knowledge. It explains that a period is normal and nothing to be ashamed of; and further explains what is included in the kit and how it will help them.
Kumba Kit: girl using kit
Relaxation station: scenery leading off escalator
Leading off a green stepped escalator, is a green tree trunk painted onto the floor - leading up to the wall, where lies a projection of the rest of the tree, some other vegetation and an animated bird. The bird is animated to repeatedly fly in the direction the commuter will go, in this case to the left, and where the next scene is. Slight bird sounds are introduced here (this being the second stage of the commuter's journey).
Relaxation Station: Platform
This projected scenery is animated and shows the plantation swiftly swaying through the wind and the birds singing. The swaying is then intensified, creating an impression that this is being caused by the approaching train. The birds will also fly away. Giving the sense that the scenery is physically there with the commuter.
Sol: closed packaging
I wanted to enhance the idea of allowing women to feel great on the inside and their beauty and happiness glowing from the inside out.
Tiana Raftopoulou
I strive to focus on design that creates a meaningful connection, evoking emotion. Design that enables an individual to feel what is being communicated.
I have developed a passion for Campaigns, Packaging and Experiential Design. Using the tool of design, I try to create a positive and emotional connection with the audience. I believe that this years' projects portray this.
My placement year and subsequent freelance work taught me to prioritise my work and to deal with multi-faceted company demands. I am a quick learner and a team player, able to adjust quickly to changing demands. I look to pursue a career in User Experience Design.
Dissertation
The role of design in Extinction Rebellion
Final year project
Kumba kit
Awards
'20 Diploma in Professional Studies
Experience
During my placement I also did digital marketing work for a company called PayBay SA, a payment service provider based in South Africa. I initiated campaigns and did the design work for these campaigns.
Part time during my studies I also worked as a Design and Communications Manager at Tranwall. An Australian based company that creates transaction control software. Here I learned about this specific industry and the skills to communicate and understand company systems virtually.
Placements
July 2018 - August 2019
Digital Marketing , Cassava Remit