Sara Almudhaf

Abstract

As the fields of graphic and packaging design continue to evolve, it is important to keep their applications sustainable and green. Unaware graphic and packaging designers need to have an easy-to-comprehend source of information about sustainability. Developing an educational information graphics guidebook prototype has potential to serve as a unique tool for understanding the need for sustainable packaging design. The purpose of it is to eases the understanding of a complex system and enables users to discover relationships and connections among design, economy, environment, and society.

This prototype project involved designing a comprehensive sustainability symbol set where no satisfactory symbol set existed. The symbol set is intended to simplify the basics of sustainable packaging design for international audiences through educational information graphics content. A survey was conducted to gather over 600 symbols from royalty free sources. After the collection was refined and evaluated, during the design process, sketches for the symbol set were created using feedback from advisors, consultants, professionals, and students. Using biomimicry, the "golden ratio" was adapted as a grid system for unity, solidity, and effective use of space and ink.

The second part of this project outlines a model for the guidebook's content. The first section was developed as a theoretical base to see the relationships, interaction, and connections between packaging design, related systems, networks, and the people involved. Section 2 of the table of contents provides a road map for the reader. In particular serves as a practical guide for the specific culture of Kuwait, as a case study. This section provided the big picture for the context of Kuwait, recommended sustainable strategies for consumer acceptance and adaptability based on four survey results. This research intends to benefit graphic design educators, researchers, professionals, and students.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Packaging--Design--Environmental aspects--Study and teaching; Sustainable design--Handbooks, manuals, etc.; Packaging--Design--Environmental aspects--Kuwait--Case studies

Publication Date

12-19-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Visual Communication Design (MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

School of Design (CIAS)

Advisor

Nancy A. Ciolek

Advisor/Committee Member

Lorrie Frear

Advisor/Committee Member

Chris Jackson

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at TS171.4 .S56 2014

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

VISCOM-MFA

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