Design

Aim: To identify novel design ideas/solutions to alleviate humanity from this crisis.

 

With an avalanche of information, the news today asks for continuous attention and empathy. And in these times, it’s real we aren’t exactly living in times of utopia. In the following months when all of it is over, while recovering from this pandemic globally the society will suffer a lot from the collateral damage (Eg. Social, Mental, Economic, etc.) that will grip us all. And in times like these, a need for a sense of community empathy becomes even more heightened. And art enables that.

Art has always been utilized as a vital tool of creativity during times of pandemic. To entertain, to console, to connect and give voices to those unheard.

More than ever, we humans are in need of connection especially while practicing voluntary distancing. To believe that we aren’t alone and there are many resonating with the same thoughts, pain, and doubts. Many of us must have stumbled upon people going live and us too sharing our stories on media platforms like Instagram/Facebook/VK etc. People sing, cook, dance and entertain in whatever way possible. The need to hear and tell stories of humanity even stronger than ever.

This 'Call for Ideas Exercise' is to build a space for a positive and uplifting dialogue during this worldwide pandemic. The intent is to endure isolation in these testing times while bringing positivity, well being, empathy and mindfulness collectively to our daily lives through an online community.

 

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Design Space

This space is for design ideas where creatives like you can share design solutions that can be of use to the community. Be it ideas that could possibly reduce the spread when lockdowns are lifted, to help those who are already serving outside risking their lives (Eg. doctors, delivery persons etc.) or ideas that prepare us for the future. 

Design shapes and elevates human living. Every material, texture, colour, building element improves our well being and facilitates an improved social functioning. The designs you are creating are for real people around the world who do not have access to great design or do not have the mindspace currently because of the instability of the situation.

This is only a week long quick think-submit exercise. 

The deliverables will be a set of 'Sketches' or 'Images' or Illustrations' (10 images or less). These can be sent either via email (social@uni.xyz) OR post the same on your social media handle and tag us OR message us on any of the handles below. You can share a description (of about 200words) along with your images that support your design ideas. There is no entry fee or any eligibility criteria. Anyone can submit their ideas that can spread something uplifting through this ever growing community of creatives we are building here.

Email | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

(The solutions can be very conceptual but should be easily demonstrated through a set of 10 images or less. )

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What design problem should I choose?

Anything you wish to design is proposed primarily when there is an issue to solve or one wants to improve on existing conditions. Accordingly you can choose your own issue. But while choosing a problem the design should be applicable to a considerable number of cases around the world. A few of these as examples are listed below:

• How can pharmacy shops or outdoor eating spaces be made safe? (Eg. A safe shop, or a zero contact sales counter)

• Can there be a model where people can donate <> collect supplies, that ensures safety of its driver and people who are using it? (Eg. A Van Design for enabling contactless charity)

• How can hospitals grow scalably where there is a huge need for beds and ventilators that too for a short duration of a month?

• Innovative medical equipment design which people can DIY or mass produce on their own. (Eg. Facemasks, etc.)

• How can we travel without the fear of contagion post quarantine period? How can we ensure that the cabin crew is safe while serving us too?

• What design tools can make this quarantine period fun to learn/connect/grow?

The solutions can be very conceptual and should be easily demonstrated through a set of 10 images or less. Do not make intensive presentation boards but rather use simpler mediums like hand drawn sketches, sketchup models, photographs, etc. Participants are encouraged to explore any medium they feel comfortable.

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Things you should cover in your images: Explain the issue you are solving - What is your design - How will it change existing systems to work better?

The ideas are conceptual and mostly suggestive how architects and designers can help either in the during pandemic situation OR post pandemic situation. Participants are free to interpret and decide their own directions.

Uni editorial is only handling moderation in this exercise. This is not a design competition but a forum to appreciate creative ideas that can alleviate this tough challenge for human kind.

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The submission for this cycle closes on 10th April 2020. We will continue/conclude the cycle based on the responses we receive. 

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Queries? Write to us at social@uni.xyz