Product Design

Sustainability Frameworks Card Deck.

Challenge: Designers in the 21st century need a way to recall and learn about sustainable practices.

Solution: Design an informational card deck on sustainability frameworks.

My Role.

The lead designer. I was assigned to conduct research and create a deck of 16 cards to include a title and a what’s included card.

Research & Analysis.

In my pursuit of understanding sustainability practices and frameworks, I embarked on a comprehensive research journey. I delved into peer-reviewed academic journals, industry reports, and reputable online resources to gain a multifaceted perspective on the subject. By scrutinizing the latest developments in environmental science, business strategies, and policy initiatives, I was able to distill a nuanced understanding of sustainability principles.

Engaging with case studies and real-world implementations further enriched my research, allowing me to appreciate the practical implications of various sustainability frameworks. This extensive exploration has equipped me with the knowledge and insight necessary to advocate for and implement sustainable practices in diverse contexts. I was now ready to decide which sustainability frameworks I wanted to include in my deck.

Framework & Photo Selection.

Using Adobe Photostock, I searched for appropriate images to use with each sustainable framework. Once licensed, I pulled the images into Adobe Photoshop, adjusted them to greyscale, and cropped them. I chose to make the images black and white because, while they are important for users to identify what each card is about, I didn’t want the focus to be on the image.

Color Pallet.

When choosing colors to reflect a sustainable vibe, I decided to use bright pink and turquoise to convey a sense of joy and vitality. As the mix between red's passion and white's purity, pink symbolizes love, nurture and compassion. It evokes feelings of comfort, warmth and hope. Pink is also a sign of good health with the phrase “in the pink.” It symbolizes success in the expression that “everything is rosy” and happiness with “tickled pink.” Turquoise embodies feelings of balance, growth, and tranquility.

By combining these vibrant hues, I aimed to evoke a feeling of optimism and energy, mirroring the spirit of sustainable living and a harmonious relationship with the environment. These colors not only symbolize a zest for life but also convey a commitment to preserving the natural world, making them a fitting choice for promoting sustainability and eco-consciousness.

Typography.

Combining the strong, geometric forms of Bauhaus 93 with the clean, modern lines of Calibri creates a striking and harmonious typographic pairing. Bauhaus 93's bold, art-deco-inspired letterforms bring a sense of drama and visual impact, while Calibri's sleek and neutral design provides a balanced and legible counterpoint.

The contrast between the two typefaces allows for clear hierarchies and visual interest in design layouts, making them an ideal choice for creating dynamic and modern visual compositions. Whether used for headers and subheadings or body text and callouts, the combination of Bauhaus 93 and Calibri offers a versatile and engaging typographic palette that works well for use in the card deck.

Card Box.

In creating the box layout for the sustainable card deck in Adobe Illustrator, I approached the design with a focus on sustainability and functionality. I incorporated eco-friendly materials such as recyclable cardboard and soy-based inks to minimize environmental impact. The box features a minimalist yet elegant design, with clean lines and a QR code to learn more about the eco-conscious ethos of the product.

The layout includes space-efficient compartments for the cards, ensuring a snug fit while minimizing excess material usage. Additionally, I would like to incorporate a reusable closure mechanism, such as a paper sleeve or elastic band, to eliminate the need for disposable plastic wrapping. Overall, the box layout embodies the brand's commitment to sustainability while providing a practical and visually appealing solution for storing the card deck.

Information and Challenge.

I meticulously created the layout for the back of the deck of cards about sustainability frameworks by amalgamating bright pink and turquoise, enhancing the visual appeal while symbolizing the vibrancy of sustainable practices. The choice of the typeface Bauhaus 93 adds a modern and artistic touch, infusing the design with a sense of innovation and creativity. To ensure readability and clarity, I incorporated Calibri as the secondary typeface, striking a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Incorporated in each card is a description of the framework and a challenge for how to apply the framework. This deliberate arrangement aims to capture attention, reinforce the theme of sustainability, and provide an engaging visual experience for the users.

Titles and Imagery.

Sustainability Frameworks:

  • Living Principles

  • Triple Bottom Line

  • Life Cycle Analysis

  • Global Reporting Initiative

  • Designing Backwards

  • Corporate Social Responsibility Report

  • Designers Accord

  • Cradle to Cradle

  • Design for Disassembly

  • Up Cycle

  • Repair

  • Sharing Economy

  • Greenwashing

  • Biomimicry

  • Circular Economy

Final Product.

Introducing the Sustainable Framework Cards
Transforming complex sustainability concepts into a tangible, accessible tool, the sustainability framework cards designed by Ashley Porter serve as a comprehensive guide for organizations and individuals navigating the sustainability landscape. Each card encapsulates a specific facet of sustainability, from environmental stewardship to social responsibility and governance, providing users with a holistic understanding of the interconnected elements of sustainable practices. With visually striking designs and clear, concise explanations, these cards facilitate productive discussions and decision-making processes, empowering users to integrate sustainability into their operations with confidence and clarity. Whether used in boardrooms, classrooms, or community meetings, these framework cards are an invaluable asset for fostering a culture of sustainability and driving meaningful change.