Minor Project - MANKNOTS

04/24/2024 - //2023 / Week 1 - Week 14

Hayato Saito / 0350466

Minor Project / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media 

MANKNOTS - Group 2

---

INSTRUCTIONS

LECTURE

Tasks

I joined the group for the clients called MANKNOTS. They sell the hair band for the man with long hair. Since I used to have really long hair and I still do have long hair (not as long as it used to be) so I thought I could use that experiences for this projects. We got 3 graphic designers, 2 UI/UX designers and 2 Digital Animation designers including me.

Contextual Studies

First thing we had to do was contexual studies and these are the comments Mr. Mike left the directions in order to start researching.

Human-centered design is all about talking with people about their challenges, ambitions, and constraints. But as we move through the Empathy phase, there will be moments where we’ll need more context, history, or data than a man-on-the-street style interview can afford. Social sector challenges can be really thorny, which is why Secondary Research, whether done online, by reading articles, reports, or by crunching numbers, can help us ask the right questions.

1. Once we know the design challenge, it’s time to start learning about its broader context. We can quickly explore the most recent news in the field. Use the Internet, newspapers, magazines, or journals to know what’s new.

2. Try to find recent innovations in our particular area. They could be technological, behavioral, or cultural. Understanding the edge of what’s possible will help us ask great questions.

3. Take a look at other solutions in our area. Which ones worked? Which ones didn’t? Are there any that feel similar to what we might design? Any solutions that have inspired us to make one of our own?

and these pictures below are our contexual studies

Fig1.1 Contextual Studies 1

Fig1.2 Contextual Studies 2

Fig1.3 Contextual Studies 3

Fig1.4 Contextual Studies 4

Fig1.5 Contextual Studies 5

Fig1.6 Contextual Studies 6

Fig1.7 Contextual Studies 7

After we finished contextual researches, we decided to do interview and online survey. General questions for online survey, deeper questions for interview. 

Fig2.1 Survey Draft

Fig2.2 Interview Draft and first finalized draft

We received a total of 31 respondents for our survey and we conducted a total of 12 interviews. With our data, we went into Insights Discovery. Here, we listed down the various observations that we made as a result of the research methods then categorised them into key themes with the help of our lecturer, Mr Mike.

Fig.2.3 Insights Discovery

With our insight statements, we worked together to figure out the problem statement as well as the 3 how might we questions.

Fig.2.4 The Problem Statement and The 3 How Might We Questions

After receiving our feedback and adjusting accordingly, we split up into two groups with one focusing on coming up with the moodboard and eventually the art direction & the other focusing on compiling all the results of our research into presentation slides.

Fig.2.5 Moodboard

With the art direction and slides done, we had our first proposal meeting with the client, Mr Damien along with other groups present.


Proposal slides

Fig.2.6 Proposal Slides

The feedback to our proposal was mostly positive with our advice being to tap more into the aspect of the effects of covid on men deciding to grow out their hair.


Final Outcome Process

After gathering to discuss our next steps, we decided to put our efforts into social media promotion as well as selling the products on a dedicated website.

Fig.2.7 Content Moodboard

Final presentation slides

Fig.2.8 Final Presentation Slides

---

REFLECTION

Participating in the minor project with Manknots allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, highlighting the importance of clear client communication and understanding needs. Working in a team taught me to allocate roles effectively and foster a collaborative environment.

Market research was crucial for understanding the competitive landscape and crafting a cohesive brand identity that reflected Manknots' values. Creative problem-solving and adaptability were key in overcoming challenges and balancing aesthetics with functionality.

Applying branding theories practically reinforced their relevance, while using design and marketing tools honed my technical skills. Effective time management and detailed project planning ensured we met deadlines and prioritized tasks.

Overall, this project significantly enhanced my professional skills, boosting my confidence in client interactions and teamwork. The hands-on experience was invaluable, providing lessons that will benefit my future career.