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My diploma project provided me the opportunity to address useful utilization of paper waste, extending its life cycle and thereby giving it a new form and function. The project made me explore the possibilities of using paper as a material having the unique quality of being recycled back to its original state. Xylem is a paper craft company working with the concept of re-use and re-cycle of non-conventional materials and offer quirky product range to the niche market which include stationery products, festival decorations, surface development etc . There was openness towards experimentation and exploration in terms of both material and technique, using die-cut, lamination and creasing machine etc besides the use of textile techniques with unconventional textile materials. The design process was carried out in three stages; formulation of the technique, form and material exploration and product development. Following this process and techniques of folding, book binding, pleating, weaving, stitching and tile making, four product ranges were developed. They included office accessories for storage (pencil stand, file cabinet, etc), lifestyle accessories for interior spaces (lamps and blinds) and decorative products (for Christmas and wall hangings). All three were new for Xylem in terms of form, technique and products. This experience exposed me to a new work culture and made me aware of the global market demands and marketing strategies. `Learning by doing’ and working with people also played a vital role in co-creation. |
