T.R.E.E. are a small social enterprise company in Belfast. They have an in house chainsaw artist who produces much of the work along side some apprentice and placement students from the local community. They make and sell items of garden furniture or decorations influenced by nature. Currently the company have some successful products which they will continue, but would like to look at new themes and markets. Their existing products do not have a stylised treatment which is consistent and recognisable as a brand. Some local influences and product opportunities might include Belfast Zoo or Strangford Lough, which have good variation of residents suitable for characterization. The design challenge is to:
- Identify and research some suitable themes for stylistic treatment Design a range of Products
- Propose a family of products which have strong brand identities in their form. They must be developed in consideration of the manufacturing process using the chainsaw, router and/or lathe.
- Graphics – redesign of existing logo. The logo itself should echo the aspirations of the company.
- Product Brand marking – what methods could be used to stamp or mark each piece cheaply and effectively. Investigate a range of methods- be creative. Some of the local apprentices do not engage as fully as they could. Perhaps if they could tag the work they produce this would provide a method of ownership. Consider how to bring ownership of Artists to the products.
- The entire work is to be showcased in a 3D interactive website structure to promote the existing product range and promote the activities of the company. This will include being creative with the sounds and movements of their technologies. Abstract approaches using film is encouraged. The company are also interested in having some Artist feature footage of their artist in action. Clever editing, quirky shots and playing with film speed will be key.
