I consider myself a multidisciplinary designer, as such for my graduate project I wanted to do something that combines my love of illustration, product design, and graphic design in a fun and engaging way. My project titled Climate Creatures seeks to educate children between the ages of 8-12 about environmental issues. I chose to focus on Youth because they are the hope and future of humanity. I have designed a series of blind box collectables that focus on environmental issues such as endangered/threatened animals and carbon emissions. I seek to engage this young audience to think about these world matters and consolidate their learning through the art of fun and play.
Climate Creatures
Learn Through Play
Through my research I learned that Kids learn useful skills through play. These skills can be cognitive, social, physical, behavioural and emotional. Play allows the neurotransmitter Dopamine to be released and more vivid memories and connections to be formed. These toys educate children about environmental issues, through the art of play.
Character Line Up
This character line up features a multitude of endangered and threatened animals such as the Blue whale, Stinking Corpse Lily (Rafflesia), a Bee, Cloud Forest Pygmy Owl and the Hylomantis Lemur Frog. There is also a secret character the Carbon Creature.
Stinking Corpse Lily (Rafflesia)
The Stinking Corpse Lily or Rafflesia are from Southeast Asia. They are known for their foul odour which smells like decaying meat (to attract flies). The genus produces the largest flowers in the world. There are 42 species in this genus and all 42 are Under threat. 25 are classified as critically endangered and 15 are endangered.
What can we do? - Plant more trees - Recycle and buy recycled products - Educate others - Reduce paper consumption
Blind Box Packaging Design
This is how the packaging design for my blind boxes will look. I wanted to go for a fun and playful look to highlight my projects youth focus, while also still being graphic and visually pleasing.
Information Cards
Each toy comes with an info card about the environmental issue. These cards teach children about the issue and how they may be able to contribute to positive change. There is contextual information about where each animal is from, how threatened they are and why.
Peter Alexandropoulos, Climate Creatures
Peter Alexandropoulos, Learn Through Play
Peter Alexandropoulos, Character Line Up
Peter Alexandropoulos, Stinking Corpse Lily (Rafflesia)
In the spirit of reconciliation Monash University acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
