The design challenge required participants to choose a task from various print and digital design items and use given geometric shapes (image 2) and elements to create a minimalistic design. The instructions suggested utilizing any combination or derivatives of these elements while taking into account Dieter Rams’ 10 design principles. Additionally, we were required to document and share the design process and reasoning behind our decisions.

For the first item of my challenge, I chose the Front cover for a Japanese design book. This was mainly because of my affinity for Japanese culture and style, which values simplicity, a connection to nature, clean lines, rough-hewn textures, a neutral palette, and minimal styling. Kanso, an ancient style of Japanese design, embodies these values and represents the Japanese way of life.

To create this design, I used three elements: a circle, a square, and a dotted circle. My solution was guided by the following principles: a minimal number of elements, familiar colors, familiar shapes (wave patterns), and the Japanese flag. I also used a monospace font to match the typography placement and implemented the Japanese headline of the book.

The second item I chose to design was Branded packaging for a home fragrance. I was drawn to this item because of my interest in designing packaging for high-end and elegant products, which often require simplicity and minimalism. Additionally, I believed that the specified geometric style would be appropriate for this product and had the potential to create a memorable and impactful design.

To create the design for the home fragrance packaging, I used three simple shapes: a line, a dotted circle, and a full circle. The line element was used twice to represent stylized fragrance sticks. The circular dots pattern was used to depict the complexity and radiating effect of the fragrance. I also used a circle as a dot in the logo for “Aurora.”

The third item I selected to design was a Bus stop advertisement for a coffee brand. My solution for this item was envisioned as a coffee brand designed for creative individuals, embodying modern design and offering a unique, personalized experience through the creation of custom coffee flavors using a mix of coffee beans and flavors.

Here, I utilized a collage-like pattern that incorporated all of the elements from the design brief. The pattern was deconstructed and reconstructed into shapes that symbolize the brand’s values and themes. Additionally, I created a logo for the brand, “Luna,” which features a dot that represents the moon, a common symbol among young people that is believed to affect their mood similar to coffee. The dot in the logo also serves as a symbol in the brand’s icon.

The challenge was completed within 5 hours of receiving a brief.