You have Superpowers!
You have Superpowers! is a project that aims to promote balance between technology and nature, with a focus on improving mental health through journaling and planning. As I researched the negative impact of technology on mental health, I realised the importance of finding solutions to these problems. That's when I embarked on a mission to design a journal that not only helps with time planning and organisation, but also offers learning resources and encourages introspection.
Overview
The message of the project is that everyone has the power to take control of their mental health and well-being. By incorporating journaling and planning into their daily routine, individuals can make a positive impact on their own lives and the world around them.
Context
The You have Superpowers! project not only involved designing a journal, but also creating 3 reversible posters and 8 postcards to promote the message of balance between technology and nature. The posters and postcards feature similar design elements as the journal, incorporating the abstract sun and red and blue moons to create a cohesive visual language across all pieces.
Posters + Postcards
Designing the posters and postcards presented a unique challenge, as they needed to be versatile enough to be displayed in different orientations and formats. I experimented with various graphic design techniques to create dynamic compositions that would draw the viewer's eye from any angle.
The design process involved extensive research on the benefits of journaling and mental health. I also studied various journal designs, experimenting with different layouts, materials, and techniques to create a product that would be visually appealing, user-friendly, and effective. The final design incorporates prompts for reflection, goal-setting, and gratitude, as well as informative resources on the effects of technology on mental health.
When designing the journal for the You have Superpowers!, I went through several iterations before deciding on the final form factor of A5. I wanted a size that was portable and easy to carry around, but also large enough to accommodate the necessary content.
As for the design choices, I wanted to incorporate elements of nature into the design, to reflect the project's focus on finding balance between technology and nature. I chose to use an abstract sun in yellow and blue and red moons, which were inspired by mythology. In many cultures, the sun and moon represent opposing forces or dualities, such as male and female, light and dark, or life and death.
The abstract sun, represented in yellow, symbolises positivity, energy, and warmth. It represents the light that technology brings into our lives. On the other hand, the blue and red moons represent the need for balance and harmony, and the importance of taking time to rest and reflect. The blue moon represents calmness and tranquility, while the red moon represents passion and strength.
By combining these elements, I hoped to create a design that would inspire users to reflect on their own relationship with technology and nature, and to encourage them to find ways to achieve balance and harmony in their lives.