Testimonials

Larissa Koster, Lorena Berry, Nadine Odermatt

After five months we look back on an interesting, intensive and instructive time. We enjoyed working on the project very much. Our different skills complemented each other ideally so that we could use them accordingly in the project. Different opinions were used to further develop ideas. This respectful interaction in the team and the mutual listening led to a great atmosphere - with a result that makes us proud.

Finding a team at the beginning was a challenge. You didn't know your fellow students. Once we found them, we started with brainstorming, mind maps and inspiration boards. Out of many ideas, one emerged: "What you leave behind". A broad topic that led us into the valley of death at the end of November. After a brief pause and the learned method "Kill your darlings", it was clear: we were literally leaving the topic behind. The further development of "Being. A sensual journey through life." was thus the turning point in the process. From then on, things went uphill. Skills learned in class were applied directly to the project. It was not always easy to balance the lessons, the work on the project and the additional homework.

Since we had decided on a fictitious project, we could let our creativity run free. Nevertheless, nothing stands in the way of realisation, on the contrary: the relevance of the topic and the mobility of the space strike a chord. Especially in the fast-paced, stressful world, people are interested in deeper topics. So there is a chance of realising the project through sponsorship.

We are ready and very happy to be able to present the project now. It offers inspiration on how to look at life and a chance to make one's personal journey even more conscious

[Translate to English:] Testimonials Atmospheric Design Larissa, Nadine, Lorena

Kathrin Walder and Laura Schwyter

From the beginning, it was clear to us that we would design a project for the BIG Zurich as a self-study project. At the beginning, we had the idea of designing a new shopping experience for the BIG flagship store on Bahnhofstrasse in the field of retail. However, we quickly realised that we would have to make a lot of compromises and restrictions and that we would quickly lose our joy in the project. So we decided to think more freely and follow our own interests. So we soon moved towards experience/event, with the idea of a launch event for Collectif mon Amour's new upcycling collection. Motivated by our many fantasies and the desire to be able to realise our project, we developed a concept which we presented to the management. The idea was to create a PR event that was so unique that it would be reported in the (social) media. On the one hand, this should arouse the curiosity of existing BIG customers and, at the same time, expand the target group. Unfortunately, the budget for the event was not allocated. However, this did not stop us from realising part of our concept and presenting it as an installation at the final exhibition. In particular, the embedding of various sensory stimulators in favour of an immersive experience was a major concern for us. With the use of haptic-material as well as formal elements, they fit together well to form a successful whole. Our self-study work presents itself as an installative experience that will remain in good memory for a long time. Just like the enriching and inspiring collaboration between the two designers.

[Translate to English:] Testimonals Atmospheric Design Kathrin, Laura

Julia Rogers: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry – The Waiting Room

My self-reflection on this project is overall positive. It has shown me again why I love visual design. I am satisfied with the development of the work process: specifically, I have noticed how much joy it gives me to work on a meaningful project where I get to make a difference as a designer.

The process began with research into the needs of the young patients. I read about their experiences, spoke to subject matter experts and researched how other similar projects had been done before. One day in December, I sat in that waiting room myself, waiting in vain for almost an hour for a person who should have been helping me with the project. The hour I spent waiting had taken some nerves and thought out of me. And at the same time, it was an unexpected gift, a lesson, because it gave me the idea of how a waiting room with atmosphere should actually be created - namely, completely different from all conventional waiting rooms. At that time, I was already well into the work process and the client (the PUK) had already accepted my proposed concept, which made me very happy. Nevertheless, or perhaps because of this, I suddenly felt free. Free for new approaches and ready to loosen the tight control that rational logical thinking exerts ("lateral thinking"). So I cleared the room mentally and approached the project again with a lot of empathy and with the knowledge I had gathered during the process. In addition, I read the feedback on my briefing again very carefully and went into every detail in depth. Suddenly new ideas bubbled out of me! What started with empathy and knowledge has now led to an innovative space full of positivity - late, but on time! All these developmental steps have contributed to creating a welcoming space that helps to remove some of the stigma associated with psychiatric treatment facilities. I see this as a particular strength of the second part of my project (Waiting is good - in the right atmosphere). This project has made me realise how important it is to have patience and trust the process. And also that the development of an assignment can surprise. In addition, I want to be more confident in the future to stand up for fair pay and stop pretending that my work is a hobby. All in all, this project has been an incredibly rewarding experience, both mentally and emotionally - it has regularly taken me out of my comfort zone while allowing me to create something truly meaningful for these children and young people.