DESIGN NAME: Copy Kats
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Toolkit
INSPIRATION: The Copy Kats Toolkit evolved from the challenges we saw in art and design education, particularly the ethical dilemmas of visual plagiarism. We wanted to shake things up and bring a positive impact, and we did so through a two-year research project. Our goal was to tackle the gaps in Knowledge, Assumptions, Time crunch, and Support (KATS) that educators face.
The spark for this project came from recognising the struggles educators go through dealing with visual plagiarism. We wanted to start a conversation on originality, steering away from the dull and mundane. That's where the adorable cats came in—they're not just cute; they're our creative way of saying, "Let's talk about this!" We wanted to make the toolkit not just practical but visually appealing too.
The Copy Kats Toolkit idea was all about mixing words and visuals in a way that clicks with our fellow art and design educators. The Kats acronym became our secret sauce, creating a fun connection with the brand. It's not just a toolkit; it's a playful ally in our bid to promote creative integrity.
In a nutshell, our inspiration came from a deep desire to tackle teaching challenges, encourage ethical design, and bring a breath of fresh air to education. The cute factor? Well, that's just our way of making a serious topic a bit more fun and engaging; who doesn’t love K-cats!?
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Copy Kats Toolkit is a creative solution for art & design educators, uniquely addressing visual plagiarism. Its strength lies in the strategic fusion of practicality and creativity, tackling Kats issues through hands-on activities and a vibrant brand identity. Distinctive features include playful cat integration, making it approachable. The toolkit stands out for its innovative blend of wordplay and visuals, offering a dynamic resource that addresses educational challenges in a conceptually rich and visually delightful manner.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The toolkit is designed to support participatory design workshops which explore 4 unique issues that art and design faculty face when dealing with creative integrity and the ethical production and consumption of images
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in March 2022 in Singapore and was completed in December 2023
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The Toolkit contains custom-designed physical components such as die-cut booklets, custom stationery sets, a custom deck of cards and vibrant posters, all created using high-quality printed materials. The design emphasises simplicity and accessibility, with a vibrant colour palette and clear sans serif typeface. The playful visual language is incorporated throughout the design, enhancing the overall visual appeal. The production approach for the toolkit prioritises the effectiveness of traditional print methods to deliver a tangible and engaging experience for educators
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Overall toolkit box is:
(w)50cm x (h)30cm x (d)6cm
Each Participatory Design Toolkit Contains:
Die-cut Activity Book
Custom Postcards
Die-cut Activity 2 folder
Custom Card Deck
Custom size Double-sided Poster 1
Die-cut Activity 3 folder
Brainstorming guidebook
Custom Size Double-sided Poster 2
Die-cut Activity 4 folder
Custom Activity 4 dashboard template
Custom size Double-sided Poster 3
Each Maker Pack Contains:
Die Cut A5 Notepad
A Custom Pencil Box
Custom Sharpies Box
Custom Sticky Note pack
Custom Name cards x5 pieces
Custom Tape design
Custom Glue Stick
Custom Eraser
Ruler
Pencil Sharpener
Bulldog Clips/paperclips
TAGS: Participatory design, Visual plagiarism, Art and design education, Ethical practices, Toolkit, Innovative pedagogies, Brand identity, Graphic elements, Cute cats
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: The research aimed to address visual plagiarism awareness among art & design educators. The primary objectives were to explore key factors influencing this awareness of knowledge, Assumptions, Time, & Support and develop insights to inform future educational strategies. Data was collected via participatory design workshops. The toolkit includes structured activities designed to uncover insights into participants' perceptions of visual plagiarism. The development of strategies to enhance education on preventing visual plagiarism benefits educators and students.
CHALLENGE: The key challenge in this design initiative lay in integrating practicality with creativity to craft a toolkit addressing visual plagiarism. Internally, historical and social perspectives on plagiarism influenced conceptualisation. Externally, challenges included navigating a lack of school-wide policies and optimising production possibilities for print. Adhering to ethical considerations surrounding image use while infusing a playful aesthetic demanded careful consideration.
ADDED DATE: 2023-12-08 07:11:57
TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Art Director, Designer and Principal Investigator: Lisa Winstanley
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #No1: Creator (art director/Designer) Lisa Winstanley, Copy Kats toolkit, 2023. Photographer Lisa Peh Jiaxian, afterduskmedia.com, 2023.
Image #No2: Creator (art director/Designer) Lisa Winstanley, Copy Kats toolkit, Detail of Kit, 2023. Photographer Lisa Peh Jiaxian, afterduskmedia.com, 2023.
Image #No3: Creator (art director/Designer) Lisa Winstanley, Copy Kats toolkit, MAKER PACK, 2023. Photographer Lisa Peh Jiaxian, afterduskmedia.com, 2023.
Image #No4: Creator (art director/Designer) Lisa Winstanley, Copy Kats toolkit, Deck of Cards, 2023. Photographer Lisa Peh Jiaxian, afterduskmedia.com, 2023.
Image #No5: Creator (art director/Designer) Lisa Winstanley, Copy Kats toolkit, Posters, 2023. Photographer Lisa Peh Jiaxian, afterduskmedia.com, 2023.
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Copyrights belong to Lisa Winstanley, 2023
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