Plug up

Future Solar-energy flooring company

#Sustainable design #Service design #Branding

Duration Jul-Sep 2022

My role Solo project_ Product design, Branding, UIUX design

Type School project

Tools Illustrator, photoshop

RESEARCH

Sustainability is closely related to environmental, economic, and future population issues. Many of the finite resources that are consumed in modern society will eventually run out in the future. And the current reckless consumption of resources raises additional problems such as environmental pollution and desertification.

01. Fossil fuel depletion and negative effects on the Earth

Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources that take hundreds of millions of years to form. Fossil fuels, when burned to produce energy, cause harmful greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide. This eventually leads to negative consequences such as ocean acidification, oil spills, air pollution, and extreme weather in the future.

02. The status of renewable energy

Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. Generating renewable energy creates far lower emissions than burning fossil fuels. However, fossil fuels now supply about 65% of the energy and only about 9% of renewable energy is used as an energy source.

Future scenario

As fossil fuels run out, the world faces energy shortages. In addition, fossil fuels have caused more serious environmental problems such as greenhouse gases, climate change, and environmental pollution. Therefore, to solve these problems, people are more actively investing in and developing renewable energy supply systems.

Big idea

It is a solar-powered flooring that wirelessly supplies energy to electronics and wherever energy is needed. It stores energy on its own from the sun and converts it into electricity. And it supplies electricity to connected electronics.

Target Audience

Sean

Age: 53

Job: Office worker

Needs

- Wants to focus on work without worrying about batteries

Notes

- Uses many electronics at the same time, including two laptops, an iPad, and a cell phone.

- Always has to pay attention to batteries in many electronics.

Selina

Age: 27

Job: Environmentalist

Needs

- Wants to use renewable energy in a simple and easy way.

- Wants a neatly arranged interior without wires and power strips.

Notes

- Has a willingness to actively change life patterns to preserve the environment.

- Always using multiple power strips due to lack of outlet

Case studies

01. Solar panels

- The most common solar energy supply system today.

- A flat construction built with technology that allows it to harvest the heat of the sun or create electricity from its energy.

02. Kiosks / Digital displays

- Small booths placed in areas with high foot traffic that are used by business to reach their customers in a more simple and informal manner.

- They are primarily used for marketing purposes and can be staffed by individuals or self-service.

03. Floor graphics

- Adhesive graphics used for heavy traffics or advertisement purposes.

- From pictograms to types, they are used in various environments, including public places and business location.

Branding

Brand name

PLUG UP

We use the word ‘plug in’ to connect electronic equipment with electricity. This is reminiscent of the action of connecting outlets and electric wires. However, solar-powered flooring does not require this action and provides electricity from the flooring upward. I defined this mechanism as a new word ‘plug up’. I thought this expressed very well the new way.

Logo development

I developed the logo using the alphabet ‘P’ and ‘U’ of ‘plug up’ and icons that symbolise electricity, indoor space and upward direction.