Imprint paper products
The focus of this project was to create new and innovative paper products which could be easily produced with very basic skill training by young girls from an Ahmedabad slum.
Presentation and interactive discussion on wild animals before production
Some of these girls were just about 13 years old. Therefore, the design strategy was, 'earn and learn'. We were mindful of a collaborative design process, where the girls were co-creators in developing products which would be fun to produce, and facilitate learning. The low skill level meant that the products needed to be designed to allow for production variation: the starting out group would not be able to mass-produce to stringent production standards.
Tiny hands make tiny prints: elephant birthday invitation-cards
We worked on the ‘imprint’ concept where each collection would be produced through two basic skills: hand printing, and basic cutting. The collections were carefully chosen so that they were fun and learning experiences. Before beginning each production activity, the girls would be shown a PPT on the theme—including love, sharing, animals of India—followed by an interactive exercise. This was would help the group learn about new topics every time they began production.
Learnt about aquatic life and printed vibrant crab-imprinted birthday invitation-cards and thumb-printed thank you cards
We worked on the ‘imprint’ concept where each collection would be produced through two basic skills: hand printing, and basic cutting. The collections were carefully chosen so that they were fun and learning experiences. Before beginning each production activity, the girls would be shown a PPT on the theme—including love, sharing, animals of India—followed by an interactive exercise. This was would help the group learn about new topics every time they began production.
Learning about love and hearts
One of the key product directions was children’s parties and cards—‘to kids, by kids’. Two collections were designed and developed in this category— Jungle, and Ocean. The product range included cards, gift tags, return gift bags, wrapping paper, and party decorations.
Heart cards printed by tiny hands for the heart-in-hand series
A collection on a heart theme was also developed to help create the opportunity to teach the children about love. The product range included cards, bags, book marks, wrapping paper and folders.