refugee water ration carrier to help spark
the conversations
that build community
project
brief
14 weeks
design products to help those displaced by natural disaster, political violence or economic hardship
duration
prompt
which problem
to solve...?
Living in Germany for a year in 2016, the Syrian Refugee Crisis was prominent in the news.
How could we, as outsiders and designers, begin to respectfully help in this unimaginably difficult situation?
we start with
empathy for our fellow humans
Photo: Louisa Goulliamaki, AFP
basic needs
Maslow's Hierarchy
critical insights
primary sources
critical insights
secondary sources
It only took some conversation starters
to get strangers to realize commonalities and
organically start building relationships.
Relationships are the key to communities.
how might we
get people talking?
exploring the what if? in conversations
locations for conversing
where do people congregate?
water! something everyone gathers for
problems with
the bottles
modifying the current bottle
...not so much!
final mockup
sewing and measuring
redesigning +
starting fresh
refugee water ration carrier to help spark
the conversations
that build community
Design is a team sport, special thanks to my colleagues and friends for their discussions, critiques, and feedback.
Thanks for reading!
Special Thanks for this Project
Frido Beissert
Safir Bellali
Arotin Hartounian
Emily Howard
Guy Zohar
Cornelius Nohl