December 2009 Archive
Merry Christmas 2009
Well, Christmas time is approaching at what seems like the speed of light. It's amazing how fast this year has gone. We're madly rushing around trying to get all our work completed before Santa arrives.
Despite the crazy deadlines we'd like to take a little time to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year in 2010. We've had an amazing year and we sincerely wish to thank all of those who've been involved with us over the last 12 months, it has been a pleasure working with you all.
We look forward to the further challenges and successes that next year will bring. Take care everyone and enjoy!
Cheers,
The Katapult Team.
The power of design
Project H - Making a difference
Project H Design is a global coalition of designers from diverse backgrounds who endeavour to use the power of design to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of the people that need it most.
Staffed by a volunteer workforce, Project H aims to work with nonprofit and community organisations to help improve environments, services, products, and experiences for youth and education in the US.
This California based group was founded in January 2008 by a 26-year old then-disgruntled designer named Emily Pilloton because she wanted to genuinely help people with her design skills rather than follow the traditional path.
Less than 2 years later Project H has 300+ designers worldwide, working in 9 Chapters on 20+ projects in 6 countries, a truly amazing achievement. Whether it's further developing the "Hippo Roller", creating "Learning Landscapes" or helping local communities in Mexico design and develop their own school furniture, they are always looking to help others help themselves.
Leading up to Christmas they are looking for donations to help fund their Design for Education initiatives. Check out their home page and consider a small gift that will help someone less fortunate this Christmas.
Nude Coke can anyone?
Paint free Coke can... sign of things to come?
The beautifully minimalist Coke can concept above has been designed by Harc Lee in an attempt to challenge mainstream thinking and provide a major contribution to the environment. How, I hear you ask?
Well, by eliminating the iconic red colour scheme, the can reduces the energy consumption required to make the can, reduces the production of toxic dyes used to colour the can and, best of all, streamlines recycling because typical cans must have their paint stripped before recycling.
Looking at it on the micro level is positive, but it doesn't seem like it would be too significant does it?. Then think about the fact that Coca-Cola sold 24 billion Coke Classic cans in 2007 and that adds up to a lot of paint and energy savings. If you then consider that if they also adopted this approach for Diet Coke, Coke Zero and My Coke they would eliminate painting on 75 billion cans per year! Wow.
It's unclear whether Coca-Cola will adopt this innovative new design, but at least on an environmental front it appears to be an obvious winner.
Suddenly the significance of small changes seems more relevant. Want a make a change to your product range? Contact Katapult.
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"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." Red Adair |
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