RITUALIZING
DESIGN
In a world dominated by technology and AI in the design process, I aimed to reaffirm the importance of human touch and connection as the cornerstone of design. For my RISD thesis project, I delved into crafting new rituals for South Asian students living far from home, drawing inspiration from their cultural traditions. Researching elements like turmeric, henna, chai, and woodblocks, I integrated traditional design techniques such as anthotype printing, hand lettering, and woodblock printing. This endeavor fostered a sense of belonging and community among these students on campus, evolving into a gallery space over time.
Design: Experience design, Typography, Product design, Book and print, Embossing, Sustainable design
Softwares: Adobe Indesign
Contributors: Pavanee Giroti, Yavya Jain, Aviraj Bansal, Mahnoor Rafi, Mehek Vohra, Krithi Srinivas, Anisha More, Sejal Gupta, Chahak Surana, Aanchal Sheth, Khushi Goyal, Himangi, Harsh
IDEATION
PROCESS
EXECUTION
EXECUTION
I showcased my work in an immersive exhibition, featuring vinyl instructions, visuals of the outcomes, scents of the materials, and a sound compilation evoking the rituals from my home. I followed the 5 E's of experience design to create an impactful moment.
Entice: A fabric manifesto describing the project intent is draped at the entrance, the mirrored paper highlights the poetic sensory experience inside the area
Turmeric milk ritual: To pay homage to an ancient ritual of grandparents serving turmeric milk to their kids in any sickness. A set of poetic instructions are given helping them print photos using turmeric, light and detergent
ENGAGE
Henna letter writing ritual: The audience is invited to write a letter to a lost friend using henna on a light reactive paper and leave it in the sun/ wash it. Henna is traditionally a romantic symbol of love, which is being transformed through this ritual, enabling people to reflect and think
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Woodblock printing ritual: To unlearn our childhood version of ourselves with an idealized western view through going over old drawings using a traditional Indian printing method of block printing
Chai painting ritual: An act of remembering what home means to them through a strong symbolism of chai and it's sensory experience. This encourages people to use chai in a new medium to create storytelling narratives and new spaces.
EXTEND
Once the viewers exit the space, they are given a small box made from fabric and artist board that encompasses and archives the whole experience into a tinnier version with artifacts, books holding the process and instructions and the community creations.
Turmeric milk ritual: Anthotype printing with sunlight and turmeric, detergent
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