Studio brief 02 - Product, range and distribution - Initial ideas

Some initial ideas and concepts responding to the presented issue of household food waste.

This rocess of idea generation was done by quick sketches of ideas. From doing this, more ideas formed quite easily, personally, this seems to be an effective way of thinking of ideas.

These ideas were based around printed publications in order to address the issue. 

Idea 1 

'Love leftovers' 

This was to address the excess food that is cooked in many homes but isn't eaten due to the large amount of it. This publication would feature a set of researched recipes which identified the most wasted foods and utilising it into an accessible platform. 

Idea 2 

Meal Planner 

One technique which is used in the health and fitness community is pre- planning meals. Primary research also revealed that most people don't pre plan their meals. By planning and preparing meals for the week there is less opportunity to waste ingredients, but also be aware of what foods aren't being prepared for the week with this. 

Idea 3 - 

Shopping planner 

This idea is similar to the previous idea of the meal planner concept as it uses planning to tackle food waste. Its been proven from research that we buy too much, being more aware of spending habits could be effective in tackling a lot of household food waste and doing so in print could be an avenue to explore.

                                                                                            

Some more ideas, these ides revolve around the idea of a poster printed outcome informing shoppers how to effectively look after their foods, veg and milk was revealed to be the most wasted amongst the foods we buy so tackling these different items seemed appropriate to address. 

A bit of feedback from this:

• Well informed and could be interesting, but the amount of content doesn't allow a lot of visual and engaging development 

• Not very engaging as a concept, could easily be ignored with just the information on show

• Theres not much motivation for a student to care about this issue

• It could be quite a 'boring' outcome

• This idea could be really effective if considered further

This feedback was useful in helping to look at a new approach to take in order to be more engaging. Primary research revealed that saving money was a big motivation for being more aware of spending habits, too loo at this further within one of the many considered aspects of the issue itself. 

                                                                                            

Idea 4 

Life of fruit and veg 

This was a rough concept, the outcome of this concept in how it would be created and distributed hadn't been considered in detail. The idea was to present the information of the lifespan of fruit and veg in how its grown, so to see the days that have gone into growing the item of fruit and veg, hopefully to give more thought behind wasting fruit and veg, however there is no motivation to change with this outcome, the motive of losing money or being worse off because of something seems to be the most effective way of reaching an audience, especially a young one.

This idea could be better illustrated with the idea of contrasting it with the little amount of time taken with wasting food (a few seconds) and maybe create understanding of behaviour. 

Idea 5 

Addresses the issue of wasted resources that go into the production of fruit and vegetables, the format has not been considered or developed as well as the distribution. This idea has merit however the outcome could lack in being engaging. 

                                                                                            

Idea 6 

This was a similar idea in showing the time gone into growing fruit and veg but instead talks about the benefits of eating the particular item of food, however this might not be very engaging as an idea, although it promotes health and buying food, there isn't specifics in how this addresses and resolves household food waste.

Idea 7 

Different dishes that could be made with just the use of the food item being depicted, however this has potential to limit the content as there isn't much that could be written about this. 

Idea 8

Celebrate items of veg and depict them as being a positive thing to eat, potatoes are the most bought vegetable but also the most wasted. However this approach again this doesn't specifically address the main issue so it wouldn't be relevant to develop further. 

                                                                                            

Feedback 

Some sketches of ideas.

Ideas: 

1. calendar format to illustrate the meal preparation idea further and be more interactive with the audience. 
2. Research blanching (as a form of preserving food) 
3. Recipes on more packaging (like fresh fruit and veg)
4. A zine that features information about food waste, maybe explore what content could be included 

Overall feedback & furthering development 

The feedback on which idea had the most potential was a print outcome.

There was a dilemma  in what to include within the print itself. By referring back to the original research and identifying the components which contribute towards food waste, there was the issue of over spending and 'buying in bulk' in order to save money, however most of this food is wasted so the money is actually not saved. By addressing this issue there was the solution of finding an alternative way of shopping. The cheapest and easiest way to buy fresh produce (specifically to leeds) is buying fresh and loose produce, there is more opportunity to buy specific ingredients rather than a large amount of something that you might only need a little bit of, meaning the rest would be wasted.