Class Project
Public Thread
Duration: One Semester
Problem:
Public Thread currently lacks consistent and recognizable branding across its community initiatives, making it difficult for people to clearly associate its mission of sustainability and textile waste reduction with its identity. While the organization does meaningful work repurposing materials and engaging the community, there’s a gap in how that story is visually and experientially communicated. This inconsistency limits public awareness and connection to Public Thread’s values. A unified, interactive experience could help bridge this gap by reinforcing brand recognition while educating the community about sustainability and the impact of textile waste.
Designer in the Marketing Team
Background:
Public thread is a sustainable company that prioritizes taking in and reusing textiles that would have ended up in landfills. Their commitment to sourcing textiles from various community partners ensures that materials are diverted from landfills and given a second life.
In Grand Valley State University’s Graphic Design Forum course, our class partnered with Public Thread to explore how design can advance their mission of sustainability and reducing textile waste. We created an interactive installation that unified their branding and encouraged community engagement through tactile experiences with up-cycled materials. The class was divided into four subgroups focusing on different areas of the project, and I was part of the marketing team responsible for promoting the installation and strengthening Public Thread’s visibility.
Solution:
To strengthen Public Thread’s brand presence and connection with the community, this project proposes an interactive installation that unifies their visual identity while promoting sustainability. The installation will incorporate the Public Thread logo and upcycled textile scraps, inviting participants to engage directly with the materials and reflect on what sustainability means to them. By combining tactile interaction with consistent branding, the installation will raise awareness about textile waste, foster community participation, and reinforce Public Thread’s mission through a cohesive and memorable experience.
Phase 1
Phase 1 focused on research and discovery to better understand Public Thread and its audience. This included analyzing buzz reports, identifying key facts about the organization, conducting interviews with Public Thread employees, and studying design trends and eras. The insights gathered in this phase helped inform our creative direction and ensured that our design solutions aligned with Public Thread’s values and goals.
Phase 2
Phase 2 focused on defining our design direction through strategy and concept development. This included creating a statement of intent, developing user personas, mapping user journeys, conducting interviews for deeper insights, and building moodboards to visualize tone and style. These steps helped clarify our goals and ensured our creative decisions aligned with Public Thread’s mission and audience needs.
User Persona
User Journey based off of the User Persona
Questions and Notes for the Founder of Public Thread
My View on the Brand Audit
My Mood Board
Phase 3
Phase 3 centered on development and execution. During this stage, we created a cohesive style guide to establish consistent branding, explored multiple design iterations, and refined our concepts through feedback and collaboration. This process led to the creation of the final installation piece, bringing together all visual and strategic elements into a unified, polished outcome. Each team finalized their respective components, ensuring that every part of the installation worked together seamlessly to represent Public Thread’s mission and engage the community effectively.
Style Guide
Style Guide
Style Guide
Style Guide
Iterations for Front Panel
I was responsible for designing the front panel of the installation, a key element that guided the public on how to engage and interact with the piece. This component served as the introduction to the experience, clearly communicating its purpose while drawing viewers in through thoughtful design and visual clarity.
Design for the Large Back Panel
I was tasked with designing the back panel of the installation to visually and cohesively communicate sustainability statistics on a local, national, and global scale. This section was designed to align with Public Thread’s branding while presenting complex information in a clear and engaging way that encouraged viewers to reflect on the broader impact of sustainability.
Building the Installation
During the installation phase, we built the pieces from scratch, carefully constructing each element to be both durable and visually engaging. This hands-on process allowed us to bring our designs to life, ensuring the final installation was cohesive, interactive, and aligned with Public Thread’s mission.
Phase 4
Phase 4 marked the final stage, presenting the completed installation and putting it on display around campus. This phase focused on sharing our collective work with Public Thread and engaging the broader campus community, allowing more people to interact with the piece and connect with the message of sustainability.
Click here for the full project presentation with all of the teams