SELECTED WORKS BY JOWAIN SO
Design, Made for Humans
SCHOOL
Academy of Art University
PROGRAM
MA Graphic Design
COURSE
MA Portfolio Seminar
YEARS
2019–2020
JOWAIN SO, MA
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
INTRODUCTION
Design is made by humans, for humans. Good design connects with people in meaningful ways and helps solve their problems. When we choose not to empathize with others, we lose this connection through our own apathy. In order to help solve people’s problems, I ensure that my work comes from a place of compassion, human connection, and imagination. Imagination allows us to empathize with other humans whose experiences we have never shared. We have this unique power to think ourselves into other people’s places. Why not use this power to imagine and design a better future? My portfolio is a selection of work by me, a human, designed for all other kinds of humans out there. Enjoy!
JOWAIN SO, MA
Copyright Š by Jowain So All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, including photocopy or any storage or retrieval systems, without prior written permission.
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1
06–23 / Circles Design Conference
CHAPTER 2
24–39 / Marimekko Sustainability Report
CHAPTER 3
40–53 / TerraKit App
CHAPTER 4
54–67 / Iris van Herpen Exhibition
CHAPTER 5
68–89 / Gillian Health Clinic
JOWAIN SO, MA
6 /7
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
[01]
02
03
04
05
CIRCLES DESIGN CONFERENCE
PROBLEM NO. 1
How could I encourage designers to come together and share big ideas?
PROJECT TITLE
Circles Design Conference
COURSE
Type Systems
INSTRUCTOR
David Hake
CATEGORY
Brand Identity, UX/UI Design
SEMESTER
Spring 2020
6 /7
JOWAIN SO, MA
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
OBJECTIVE
To identify an existing design conference and to create a refreshed visual system that will effectively promote the conference. SOLUTION
I chose to redesign the Circles Design Conference, a creative design conference located in San Francisco. I found this conference to have potential for a better brand identity, as the theme of Wonder set the stage for the curious, the weird, and the extraordinary. Through the use of typography and vector illustrations, this wondrous conference is promoted through a brochure, wayfinding, conference ID cards, a website, and an app.
8 /9
PROBLEM
[01]
02
03
04
05
CIRCLES DESIGN CONFERENCE
8 /9
JOWAIN SO, MA
bold intriguing bizarre
10 /11
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
[01]
02
03
04
05
CIRCLES DESIGN CONFERENCE
10 / 11
JOWAIN SO, MA
12 /13
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
12 / 13
JOWAIN SO, MA
14 /15
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
[01]
02
03
04
05
CIRCLES DESIGN CONFERENCE
14 / 15
JOWAIN SO, MA
16 /17
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
[01]
02
03
04
05
CIRCLES DESIGN CONFERENCE
16 / 17
JOWAIN SO, MA
18 /19
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
[01]
02
03
04
05
CIRCLES DESIGN CONFERENCE
18 / 19
JOWAIN SO, MA
20 /21
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
[01]
02
03
04
05
CIRCLES DESIGN CONFERENCE
20 / 21
JOWAIN SO, MA
22 /23
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
CIRCLES DESIGN CONFERENCE
22 / 23
JOWAIN SO, MA
24 /25
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
[02]
03
04
05
M A R I M E K K O S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T
PROBLEM NO. 2
How could I present data in a visually compelling way?
PROJECT TITLE
Marimekko Sustainability Report
COURSE
Type Systems
INSTRUCTOR
David Hake
CATEGORY
Layout Design, Information Design
SEMESTER
Spring 2020
24 / 25
JOWAIN SO, MA
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
OBJECTIVE
To identify a company’s existing annual or sustainability report, and redesign its layout to be more visually compelling. SOLUTION
I chose to redesign Marimekko’s Sustainability Report. Through leveraging the company’s bold prints and joyful brand soul, its data is presented in a simple yet visually engaging manner. To further use Marimekko’s print sustainably, the back cover of the report is designed to be detached and folded into a stationery holder.
26 /27
PROBLEM
01
[02]
03
04
05
M A R I M E K K O S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T
26 / 27
JOWAIN SO, MA
joyful bright energetic
28 /29
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
[02]
03
04
05
M A R I M E K K O S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T
28 / 29
JOWAIN SO, MA
30 /31
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
[02]
03
04
05
M A R I M E K K O S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T
30 / 31
JOWAIN SO, MA
32 /33
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
[02]
03
04
05
M A R I M E K K O S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T
32 / 33
JOWAIN SO, MA
34 /35
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
34 / 35
JOWAIN SO, MA
36 / 37
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
[02]
03
04
05
M A R I M E K K O S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T
36 / 37
JOWAIN SO, MA
38 /39
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
[02]
03
04
05
M A R I M E K K O S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y R E P O R T
38 / 39
JOWAIN SO, MA
40 /41
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
02
[03]
04
05
TERRAKIT APP
PROBLEM NO. 3
How could I make crafting and gifting more customizable?
PROJECT TITLE
TerraKit Mobile App
COURSE
Digital Design
INSTRUCTOR
Bob Slote
CATEGORY
UX/UI Design, Brand Identity
SEMESTER
Spring 2020
40 / 41
JOWAIN SO, MA
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
OBJECTIVE
To create a mobile app that can help address a problem that is personal to me. SOLUTION
Due to my newfound love for building terrariums, I chose to design an app that would allow for fellow craft-lovers to design and build their very own terrariums, and even gift them to others. This app allows users to design their own terrariums from start to finish. Users can pick their own vessels, substrates, plants, and decorations. They are then able to save their designs, as well as use AR technology to view their designs in their own home. Lastly, users are able to purchase their designs, which would be sent as a build-it-yourself kit to wherever they choose.
42 /43
PROBLEM
01
02
[03]
04
05
TERRAKIT APP
42 / 43
JOWAIN SO, MA
simple fresh customized
44 /45
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
02
[03]
04
05
TERRAKIT APP
44 / 45
JOWAIN SO, MA
46 / 47
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
02
[03]
04
05
TERRAKIT APP
46 / 47
JOWAIN SO, MA
48 /49
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
02
[03]
04
05
TERRAKIT APP
48 / 49
JOWAIN SO, MA
50 /51
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
02
[03]
04
05
TERRAKIT APP
50 / 51
JOWAIN SO, MA
52 /53
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
52 / 53
JOWAIN SO, MA
54 /55
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
02
03
[04]
05
I R I S VA N H E R P E N E X H I B I T I O N
PROBLEM NO. 4
How could I show sartorialists that fashion and tech can be fused?
PROJECT TITLE
Iris van Herpen Exhibition
COURSE
Type Compositions
INSTRUCTOR
Andrew Loesel
CATEGORY
Brand Identity, Editorial Design
SEMESTER
Fall 2019
54 / 55
JOWAIN SO, MA
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
OBJECTIVE
To design an exhibition featuring any artist or designer of our choice. SOLUTION
I decided to feature Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen, the first fashion designer to create 3D-printed haute couture clothing. The goal is to bridge the gap between fashion and technology, thus inspiring people with all career backgrounds to explore their creative sides. I hope this exhibition sends the message that the use of technology can lead to creating innovative art—especially in the fashion industry. Through the use of typography and layout design, this cutting-edge exhibition is featured in an exhibition catalogue.
56 / 57
PROBLEM
01
02
03
[04]
05
I R I S VA N H E R P E N E X H I B I T I O N
5 6 / 57
JOWAIN SO, MA
elegant cutting-edge futuristic
58 /59
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
02
03
[04]
05
I R I S VA N H E R P E N E X H I B I T I O N
5 8 / 59
JOWAIN SO, MA
60 /61
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
02
03
[04]
05
I R I S VA N H E R P E N E X H I B I T I O N
60 / 6 1
JOWAIN SO, MA
62 /63
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
02
03
[04]
05
I R I S VA N H E R P E N E X H I B I T I O N
62 / 63
JOWAIN SO, MA
64 /65
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
02
03
[04]
05
I R I S VA N H E R P E N E X H I B I T I O N
64 / 65
JOWAIN SO, MA
66 / 67
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
02
03
[04]
05
I R I S VA N H E R P E N E X H I B I T I O N
66 / 67
JOWAIN SO, MA
68 /69
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
02
03
04
[05]
G I L L I A N H E A LT H C L I N I C
PROBLEM NO. 5
How could I make a health clinic gender-inclusive?
PROJECT TITLE
Gillian Health Clinic
COURSE
Visual Thinking
INSTRUCTOR
Sandra Isla
CATEGORY
Brand Identity, Environment Design
SEMESTER
Spring 2020
68 / 69
JOWAIN SO, MA
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
OBJECTIVE
To pick a problem we’d like to see solved in the world and create a design solution for it. SOLUTION
While investigating different topics, I learned that many transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals encounter high rates of discrimination in healthcare, particularly sexual and reproductive healthcare. After much research and concept exploration, I chose to create a brand that supports TGNC individuals by providing a safe space to access sexual healthcare and health resources. This is an intersectional sexual healthcare project. Gillian is a brand that commits to giving all TGNC individuals access to healthcare, as it believes that everyone has a right to healthcare no matter their gender identity. Gillian strives to achieve this goal by providing three main deliverables: a full-service sexual health clinic, a private mobile app, and a public website forum to connect with others.
70 /71
PROBLEM
01
02
03
04
[05]
G I L L I A N H E A LT H C L I N I C
70 / 7 1
JOWAIN SO, MA
friendly reassuring reliable
72 / 73
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
02
03
04
[05]
G I L L I A N H E A LT H C L I N I C
72 / 73
JOWAIN SO, MA
74 / 75
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
02
03
04
[05]
G I L L I A N H E A LT H C L I N I C
74 / 75
JOWAIN SO, MA DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
76 /77
PROBLEM
01
02
03
04
[05]
G I L L I A N H E A LT H C L I N I C
76 / 7 7
JOWAIN SO, MA
78 /79
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
78 / 7 9
JOWAIN SO, MA
80 /81
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
02
03
04
[05]
G I L L I A N H E A LT H C L I N I C
80 / 81
JOWAIN SO, MA
82 /83
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
02
03
04
[05]
G I L L I A N H E A LT H C L I N I C
82 / 83
JOWAIN SO, MA
84 /85
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
02
03
04
[05]
G I L L I A N H E A LT H C L I N I C
84 / 85
JOWAIN SO, MA
86 /87
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
PROBLEM
01
02
03
04
[05]
G I L L I A N H E A LT H C L I N I C
86 / 87
88 /89
88 / 89
JOWAIN SO, MA
90 /91
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
THANK YOU
I would like to thank my family for their immense love and continual support. I would also like to thank my friends and peers who helped me tremendously during my MA program at the Academy of Art University. Lastly, I would like to express deep gratitude to all the instructors and support teachers for sharing their knowledge and helping me along this incredible journey. Thank you! INSTRUCTORS
FAMILY & FRIENDS
Carolina de Bartolo Andrew Loesel Christopher Morlan Sandra Isla Hunter Wimmer Monica Berini John Nettleton Susan Pasley
Ann So Raymond So Ashley Chen Nathan Konopinski Sasha Mills Megumi Hiramoto Kasey Chiu
90 / 9 1
JOWAIN SO, MA
DESIGN, MADE FOR HUMANS
TITLE
Design, Made for Humans
DESIGNER
Jowain So, MA in Graphic Design
CONTACT
jowain@gmail.com
SCHOOL
Academy of Art University
INSTRUCTOR
Mary Scott
IMAGES
Unsplash, Pinterest, Behance, Graphic Pear
PRINTING
blurb.com
TYPEFACE
Benton Sans
PAPER STOCK
Mohawk Superfine Uncoated Eggshell 100# Text
92 / 93