Portfolio

D E S I G N

PO R T FO LI O

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To me Design is..

Design is all around us, from the products we use to the spaces we inhabit. It’s fluid and goes beyond what the eye can see.

Over the past years, as I have delved deeper into design, I have come to comprehend its immense power. Its versatility, depending on the task, has fascinated me. Above all, I believe that design is a tool that can break down any language or age barriers, and its potential to lead to system changes is urgently needed in today’s societies.

ABOUT ME SPECUL ATIVE DESIGN FREEL ANCE PROJECTS THESIS

ABOUT ME

I am a passionate, open-minded, versatile, and curious designer who is driven by the desire to design for a better tomorrow. To me, design is fluidity, perspective, action, criticism, justice, new processes, engagement, transparency, speculation, creation, and much more. I am perpetually navigating these terms and bringing new ones to life.

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Nationality

Location

Italian

Amsterdamdam

EDUCATION

EMPLOYMENT JUNIOR VISUAL DESIGNER

Sept 2022 - Present

The New Ways | Amsterdam Helped build the company’s new brand identity Design and create visually appealing graphics for print and digital media, including catalogs, mock-ups, packaging and logosv Continuously improve design skills by taking on challenging projects and experimenting with new techniques and platforms (After Effects, Lightroom) Developed production and printing skills Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring that all deadlines are met

FREELANCE VISUAL DESIGNER

May 2022 - Oct 2022

Worked on the digital aspect of different clients

Lancaster University Lancaster, UK | 2019 - 2022 EXCHANGE PROGRAM | STS

Greenfield Highschool MA, United States | 2017 - 2018 HIGH SCIENTIFIC SCHOOL DIPLOMA

Liceo Scientifico V. Vecchi Italy, Trani | 2014 - 2019

AWARDS

ADProgress | Marketing Company Kwar | Necklaces company SRLS | Photography company

DESIGN STUDENT AMBASSADOR

DESIGN BACHELOR’S DEGREE

LANCASTER GOLD AWARD Lancaster University Jan 2022

Jan 2021 - Jun 2022

Lancaster University | England Interacted with potential Lancaster University design students Part of offer holder events In charge of managing the applicant’s day schedule Demonstrated my design projects to prospective students to effectively communicate the curriculum and content of the course

DIGITAL SKILLS CERTIFICATE Lancaster University Oct 2022

L ANGUAGES ITALIAN Native

ENGLISH Fluent

SPANISH Advanced

PORTUGUESE Beginner

SKILLS Creative

Software

Lancaster University | Design Department

Visual Design

Illustrator

Liaised with members of staff and fellow students to help improve the university experience

Product Design

InDesign

UX Design

Photoshop

Specualtive Design

Figma

ACADEMIC DESIGN REPRESENTATIVE

Oct 2021 - June 2022

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FIRST SPECUL ATIVE DESIGN PROJECT

02 SPECULATIVE DESIGN 21/22 Enter the world of speculative design, where creativity meets innovation to explore potential futures and alternative realities. In this section, I showcase my skills in this exciting discipline with two visually projects that challenge our assumptions about the world around us. My projects aim to inspire new ideas and possibilities for the future. Join me on this journey of imagination and innovation.

Understanding CRISPR technology CRISPR technology allows scientists to change the DNA in cells that oddly allow us to cure genetic disease. The CRISPR technology came about through a basic research project that was “aimed at discovering how bacterias fight viral infections” (Doudna’s, 2015).

Results I discovered the power of design fiction and speculative design by pushing the boundaries of my imagination to create innovative systems and prototypes for the future. Through this approach, I developed immersive designs that allow viewers to experience a yet-to-be-realized reality.

Brief This project utilizes Design fiction and Speculative design to envision a plausible world where our chosen technology is integrated into everyday life, using multiple artifacts.

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PROJECT APPROACH GOAL TO REACH

FUTURE CONE

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Catalog

The Human Trait The catalog is a crucial artifact for this project, capable of standing alone and prompting questions. It displays numerous human traits and can serve as a useful tool if utilized properly. It can simplify the decision-making process when two people must choose traits for their newborn. The catalog allows individuals to visualize their preferences and make selections accordingly.

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CATALOG ELEMENTS

I added this brand to make the catalog seem more realistic and less fictional.

This eye icon hints at the specific human trait that the catalog will focus on.

These symbols indicate a gender-neutral catalog that doesn’t discriminate.

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INSIDE THE CATALOG

Identification Number

Colorful boxes

Ears Types

Cost

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PERSONALIZED CATALOG I created a customized catalog for human traits as the general catalog was too vague. Initially, I thought of tailoring it to continents, but it was still too broad. So, I designed it for each country instead, starting with Italy, to be more specific and explore more options. I also personalized the back page to make it even more customized.

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BRAND IDENTIT Y To ensure that design consultant studios are easily recognizable, I created an eye-catching icon that signifies their role. The process of designing the logo involved multiple iterations, during which I experimented with various elements to achieve the perfect balance of simplicity and visual appeal.

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BUSINESS CARD The business card fits perfectly into the world I created and presents an intriguing way to explore the implications of the design consultant studio’s creation.

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PROTEST

MORE SPECUL ATION Ideally, the procedure should be done in a clinical setting, but some may risk breaking the law to obtain what’s forbidden. Despite limitations, it’s fascinating to explore the potential consequences of such attitudes. This artifact showcases what people can create outside of recommended methods. The dark website allows individuals to select any human trait without consequences, ranging from bizarre to uncommon.

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CRISPR technology raises ethical questions and opposition. The artefact aims to explore potential controversy from the perspective of designer children when they grow up. It neither takes a side nor advocates for a particular position, but rather examines different expressions of controversy.

People often use symbols to express controversy. The barcode symbol being used in this case indicates that designer babies are treated as products.

It’s effective because it transcends language barriers and is recognizable worldwide.

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Hole where the insects get inserted

SECOND SPECUL ATIVE DESIGN PROJECT

F RO N T PA RT

What?

The insectball generator is a that produces food out of insects who reproduce over food scraps.

Transparent material Bin

B AC K PA RT Three Layers

Why? Edible insects are emerging as a sustainable and practical alternative to meat, especially in light of the growing population and food shortages. By reducing our reliance on meat and embracing alternative protein sources like insects, we can work towards a more sustainable future by 2030. Additionally, using insects as livestock feed could address the inefficiencies of our current food system.

Wood

Tube

Insectballs

Handle

Marble

GLOBAL DEMAND FOR MEAT

2005 vs. 2050 (in tonnes)

181M

Where?

The United States has significant challenges with food waste and meat production, making it an ideal context for my work on the insectball generator.

143M 106M

82M 62M 13M

BEEF

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102M

100M

64M 25M

MUTTON

PORK

POLUTRY

EGGS

How? The product is designed to be a decorative kitchen item that facilitates the reproduction of insects. It consists of several individual units designed to breed, grow, and harvest various edible insects. A sustainable method of reproducing the insects was to use food waste as a source for their growth.

To facilitate the creation of the INSECTBALL GENERATOR, I created a so-called “what-if” statement. This initial phase enabled me to start sketching out ideas.

What if statment What if people in the United States could have an appliance in their kitchen where insects could reproduce? This way, they would be independent of larger systems and could grow their sustainable protein on food scraps.

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How does it work?

As the name suggests, the format of how the meat is shaped is like a meatball.

This is because meatballs are one of the most popular meat dishes due to their versatility.

Insects hive

Tube

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Bin

Inside view

Centered view

Outside view

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REFLECTION In both projects, I used speculative design to explore hypothetical futures.

Each artefact had unique objectives, intentionally exploring different aspects of these futures. My main objective was to inform and provoke the viewer by showcasing different possibilities and implications. Speculative design allows for limitless creativity, and I aimed to utilize this method fully in both projects to inspire debate and discussion about the possibilities for our future world.

Speculative design can encourage us to think of alternative futures and explores directions in which we should go if we wish to live in a sustainable world (Luca, 2023)ca

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03 FREELANCE PROJECTS 21/23 In this freelance design section of my portfolio, I showcase some of my notable projects and clients. As a freelance designer, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a range of clients, from small start-ups to large corporations. In this section, I’ll share my design process, challenges, and successful outcomes of each project. Join me on this professional journey as I showcase my experience as a freelance designer.

ABOUT I designed a logo for a company that focuses on helping consulting firms generate more leads and sales. The task was to create a visually appealing logo that also conveyed the company’s core message of being results-driven. Through multiple iterations and feedback from the client, I was able to deliver a final design that met their expectations and effectively represented their brand. The end result was a sleek and modern logo that accurately portrayed the company’s values and mission.

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FIRST CLIENT

AD PROGRESS OLD LOGO

LOGO CRITERIA

Simple

Professional

Meaningful

Innovative

Versatile LOGO DEVELOPMENT

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2

3

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0082c5

fb6525

00afw4

9e3072

00d3ff

5d2692

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SECOND CLIENT

KWAR ABOUT

Along with my consulting work, I designed a logo for a sustainability-focused startup that sold bracelets inspired by nature, sea, salt, and happiness. I created a visually appealing logo that aligned with the company’s values and effectively captured the essence of the brand.

PATTERN VARIATIONS

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LOGO CRITERIA

Simple

Professional

Coreful

Original

LOGO DEVELOPMENT

Wavy

194154 33717c f0f8f9

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THIRD CLIENT

G-ROLLZ About As a visual designer at New Ways Full Time in Amsterdam, I was tasked with designing a catalog featuring the new product lines in just one and a half weeks. The catalog was urgently needed for a crucial exhibition in Las Vegas.

Using my skills and expertise, I took on the challenge and created a stunning catalog that showcased the new products in an innovative and captivating way. The result was a huge success, and the catalog drew significant attention at the exhibition.

I am proud to have been a part of such an exciting project and to have contributed to the success of the exhibition. It’s a testament to my ability to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines and pressure.

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FOURTH CLIENT

3D MODEL HOUSE About I worked on a 3D model of a house for a client in southern Italy, which helped them visualize the final result and complete the building process. This is just one example of my diverse skill set as a designer, which includes working on 3D models, logos, and more.

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BEFORE

AFTER 31

02 THESIS 2022 Title: Examining the potential of speculative design as a tool to uncover through artefacts pathways towards a sustainable society

This thesis aims to probe further the question;

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THE PURPOSE My interest in using speculative design was to raise awareness of unsustainable practices and provoke a response. Instead of solving the problem, my dissertation focused on utilizing speculative design to evoke a reaction and bring attention to a specific matter.

THE SOLUTION Prototyping a game to encourage thinking kids aged 6 to 9 around sustainable practices.

“Making the invisible visible” aims to use a realistic yet provocative prototype to raise awareness among children. The prototype allows children to see the invisible aspect of food waste, helping them understand the need for sustainable practices.

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04/04 What?

USER PERSONA 1

This speculative design project uses a fun and interactive approach to teach kids about sustainable food practices, making learning more engaging.

Who? To promote awareness of food waste, I targeted children aged six to nine in my artifact, hoping to instill sustainable behavior from a young age.

Why? This game is designed for a specific age group because research shows that they learn quickly and are mature enough to understand unsustainable practices. Today’s children will shape our future, and this game provides them with the necessary tools to create a better tomorrow.

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USER PERSONA 2

As a designer, I question how much I can contribute to this awakening. After all, recognizing a problem is the first step towards finding a solution. Without awareness, nothing will change.

Therefore, a provocation might help create the necessary mindset shift.

My portfolio showcases diverse projects and personal growth in design. Lancaster University’s Design BA program and my experience as a freelancer and graphic designer have strengthened my skills. I use design to create a better future through aesthetic, logical, and sustainable solutions.

Seeking new opportunities for growth, I’m always prepared to tackle challenges and transform complex issues into successful designs. My ultimate goal is to leverage design to effect positive change, facilitating innovation and empowering individuals to thrive.

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Thank you. lucdang.design@gmail.com

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