JESS PARK, the versatility of design
As we always say, design is not the solution to our problems but it can give us one or more methods with which we try and find answers, to improve our daily lives. One of the most exciting aspects of the project is precisely that of researching and imagining new perspectives, going beyond the possibilities already outlined. (Cover, Pillo by Jess Park)
Jess Park, like many other young designers, was fascinated by the holistic vision of this sector and wanted to further diversify her skills as a designer, her interest is to seek connections with other fields through the study of needs and requirements, also questioning the traditional uses of the product – always keeping sustainability in mind. Let’s see in detail her approach with some of the projects developed in recent years, one of which is also present in the new Materials Design Map.
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Cloud DIY Lighting Kit, play, learn and create
The Cloud Lighting Kit, for example, is a modular, recyclable and do-it-yourself lighting kit that allows users to create a light according to their needs: a construction toy that helps to approach electrical circuits in a simple and safe way. The Cloud kit consists of 20 Yupo paper modules and each of these have conductive ink screen printed on the surface, connected to adhesive LED lights – this allows the user to see and touch the circuit without the risk of getting an electric shock. The modules can be assembled with different shapes through the use of simple clips. A simple product that combines learning with play and allows the user to customize the final result.
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Pillo, the fall injury protection clothing
Another example of Jess Park’s approach is Pillo, a collection of fall injuryprotection clothing for the elderly. As observed by the designer, fall injuries pose a serious threat to the mobility and independence of the elderly: hip fractures, for example, are among the most common and are part of a percentage of the mortality rate of elderly patients. Unfortunately, however, they often refuse or are reluctant to use hip or assistive devices. Pillo was born exactly to respond to this problem: a collection of protective home clothes for the elderly, easy to put on and take off, machine washable, comfortable to wear, aesthetically pleasing and economical.
In the event of a fall, the shock absorbing foam found in the internal hip pockets helps prevent fractures by softening the impact. The foam pads are made from waste materials from a manufacturing company. The attractive design of Pillo and its ease of use help the user to use the product.
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The Great Lakes Pollution/ Chemicals of Mutual Concern, from pollutant to ink
As anticipated, Jess also worked on new materials: The Great Lakes Pollution/ Chemicals of Mutual Concern is an awareness project that Jess did as a research assistant of Prof. Heather Davis at the Eugene Lang University.
After studying the history of pollution in the Great Lakes and New York areas and how it has affected people and the environment, the team decided on the idea of creating a pollution-based ink from dust and soot from NYC subway stations. After 3 months of collection process, further research and various experimentation, Jess created the pollution-based ink. Then, using the ink, she designed and hand-printed the index cards. The content was written by Prof. Heather and Prof. Kirsty Robertson. They detail the history and background of the Great Lakes and its pollution. The project was exhibited at the Plastic Heart exhibition at the University of Toronto in September 2021 and at the Canadian Cultural Center in Paris in autumn 2022.
From the theme of playing as a learning tool to that of raising awareness against pollution, the projects tackled by Jess Park are very diverse but best represent her holistic approach to design. Last but not least, the designer has also founded the Le Motif Design studio where she experiments with biomaterials to make products for the home. Visit Jess Park’s website to find out more! Photo courtesy
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