As a class we created a pro bono project for XULA MOLE which is a program that connects New Orleans Schools with Xavier University students to encourage and excite young students about STEM. The client wanted to improve their puzzle pieces that their students use to learn chemical bonds. We were tasked to create durable puzzle pieces to demonstrate chemical bonds, a pamphlet to reference for the game, and a durable box to hold all the components. My team, Sarah Filo, Sadie Sher, Mia Lauland, and myself, worked on creating and making the puzzle pieces.
Graphics & Logo
Created By: Fran Frutkin, Sam Wible, & Carolina Luss
Chemistry Connection Acrylic Puzzle Pieces
Single Positive (+) Double Positive (++)
Single Negative (-) Double Negative (--)
Materials & Process
Materials: translucent colored acrylic so overlap creates new color
Below: original hexagon and octagon prototypes
after presenting this shape to our clients, we received feedback to make the shape circular to avoid confusion as they learn higher-level chemistry. We also added underlines under chemical names, so the orientation is not confusing.
Process & Assembly
laser cutting file
set up for laser cutter and finished laser cut product before assembly
Then we started assembling the pieces by first wiping the acrylic pieces as prep. Then we applied acrylic glue that welds the two pieces together. Finally, we pressed the pieces together to minimize air bubbles.
Final pieces showing the bump out color change!
Created by my team: Sarah Filo, Sadie Sher, Mia Lauland, and myself.
Pamphlet Pages
18 front and back pages. Laminated for durability and to allow Expo markers to draw on pages and be erased. Then the final pamphlet pages are stringed onto a ring to mimic flashcards.
Created By: Taylor Guillotte, Amanda Landau, Charlotte Greer, & Lindsay Kottle
Finished Box
Made from sturdy materials for durability. The box includes a Periodic Table for reference and an insert to hold all the pieces and pamphlet comfortably. This will diminish loss of pieces during use.
Outside Inside
Box Insert Process
By: Fran Frutkin, Sam Wible, & Carolina Luss
Project Reflection
For this project, our client needs are practicality and durability. Also, they are focused on setting a good chemistry foundation for the students to build on and excite them. This changes from my initial understanding that they want an exciting, unique shape, which might be confusing later in the student's chemistry career. They also are looking for durable materials in the box and pieces, not just aesthetics, because they want the product to last a long time in a high school classroom. This led us to our final design, a balance between fun and educational design to better understand chemical bonds.
Graphic Design's Impact
Graphic design can serve New Orleans in changing the educational access for students and improve poverty issues that plague New Orleans. By exciting the city to make a change through graphic design or exciting students we can change how our city addresses problems. Non-profits face price issues when accessing design as it could be very expensive. In addition, they might not have access to design services because they don't know where to start looking for a designer or have the time to find designers that are interested. However, designs might struggle serving non-profits by wanting to address other issues than the client wants or not aligning with their design goals. The designer might have a different style or tone than the non-profit wants to convey leading to poor advocacy for the non-profits. That's why it's important for designers to listen and research the organization before assuming.
Thank You!
Completed: (Visual Commuinication and Advocacy 2305) (Professor: Meghan Saas) (Tulane University)
