Stamps, belonging and cultural identity

This project is to design a product that can help improve the “space for belonging” of the minorities, elder persons and children of the Bakewell community. “Space for Belonging” refers to an internal connection between an individual and his group or environment. It is an identification and maintenance, and a psychological expression. Social designed has been performed for a better design.

What's space for belonging

Belonging space refers to an internal connection between an individual and his group or environment. It is an identification and maintenance, and a psychological expression. To this end, we designed foldable envelope, local stamps and other products to achieve our goals.

Field study

The Bakewell was founded in Anglo-Saxon times, is famous for its tourism. To realize the aim of the product, there exist the methodology of field study, literature review and online information analysis. Caring for the minorities in Bakewell, we planned to perform the field study

Target audience-minorities

In our field study, we found that children and the elderly lack a sense of belonging, which provides a basis for us to set the target population later.

Proposal 1

Bakewell is famous for its tourism, which attracts both domestic and foreign tourists. The product we chose later fully considered the factor of tourism.

Ideation 1: Nine scenic spots

I have selected nine scenic spots. These scenic spots, which tell the history and present of Bakewell, are the essence of local culture. They can help residents establish a real sense of belonging.

Brainstorm: Early ideation

During the brainstorming phase, I designed pudding making training courses. The parent-child activities in the summer camp connect the natural environment with family affection to help children create a belonging space. In addition, sculptures, theme parks, amusement facilities, etc. are all designed to increase the sense of belonging of the elderly and children.

Proposal 2: Stamps

I have selected 9 scenic spots from the local religion, history, diet, culture, transportation, architecture, customs and other aspects. I chose to use simple strokes to show the scenic spots and print them on the stamps. In this way, stamps can tell Bakewell's own story and enhance local residents' sense of belonging and cultural identity. In addition, stamps are easy to carry and mass produced. They can be used for sending letters, as prizes for games, and as tourist souvenirs.

Other applications

My simple line drawing pictures about the 9 scenic spots in Bakewell can be used for more purposes around the same theme. For example, I used fusion software to design color seals, which can be used in bingo games, or as children's stationery; I could print the same pictures on the tourist souvenirs so that the children could paint their favorite colors according to their own preferences. Such products will link the local scenic spots with the daily life of residents and increase their sense of belonging.

Final product

This is the final present of the group product-post card with maps, vouchers. As a part of one getting to know the Bakewell, he/she can use the vouchers included within the fold out envelope that this letter has come in. By using these vouchers one can experience the 9 scenic spots. By using the vouchers, once can form some connections with some of the local businesses and the people who work within.