Description:

Working in collaboration with Otago Polytechnic volunteer initiative Living Campus, this project required a design solution for a seed library display intended to be implemented in the Polytechnic Hub; giving staff and students the opportunity to purchase readily available packets of seeds on a ‘pay what you can’ basis, in an effort to to make horticulture resources and information more accessible and approachable to the student community.

The design includes a series of seven species-specific seed packet designs (Kākābeak, Kōwhai, Rengarenga, Parsley, Silverbeet, Runner Bean, and Goldenberry) - a range of endangered natives, herbs, fruit, and vegetables providing the variation to suit whatever type of garden, or level of gardening experience, potential consumers may have.

Sustainability and accessibility were at the forefront of the design process, not only through the consideration of materials and processes used, but also by looking at ways to extend the life of the packaging beyond its initial function. The illustrated front panel of each packet features perforated edges, meaning it can be torn out to reveal an internal postcard print
including information about Living Campus and the resources they provide. The design’s use of a single colour print on a background of coloured cardstock provides additional flexibility around the production methods used; meaning they are able to be inkjet printed in-house to ensure no excess is produced initially, with the intention of getting them risograph printed on a larger scale as demand grows. Each packet also features a laser-cut seed marker, cut from cardboard and MDF scraps that otherwise would have been too small to repurpose.