Visual Communication - Bachelors

The Modern Gardener

The Modern Gardener (TMG) is a radical gardening experience powered by nature and technology, created to empower younger generations affected by the cost of living and mental health crisis. Through a digital community garden, a transformable seed packet and symbiotic plant tracker app, infographics and more, TMG creates an accessible and appealing entryway into self sufficient gardening - prioritising sustainable and circular communities who are connected and educated.

Pinta Kearns

Design Brief

Create a lifestyle brand focused around a seed packet germination system and digital community garden app. The brand should engage youth through empowerment, using a fresh maximalist aesthetic to elevate current seed packaging for modern audiences. Consider accessibility and a circular design process to reflect the changing perspectives of youth audiences.

Design Outcome

Style Kit

Transformable Seed Packet

The TMG SEED SPROUTER packet is designed to work symbiotically with the TMG app to facilitate accessible seed planting for beginners. On the shelf the contrasting design stands out from other seed brands and when at home the packet metamorphosizes into a tiny seed germination tray. A hidden QR code in the shape of the TMG logo connects users to the TMG app. Furthermore, the packaging is entirely sustainable, made from biodegradable paper and soy ink – using a minimal design for the least ink possible. Typographic elements seen through the TMG project are visible on the back of the packaging to emphasise the simplicity of the seed planting process.

Transformable Seed Packet in Use

The Modern Gardener App

The TMG app is central to the TMG brand. Working symbiotically with the SEED SPROUTER package, and providing users with educational infographic resources for their plant growing journey. The app is split into two components – the plant tracker, and the digital community garden. The TMG app has been designed with accessibility in mind, using safe colour contrasts, perceivable buttons and easy state management. Targeting Gen Z/ Millennial users, the app replicates social media app design, with ‘instagram story’ infographics, profile creation, and a home “feed” of grower stats and plants.

Plant TraCKER

Digital Community garden

infographic Poster

The seasonal planting guide is designed to educate users about best planting times throughout the year. It uses colour coding to represent several variables – months of the year, seasons and then veggies or flowers for that period. All information on this poster was designed for TMG users in SE Queensland, but the brand would sponsor research and the design of guides for all regions in Australia. The practice of using a planting guide is borrowed from permaculture practices where gardening, innovation and architecture combine.

Poster Collection

The Modern Gardener Mix – ASCII Art CD Covers

Tshirts

Thank you to
Ella McCauley and Em Lecole for modelling in the showreel
Ella McCauley, Em Lecole, Olivia Kearns, Tara Boone and Daria Maeve for user testing
My friends and family for participating in my market research and being awesome

Pinta Kearns

Pinta Kearns (Indie Illustrations) is a graduating visual communication and interaction design student. Their design philosophy is rooted in authenticity and environmental sustainability with a commitment to improving the lives of others. Pinta is an emerging identity in the Meanjin creative scene, combining their experience in magazine production (notably Frocket Zine) and interactive art installations to develop multi-dimensional projects blending digital and physical design elements.