Newsletter 038
How might a trade school model be applied to training kids with interpersonal and practical skills through a faith-based home environment? This out-of-the-box thinking inspired us to pull out all the stops as we journeyed along with the OptIN leadership team to reframe opportunities for parents to integrate faith through the tool of design.
We recently wrapped up prototypes and testing of the final designs for the OptIN Box that was developed through an empathy-based model. We began our research with a two-day online design thinking session. Micaiah (OptIN Thought Leader) and Brian (OptIN Director) Tanck gathered a group of stakeholders whose experience would contribute to a better understanding of the needs of the audience they’re trying to serve. We led them through the design process, pushing the boundaries of creativity through a custom design thinking session.
Following extensive research, we designed OptIN’s brand identity to ensure their story remained authentic to the project goals yet fluid enough to respond to their innovative team ideas. We found ourselves full of delight as we created the logo and brand identity, envisioning the experience of individuals and families interacting with this project
Inspired by Micaiah and Brian’s imaginations, we created interactive, playful, abstract characters as a key part of the brand package, empowering them to imagine the materials to be brought to life through these lively personalities.
After the Tanck’s had developed the content for the OptIN Boxes, they traveled to Marion from Alabama and we hosted them for two days at our studio in the Kennedy Art Center. During our meetings together, we developed a strong plan for ensuring the content would be designed with the function and aesthetic that would ensure the learning would be meaningful and strengthen family experiences.
With the brand tools in hand, we moved full steam ahead toward designing each of the fourteen activities they had written content for. Proof drafts were created for each activity and sent to the OptIN team for feedback. Multiple iterations were evaluated to ensure every detail was considered. The materials were packaged in custom boxes that fit inside a larger box (much like a bento box) and ranged from emoji sticks to custom “bandaids” to decoder stories, story cards, spinners, and more. When the team was ready, prototypes were created to test. We worked with print and production studios to ensure the best quality for a fair price was available, reinforcing the experience the clients hoped for the users.
This month two of our team members, Emily and Peter Troutner, traveled to Alabama to participate in a retreat hosted by OptIN. During the retreat, twenty-five participants from varying backgrounds interacted with the OptIN Story Investigators Kids Box of activities and offered feedback through testing to ensure the goals were met. The products were a big hit! Over time, the boxes will be sent out to families so they can begin benefitting from the materials, enhancing their family values through a deeper understanding of scripture.
The Family Matters online Design Thinking Session, designed and led by MDC, hosted participants scattered from coast to coast representing an organization based in New Jersey. As with every design thinking session, we created a custom experience with new methods that helped the team dive into understanding today’s busy family life. One of the activities we called the Intersection and Emotional Journey Map. This empathy-driven examination required the participants to examine family life from an empathetic point of view. It examined what moments throughout the day family members might intersect together at the same time and place. It also examined how the members might feel throughout the day. Both of these data points helped us understand what might be ideal times or momentary captures of time to infuse meaningful intention that supports family values.
It is insights gained from guided examinations like these that open up opportunities to create innovative solutions to seemingly impossible, everyday problems. We’re excited about more opportunities to help businesses, families, and organizations explore how their relationships can be strengthened through long-lasting, foundational principles using design thinking.
We’re making room for new products! To keep our store small but curate the best products for you, we’re clearing out some great items! Check out our website or come to the store to see what’s on sale. Once they’re gone, they won’t be available again. If you’ve been saving up for a Fellow Kettle, Interior design decor, or colorful game, this is your opportunity to purchase it in the store or order it online for pick up! (Kettles and smaller items may be shipped).
Products are coming in from Germany, Paris, and across the U.S. Our MOMA products are expanding and the coming months will bring in new Marion Design Co. and Kennedy Art Center merch. Keep checking back each week to see what’s new!
During July and August 2024, we’ll offer two-hour Mini Masterclasses on Saturdays from 12:30-2:30 covering creative topics ranging from studio arts, technical design, and culinary craft. Courses will be taught by professional designers or partners who practice in the profession of their instruction.
Sign up for a MiniMasterclass subscription and save!
Registration will be available beginning June 28th.
Individual class rate: $40
Purchase multi-class subscriptions by July 9th to receive the discount!
2 classes @ 10% discount = $36 per class
4 classes @ 15% discount = $34 per class
6 classes @ $48 per class = $32 per class
Details are coming soon! Check back @ https://www.mariondesign.co/events
This summer we welcome our newest Graphic Design Intern. Tabby Lo is a Senior Graphic Design major at Anderson University in South Carolina. Trained by two of Marion Design Co. founders (Luke Anspach and Herb Peterson) who recently began teaching design at Anderson, she’s already brought a unique level of passion and her human-centered design mindset to our studio.
As a first-generation Hmong American and the first of six siblings to attend a four year college, she holds a deep appreciation for her culture. With a love for bridging gaps, bringing people together, and building communities, she believes that the world changes because of people, and design is meaningful only when created with people in mind.
Rent out our kitchen for your summer events! With the cool air inside while the garage door keeps the outdoors accessible, it’s an ideal place to have your family event or office gathering!
The current show, Space Between, will only be on exhibit until July 12th! Art sales are available until the exhibit closes.
We have two exciting new exhibits coming in July and September. Save the dates for gallery openings on July 20th and September 20th.
More info to come!
For more information, contact us at hello@mariondesign.co
https://www.mariondesign.co/
