Bugtacus project is a research project that creates high-impact media design products in terms of visual effects. The purpose of the project is conveying the messages of the IPM method and promote its products.

Currently, the IPM method has been widely applied by many farmers in South Australia and certified as a green agricultural method. The produce is free of pesticides, high-yielding and safe for consumers.

Bugtacus was created to represent farmers who are applying the IPM farming method. Through its design products, the Bugtacus project aims to promote the spirit of “eating without chemicals” and “saving the environment”. At the same time, we would like to raise consumer awareness about IPM products.

The story of Bugtacus begins with the torments about a number of environmental issues caused by chemical wastes from pesticides, and the diseases that the growers may have due to direct contact with toxic chemicals in pesticides. Moreover, IPM products remain unknown to many consumers and easily confused with other conventional products.

The project to create Bugtacus – a representative brand for IPM agricultural products that aims to contribute to changing the lifestyle, mindsets, and awareness of the community, hoping to help people understand the value of IPM products, and simultaneously, increase the income for farmers.

 

THE AIMS

The aims of my research project include:

• Creating a brand identity to promote IPM food production that can be shared by IPM farms/growers.
• Creating media products (posters, a pamphlet, videos) to increase consumer’s awareness about the benefits of IPM products.
• Creating media products (posters, a pamphlet, videos) to increase grower’s awareness of how to apply the IPM method to controlling pests without using chemical pesticides.
• Encouraging consumers to be more health conscious by choosing pesticide-free food.

 

IDEATION

The purpose of the studio practice was to create visual communication design products that both attracted an audience and conveyed the message of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) method through a variety of images. The project has two target audiences: farmers and consumers. First, the farmers are expected to be supplied with information about the recent development in the agriculture industry. This knowledge is complex and hard for people to understand, so the designs needed to have a sense of excitement and a feeling of recreation. The images, therefore, should have dynamic colors and the main content should be depicted in an easily understandable way.

Secondly, for the consumers, the designs aimed to inspire a connection formed by trust. The layout had to deliver bright, meaningful messages about the benefits that the IPM products can bring to the consumers and the world in general.

 

Design products in the project

1. Brand Identity for IPM products including logo, labels, packaging.

2. An animation video series for farmers that provides information and knowledge about IPM in an entertaining and interesting way.

3. Commercial animation video to promote IPM products.

4. Posters to promote IPM and natural enemies.

5. Guide handbooks to introduce people to natural enemies.

6. Pamphlets to promote IPM for both farmers and consumers.