Powder to Purpose

Working in a team of three students, we explored how design can contribute to more sustainable and equitable futures.

The first phase of the project focused on in-depth research. Over the course of half a semester, we conducted interviews with experts, gathered and analyzed relevant information, investigated existing solutions to our chosen issue, and engaged in hands-on material explorations.

During the second phase, we translated our research into a tangible proposal. We developed and refined a solution, exploring how it could be implemented as a realistic and viable option. Through iterative testing, design development, and critical evaluation, we examined both its practical applications and its potential impact in the real world.

Timeline: January 2025 - April 2025

Course: Research Studio 1 [Blissful Futures]

Tools: Rhino 3D, wood shop machinery, Adobe creative suite, Sewing Machine, Nikon Z50

Phase 1: Research/Outreach

What is currently happening in the ski industry? What do experts say?

Phase 2: Hands-on

What happens when we work with the physical material?

Phase 3: Discovery

What an we create based on materiality?

Phase 4: Implementation

How can we implement our idea into the industry in a real way?

Project Overview/Lookbook

By the end of the semester, we created a book detailing our research, discoveries, and outcomes.

[SCROLL TO VIEW]

Looking forward

In order to implement the idea of the ski chair as a method of ski waste mitigation, we would set up a business in SLC where local skiers could bring their old unusable skis/boards to us. We would cut out custom parts and then send them back with hardware and instructions on how to assemble their chair. Doing so would be a great way to keep skies out of the landfill for longer, and allow customers to participate in a hands-on, meaningful experience. To show proof of concept, I created a an instruction booklet that could be sent along with the custom cut parts.

[SCROLL TO VIEW]