Minor Project: FULL COMPILATION

23/09/2025 - 30/12/2025 (Week 1 - Week 14)  


Valerius Ethan Wirawan / 0372774

Minor Project / Creative Media / School of Design

Minor Project: Full Compilation 


TABLE OF CONTENT

1. Instructions
2. Process Work & Final Outcome
3. Feedback
4. Reflection


1. INSTRUCTION

Fig. 1.1. Module Information Booklet (MIB)


2. PROCESS WORK

IMPORTANT LINKS
All detailed research materials, interview data, ideation processes, and chronological documentation are recorded in FigJam. This blog presents a summarized overview of the project progression.

FigJam

Presentation Slides

Week 1  Module Brief
At the start of the semester, students were instructed to form groups consisting of members from different specializations. The purpose of this structure was to simulate a real world working environment, where design, computing, and business disciplines intersect while solving client based problems.

Following classroom discussions, a group of seven members was formed:

Maria Ashley Sundoko / 0372793 (Project Leader)
Nur Asma’ Binti Anuar / 0378095
Valerius Ethan Wirawan / 0372774
Lee Wai Xian / 0365740
Madeline Ordelia Tjahjadi / 0376920
Ng Jia Xuan / 0375273
Jensen See Yong Chern / 0366322

 
Week 2 Topic Discussion
In the following week, several project briefs were introduced to the class. Each group was given the opportunity to select a brief that aligned with their interests and strengths. Our group selected Project 06 titled New Food, New Life, which required collaboration with a coconut based brand named Cocokami.

After confirming our project direction, each group member conducted individual research to better understand the company background, product range, market position, and challenges faced by the brand.

Fig. 2.1. Client's Company

Company Overview
Cocokami is a brand founded by Youle Chong under the company Well B. The brand focuses on producing coconut based products using natural and plant based ingredients, targeting health conscious consumers. Despite its strong emphasis on wellness and natural benefits, coconut based products currently face lower demand in the market, while production costs remain relatively high. This creates a challenge for the brand’s expansion and long term growth.

Project Aim
The goal of this project is to create product innovations and brand extensions that encourage consumers to integrate coconut based products into their daily lifestyles. At the same time, the project aims to increase Cocokami’s brand awareness and strengthen its market presence. The brief allows flexibility in form and execution, as long as the outcomes remain consistent with the brand’s core values.

Week 3 Client Meeting
On 7 October 2025, a client meeting was conducted to gain deeper insights into Cocokami’s operations, objectives, and challenges. During the session, we were able to validate our initial research, clarify assumptions, and understand the company’s pain points and opportunities.

Fig. 2.2. C lient Meeting and Demo (Week 3)

After compiling all discussion notes, the group began generating possible directions and basic concepts. Multiple ideas were listed and evaluated based on feasibility, relevance, and alignment with both the module requirements and the client’s expectations.

From the meeting, we learned that Cocokami experienced significant growth during the pandemic due to the strong association between coconut based products and health benefits. This period shaped the brand’s identity, positioning it closely with health and wellness.

The project development followed the Design Thinking framework.

Week 4-6 Stage 1: Empathy
The first stage focused on understanding potential users through interviews and observation. Based on initial discussions, the group narrowed the research focus to two user segments: sports active individuals and vegan consumers.

To manage the workload effectively, the group was divided into two smaller teams. One team focused on sports related interviews, while the other focused on vegan food consumption. Interview questions were developed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure relevant insights.

Fig. 2.3. Interview Transcripts and Findings (Week 6)

A total of seven participants were interviewed, consisting of four sports active individuals and three vegan consumers. Each group member reviewed the interview data, created transcripts, and highlighted key insights. The findings were then compared and consolidated to identify recurring themes.

An affinity diagram was used to organize and synthesize the data.

Fig. 2.4. Affinity Diagram (Week 6)

Our Key Findings:
Sports Active Users
Participants often experience a lack of appetite after workouts and prefer consuming sports related supplements such as isotonic drinks, energy gels, or protein shakes. Quick hydration and replenishment through sugar and salt are considered essential. However, many existing products rely heavily on artificial ingredients. Although coconut is recognized as a natural hydration option, it is perceived as inconvenient to consume during sports activities.

Vegan Consumers
Vegan participants prefer plant based alternatives and avoid animal derived products. They expressed concerns about limited variety and availability of vegan food options in the market. Coconut based products were acknowledged as a natural and suitable alternative due to their health benefits.

Week 7 Stage 2: Define
Based on the research findings, two primary user personas were developed.

Fig. 2.5. Defining Persona (Week 7)
Sports Persona
This group requires a convenient, natural based hydration solution that provides essential minerals and electrolytes to support recovery and prevent muscle cramps. The key challenge was to create a product that maintains nutritional value while being practical during sports activities.

Vegan Persona
This group seeks accessible and convenient vegan food options that maintain good taste and are readily available in the market.

Week 7-8 Stage 3: Ideation
Using the Crazy 8 method, the group generated a wide range of ideas within a limited time frame. This exercise encouraged creativity and rapid thinking without constraints.

Fig. 2.6. Crazy 8 Ideation Method (Week 7)

After reviewing all ideas, overlapping concepts were identified and refined. Four main ideas were shortlisted for proposal.

Proposed Ideas
Fig. 2.7. Recipe Development Process of The Proposed Ideas (Week 7)

Coconut Isotonic Plus
A natural isotonic drink using coconut as the base, combined with additional ingredients to enhance taste and functionality.

Coconut Energy Gel
A coconut water based energy gel designed as a natural alternative to synthetic sports gels, packaged in small and portable sachets.

Coconut Snack Bar
A vegan snack bar made from dried coconut, maple syrup, nuts, seeds, oats, and vegan dark chocolate.

Toasted Coconut Flakes
Baked coconut flakes designed as a vegan friendly cereal or instant breakfast option.

Repositioning Strategy
The group identified an opportunity to reposition Cocokami from a health supplement brand toward an active and sports oriented lifestyle brand. By targeting sports and vegan consumers, the brand could remain relevant and expand into new market segments.

Week 9 Mid-Term Presentation
On 18 November 2025, a ten minute presentation was delivered to the client. The session covered research findings, personas, ideation outcomes, and the proposed direction. Feedback from the client emphasized the need for a clearer focus and stronger alignment with Cocokami’s market positioning.

Following internal discussions and client feedback, the group decided to focus on sports related products under a new brand extension called Cocokami Plus.

Week 10-12 Stage 4: Prototype
Digital and physical prototypes were developed. Digital prototypes focused on branding, packaging, and promotional visuals, while physical prototypes were created as low fidelity models for testing.

A) BRAND EXPANSION
Cocokami Plus was introduced as a sports focused extension of the original brand. The logo, typography, and visual language were adapted to convey movement, energy, and performance while maintaining brand consistency.

Fig. 2.8. Logo Design Reference Moodboard (Week 11)

Fig. 2.9. Logo Design Attempt #1 (Week 11)

Fig. 2.10. Logo Design Icon Attempt #1 (Week 11)

Fig. 2.11. Logo Design Icon Attempt #2 (Week 11)

Fig. 2.12. Logo Design Finishing Attempt #3 (Week 11)

Fig. 2.13. Logo Final Outcome (Week 11)

Rationale:
COCOKAMI PLUS is an extended version of the brand that specifically targets sports audiences, while also expanding the market toward health-conscious individuals. This extension gives the brand an opportunity to create product innovations or shift its offerings toward sports-beneficial products that support people’s sports routines. At the same time, it promotes a healthier, natural-based alternative by replacing artificial ingredients, which becomes the brand’s unique selling point.


B) PACKAGING DESIGN
Packaging designs were created for the energy gel and isotonic drink. The designs emphasized high contrast colors, clear information hierarchy, and real coconut imagery to communicate natural benefits while maintaining a sporty appearance.

1. Energy Gel
Fig. 2.14. Packaging Design Reference Moodboard (Week 11)

Fig. 2.15. Group Meeting for Final Designs (Week 13)

Fig. 2.16. Energy Gel Designing Process (Week 13)

Fig. 2.17. Energy Gel Designing Process (Week 13)

Fig. 2.18. Final Energy Gel Design Outcome (Week 13)

Rationale:
The design is created with high contrast in both color and visual effects to reflect an energetic feel, while still maintaining its natural-based identity as part of the brand’s unique selling point by applying real imagery of coconuts to communicate product value. The content information on the back is presented in an infographic-style layout with handmade icons highlighting the key benefits, complete with essential information such as ingredients, nutrition facts, and manufacturing details.

2. Bottle Label
Fig. 2.19. Bottle Designing Process (Week 13)

Fig. 2.20. Final Bottle Design Outcome (Week 13)

Rationale:
The design is created to enhance the energetic feel of the product while remaining aligned with its core function of hydration and replenishment. This is supported by the visual color of the drink itself. The blue-colored beverage (blue curacao–based) elevates the sense of freshness and vitality, while the label design effectively represents the product’s purpose. At the same time, the use of real coconut imagery helps maintain the brand’s positioning as a natural-based product.

3) PROMOTIONAL STRATEGY
After completing the product mockups, we developed a promotional strategy targeted at sports and active individuals, focusing on an energetic lifestyle through dynamic visuals, sports activities, and relevant environments. The strategy was structured into three connected stages to guide users across platforms, starting with awareness through digital touchpoints such as social media and location-based advertisements, followed by a phase that builds interest and understanding through informative content, and concluding with conversion by directing users to a dedicated website or landing page for deeper engagement and purchase.

Fig. 2.21. Promotional Strategy Reference Moodboard (Week 13)

1. Geo-Tag (Online Pop-Up Advertisement)
Fig. 2.22. Geo Tag Advertisement Designing Process (Week 13)

We began by designing several adaptable templates that could be applied across different sports activities, using a minimalist layout inspired by existing sports product advertisements. Each ad was structured to include a consistent slogan, the featured sport, and the product itself. After selecting the most suitable template, multiple variations were developed to reflect different sports needs while maintaining the same slogan and highlighting specific product benefits. To enhance the sense of energy and movement, curved graphic elements were added to suggest speed and motion. These applications demonstrate how the design can be customized for various sports and locations while consistently communicating the product’s benefits and unique selling points.

Fig. 2.23. Outcome of Geo Tag Advertisement Design #1 (Week 13)

Fig. 2.24. Outcome of Geo Tag Advertisement Design #2 (Week 13)

Fig. 2.25. Outcome of Geo Tag Advertisement Design #3 (Week 13)

Fig. 2.26. Outcome of Geo Tag Advertisement Design #4 (Week 13)

Rationale:
The geo-tag location is a technology-based approach where pop-up ads are able to reach sports communities based on geographic areas. With this opportunity, we targeted common sports locations (e.g., running tracks, badminton courts, gymnasiums, sports centers, etc.), where users will receive notification ads promoting an alternative coconut-based sports products.



2. Cocokami Plus Official Website Page
Fig. 2.27. Prototype Website Designing Process (Week 13)

From the geo-tag notification, users are directed to a dedicated landing page that presents the brand profile and product information, with direct purchasing access available on the site. The website was designed using Figma in both desktop and mobile versions, with greater emphasis placed on the mobile view since the link is primarily accessed through mobile devices. The mobile interface is kept concise and informative while maintaining a clear and readable flow. Simple interactive animations were incorporated to support an intuitive user journey, enhancing user engagement while effectively communicating the brand and product information.

The final outcome could be accessed through this link. or the embedded file below.

Fig. 2.28. Final Outcome of Prototype Website (Week 13)

Rationale:
The website served as an extension of information from the geo-tag pop-up ads, leading the targeted sports audience toward product purchase. It is filled with informative content about the brand and the products, complete with clearly highlighted benefits and unique selling points to increase user engagement and support decision-making.


3. Social Media Page (Instagram)
Additionally, social media content was developed to increase engagement on algorithm driven platforms and to strengthen the visibility of the new product in the market. The process began with generating imagery using AI, as only digital mockups were available at this stage. The generated visuals were then refined and edited to align with the established concept and mood board.
Fig. 2.29. Instagram Feeds Designing Process #1 (Week 13)

Fig. 2.30. Instagram Feeds Designing Process #2 (Week 13)

Using the previously created 3D product designs, graphic posters were produced with reference to the overall visual direction to better appeal to a sports oriented audience. Design consistency was maintained across all applications, while vibrant contrasts were applied to capture attention. Link extensions were also included to guide users to the website landing page for further information and direct purchase.

Fig. 2.31. Instagram Feeds Designing Process #3 (Week 13)

Here below are our final outcomes.

Fig. 2.32. Instagram Feeds Final Outcome (Week 13)

Fig. 2.33. Instagram Feeds on Mobile Phone Final Outcome (Week 13)

Fig. 2.34. Instagram Feeds on Desktop Final Outcome (Week 13)

Week 13 Stage 5: Testing
User testing was conducted using Wizard of Oz testing and user driven testing. Printed labels and low fidelity prototype were created for evaluation.

Fig. 2.36. Packaging Low Fidelity Prototype Process Work (Week 13)

Fig. 2.36. Packaging Low Fidelity Prototype Final Outcome (Week 13)

TESTING RESULTS

Energy Gels Packaging:
The feedback indicated that the top tear opening made the energy gel easier to consume. Participants found the packaging visually appealing, clearly communicating the product’s purpose, and immediately identifiable as a sports-related item.

Isotonic Bottle Packaging:
Users commented that the isotonic bottle was functional and thoughtfully designed, with features like a sports cap and lightweight material enhancing convenience. While the design appeared clean and minimal, the label was perceived more as a health or refreshing drink rather than an energetic sports beverage. Participants also noted that the appearance had potential to extend to daily use beyond sports activities.

Website Interface:
The website interface was praised for its sporty and futuristic aesthetic. However, users suggested including more sports-related elements and reducing excessive empty spaces. Adding specific and quantitative information was recommended to better resonate with active, health-conscious users. These insights were used to refine both the product and the platform, contributing to the final prototype.

Week 14 Stage 5: Testing
On 30 December 2025, the final presentation was conducted, showcasing the complete project journey, refined prototypes, and testing outcomes.

Fig. 2.37. Final Presentation to Lecturers and Clients (Week 14)


3. FEEDBACK

Week 14
The presentation successfully addressed strategic business points and achieved the sports repositioning goal. However, the execution emphasized process over results, with text-heavy slides reducing readability. Critical improvements needed: incorporate product sizing visuals, restructure the presentation flow for better narrative clarity, and expand key information. These adjustments would enhance clarity and focus the outcome delivery.

Week 13
At this stage, the packaging designs were translated into physical form through test printing to create low fidelity prototypes. Special attention was given to dimensions and text clarity, as printed results differed from digital previews. For the evaluation process, the Wizard of Oz testing method was recommended to assess both the prototype and the proposed promotional approach with users.

Week 12
The logo expansion was refined by shifting away from a medical inspired appearance toward a more athletic and energetic visual direction. Elements that suggest motion and vitality were introduced. In addition, preparations for the testing phase were initiated, including the development of a structured test plan.

Week 11
Revisions were made to the presentation slides to improve information hierarchy and overall readability. Design principles were applied more consistently, and originality was emphasized by encouraging hand drawn sketches during ideation rather than referencing existing products.

Week 10
Feedback indicated the need to revise the user journey map to ensure clearer storytelling and logical flow. Following these adjustments, the group proceeded into the prototyping stage.

Week 9
After the mid term presentation, it was highlighted that the project required a more defined and focused direction. The concept needed stronger alignment with Cocokami’s current market positioning. Based on client feedback, the guiding question was refined to how Cocokami could encourage sports and active individuals to choose its products.

Week 8
There was no class session conducted during this week.

Week 7
The group was advised to begin the ideation phase using the Crazy 8s technique individually. These ideas were then reviewed collectively to evaluate feasibility and identify the most promising outcomes.

Week 6
To further support the research findings, it was suggested to conduct an additional interview. Clear categorization of the two personas was also required, along with more structured interview transcripts using distinct labels for interviewer and interviewee responses.

Week 5
During consultation, emphasis was placed on analysing interview data more deeply. The values and needs identified from participants were to be used as references for developing the innovation, supported by relevant best practice examples drawn from the interviews.

Week 4
The group encountered challenges in the early development of the design thinking process due to an initial focus on the client’s perspective. Once this was addressed, the project’s objectives and direction became clearer, particularly in preparation for Task 1 Proposal.

Week 3
A client meeting was conducted to gain a clearer understanding of the company’s background, creative direction, and existing challenges. These insights were essential in clarifying the client’s goals and informing how design thinking could be applied to the project.

Week 2
After reviewing the project briefs shared via Google Drive, the group selected and registered for the brief that resonated most strongly with the team. The chosen project was New Food, New Life by Cocokami.

Week 1
Group formation was carried out with restrictions on having members from the same specialization. This approach ensured a diverse skill set within the team, allowing the project to be managed more effectively through varied expertise.


4. REFLECTION

Observation
Throughout the project, I observed that multidisciplinary collaboration strongly influenced the overall workflow and outcome. Working with team members from different specializations required constant coordination, especially when aligning ideas, roles, and expectations. In the early stages, our group tended to prioritize the client’s perspective over user needs, which caused some confusion in defining the project direction.

Experience
This project provided hands-on experience in applying design thinking within a real client-based context. Compared to individual projects, working in a group required greater responsibility, communication, and compromise. Each stage of the process demanded active participation, from conducting interviews and analyzing data to ideation, prototyping, and testing.

I also experienced the challenges of working under time constraints while managing multiple revisions. Adjustments made after mid-term feedback required the group to re-evaluate decisions and improve efficiency. Despite these challenges, the collaborative environment encouraged problem solving and mutual support, allowing the project to progress steadily.

Findings
Through this project, I learned that effective design extends beyond visual execution and relies heavily on research, user insights, and strategic thinking. Understanding user needs was essential in developing relevant product innovations and positioning the brand appropriately. The shift from a medical-based perception toward a sports-oriented direction demonstrated how design decisions can influence brand identity and audience engagement.

Additionally, I found that testing and iteration are crucial in validating design outcomes. User feedback highlighted practical considerations such as readability, usability, and clarity, which are often overlooked in digital-only designs. Overall, this project strengthened my understanding of design thinking, collaboration, and evidence-based decision making in a professional design context.

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