With the team being interested in how COVID-19 has greatly impacted daily interactions, we began to use speculative design proposals to challenge assumptions and preconceptions about how the role of disposable face masks play not only in everyday life but their environmental impact.

Countries around the world were doing their part in the reduction of plastic pollution however, when the pandemic arrived, it disrupted the attempts to shift away from the usage of plastics. Suddenly, and understandably, the larger concern shifted to cleanliness and contamination. Being able to dispose of bags, gloves and other plastics protected us from the virus, as a result, stores stopped using reusable bags and cups and opted for plastic items.

The team initially debated whether the mask should be made entirely from raw materials or simply adorned with them. In the first iteration, while the raw materials were clearly showcased, I found it difficult to brand the product and encourage consumer adoption. I then took the initiative to create cleaner mask mock-ups to make them more appealing and start a potential trend.

Working on Botanic Appeal challenged my assumptions about design-thinking, especially through the lens of Speculative Design and Material Speculation. This approach made me consider the real-world implications of creating counterfactual artifacts and how they could shape future behaviors. The project reinforced how powerful design can be in communicating a message or attitude—especially when promoting sustainability in a way that feels integrated into daily life.