Graduate Studies

Digital Futures (MA, MDes and MFA)

Mazin Chabayta

IncenseBurn

IncenseBurn is a DIY object that is disseminated openly. It attempts to empower the users to activate the maker in them rather than relying on purchasing products created by manufacturers.The goal for creating IncenseBurn boxes is to allow users to not only rely on purchasing things they need but also have the option of building many things using tools that they can have access to. Initially, IncenseBurn was a single design incense box, which allowed users to avoid buying a new one and instead make one for very cheap.In addition to that, I wanted to raise the scope for this project in order to give it a longer life online, and allow the users to have some fun with creating their own IncenseBurn box. So, by adding more designs and a tool that gives the users the freedom to create any design, IncenseBurn will be able to be relevant for more people over a longer period of time.The DIY experience I wanted for this iteration is much more complex and rich than the previous one. The reason is that I wanted to add customization to my approach, which takes a lot of trial and error. So, after trying several different approaches on how I want to deliver this DIY project to as many people as possible is to use visuals, simple instructions, and friendly design. For the ready designs, simple 3-step instructions, supported by simple visuals to communicate the messages clearly and quickly.The Pattern Building, on the other hand, requires more instructions and more levels of complexity. However, I still wanted the instructions to be as visual as possible to make it easier. So, I created a detailed instructions page that explains exactly how to use the tool and how to create new patterns and insert them into the original templates.I decided to use the layers functionality in illustrator to allow the user to toggle between layers and place the items they want on the Illustrator artboard while removing or changing or simply remove them from visibility. I’ve used this method before to create templates in my previous jobs and I noticed that it is a tool that is not often used but offers a lot of flexibility for the users, without hindering the design elements.This makes sure that users have the right information to use the tools.

“We, humans, have always made what we need. But, we have lost touch with our sense of making. Make what you need, reuse what you already own, reduce buying and waste.”