Exploded Design School
The Exploded Design School represents a community of emerging designers imagining a more desirable future. The MA Graduate Show concept explored projects tackling political, social, economic, and ecological challenges, positioning design as a medium for empathy, connection, and speculative thinking. The exhibition was envisioned as both a showcase of their work and a call to action, allowing visitors to experience ideas that challenge existing systems and inspire change.
Concept
Central to the concept was the metaphor of the “explosion” symbolizing the breaking of traditional boundaries and the release of new energy. This idea informed a bold, minimalist visual identity featuring a dynamic explosion graphic, paired with strong typography and bright colors. The identity was imagined across posters, social media, and exhibition signage, unifying diverse projects under a single narrative while conveying the energy and passion of the designers.
Exhibition space
The exhibition space was conceived as an immersive, multi-branched environment where visitors could navigate their own paths and engage with projects on a personal level. Interactive installations, presentations, and discussions were envisioned to transform observation into participation, with a layout that encouraged exploration, reflection, and dialogue. The concept emphasized spatial storytelling and visitor agency, creating an experience where each individual could encounter a unique narrative within the exhibition.
Outcome
Though never physically realized, the project aimed to demonstrate the power of conceptual design to explore ambitious ideas, integrate brand and spatial strategy, and envision meaningful audience engagement. It highlights how a strong visual identity, flexible spatial concept, and narrative-driven design can translate a manifesto into a compelling, immersive experience, even at the level of pure concept.
The Exploded Design School Manifesto: A Call to Action for a Better Future
"We, a generation of young designers, are driven by a
desire to envision and construct a more desirable future.
Our projects and processes embody the concepts and ideals
that we believe in, and we approach these topics with
empathy, critical thinking, and a relentless pursuit of
connection.
In today's world, the issues that we face are complex
and interrelated, spanning political, economic, ecological,
and social domains. We recognize that the existing systems
and structures that govern our world are failing, and we are
determined to take action. By using design as a medium, we
seek to capture the attention of others and inspire change
through the stories we tell and the connections we make.
The ‘Exploded Design School’ represents our collective
attitude and response to a world in crisis. We embrace the
spirit of disruption and exploration, breaking down
traditional boundaries and exploring new possibilities. Our
goal is to create a space where our ideas and designs can
interact with the world in meaningful ways, sparking new
energy and inspiring change.
The MA Graduate show exhibition is the highlight of our
journey, a showcase of the work that we have done and the
impact that we hope to make. By presenting our projects and
processes to a wider audience, we aim to demonstrate the
power of design to shape a better future. We believe that we
have a responsibility to inspire and challenge the world
around us, and we are eager to take up that challenge.
As emerging designers, we are acutely aware of our
limitations and the obstacles that we face. Nevertheless, we
are undaunted by the challenges ahead. We believe in the
power of collaboration and community, and we are committed
to working together to create a better future for all.
Join us in this call to action. Let us work together to
create a world that is more just, more equitable, and more
sustainable. We are the Exploded Design School Designers,
and we are determined to make a difference."
Credits
Project team: Claudia Chiavazza, Gayathri Anthey, Yanyang
(Rydia) Wu
Part of the DE7301 module at MA Communication
Design – Graphic Design, Kingston University (2020–21)