Presenter(s)
Thea McAdams
Abstract
Gupi is my senior capstone project where I created a sustainable, interactive product that challenges overconsumption. The project centers around Gupi Craft Kits which are DIY keychain kits made from repurposed fabric. They are designed to offer a more thoughtful and engaging alternative to fast, disposable products. At its core, Gupi is about sustainability and intentional making. Each kit uses recycled materials, transforming old fabric into something new and meaningful. Rather than contributing to waste, the project encourages reuse and creativity, allowing users to take part in the process of making their own object. This shift away from consuming and towards creating is a key part of Gupi's purpose. The development of Gupi took a semester and followed the design process. Through research, prototyping, and refinement, I worked week by week to improve both the product and its experience. A major focus was ensuring that every component, from the materials to the packaging, could be reused or responsibly recycled. I also spent time developing a cohesive brand identity, experimenting with logos, colors, and patterns to create a playful and recognizable visual system. Clarity and usability were also central to the project. I refined the instructions to be simple and accessible, making the kits approachable for a wide audience. This balance between design, function, and sustainability helped shape Gupi into a complete and thoughtful product. Looking forward, Gupi is designed with real-world application in mind. I developed a plan to produce and sell the kits, with the goal of making them both affordable and profitable. In the end, Gupi represents a shift toward more mindful design. It's not just about the final object, but about the experience of creating, the value of reusing materials, and the impact small choices can have on reducing waste.
College
College of Liberal Arts
Department
Art & Design
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Danilo Bojic
Location
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Start Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 11:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1b=10am-11am
Poster Number
52
Gupi, Sustainable Craft Kits
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Gupi is my senior capstone project where I created a sustainable, interactive product that challenges overconsumption. The project centers around Gupi Craft Kits which are DIY keychain kits made from repurposed fabric. They are designed to offer a more thoughtful and engaging alternative to fast, disposable products. At its core, Gupi is about sustainability and intentional making. Each kit uses recycled materials, transforming old fabric into something new and meaningful. Rather than contributing to waste, the project encourages reuse and creativity, allowing users to take part in the process of making their own object. This shift away from consuming and towards creating is a key part of Gupi's purpose. The development of Gupi took a semester and followed the design process. Through research, prototyping, and refinement, I worked week by week to improve both the product and its experience. A major focus was ensuring that every component, from the materials to the packaging, could be reused or responsibly recycled. I also spent time developing a cohesive brand identity, experimenting with logos, colors, and patterns to create a playful and recognizable visual system. Clarity and usability were also central to the project. I refined the instructions to be simple and accessible, making the kits approachable for a wide audience. This balance between design, function, and sustainability helped shape Gupi into a complete and thoughtful product. Looking forward, Gupi is designed with real-world application in mind. I developed a plan to produce and sell the kits, with the goal of making them both affordable and profitable. In the end, Gupi represents a shift toward more mindful design. It's not just about the final object, but about the experience of creating, the value of reusing materials, and the impact small choices can have on reducing waste.
Comments
McAdams, Thea