PRODUCT DESIGN
Polymon
Startup Project
My Role
VI Designer
Content Creator
Interaction Designer
Team
Linhao Feng | Digital Creator
Langjie Du | IND
Hao Zhou | IND
Onki Wong | BM
Shihua Zhao | Video Editor
My Responsibility
Concept
Research
VI Design
Design Tools
Rhino
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
iMovie
Premiere Pro
CapCut
Duration
2022 - Present
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Overview
Polymon is an innovative brand founded by a collective of architects, interaction designers, industrial designers, brand marketers, and musicians. Its slogan, “Uniquely Normal”, reflects the brand's ethos of blending individuality with relatability, pushing creative boundaries while staying grounded in everyday experiences. This collaborative foundation positions Polymon as a creative force that bridges multiple disciplines, crafting experiences and products that are both distinctive and deeply relatable. The blend of artistic vision and practical design makes Polymon stand out as a brand that redefines what "normal" means—turning it into something extraordinary.
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Hightlights
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Concept
INNOVATIVE, PLAYFUL, BOLD
Polymon encompasses two core categories: Uselessism and Anti-Stereotypism. These categories reflect the brand's commitment to challenging conventional norms and celebrating individuality in ways that transcend traditional thinking.
USELESSISM
Uselessism embraces the idea that not everything needs to be practical or functional to have value. It encourages creativity, playfulness, and experimentation, pushing the boundaries of what is considered useful or necessary in everyday life. This concept aligns with the brand's ethos of "Uniquely Normal," where the beauty of the seemingly useless or unconventional is celebrated.
ANTI-STEREOTYPING
Anti-Stereotyping focuses on breaking down stereotypes and rejecting predefined molds. This category is about promoting diversity and inclusivity, ensuring that the brand's offerings are not limited by traditional or narrow perceptions. It encourages a more expansive and diverse view of identity, design, and expression, where everyone is free to define their own norms.
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Market Research
1. QSTNMRK?
QSTNMRK? is an anonymous collective of creatives that uses art and culture to critique capitalism, consumerism, and global issues. The brand questions modern life’s dualities, such as growth vs. resource scarcity, and promotes awareness, education, and sustainability. It fosters thought-provoking discussions on topics like social justice, mass consumption, and capitalism, while maintaining a playful, satirical tone. Their mission is to challenge conventional norms and contribute to building a more sustainable world.
Launched in 2023
The Undrinkable Can
A bold and satirical art piece addressing the environmental and health risks of sugary beverages.
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Design: Features a sleek red and white aesthetic inspired by iconic soda brands.
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Graphics: Displays sarcastic text and alarming health stats on Type 2 diabetes, cancer, and obesity.
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Packaging: Comes in a clear, numbered display box filled with sugar granules.
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Message: Critiques overconsumption and corporate irresponsibility, encouraging reflection on consumer culture.
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Pricing: Starts at $1, increasing by $1 with every purchase, symbolizing the cost of consumerism.
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Purpose: A limited-edition collectible intended as an eye-catching and thought-provoking display or gift
2. THE UNCOMFORTABLE
The Uncomfortable Watering Can
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The watering can features a spout and handle positioned in a way that makes it ineffective for use.
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The opening for water and the spout create a visual contradiction.
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When attempting to pour, water is likely to spill out from unintended areas.
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The design makes it impossible to use the watering can as intended.
The Uncomfortable by Katerina Kamprani is a thought-provoking design brand that reimagines everyday objects with intentional impracticality. Each piece in the collection challenges conventional assumptions about usability and purpose, transforming familiar items into playful, yet frustrating, works of art. By subverting functionality, these designs invite viewers to reconsider their relationship with the objects they interact with daily. Both humorous and reflective, The Uncomfortable sparks fresh perspectives, laughter, and meaningful conversations about the role and impact of design in our lives.
Launched in 2020
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Final Products
USELESSISM
This concrete cup is designed to be "useless but also useful," blending form with function in a unique way. Though it might initially seem impractical, it serves multiple purposes. The cup's design is both aesthetic and versatile, making it suitable not just as a cup, but also as a flowerpot, pen holder, or other practical items.
A notable feature is the logo pattern cutout at the bottom of the cup, adding an interesting visual detail while reinforcing its modern, industrial appeal. The use of concrete gives it a sturdy, substantial feel, further enhancing its unique and unconventional design.
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CUP
STEREOTYPING
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VEST
This vest-shaped bag is designed to challenge stereotypes, blending function with a bold and unconventional aesthetic. Part of a series dedicated to anti-stereotyping, it reimagines everyday objects, turning them into thought-provoking and versatile pieces. While it resembles a simple vest at first glance, this bag serves as a functional accessory, ideal for carrying essentials or making a powerful visual statement.
A key feature of the design is the striking black logo print, which contrasts sharply against the pristine white fabric. The abstract, graphic nature of the logo not only adds a layer of visual intrigue but also reinforces the bag's message of breaking away from traditional forms and expectations. Lightweight yet durable, this piece combines wearable art with practicality, offering a fresh take on modern, boundary-pushing design.
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TALISMAN STICKY NOTES
This unique series of talisman sticky notes is a bold expression of modern values and individuality. Each sticky note combines the traditional charm of talismans with empowering personal declarations aligned with contemporary cultural ideals.
Freedom in Love, Marriage, and Sexuality: Celebrating the right to pursue relationships and intimacy on one’s own terms.
Choice in Parenthood:
Advocating for the freedom to decide whether or not to have children.
Breaking Traditional Constraints:
Rejecting outdated norms like the "Three Obediences and Four Virtues," and embracing equality and independence.
These sticky notes are not only decorative but also a meaningful way to affirm personal beliefs and champion modern social values. Perfect for those who seek to combine tradition with progressiveness in their everyday lives.
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Identity Design
THE LOGO
Polymon’s logo is the combination of a the Chinese "草字头" (grass radical) and wordmarks. The 'grass' radical symbolizes vitality and growth, aligning perfectly with Polymon's values of diversity and innovation. It gives a sense of modernism with a sans serif wordmark at the bottom.
BRAND GUIDELINE
TYPEFACE & COLOR
LOGO & PATTERN ITERATIONS
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Collateral
BUSINESS CARD
PERIPHERAL PRODUCTS
IN THE STORE
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Takeaways
Building a Global, Creative, and Practical Foundation for Innovation
Our team is spread across the globe, with members in America, England, Japan, and China. This diversity creates a rich environment for creative ideas and innovative solutions. We all bring unique perspectives, enhancing the creativity and relevance of our work in the global market. Since we are in different time zones, we maintain flexible schedules but ensure that we meet at least twice a week to stay aligned. Everyone on the team is expected to drive themselves and contribute their individual skills and experiences.
As we work together, we also learn how to balance creativity with practicality, carefully considering materials, designs, and marketing strategies to ensure that our products are not only innovative but also sustainable and market-ready. There’s still a lot of work ahead of us, but I believe we’ve made a great start. The journey so far has been incredibly rewarding, and I'm excited for what’s to come as we continue to build on this foundation
Portfolio Showcase
