Philippines General Design Observations B

Part two of two of a collection of general considerations from a design internship in the Philippines.

We know packaging can speak to contents, but how do these conventions shift from culture to culture? Generally utilitarian isopropyl alcohol in more ‘designer’ green, contoured bottles; jumbo ‘banana catsup’ bottles.

If you could only change one aspect of an existing design (colour, size, shape, texture, etc.) what would it be, why, and how much would that change people’s perception of it. Ubiquitous blue ‘gasul’ propane tanks, Manila.


Simple resourcefulness in the pursuit of fun. San Juan beach, La Union.

Most households keep a pig in the yard, often kept for (un)expected) ceremonial offerings such as harvests, weddings, construction, etc. A black pig is considered a more fitting offering than a white one, however, sometimes a white pig can be painted black should the need arise.

More than just practical?

From monumental to minuscule design, how aware are designers of the way their work is perceived and will be perceived? How much can this be anticipated and how much is left for time to tell? Millennium-old rice terraces en route to Sagada, Mountain province.