Ideas
In the second half of the course, we were able to choose our own topic to explore in more depth.
I had three ideas: the matcha hype, period products, or collectible figures. The most interesting topics for me were collectibles and matcha, and based on the direct feedback after my presentation, I decided to focus on matcha production.
Intensive Research
So I started researching matcha. I barely drink it myself and was surprised by how deep the topic suddenly got. There was so much information—different shading techniques, how the bushes are trimmed, the overall production process, and all the different stages with similar-sounding names…
Of course, I also had to understand how the hype escalated like that, so I read many online articles and watched explainer videos about the story of matcha.
I also had to find out where in the system AI is used and how. In my topic (which was mainly about trends and overconsumption) AI appeared primarily in apps like TikTok, Instagram, and similar platforms. But manufacturers also use AI tools to monitor trend patterns and respond to rising demand or changes.
In some matcha cultivation, AI-powered scanners are now used to assess color, particle size, and other quality indicators. Additionally, sensors, drones, and data dashboards help monitor soil moisture and quality, weather conditions, and plant health. These technologies are gradually being adopted in Japan, while China has already made more progress in this area.
I structured my findings in a flowchart, and even though I didn’t cover every aspect of the topic, it still took me almost 20 minutes to present it in the Zoom call…
Clearly, that wouldn’t work for the 10-minute final presentation :')
The Narrative + Design of the Map
Still, I felt like I had to squeeze everything I’d learned into one map. But that quickly became overwhelming. So I started working on cutting it down and thought about what the most important parts were in order to communicate the story clearly.
The format and metaphor of the map went through many iterations, but the version I showed during the midterm presentation was a crucial stepping stone in its development.
Its made up of three circles:
- The inner circle shows the traditional handcraft behind matcha
- The middle one represents the influence of social media and global societal conditions
- The outer circle explores how AI is used in the production chain and its environmental impact
The color palette was taken from the tea plant at the center (Camellia sinensis).
One major issue with the map was that it relied on many arrows, which ended up crossing over each other and made it hard to follow. Also, I started telling the story from the historical roots of matcha farming and only got to the current challenges at the very end of the presentation.
Through the feedback I received, I understood that it would be better to tell the story backwards, starting from the present issue, so the audience immediately knows what it’s about.
With this in mind, I used that version as a foundation and sketched out a few ideas for how the metaphor could evolve. In the end, I stuck with the circular design but turned it into a spiral, which, for me, visualizes the matcha story well.
I also moved away from the educational tone of the infoboxes and adopted a more provocative one, especially in the headlines. I wanted the content to be somewhat entertaining, but primarily critical, in order to highlight the relevance of the issue.
Final System Map
I think the map now works as I originally imagined :)
The story is presented in reverse, with the subtle dilution of color from center to edges symbolizing the decline in quality over time. In the middle, I added hand-drawn icons to reflect matcha’s artisanal roots. The pressure on the small plant feels more tangible now—amplified by the branching lines emerging from the spiral.
Green text boxes represent the main story, yellow ones highlight impact, and white boxes explain AI’s role in the system.
The way I presented it reflects my own perspective and understanding. The story likely isn’t entirely linear, and I may have left out some nuances—but hopefully, it still offers a meaningful glimpse into what’s happening in the world right now.
Final Presentation
Video Overview of the Project
Conclusion
This course was quite different from the others I’ve taken.
It was well-structured and more research-heavy. Also this was my first time working on detailed system maps, and I’m really grateful for the experience. When you put in the effort, you really can get great results!
The theory sessions at the beginning were all very engaging—even though the facts about overconsumption, sustainability, and AI were shocking and a bit depressing :')
The „Speed Studio“ project at the start, which ran over four weeks, was also nice. We worked in teams of three or four to develop a system map and everyone had a defined role. I was a copywriter for the first time. Initially, I thought it would be a boring task, but I was completely wrong! As a copywriter, you shape the narrative and tone of the text, which in turn influences the design. All the roles depend on each other, so leaving one out disrupts the balance and makes the process more difficult.
I also appreciated the deep dive into AI algorithms, which helped bring everyone to a similar level of understanding.
Above all, this course showed me that, as a designer, you carry a big responsibility and need to be mindful of what you put out into the world. But with that responsibility also comes the power to find solutions and draw attention to important issues.
This more scientific, research-based side of design really grew on me. So I hope I can carry this knowledge and these skills into future projects :)
Sometimes, all it takes is one small change in a system to shift everything.
