Redefining Strength Through DesigN
A HANDCRAFTED HOMAGE TO HEALTHY MASCULINITY
Manly is a brand providing innovative and thought-provoking collection of handcrafted pots that challenge and educate against toxic masculinity. With an artistic approach, Manly transcends mere aesthetics, engaging in a critical conversation about gender norms and the impact of societal expectations on emotional well-being.
PROBLEM
In a society where the concept of masculinity is often constricted to notions of dominance and emotional suppression, the adverse effects resonate not just among women and girls, but also deeply impact boys and men. Rooted in the suppression of all emotions except anger, this limited portrayal of masculinity can lead to cycles of violence and misunderstanding.
SOLUTION
Manly emerges as a beacon of change, representing qualities like compassion and kindness—attributes that are often overshadowed by the glorified toxic traits of power and aggression. Each of Manly's planters are imbued imbues with stories and lessons of what masculinity could and should embody: the power found in growth, the strength in vulnerability, and the courage in collaboration. The design of each pot is a manifestation of these ideals. Every curve, color, and crafted detail does not only represent but also celebrates the diverse traits of true masculinity. Interdependence and cooperation are not merely artistic expressions but are woven into the functional form of each piece, demonstrating that the path to growth is paved with unity and mutual support.
At the heart of Manly’s online presence is a user interface that prioritizes simplicity and ease of navigation. The intuitive layout allows users to interact with the brand’s philosophy seamlessly. The interface reflects the brand's values, with gentle, inviting colors and clear, accessible menus that guide the user through the educational journey of Manly.
KEY FEATURES
Handcrafted Design:
Each pot in the Manly collection is handcrafted symbolizing the unique journey every man takes towards personal growth. The tactile nature of the pots, with their distinctive textures and colors, encourages a hands-on approach to growth, fostering a connection between the individual and the concept of nurturing.
Each pot in the Manly collection is handcrafted symbolizing the unique journey every man takes towards personal growth. The tactile nature of the pots, with their distinctive textures and colors, encourages a hands-on approach to growth, fostering a connection between the individual and the concept of nurturing.
Symbolic Imagery:
The design of the planters incorporates imagery that symbolizes various aspects of healthy masculinity. From the earthy, robust bases representing stability and grounding, to the delicate foliage that thrives with care, each design element reinforces the project's core values.
The design of the planters incorporates imagery that symbolizes various aspects of healthy masculinity. From the earthy, robust bases representing stability and grounding, to the delicate foliage that thrives with care, each design element reinforces the project's core values.
Inclusivity in Design:
Manly stands as a testament to inclusivity, breaking away from traditional masculine motifs. By selecting a range of plants that vary in care needs—from the resilient cactus to the nurturing requirements of a fern—these pots serve as metaphors for the spectrum of masculinity, celebrating its diverse expressions.
Manly stands as a testament to inclusivity, breaking away from traditional masculine motifs. By selecting a range of plants that vary in care needs—from the resilient cactus to the nurturing requirements of a fern—these pots serve as metaphors for the spectrum of masculinity, celebrating its diverse expressions.
Educational Aspect:
Accompanying each pot is an educational narrative that ties the product back to the theme of healthy masculinity. This narrative extends beyond the visual, engaging users in an ongoing conversation about growth, strength, and the importance of emotional expression.
Accompanying each pot is an educational narrative that ties the product back to the theme of healthy masculinity. This narrative extends beyond the visual, engaging users in an ongoing conversation about growth, strength, and the importance of emotional expression.
Mobile Website
Try the Interactive Prototype.
– A user interface that prioritizes simplicity and ease of navigation.
– The mobile-first design approach ensures that the website's user experience is optimized for engagement across devices.
– Each product page not only showcases the planter but also serves as a portal to a broader narrative.
– The website employs responsive storytelling techniques, with product pages that reveal stories of growth and strength as users scroll, mimicking the nurturing process that plants and people require.
– Interactive elements such as hover effects, animated plant growth on hover, and storytelling through scroll keeps the user engaged and makes the educational content more digestible and memorable.
Desktop Website
Try the Interactive Prototype.
IMPACT
Advocacy and Awareness:
Manly has become more than a collection of planters; it's a movement that educates on the importance of combating toxic masculinity. It’s a clarion call for self-reflection and change, resonating with individuals across different backgrounds, and fostering a community eager to embrace and advocate for healthier expressions of masculinity.
Manly has become more than a collection of planters; it's a movement that educates on the importance of combating toxic masculinity. It’s a clarion call for self-reflection and change, resonating with individuals across different backgrounds, and fostering a community eager to embrace and advocate for healthier expressions of masculinity.
Personal Growth:
By intertwining the growth of plants with the growth of individuals, Manly underscores a message that is transformative. Users report a newfound awareness and commitment to nurturing not just their plants, but their personal development and relationships with others.
By intertwining the growth of plants with the growth of individuals, Manly underscores a message that is transformative. Users report a newfound awareness and commitment to nurturing not just their plants, but their personal development and relationships with others.
Redefining Strength:
The most significant impact of Manly is the redefinition of strength. The project challenges the stereotype that equates strength with dominance, instead proposing a new archetype where strength is measured by one’s capacity for compassion, empathy, and cooperation.
The most significant impact of Manly is the redefinition of strength. The project challenges the stereotype that equates strength with dominance, instead proposing a new archetype where strength is measured by one’s capacity for compassion, empathy, and cooperation.
Planters
Accessories
The Brand
The logo's responsiveness is showcased through its adaptability in different formats. The full version with the brand name, tagline, and embellishing graphic is used for larger displays, ensuring that the brand’s message of "Strength in Growth" is communicated clearly.
As the size constraints increase, the logo scales down intelligently, stripping down to essentials while retaining brand recognition. The minimalist version retains the distinctive mustache and leaf graphic, symbolizing the brand’s commitment to nurturing and growth.
