Korina Vrettou

About

Korina is a product designer based in London. Reflecting on her background in research tools and design methodologies, her practice during her Masters in Royal College of Art focuses on creating narratives through objects and raising awareness on global issues.


EXHIBITIONS

Milan Design Week - Milano, 2022

RCA Work In Progress show - London, 2022

European Parliament - Brussels, 2017

Benaki Museum - Athens, 2017

Museum of Cycladic Art - Athens, 2016



Contact

Degree Details

Statement

In continuously changing and developing society of technology and innovation, Korina’s aim is to question, explore and influence the changing human behaviours, to identify the space for intervention, innovation and design for a better world.

Korina’s aim is to question how each product is positioned in our society and create objects that have true impact on humans' behaviour. 

Her current exploration focuses on how objects can work as mediums to form meaningful relationships within intergenerational communities.

BRIDGE

London is one of the most age segregated cities in the world. 

Reports show that elderly population, face social isolation and lack of companionship, which can have a negative impact on both of their mental and physical health. At the same time a significant number of kids in London do not have extended family relationships as they usually come from international families or their family had to move because of work. 

How could we connect those two seemingly diverge target groups?

BRIDGE is a collection of objects that work as a medium to bridge the elderly and kids (3-5 years old) on an emotional, cognitive and physical level, with a vision to create a complete relationship. The objects stimulate every stage of their relationship, from the first conversation to the growth of affection, and work as a set with the same objectives: co-ability, equal participation and benefits for both.

The objects target one to one interactions, in order to simulate the relationship between a grandparent and a grandkid. They will be placed in a context of intergenerational programs or community hubs in London but they can also be used by individuals.

Experiencing this extended family model will benefit the elderly to fight loneliness and gain a sense of purpose, while the kids gain the role of a grandparent in their life and learn to embrace differences.

Those objects create a narrative, from a family moment that opens up discussion for intergenerational objects and furniture in different contexts.

The conversation box : Bridging conversation

The Conversation Box bridges conversation between the participants by encouraging them to ask each other questions. The openly interpreted illustrations embrace both of their abilities and work as a medium to help them meet each other's perspectives.

The 3D puzzle : Bridging Abilities

The 3D puzzle bridges abilities and invites the participants to create structures together and recreate objects and situations from their reality through shapes. The different textures, sounds and magnets create a multi-sensory experience, which helps the participants engage through understanding each other's interpretations of reality.

The chair - Encouraging affection

The Chair encourages an area of affection and togetherness inviting the participants to sit physically close. The playful ladder works as a motivation for the kid to initiate this interaction, resulting in bringing the participants to the same eye level, building intimacy and emotional trust.
In collaboration with the first UK intergenerational nursery, Apples and Honey Nightingale.