Sustainable Design Module - University Project
Retail Design · Modular Systems · Sustainable Design · Brand Experience
A calm, evolving flagship where reuse, ritual, and design flow together in one continuous loop.
A modular retail concept redefining sustainability as a lived behaviour, not a label.
CIRCULAR FLAGSHIP EXPERIENCE
the brief
Set by DIAM International, the challenge was to design a flagship retail concept for an existing brand that minimises environmental impact through circularity, modularity, and adaptability.
the brand
Summer Fridays is a Los Angeles–born skincare brand built on clean beauty, simplicity, and transparency.
Loved by Gen Z and Millennials, it blends effortless luxury with a calm, digital-first aesthetic.
Its eco-conscious mindset focuses on recyclable materials and mindful self-care, making it the perfect brand to reimagine through circular retail design.
secondary research
case studies
problem statement
Traditional beauty flagships rely on static layouts, short-term visual merchandising, and single-use testers leading to excessive waste, limited reuse, and disengaged customer behaviours. Sustainability efforts often feel bolted on, rather than embedded into the shopping experience. Meanwhile, Gen Z and Millennial consumers increasingly seek experiential, personalised, and responsible retail spaces that reflect their values and adapt to their evolving routines.
HOW MIGHT WE
design a modular, circular, and adaptive flagship store for Summer Fridays that minimises waste, supports refill and reuse, and inspires emotionally rewarding, sustainable customer behaviours, all while remaining aspirational and effortless?
user needs & challenges
stakeholder map
persona
ideation
proposal
A flagship concept that redefines sustainability as a behaviour-led, modular system—not a performative add-on.
Reusable pods, low-waste testing, and tactile interactions create a calm, evolving space where sustainability is lived, not labelled.
MODULAR, CIRCULAR RETAIL EXPERIENCE FOR SUMMER FRIDAYS
modular pod system
One adaptable system, many evolving experiences.
The modular pod system reimagines traditional retail fixtures as adaptable, long-life components.
Each pod uses a slot-in, tool-free mechanism, allowing easy updates, repairs, and reconfiguration without rebuilds.
A single scalable format connects every zone — testing, consultation, refill, and newness — keeping the store visually consistent while reducing waste.
♻️
REDUCES SEASONAL VM WASTE
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QUICK UPDATES WITHOUT TOOLS OR GLUE
ENABLES CIRCULAR STORYTELLING ACROSS CAMPAIGNS
🌍
the glow system
Guiding personal ritual through circular design
The Glow System replaces digital clutter with a tactile, human-centred ritual.
Customers receive a Glow Pebble made from recycled materials their key to testing, scanning, and returning products in one seamless loop.
This low-tech, emotionally driven system turns sustainability into a personal experience, encouraging reflection, reuse, and ritual.
customer journey map
