SOCIAL IMPACT + SERVICE DESIGN

Cool Spot

The RSA challenged us to design solutions that address urban heat. My response, Cool Spot, is a brand identity with an app and a cooling blanket that help people ”wrap up cool.” The project focuses on providing simple and portable ways to stay comfortable outdoors.

Concept

Urban heat is a growing threat that requires both systemic and individual action. The big idea behind these solutions is that small changes can create a big impact. I chose a techno-serif, monospaced font for a unique, balanced identity especially when displaying numerals. Since both “Cool” and “Spot” have four letters, the uniform character width works perfectly. The circular design at the centre draws inspiration from heat maps and symbolises a ‘spot’ where people can cool down.

Cool Spot: Wrap Up Cool Blanket

Wrap Up Cool blankets are made from Phase-Change Materials (PCM) which is a smart materials that react to body temperature, from absorbing heat to releasing it. This offers a personal and portable way to stay cool outdoors. Using sustainable materials developed by RMIT (a partner in the brief), the blankets support eco-friendly cooling by reducing reliance on energy-intensive methods. They come in tube packaging, chosen for its sustainability and easy accessibility.

Cool Spot App

Cool Spot uses real-time temperature data and your location to help you find nearby places to cool down - from natural spots like shaded parks to specially designed cooling pavilions. Users can add and rate these cool spots, providing feedback that urban planners use to replicate successful designs and make cities more comfortable. Unlike traditional maps or weather apps, Cool Spot offers personalised, temperature-driven recommendations, creating cooler and more sustainable urban environments.