Dsposal Creating a brand-led isometric world

Dsposal is an online hub addressing the key issue of waste management, by connecting waste producers to licensed waste disposal companies. They are on a mission to help tackle waste crime and promote waste as a valuable resource. Dsposal were seeking local creative studios, so contacted Manchester design agency Superfried to develop an illustration style to convey the new service.

The client requested that the artwork include some kind of puzzle that could be navigated via the assistance of Dsposal. They had referenced a classic piece by Escher – Waterfall – featuring an infinite aqueduct. The continuous stream connected with their philosophy there is no such thing as throwing waste 'away', it goes somewhere or comes back to haunt you with a fine.

The isometric illusions within Escher's work have obviously been referenced many times before. Consequently, to start building some potential distinction and ownership, I suggested that the structures be based on the distinctive form of the D within their logo design.

To summarise the benefits of the platform – since it can be used by both commercial and domestic users – I simplified the design process to three key user groups – commercial, domestic, and legal. With this established, I could begin to build a confusing world where the desired destinations could be reached via Dsposal's direction. Since they would be guiding users through this confusing land and waste disposal is transported via vehicles, it made sense that the paths should be roads. This would help to add an element of reality since the client also requested that the illustration style should not become too fantastical.

With the general structure agreed the addition of fun, attention to detail could commence. This would enable the artwork to be utilised in close-up to convey key functions in sufficient detail whilst never looking sparse or ambiguous. The details included Environment Agency boats cleaning up the illegally discarded waste in the water system, a vertical football pitch, a helix based road, daunting fish, and a few sheep.

Dsposal website