Tonka Crljen
The Global Majblomman
Design proposal
Majblomman lifecycle is a complex network. This design proposal aims to present the complexity of majblomman lifecycle and to uplift the unrecognized and mystified shadow places.
Firstly, it wants to uplift the fact that majblommor are produced in China and that makes them a global product that is imported to Sweden to be sold. The user of the pins is unaware of how and where the pins are produced. The design proposal wants to critique the production of majblomman. It wants to encourage the user to be critical of their consumption by questioning where the artefact is coming from.
Secondly, the design proposal wants to place majblomman in a global context. By having their production in China, could we say that the flower pins are a Swedish product?
Thirdly, the design proposal wants to encourage the user to develop their thought around the product by including them in the process of assembly. Instead of repairing the production machines in Sweden, the organization decided to move their production to China. The task of assembling encourages the user to assemble their value of majblommor.
Background
Mayflower or Majblomma in Swedish is a nonprofit organization that aims to decrease child poverty in Sweden. Families with low income can apply for majblomman loan/financial aid to cover small direct costs such as after school activities fees, clothes or sports equipment. The organization is financed by children that sell majblomman (a small flower pin) each year in April. Majblomman is considered an ideal organization that helps people in need. Majblomman flower pins are a symbol of the organization and community that supports its cause. They became an artefact of exploration.
Although majblommor are used in the local community, that does not mean that their impact is only connected to the local. The impact of flower pins has been mystified in a way that the user often does not know how and where the pins have been produced.
