GRooV: a design education project

  • Katie Carmichael

Artists and designers speak a visual language, and our education needs to reflect this. GRooV art and design theory resources are helping young and emerging creatives get to grips with some of the more abstract elements of design education, starting with the golden ratio.

We started with the idea of simplifying design theory for creative industries students with a tool that was to be both desirable and affordable. The GR:V® Golden Ratio Viewer (or GRooV, as we've come to affectionately call it) was brought to life in 2021 by 692 crowd funders with more uses for it than we had ever imagined.
Very quickly, GRooV became more than a standalone product. The huge response from crowdfunders included calls for other simplified, accessible and multisensory materials to support design theory education.

Following the crowdfunding campaign, we established a brand with the potential to support a suite of engaging and fun products and resources.
The GR:V® is a 85x55x3mm Perspex card pocket tool used by artists, designers, mathematicians and nature lovers for judging and seeing golden ratio proportions. The GR:V® is manufactured in the UK by a reputable, expert printmaker using traditional, craft gold foiling methods on contemporary material. The tool features a Fibonacci spiral and grid in shining gold foil effect, gold on the front, silver on the reverse, on crystal clear Perspex, with a glowing green edge that gives a sophisticated appearance of glass. A practical tool with enormous aesthetic appeal. Fits in your pocket, looks cool on your desk, feels good in your hand.
Golden Nuggets: A bitesize guide to the golden ratio is the first of a suite of simplified guides to give creatives the essential theory they need to they know.

Read the story behind the guide.

"Nuggets" breaks down golden ratio theory into bitesize chunks, using relatable, everyday objects and art to help creatives get to grips with an otherwise intangible concept.

The guide itself uses golden ratio layouts and proportions for some subliminal learning.
The GRooV brand is inspired by design and education greatness - The Bauhaus, Maria Montessori, Friedrich Froebel, Paulo Freire and Bruno Munari.