What
skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do
you think you have applied them?
I
think that first and foremost I have learnt to take the time to
really research into my subject, and use this research to inform my
design decisions. I have thought more about what media, ideas,
formats are appropriate for the pieces of work I am completing, I
think this shows particularly in the 3 week brief we completed. I
have become more ambitious with materials instead of staying away
from them, experimenting with a varied range of stock, including
acetate and printing ribbons. I have explored functionality more
within this module, learning that first and foremost design must be
functional and well communicated in order to be successful. I have
also learnt, that when designing, I should keep the brief close by as
a constant reminder of my aims, and to not stray away from the brief
and design a product that although may look great, does not stray
away from the brief, which is useful for work in the future working
to the clients wants.
What
approaches to/methods of design production have you developed and
how have they informed your design development process?
I
have developed working with print in this module, mostly digital
print. I have experimented with printing on alternate materials,
some which I have found successful and can be used for future
projects. I have took an approach to design that is much more well
informed to previous work I have completed. I have learnt to
research a subject widely, often going off on tangents as this may
inform my original research subject. I have also looked into more
possibilities of design, drawing up initial ideas, and freely
changing these to reflect feedback that I have been given by my co
peers and others involved with graphic design. I have created mock
ups and experimented printing on different paper stock, where as
before I would automatically stick to a stock I was comfortable
with using. I think the experimentation and experience of working
with other materials through the module, and the methods such as
vast research is making me into a more well rounded designer.
3.
What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you
capitalise on these?
I
think something that shows in my work is a large sense of thought,
from being handed the brief to submitting work. I think my main
strength that has appeared in this module Is my want to be more
knowledgable. I think that for each brief we have completed I have
a strong breadth of research which has essentially underpinned
everything we have completed in this module. I also think that I
have managed my time better, although the 3 weeks that we had also
allowed my to complete ongoing work, It also gave me the time to
really cull my research, experiment, and evolve within the brief,
fulfilling it to a point where I was quite happy with what I have
designed. As a pose to other briefs where we would, research,
experiment and design within a week.
What
weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address
these in the future?
I
think that I still need to experiment with other materials, I
would have liked to try screen printing during this module however
I stuck with using digital print as I know this is what I am
comfortable in using. I think towards the start of the module
there is a lack of wanting to create more than one possible
outcome – initial designs, however towards the end of the module
I have designed more freely and designed a range of design
outcomes. In order to combat these issues in the future, I would
book time slots effectively for screen printing, leaving myself
enough time to iron out any mistakes that may arise, and for
thorough research and planning. I will also plan out a time scale
in which I can complete the three week brief in a shorter amount
of time, to ensure that I can work to shorter deadlines more
effectively, for industry and the rest of the year/course.
5.
Identify five things that you will do differently next time and
what do you expect to gain from doing these?
Try
out screen printing – gaining another skill in print and
becoming more considerate to other printing techniques.
Experiment
with hand rendered ideas and then import these into adobe for
further visual investigation to create a broader range of
technique, as hand rendering is also one of my strong points.
Experiment
with stock effectively early in the process, so that I can
decided the pallete of colours and text etc, appropriate to the
stock.
Create
a process in which I can complete the thorough 3 week brief in a
smaller time scale so I am more prepared for industry.
To
practise and work more with photoshop to gain a wider knowledge
on how to edit photos, so I can work more comfortably with the
program and also use my own photos for work where possible.
6.How
would you grade yourself on the following areas:
The
evaluation of your work is an important part of the assessment
criteria and represents a percentage of the overall grade. It is
essential that you give yourself enough time to complete your
written evaluation fully and with appropriate depth and level of
self-reflection. If you have any questions relating to the self
evaluation process speak to a member of staff as soon as possible.
Using the areas of Graphic Design discussed in the seminar, studio workshop as a starting point and with reference to the 'What is Graphic Design For - Part 1/2' presentation. Identify, record and evaluate a minimum of:
5 examples of websites/blogs. that will help you to define information & way-finding design.
5 examples of websites/blogs. that will help you to define product & packaging design.
5 examples of websites/blogs. that will help you to define branding & identity design.
5 examples of websites/blogs. that will help you to define editorial and publishing design.
5 examples of websites/blogs. that will help you to define retail and & promotion.
You should aim to identify sources that represent the breadth of design practices, functions and audiences. Once you have identified your sources, you will need to:
Write a brief statement defining your understanding of each of the design areas
Identify 10 examples of each discipline and 'categories' them by genre, audience, content, sector, budget and/or any appropriate method as discussed in your groups.
Comment on the effectiveness of the examples with regards to content, format, function and media.
Audience: It is clear from the semantics of this piece that it has been created for a specific audience, woman of those who are interested in hair care. It also caters to those who are interested, whom have different hair types, offering solutions for every hair type. This is shown in a quiz type layout often found in publications aimed at this demographic audience such as women's magazines.
This info-graphic uses a format which references its subject. The designer has used illustration that reflects its subject matter, focusing on a pixelating effect in reference to the digital. Although illustratively impressive the piece also relies upon a simple and effective format, first established on the info graphic is defining digital eye strain, followed by causes, results and a solution.
Not only does this info graphic show how information can be processed and portrayed effectively, It also shows how almost complimentary colours can be used well together. The piece also has a great balance between text and visual. The piece also follows a problem and solution format. Telling the signs and symptoms of Pet deafness but also how to combat the situation which is an informative but also interactive approach.
This info graphic really displays how to section information clearly without confusion. The designer establishes hierarchy of information through different weights and point sizes of typeface. The piece also projects fun, creativity and interactivity by adapting the language used to interest their target audience. However the piece is also very informative and show a serious side with the final section 'Makin' a livin' ain't easy'.
In this info graphic we are encouraged to follow a story, this type of info graphic may also appeal to a wider audience as it adheres it self to not only those who take in information visually, but also those who learn by listening. The use of these fun illustrations ask us to look at the specific subject in a new light, not one in which we are shrouded in piles of overbearing information, and matching heart pulling photos. We are not made to feel guilt, merely well informed in a light hearted manner, in which we are left to decide which is the next step.
A clear and concise seasonal infographic which uses a great variety of data presented in different formats. The info graphic is well themed, using appropriate illustrations and colours. The info graphic shows critical information and is well section for precise understanding.
Another great piece which takes interactive info graphics to a whole new level.
'Bomb Sight[bombsight.org] is an interactive map that aggregates all the locations where the bombs fell between October 1940 and June 1941. As this data was previously available only in the Reading Room at The National Archives, Bomb Sight aims to make the maps available to citizen researchers, academics and students. In the map, the bomb sites can be filtered by weekly time spans or only those that fell during the first night of The Blitz. In the future, the map should also include references to memories and photographs from the time period.'
People can see for themselves the devestation that took place during the ww1 as the regular facts and figures may not do the entirety of the war justice. Users can also see how the war may have affected them by seeing if any bombs struck where they lived/ worked etc, which is more personal than any television advert you could see.
Here is another great info graphic that demonstrates a problem communicated on a large scale. It again takes a more interactive role, rather than just presenting facts and figures, the viewer is shown in a video the active extent of co2 emissions in new york. Viewing the problem in the most literal way, proves that the issue is easier to understand and provokes more people to consider a solution and commit to a change.
This pop up book is an example of how presenting the facts and figures in a more formal and conservative way can be taken to an interactive level. The book combines both a minimalist format with a playful edge in order to create something significantly informative yet engaging for the brain.
Product and packaging design. Product and Packaging are very important in the selling of the product. When being introduced to a product the packaging is the first impression that the customer will gain. The packaging needs to be effectively, eye catching, persuasive, low cost and practical if in need of mass production. There is however another side of product and packaging in which is individually crafted, thus having a more luxurious appearance and a more personal feel. Not only must the packaging promote the product, it must also try to create a relationship with the buyer. Lovely Package
Branding and Identity are visual extensions of a company, Branding refers to the strategy and the routes that companies travel through in order to promote their services/ intentions, whether these be through, events, campaigns, marketing plans etc, the logo is what customers\clients use to identify with the brand. Identity is the umbrella in which these concepts fall under, the Identity is built using the brand and trademarks.
I have found 5 different blogs/websites that discuss Branding and identity design and have selected 2 examples from each.
