Design is About Doing - Final Crit

The 3 basic principles of design are to persuade, inform or instruct.

Issues raised:

• Look at combining the 3D type (earlier design ideas) within the set of 3 as this concept seemed to be more effective.
• Focus on the typographic forum without using imagery - possibly remove the TV's so the type is the predominant feature.
• Look at having more variation between the 3 posters.

OUGD102 - End of module self-evaluation

Module Code: OUGD102 

Module Title: Design Process

Name: Joe Warburton

Blog Address: http://www.j-warburton1013.blogspot.com

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1) What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them?

Before starting this module, I have never experimented with different book binding methods so this was an insightful workshop which I later incorporated into the Collection 100 brief. Although I could have explored different techniques and processes in more depth, I believe the specific process I used for the Collection 100 outcome worked effectively. I have been able to develop my skills in terms of research by gathering information from multiple sources to ultimately aid and influence my final outcome. Aforementioned, I gained insight into how books are formed through simple techniques and processes but aside from this, the photoshop workshop and especially the moving image workshop allowed me to explore other forms of media outcomes. 

2) What approaches to/methods of research have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?

Usually, I would see a project divided into 3 chronological areas: research, development and then final outcome. However, the first two intertwine, as evident in this particular module. Throughout the set time scale, research was ongoing and it was constantly affecting the desired outcome. The extensive research allowed me to look at all aspects of a particular topic or theme instead of focusing on what I believe would be the most successful. These aspects can then be explored in even more depth resulting in even more possible options to expand and develop.

3) What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these?

Adobe Illustrator played a huge role in the Collection 100 brief as I had to create 100 vector illustrations using source imagery as references. My knowledge of the program has expanded massively as I am now more familiar with the tools, techniques and processes. I strive to create a clean, slick and professional outcome which could potentially be seen in the 'real world' which hopefully is evident in my final outcomes.

4) What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these more fully?

Time management is most probably my biggest weakness. For example, in the Collection 100 brief, I set myself a task of creating 100 illustrations which if I managed my time efficiently, could have been printed and bound with time to spare. However, I created the designs as the project progressed rather than deciding on the 100 rules beforehand. I completed the first half of the set well in advance but struggled thinking of the final 50 whilst still getting closer to the deadline. Throughout a given project, I need to devise certain 'to-do' lists so I can understand fully what needs to be completed and for when.

Aside from this, I need to re-read the brief throughout the developmental phase to gain a clear understanding of who my target audience is, what I/we will create and why I will create it.

5) Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?

1) Identify the target audience well in advance - I need to know who I will be designing for as this will affect the final outcome drastically. Instead I design what I believe will be the most effective and avoid focusing on whether it would exist in the 'real world'.

2) Explore possible media outcomes in more depth - rather than focusing on one specific route, I should have multiple options to explore and develop.

3) Blog work throughout the development process instead of having to catch up towards the end.

4) Note down design ideas and explore these on paper. I will then be able to visualise my idea more effectively.

5) Look at various forms of media – whether this be moving image, website design, screen-printing etc, I need to experiment with different outcomes to create a thorough and more diverse body of work.

6) How would you grade yourself on the following areas

Attendance - 4

Punctuality - 4

Motivation - 4

Commitment - 4

Quantity of work produced - 3

Quality of work produced - 4

Contribution to the group - 3

OUGD102 - Typogateaux

An Anamorphic A

Initial prototype:

Collection 100 - 10 Postcard Development

Collection 100 - FINAL product

From the pin up, I was able to gain insight into what needed to be added/altered on the final packaging design. One of these was to add more information on the pack. I decided to add a contents list with another piece of imagery taken from one of the rules inside the book. Underneath this, I added a disclaimer to say the rules may not fully prevent an alien abduction.

I then re-designed the outer compartment (white box) so the black insert was more compact and didn't move around. I also made sure the sleeve was slight bigger as it seemed to curve into the insert rather than enveloping it.

FINAL IMAGES

Collection 100 - Feedback

Issues raise/Action to be taken

How would you distribute it? Selling in shops. Very good.
How could you use less packaging?
Size of book could be adjusted.
How could you address a more themed pacakge?
Can you push humour? i.e. make it more quirky
Could each book be specifically themed?
Could put stuff on back of box - barcode, price, more info

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Although it would be too late/expensive to make each book centre around a certain theme, this would be a good idea if I were to do this project again. However, I will alter the box and add more information and/or imagery to improve the aesthetics and make it look more like an actual product.

Collection 100 - Final packaging

Collection 100 - Creating the Packaging

Designing the sleeve

Around the white box, I wanted to create an open ended sleeve as explained in my initial design idea sheets. Using the same dimensions as the box, I experimented with different compositions, colour and imagery:

I decided to feature one of the abduction tips so the recipient/customer could gain insight into the style and humour portrayed in the book/contents.

I then printed this out on gloss to give a sleek and professional finish. However, this had a tendency to smudge.

I then added another compartment for the additional insert: