Design Reflection - Project 3

Which Designs Were Most Successful?

Picking out ways to define my word visually through the use of letters alone was quite difficult. The two designs that I believe were the most successful were my 'crossword' design and my jumbled square letter design. These two came together to define my word quite well. The 'crossword' design has various patterns of letters that come together to form my word, “connect”. The jumbled square design is effective because the letters appear to get closer as they approach the beginning letter (in this case, “c”). It's simplistic, but it is also nice to look at.

How Do Your Compositions Suggest Meaning? How Do They Come Together?

All of my compositions have a common characteristic: the letters of each “connect” to the other letters. The use of color really helped to emphasize the meaning given off by each composition. The color and space exercises helped to add depth to my colored compositions, showing the letters moving closer and closer to each other.

Project 3 Description

Project Description

For this project, my class was expected to construct word collages that symbolized the meaning of a word. Each student had to pick a single word from a given list and compile the letters of the word to represent its meaning.

We started by making 20 cut-and-paste collages. The original instructions were to only use the letters of the word and not repeat the word, though many students felt that this was a bit too limited. We then took these cut-and-paste collages and refined them on the computer. After that, we refined them once again, though adding color. The process of this project focused much on refining and working toward the finished project through baby steps. In the end, we refined 3 final black and white compositions and 6 color compositions for a total of 6.

Project Reflection

This was possibly one of the most time-consuming projects we have done thus far. The cost of ink for my printer and the cost of the black matboard left a bit of a hole in my wallet. All complaints aside, it was a fairly fun project. I love to work on the computer so this project seemed fairly worth it. The greatest issue I had was thinking of 20 different ways to display the word 'connect' with its letters alone. In the end, my collages looked fairly simplistic, though they still came together to represent my word fairly well.

Another challenge I faced was the use of color to display my word the way I wanted to. Initially I found that some of my collages had very awkward colors. As the project progressed, I was able to pick out better color schemes for my compilations.

Parts of The Letter

Parts of The Letter

Typography is the art and technique of writing. All letters start out with a basic stroke – a single line. The distinctive characteristics of typography have evolved over a period of years, making way for numerous ways to display each letter of the alphabet.

Being an art that has prospered for hundreds of years, typography is littered with technical terminology. Two basic characteristics of lettering are the “serif”, short strokes that go beyond the main strokes of a letter, and the “bracket”, the curved point between a serif and a stroke. Each letter is bound by an imaginary baseline, though there are certain letters, such as “q” or “j” that fall below the baseline. Opposite the baseline is the cap height. Unlike the baseline, no letter, uppercase or lowercase, goes beyond the cap height. Between the cap height and baseline is the “x-height”, which is named after, you guessed it, the height of the letter “x”. Not all fonts have the same x-height. Certain letters, such as “b” or “d”, go beyond the x-height. The portion of these letters that pass the x-height is known as the “ascender”. Letters like “q” or “j” mentioned before have points that fall below the baseline. These points are known as “descenders”.

Some letters, like “c” or “b”, have a circular form called the “bowl”. The bowl can be either open or closed. The area in between the bowl is called a “counter”. A counter can be defined as the negative space in between letters. Some designers make use of counters, such as the “FedEx” logo.

Aside from what was previously mentioned, each letter has its own unique terminology. That is what makes typography such a diverse and powerful thing.

Chosen Word, "Connect".

Connect:
To join, link, or fasten together; unite or bind.
To establish communication between.
To have as an accompanying or associated feature.

Picture Of The Project - Final Prototypes

Unfinished in this photo, though these are the general shapes of all 3.

Pictures Of The Project - Prototypes

Pictures Of The Project, In-School And Out

Mind Mapping Images

Interviews For The Group Prototypes

Prototype Interviews

Interviewee 1:

Would you say the shapes of these spice containers are good?

I like the round one (oval-shaped container). The other two don't look like the types of bottles I would use for spices.

Could you explain?

The first one looks more like a water bottle and the second one is just a little weird.

Are there any particular things you like about the containers?

I like the way the cap looks on all of them. The 3 different tops sound like a good idea.

What do you think about the feel of the bottles? Are they comfortable?

I have a pretty good grip on all of them, but the O-shaped one is kind of bulky.

Is there anything you would recommend?

I would say leave the water bottle-ish one and the O-one alone and stick with the round one.

Interviewee 2:

Would you say the shapes of these spice containers are good?

All three are fairly interesting, but I like the (oval-shaped) one.

Could you explain?

It seems like the easiest one to understand. The other two are cool, especially the (O-shaped) one, but when it comes down to it, the (oval-shaped) one is more common.

Are there any particular things you like about the containers?

I like how the (O-shaped) one is kind of futuristic, but it doesn't look like it's for everyone.

What do you think about the feel of the bottles? Are they comfortable?

I like the feel of the (hour-glass) one the most. The (oval-shaped) one is alright and the (O- shaped) one feels too big.

Is there anything you would recommend?

You should change the cap. It looks cool, but it feels sort of out-of-place.

Interviewee 3:

Would you say the shapes of these spice containers are good?

I think all of them have neat shapes, but I think they need to be resized.

Could you explain?

I think all of them can be downsized by half or so.

Are there any particular things you like about the containers?

I like the way the (hour-glass) one is. It's very curvy and I would say it's affective.

What do you think about the feel of the bottles? Are they comfortable?

The (O-shaped) container is too thick; I can hardly fit my hand around it. The (hour-glass) bottle still feels the best for me.

Is there anything you would recommend?

I'd say I'm stuck on the (oval-shaped) and (hourglass-shaped) bottles. If it came down to it, I'd go with the (hourglass) one.

Interviewee 4:

Would you say the shapes of these spice containers are good?

I don't know what to think about the (hour-glass) one and the (O-shaped) one.

Could you explain?

I don't like the shape of the (O-shaped) container at all and the (hour-glass) bottle just doesn't seem fit as a spice container.

Are there any particular things you like about the containers?

The (oval-shaped) container seems fine. I also like the 3 different caps, but it seems sort of unnecessary.

What do you think about the feel of the bottles? Are they comfortable?

The (oval-shaped) and (hour-glass) shaped bottles are fine. The (O-shaped) bottle just doesn't cut it for me.

Is there anything you would recommend?

I would try making the (O-shaped) bottle thinner and smaller. Maybe it would be a bit better then.

Interviewee 5:

Would you say the shapes of these spice containers are good?

The (hourglass-shaped) container doesn't feel like a bottle to keep spices in. Neither does the (O-shaped) container, but the (oval-shaped) container is good.

Could you explain?

Yes. The (hourglass-shaped) container would be good for a drink, but not for a spice. The (oval- shaped) container is just right and the (O-shaped) container is just too awkward.

Are there any particular things you like about the containers?

I like the grooves carved at the bottom of the (hourglass-shaped) bottle. It makes it seem kind of authentic.

What do you think about the feel of the bottles? Are they comfortable?

All of them feel fine to me, but I still go with what I meant when I said that the (O-shaped) container is just too awkward. I can't see anyone actually wanting to use it.

Is there anything you would recommend?

I would toss the other two aside and just go for the (oval-shaped) container. It's the best-looking one, I believe.

Writer's Toolbox

Writer's Toolbox

       Artists and writers have been known to use mind maps as a means of understanding a visual product. “Mind maps” are diagrammatic sketches that lead an artist or writer to be more open and comfortable with communicating and going about their ideas.

       Artists like Leonardo Da Vinci kept sketches in his sketchbooks that are similar to the mind maps that people use today. He used his sketches as way to knock down the linear thinking that many of us are used to. Mind maps tend to be quick and improvisational and aren't meant to be questioned until they are finished. Once done, the author or writer will try to find similarities and connections in certain words or phrases generated. Mind maps are typically drawn out on large sheets of paper. Because mind mapping is so spontaneous, many participants find themselves surprised when they reach the edge of the sheet.

       The process of creating a mind map starts with a central word. From there, participants will relate that word with a few other words. Then those few words will be associated with other words, and so on. As you make more connections and move further and further away from the central word, your connections to the initial word will weaken. This process is so helpful because it helps participants to branch out and develop new ideas.

       It is important to disregard the typical rules of writing in constructing a mind map. This type of freewriting allows for more productive thinking. After all, mind maps are for the writer alone.

IDEO Deep Dive

       “Deep Dive” is an episode of NBC's “Nightline”. In this episode, designers of popular company IDEO go through the process of redesigning a shopping cart. This video is important because it gives insight in the life of a design firm and the methods used toward bettering a common object in everyday life.

       The firm likes to build and bring out creative genius through freedom of expression, which can easily be seen in this episode. Designers go through such wacky antics as hanging their bikes to the ceiling to conserve space and customizing their cubicles to reflect each designer's individual interests. The manager believes that the company shouldn't be too serious about their work, saying that the lighthearted atmosphere of the workplace allows each worker to be more open to ideas and creative thinking.

       This video is important because it details how design is an important thing and it shouldn't be refrained. Things are constantly changing, therefore it is important to keep an open-mind to keep up with the demands and needs of the world.

Reading 1

Reading 1

This first reading opens with a short explanation toward design. Design is the process for making things right. The author states that design can prove to be a primarily aesthetic thing. While this holds true, he mentions that design can also be a very personal thing.

Though the basic definition applies, the meaning of “design” can change from person-to-person based on past experience. The meaning can also change based on what context the word is used in. A good example would be saying, “Intelligent design is a form of creationism”, as opposed to, “She is drawing a new design for a mini-skirt”.

“Design shapes what people need”. As the author said, design is a process. For this reason, designers are constantly shaping the world around us for the betterment of others. Design itself can prove to be very obscure, being applied to important aspects of our lives while also proving unnecessary in other instances. We do not tend to acknowledge design as a basic quality of human life, though humans have a need to reach self-actualization and fix that which is faulty.

The author says that virtually everything is in need of improvement. This is why design continues to prosper: there will always be things that need to be built up on.

My 5 Best Drawings

In my Design Think and Make class, the entire class was asked to choose one object that they thought was well-designed and draw it....over 100 times. The 100 or so drawings that we were asked to draw were done in a variety of techniques. My item was a wristwatch and these are what I believe to be my 5 best drawings of it (these are in no particular order):

Drawing 1:

 I chose this drawing because aside from looking fairly accurate, I really liked the way I shaded this one. While missing a few details, this drawing has a lot of depth. Because of this, the drawing seems to give a sense of realism to the viewer.

This is a mixed technique drawing, incorporating negative space and shading/lighting. I believe this one is successful because while the shading of the actual object is at a minimum, the shading on the outside of the object seems to give the object a decent amount of depth that you wouldn't see with the drawing alone.

This is a simple sighting drawing. I chose this one because it was very clean and detailed. The message that this drawing leaves for the viewer, I believe, is one of simplicity, yet accuracy as well.

This is a cross-contour drawing. I like this one because it almost seems to give viewers a look at the texture of the watch.

This is a negative space drawing. Unfortunately, while scanning, it was cut off slightly on the side. This one is successful for how dramatic it is, immediately catching the attention of others.

Don Norman - The Three Ways That Good Design Makes You Happy

Response

Don Norman – The Three Ways That Good Design Makes You Happy

In “The Three Ways That Good Design Makes You Happy”, design critic Don Norman talks about what he believes to be the three most important features of design that have an emotional impact on people: visceral, behavioral, and reflective.

The visceral aspect of an object is its appearance. Norman mentions in his video a gold-plated juicer that didn't hold its purpose because the gold plating would wear away in contact with citrus. He purchased the juicer not for practical use, but for it's aesthetic characteristics. The look of an object makes people feel good about their purchase, regardless of whether it's the most useful product or not. Don Norman goes on to describe that the pleasant appearance of a product can convince you that it works better.

Behavioral qualities of an object relate to how that object makes you feel when using it. Norman gave the example of a sports car and how being in the vehicle gives you a sense of excitement and adventure. He also mentions objects that seem unique to us, like a shower that recirculates water. These things make us feel better about ourselves by building up on their special qualities.

Lastly, the reflective aspect of design makes an object memorable. Norman describes this quality as the most subconscious because it follows no pattern or particular thought. He mentions a Hummer and a man who claimed that it stood out more than any other car he had. These things make an object reflective.

Unique characteristics influence all three qualities of good design. That is why I chose my object: for it's visceral, behavioral, and reflective appeals.

Objectified

Response

Objectified

Each day, we as human beings use multiple items to help us get about our daily lives. With many of these items, we don't give a thought toward their construction, design, and the people behind them. 'Objectified' brings light on some of these people by sharing their stories and laying out the basics of many of their products and the concept of design itself.

The designers of “Objectified” are always looking for ways to improve on existing designs that very few people think about throughout the day. The film gives the example of a potato peeler. A woman requested one that would be easier to hold with her weaker hands. Designers turned to a similar product (bicycle handles) and related it to the peeler for it's easy grip. These may seem like simple feats, but they better the lives of many, in this case, the woman and others with special needs.

The documentary is heavily influenced by Dieter Rams and his work, “Ten Principles for Good Design”. Because of this, 'Objectified' puts a lot of focus on Apple Inc., which Rams himself had deemed the only company today that follows his principles. The principles list such things as innovation, environmental friendliness, aesthetics, and usefulness among others. Above all other principles in Rams' list, I feel that simplicity is especially built upon in this documentary. You can see many of the designers trying to keep their designs as simple as possible, talking about leaving this out and including this instead, etc.

This documentary applies to my chosen major of Illustration because I tend to draw many out-of-place things in my works and leave out that which I think is most important (I have this fear of drawing landscapes, backgrounds, and finer details). I always felt some sort of shame in my work. My artwork has always been a thing meant for my eyes only. I was never really aware as to why. Perhaps it was because I was under the impression that nobody would like my work or that I was the only one that could relate to it.

I came to realize that there are many who have similar if not the same style that I have. This might imply that my style of artwork is a popular one and one that is in high demand. Though this may be the case, I've struggled to make my artwork my own in one form or another. I used to be convinced that design was something that could only be improved. As Charles H. Duell said, “Everything that can be invented has been invented.”

This statement was made in 1899. As we can all see, many drastic changes and inventions have become commonplace in our society since that time. I believe that there is still so much more to be achieved; that there are many more things to be designed and innovated. I believe that I can do this through my art.

Dieter Rams - "Ten Principles for Good Design"

Response

Dieter Rams – Ten Principles for Good Design

What makes good design? Dieter Rams', “Ten Principles for Good Design” lays out the basic foundation for any well-made product. For this response, I will relate these steps to my product of choice: the wristwatch.

Is the product up-to-date? Does it catch the populace's attention? My product, the wristwatch, is very easy to relate to; so much that it might be considered timeless. Though an atypical-looking wristwatch, the item is very simple to operate and even somewhat fun to fiddle with. For this, the design of the product is innovative (#1), understandable (#4) , thorough (#8), useful (#2), and honest (#6).

Is the item unobtrusive (#5)? Long-lasting (#7)? These two are questionable as my product isn't your standard wristwatch in terms of appearance. Simply put, it is very trendy, aesthetic (#3). This also brings up the question whether it is 'as little design as possible' (#10). The item definitely isn't as simplistic as it can be, as the item has many grooves and other features that don't apply to the actual use of the product. Whether it is environmentally-friendly (#9) is unknown.

My First Post.

Ch'yeah.