OUGD405
Study Task 03
Public Information Video / Research
This study was to choose a public information film then identify and analyse the following message, key facts, tone of voice and audience. I decided to pick 'Smoker of the future',This 1985 film uses futuristic images and music that appear to have been influenced by the 1982 film ‘Blade Runner’ which present a nightmarish vision of the first human ‘natural born smoker’.
The underlying message of this of this video is that the first natural born smoker doesn't exist so ultimately smoking still kills, my reasoning for this point is throughout the video numerous preventions of death from smoking are named but the one that stands out is this 'And of course an inbuilt resistance to heart disease, lung cancer and thrombosis, unfortunately the first natural born smoker hasn't been born' this video leads to this point and throughout it names the positives of a natural born smoker for example 'A longer nose to filter out impurities' but the final message is like a sucker punch because a natural born smoker doesn't exist.
The key facts are the numerous positives of a natural born smoker like:
- Larger nose to filter out impurities
- Self cleaning lungs
- Highly developed index and middle finger
- Smaller ears because they don't listen
- Extra eyelids to protect against irritating smoke
- Inbuilt resistance to heart disease, lung cancer and thrombosis
These are all the key facts but all of them are simply fantasised positives of a natural born smoker, the real key fact is that smoking effects parts of the body named above for example lungs, eyelids and the heart. The video has a tone of voice that is formal, it states main points confidently and shows no empathy or emotion for the potential audience and sticks to the point. The audience itself is rather obvious, its directed towards smokers but also I think the future of potential smokers like teenagers. One point that sticks out is this 'Smaller ears because they don't listen' Its clear in this point who 'They' are.
Tuesday, 29 December 2015
Monday, 28 December 2015
Photography Induction
As a part of this module we were introduced to the photography resource, firstly we had a short presentation about the equipment available at our disposal and how we can hire the gear. Then we moved onto the technical side of the cameras, this was helpful as I'm not very familiar with the use of some of the equipment available, the focus of the session was to look at shutter speed, aperture, exposure, iso, and RAW compared to JPEG. I was familiar with some of these terms but it was useful to recap on some such as the differences between RAW and JPEG files, before this induction I often got aperture and shutter speed mixed up for some reason but now I can differ between the two.
After the induction we were handed a small task to try capture two different types of photos. One was to use a fast shutter speed so that you achieve a style which the the whole subject / object is in focus with depth of field, then the second type of photo was to use a slower shutter speed to achieve a motion blur, which can give the photo some context behind it as it shows the subject / object in motion.
As a part of this module we were introduced to the photography resource, firstly we had a short presentation about the equipment available at our disposal and how we can hire the gear. Then we moved onto the technical side of the cameras, this was helpful as I'm not very familiar with the use of some of the equipment available, the focus of the session was to look at shutter speed, aperture, exposure, iso, and RAW compared to JPEG. I was familiar with some of these terms but it was useful to recap on some such as the differences between RAW and JPEG files, before this induction I often got aperture and shutter speed mixed up for some reason but now I can differ between the two.
After the induction we were handed a small task to try capture two different types of photos. One was to use a fast shutter speed so that you achieve a style which the the whole subject / object is in focus with depth of field, then the second type of photo was to use a slower shutter speed to achieve a motion blur, which can give the photo some context behind it as it shows the subject / object in motion.
Friday, 4 December 2015
OUGD405
Wayfinding Location
I've decided to design wayfinding for my student accommodation,IQ. The reasoning behind this is when I first moved into the accommodation I found that the signage and wayfinding wasn't very helpful, at first the biggest problem was just locating my block, as each block didn't have a sign stating which one it was. I also find most of wayfinding and signage very temporary, by this I mean its very make-do and unfixed. The wayfinding does have a consistent style which is helpful, I will most likely adapt the colours used by IQ as they stick to a strict colour palette and work well together.
The wayfinding does have a consistent style which is helpful, I will most likely adapt the colours used by IQ as they stick to a strict colour palette and work well together.
Wayfinding Location
I've decided to design wayfinding for my student accommodation,IQ. The reasoning behind this is when I first moved into the accommodation I found that the signage and wayfinding wasn't very helpful, at first the biggest problem was just locating my block, as each block didn't have a sign stating which one it was. I also find most of wayfinding and signage very temporary, by this I mean its very make-do and unfixed. The wayfinding does have a consistent style which is helpful, I will most likely adapt the colours used by IQ as they stick to a strict colour palette and work well together.
The wayfinding does have a consistent style which is helpful, I will most likely adapt the colours used by IQ as they stick to a strict colour palette and work well together.
OUGD404
Study Task 07
What is a book? Folds
In this study task we began to look at folding and what we may design for studio brief 01, to help my development in this studio brief I looked online at different folds found within publications.
This example of a publication shows how complex some folds can be, this publication seems to be a posterzine but is made unique due to its intricate folds that almost remind of origami. In my own publication I hope to introduce some intricate folds.
This is just a simple fold but I find it very effective and could possibly use something similar in my own publication design. I like how the fold exposes the content on the page behind it, the titling is situated on the fold which instantly draws the viewers eye.
For the study task we had produce an A4 black and white guide to producing a folded publication, I decided to design my guide on the Duelling 'Z' Fold.
This study task has helped me realise how important folds can be in publication design and how many folds can actually be applied to a an A4 piece of paper. Now that I've looked at numerous folds, I'm eager to choose a particular fold style to use in my own publication.
Study Task 07
What is a book? Folds
In this study task we began to look at folding and what we may design for studio brief 01, to help my development in this studio brief I looked online at different folds found within publications.
This example of a publication shows how complex some folds can be, this publication seems to be a posterzine but is made unique due to its intricate folds that almost remind of origami. In my own publication I hope to introduce some intricate folds.
This is just a simple fold but I find it very effective and could possibly use something similar in my own publication design. I like how the fold exposes the content on the page behind it, the titling is situated on the fold which instantly draws the viewers eye.
For the study task we had produce an A4 black and white guide to producing a folded publication, I decided to design my guide on the Duelling 'Z' Fold.
This study task has helped me realise how important folds can be in publication design and how many folds can actually be applied to a an A4 piece of paper. Now that I've looked at numerous folds, I'm eager to choose a particular fold style to use in my own publication.
OUGD405
Study Task 02
Pictograms
Using only shape and colour I had to develop a pictogram or symbol to effectively communicate my chosen olympic activity. I had to work within the supplied grid to generate a range of potential responses before selecting the most appropriate and to consider audience, scale, contrast, impact and clarity. Before picking a sport and starting the idea process I looked at previous pictograms used at the olympic games, I analysed what makes each symbol effective in communicating the sport.
Study Task 02
Pictograms
Using only shape and colour I had to develop a pictogram or symbol to effectively communicate my chosen olympic activity. I had to work within the supplied grid to generate a range of potential responses before selecting the most appropriate and to consider audience, scale, contrast, impact and clarity. Before picking a sport and starting the idea process I looked at previous pictograms used at the olympic games, I analysed what makes each symbol effective in communicating the sport.
The committee of the Olympic Games in Montreal decided to
use the Munich 1972 pictograms to ensure continuity of the graphic
symbols. Modifications were made to some of Otti Aicher's pictograms by Georges Huel and Pierre Yves Pelletier. The geometric lines found both on the Munich and Montreal pictograms are inspiring for my own designs as the lines draw me into the negative space surrounding the shapes but one aspect I don't like about the design is the square box surrounding each pictogram, the line weight is too thin in my opinion and serves no purpose.
The pictogram silhouettes
are made up of boomerangs, generally one for the legs and two small ones
for the arms. The use of boomerangs, traditional hunting tools, pays
homage to Australian Aboriginal culture. The pictogram style aims to be dynamic to recall the speed and agility of
the athlete. I like these pictograms the most as they have content and a story behind them unlike the generic pictograms used at other Olympic Games.
Once I finished looking at numerous Olympic Games pictograms I decided to pick Track & Field as the Olympic sport to communicate through a pictogram, I knew I could have variety within my design as Track & Fields covers a number of sports but I wanted the basis of my design to involve a track.
These were my first initial ideas for the Track & Field pictogram, the concept is that it represent an athlete in motion within the track, somehow I had to represent an athlete in motion but represent the various sports within Track & Field. Personally I believe the athlete looks like they are passing over the baton as a part of the relay, I decided to stick with this design as it best represents an athlete in motion. The Circle surrounding the athlete represents a track.
Above is the final pictogram for Track & Field, I've added a extra track lines as it confirms the sport it is communicating. I chose green because of it association with 'field'. Overall I think the design represents Track and Field in an almost ambiguous way.
Once I finished looking at numerous Olympic Games pictograms I decided to pick Track & Field as the Olympic sport to communicate through a pictogram, I knew I could have variety within my design as Track & Fields covers a number of sports but I wanted the basis of my design to involve a track.
Above is the final pictogram for Track & Field, I've added a extra track lines as it confirms the sport it is communicating. I chose green because of it association with 'field'. Overall I think the design represents Track and Field in an almost ambiguous way.
Tuesday, 1 December 2015
Monday, 30 November 2015
OUGD405
Signage Research
Signs come in all different types of shapes, scales, materials and forms, therefore I wanted to research more into the types of signs and be more aware of the meaning of each type of sign.
The Square
The primary characteristic of a square sign is that it often symbolises an object within the shape, it communicates boundaries, the square almost forms protection to the object / icon within the shape.
The Triangle
The triangle can work in two important ways, when vertical it can direct movement. A simple vertical triangle is commonly used as a direction sign. Horizontal signs form an ideal sign for signals such as road signs this is down to a triangle symmetry, the horizontal base can convey stability and durability.
The Circle
A circle addresses a more strong approach than any other shape, the viewer often positions themselves inside or outside the circle, the circle is believed to certainly interact with the viewer the most because on a daily basis we come across horizontal and vertical objects but we tend to appreciate rounded forms.
Good signage / wayfinding compared to bad signage / wayfinding
This is Pentagrams wayfinding solution for one of London's best known and influential design colleges, the design is so simple yet effective because the main design triumph is how efficient the design is. Efficiency is accomplished by the signs being pinned to the boards, say if a lecture theatre or workshop block was to change location, the college could easily customise the wayfinding instead of overhauling the whole design. Pentagram achieved a successful wayfinding system, not just through design but functionality with the use of material and media.
These two examples of bad signage and wayfinding is mainly down to bad kerning and too much content in my opinion. The kerning in the first example is totally off, the entire block of text is a mistake, personally I think the amount of content is too much for the viewer to take in while on the move. This example has proved the importance of kerning in wayfinding and how it can alter the viewers interpretation of an environment. The second example is another kerning mistake, this one doesn't have same occurring problem but has a big fault in the lettering of 'click' which makes it appear like 'dick'. I think the scaling of this piece may have caused this problem, so when designing my own wayfinding / signage I need to consider scaling pictograms and text so that they remain effect at any size.
Signage Research
Signs come in all different types of shapes, scales, materials and forms, therefore I wanted to research more into the types of signs and be more aware of the meaning of each type of sign.
The Square
The primary characteristic of a square sign is that it often symbolises an object within the shape, it communicates boundaries, the square almost forms protection to the object / icon within the shape.
The Triangle
The triangle can work in two important ways, when vertical it can direct movement. A simple vertical triangle is commonly used as a direction sign. Horizontal signs form an ideal sign for signals such as road signs this is down to a triangle symmetry, the horizontal base can convey stability and durability.
The Circle
A circle addresses a more strong approach than any other shape, the viewer often positions themselves inside or outside the circle, the circle is believed to certainly interact with the viewer the most because on a daily basis we come across horizontal and vertical objects but we tend to appreciate rounded forms.
Good signage / wayfinding compared to bad signage / wayfinding
This is Pentagrams wayfinding solution for one of London's best known and influential design colleges, the design is so simple yet effective because the main design triumph is how efficient the design is. Efficiency is accomplished by the signs being pinned to the boards, say if a lecture theatre or workshop block was to change location, the college could easily customise the wayfinding instead of overhauling the whole design. Pentagram achieved a successful wayfinding system, not just through design but functionality with the use of material and media.
These two examples of bad signage and wayfinding is mainly down to bad kerning and too much content in my opinion. The kerning in the first example is totally off, the entire block of text is a mistake, personally I think the amount of content is too much for the viewer to take in while on the move. This example has proved the importance of kerning in wayfinding and how it can alter the viewers interpretation of an environment. The second example is another kerning mistake, this one doesn't have same occurring problem but has a big fault in the lettering of 'click' which makes it appear like 'dick'. I think the scaling of this piece may have caused this problem, so when designing my own wayfinding / signage I need to consider scaling pictograms and text so that they remain effect at any size.
OUGD405
Pictograms Research
A pictogram or also an icon, is an identity that conveys its meaning through its common resemblance to an object. Pictograms are often used in text and image systems in which the characters are to a considerable extent pictorial in appearance. Pictograms are commonly uses as a reference to the flat-styled, often coloured, simplistic ideas and objects, they've always been around in fact the earliest written languages were pictograms because of the use of conveying a meaning through simple pictures. In present day we use pictograms for all types of situations everyday but the use of digital interfaces has made pictograms more popular and subdued large amounts of content in interface layouts, this is efficient but the viewer has to be more aware of new/current pictograms.
When researching pictograms I wanted to look at the intention and purpose of different types of pictograms:
Indicative
Indicative is influencing thought and to informing the audience, but the viewer is left to make his or her own decision about how to act. For example this pictogram inform the viewer that he or she may smoke here but they don't have to smoke. Therefore it is unto the viewer receiving the information.
Imperative
Imperative is influencing the will of the audience,it intends to influence the behaviour of the viewer. The burning cigarette has a line through it therefore it intends to influence the receiver behaviour. Smoking is banned even though the viewer may feel like having a cigarette.
Suggestive
Suggestive intends to influence feelings and make the viewer act in a certain way. The combination of the fist and the cigarette sets off feelings within the receiver. It represents an appeal to stop smoking for reasons of health.
Pictograms Research
A pictogram or also an icon, is an identity that conveys its meaning through its common resemblance to an object. Pictograms are often used in text and image systems in which the characters are to a considerable extent pictorial in appearance. Pictograms are commonly uses as a reference to the flat-styled, often coloured, simplistic ideas and objects, they've always been around in fact the earliest written languages were pictograms because of the use of conveying a meaning through simple pictures. In present day we use pictograms for all types of situations everyday but the use of digital interfaces has made pictograms more popular and subdued large amounts of content in interface layouts, this is efficient but the viewer has to be more aware of new/current pictograms.
When researching pictograms I wanted to look at the intention and purpose of different types of pictograms:
Indicative
Indicative is influencing thought and to informing the audience, but the viewer is left to make his or her own decision about how to act. For example this pictogram inform the viewer that he or she may smoke here but they don't have to smoke. Therefore it is unto the viewer receiving the information.
Imperative
Imperative is influencing the will of the audience,it intends to influence the behaviour of the viewer. The burning cigarette has a line through it therefore it intends to influence the receiver behaviour. Smoking is banned even though the viewer may feel like having a cigarette.
Suggestive
Suggestive intends to influence feelings and make the viewer act in a certain way. The combination of the fist and the cigarette sets off feelings within the receiver. It represents an appeal to stop smoking for reasons of health.
Friday, 27 November 2015
OUGD405
Wayfinding Research
What is Wayfinding?
Wayfinding encompasses all of the ways in which people orient themselves in physical space and navigate from place to place. It is knowing where you are in a building or an environment, knowing where your desired location is, and knowing how to get there from your present location.
Semiotics
Semiotics is the study of meaning the study of sign processes and meaningful communication. This includes the study of signs and sign processes, indication, designation, likeness, analogy, metaphor, symbolism , signification, and communication. Its a general theory of signs and symbolism, usually divided into the branches of pragmatics, semantics, and syntactics.
Pragmatics
The relation between signs and sign using agents or interpreters,especially words and other elements of language,and their users. Its mainly the relationship of sentences to the environment in which they occur.
Semantics
It focuses on the relation between signifiers, like words, phrases, signs, and symbols, and what they stand for their denotation. Linguistic semantics is the study of meaning that is used for understanding human expression through language.
Syntactics
This is the branch of semiotics dealing with the formal properties of languages and systems of symbols.
Wayfinding Research
What is Wayfinding?
Wayfinding encompasses all of the ways in which people orient themselves in physical space and navigate from place to place. It is knowing where you are in a building or an environment, knowing where your desired location is, and knowing how to get there from your present location.
Semiotics
Semiotics is the study of meaning the study of sign processes and meaningful communication. This includes the study of signs and sign processes, indication, designation, likeness, analogy, metaphor, symbolism , signification, and communication. Its a general theory of signs and symbolism, usually divided into the branches of pragmatics, semantics, and syntactics.
Pragmatics
The relation between signs and sign using agents or interpreters,especially words and other elements of language,and their users. Its mainly the relationship of sentences to the environment in which they occur.
Semantics
It focuses on the relation between signifiers, like words, phrases, signs, and symbols, and what they stand for their denotation. Linguistic semantics is the study of meaning that is used for understanding human expression through language.
Syntactics
This is the branch of semiotics dealing with the formal properties of languages and systems of symbols.
Wednesday, 25 November 2015
OUGD405
Study Task 01
Wayfinding Research
For the first study task of the new brief, we had to visit a selection of places such as museums and shopping centres to find examples of wayfinding, signage and pictograms in use in selected environments and how they function.
Size?
The signage found in Size is a good example of it reaching out to its target audience, when you first walk in the store the bright neon lights instantly catch your attention, this enhances the experience but immediately informs you of the navigation of the space. Brand logos are seen on certain floors to inform the public of where the products are, this is an efficient way of wayfinding but may cause problems with an older audience who may be unaware of these brand logos.
The Henry Moore Institute
The wayfinding throughout the Henry Moore Institute is very consistent and clean. It sticks to a basic colour palette which is key to the design because it doesn't pinpoint any particular audience and serves its purpose. The way finding is most helpful as it enabled me to navigate around the gallery with ease, this is mainly down to it being the only type in the gallery, when I visited other galleries the walls were often crowded with text which made it difficult to lay the course of the building.
Leeds Art Gallery
Study Task 01
Wayfinding Research
For the first study task of the new brief, we had to visit a selection of places such as museums and shopping centres to find examples of wayfinding, signage and pictograms in use in selected environments and how they function.
Size?
The signage found in Size is a good example of it reaching out to its target audience, when you first walk in the store the bright neon lights instantly catch your attention, this enhances the experience but immediately informs you of the navigation of the space. Brand logos are seen on certain floors to inform the public of where the products are, this is an efficient way of wayfinding but may cause problems with an older audience who may be unaware of these brand logos.
The Henry Moore Institute
The wayfinding throughout the Henry Moore Institute is very consistent and clean. It sticks to a basic colour palette which is key to the design because it doesn't pinpoint any particular audience and serves its purpose. The way finding is most helpful as it enabled me to navigate around the gallery with ease, this is mainly down to it being the only type in the gallery, when I visited other galleries the walls were often crowded with text which made it difficult to lay the course of the building.
Leeds Art Gallery
The scale and design of the arrows in these signs are the most important aspect of the wayfinding, Leeds Art Gallery use a simple wayfinding system that guides easily. The use of a clean sans serif typeface adds to the simplicity, the actual size of the type is questionable but the size of the arrows are able to direct the user.
Tuesday, 24 November 2015
OUGD404
Study Task 06
What is a book ?
The definition of what a book is today is rather broad, frankly a book is a set of written, printed, illustrated, or blank sheets, made of ink, paper, parchment or other materials. A book can communicate many forms of documentation including information such as a story, rules and instructions. Books can simply reflect what we do and whats happening around us, they also point us in the direction the author / designer is trying point us in ( purpose / meaning), for example keeping your attention and visually keeping you drawn to the book.
London-based studio Zak Group designed this book to exhibit the work of artist Tony Oursler, the book documents over 1000 objects that show a visual history of social, spiritual and intellectual belief systems. The design reflects this, with its use of typefaces based on both 18th Century types, as well as materials used in the book’s slipcase and a screen-print on the cover. The book is well made, and reflects its content intelligently.
This minimal and subtle publication design is given a nice touch by the stock used and the binding technique. The stock is a mix of a peach and brown colours that offset each other perfectly, the binding is tape bind, this bind type is sits ideally with the minimal concept.
The layout and typography are the two big design elements that I love about this two page spread, firstly the use of handwritten type gives this a page a calm approach and adds a diary / scrapbook feel. The exposed content and use of white space effectively draws the eye to the image covering two pages, by doing this it gives off a bold feel to a page occupied by few elements.
Monday, 23 November 2015
OUGD404
Study Task 05
Balance & Canons
Notes made in lecture
Balance
Visual balance comes from arranging elements on page so that not one section is heaver than the other, or in other instances the designer can intentionally arrange elements to create tension or a mood.
Proximity
Proximity or closeness creates a bond between elements on a page, how close together or far apart elements are placed suggests a relationship between what are otherwise seperate parts.
Alignment
Alignment brings order to chaos. How you align type and graphics on a page and in relation to each other can make your layout easier or more difficult to read.
Repetition / Consistency
Repeating design elements and consistent use of type and graphic styles within a document shows a reader where to go and helps them navigate your design and layouts effectively.
Canons
Canons are principles of page layout design used to measure and describe proportions, margins and print areas. Popular canons to use include the Van de Graaf, Tschichold's Golden Canon and Tschichold's Octavo.
Tschichold Golden Canon
Van De Graaf
Tschichold Octavo
As a part of the study task we had to discuss in groups what we believed the rules of graphic design were. We put together these rules:
Kerning
Readability / Legibility
Alignment
Layout
Colour Palette
The main basis behind Graphic Design is to communicate through text and image, we should work within rules to achieve this, then again these rules can be broken to communicate to a particular audience or create a new message.
Study Task 05
Balance & Canons
Notes made in lecture
Balance
Visual balance comes from arranging elements on page so that not one section is heaver than the other, or in other instances the designer can intentionally arrange elements to create tension or a mood.
Proximity
Proximity or closeness creates a bond between elements on a page, how close together or far apart elements are placed suggests a relationship between what are otherwise seperate parts.
Alignment
Alignment brings order to chaos. How you align type and graphics on a page and in relation to each other can make your layout easier or more difficult to read.
Repetition / Consistency
Repeating design elements and consistent use of type and graphic styles within a document shows a reader where to go and helps them navigate your design and layouts effectively.
Canons
Canons are principles of page layout design used to measure and describe proportions, margins and print areas. Popular canons to use include the Van de Graaf, Tschichold's Golden Canon and Tschichold's Octavo.
Tschichold Golden Canon
Van De Graaf
Tschichold Octavo
As a part of the study task we had to discuss in groups what we believed the rules of graphic design were. We put together these rules:
Kerning
Readability / Legibility
Alignment
Layout
Colour Palette
The main basis behind Graphic Design is to communicate through text and image, we should work within rules to achieve this, then again these rules can be broken to communicate to a particular audience or create a new message.
Sunday, 22 November 2015
OUGD404
Study Task 04
Figure & Ground
Notes made in lecture
Figure
The eye differentiates an object from its surrounding area. A form, silhouette, or shape is naturally perceived as figure (object), while the surrounding area is perceived as ground (background).
Ground
Everything that is not Figure is Ground. As the eye shifts from figure to figure the ground also shifts so that an object can go from figure to ground and back. Usually It is usually the smaller of the elements in the visual field.
White Space
Canvas / page space left between different elements of your design. Active white space is often asymmetrical, which makes the design look more dynamic and active and passive white space is the white space that occurs naturally, such as the area between words on a line or the space surrounding a logo or graphic element.
For the study task I decided to bring in The Recorder issue one, this issue explorers typography and graphic design, exploring type's role in a wider cultural context through 100 pages.
This double page spread focuses a lot on figure as 8 images dominate the pages then again the title could be considered the figure as it perceives the ground around it well. It has plenty of white space, due to the images being compact.
The page on the left is heavily influenced by the figure of the text and the white space spaces makes this effective. The image is the smaller element in the visual field yet is still effective because of the white space above and below.
The figure is the text as the eye is drawn to this straight away on these two pages. These two pages do have very domineering figures, with the image on the left hand side also catching the eye. These pages may seem overcrowded the white space subtly settles this spread.
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