OUGD603 - Collaborative blog - Naming ideas

Following the collation of our research it was now time to begin the process of naming the blog. For the name we wanted to communicate the concept of forging relationships and dialects through common interests, but also highlighting how the blog is a platform for collaboration. We therefore decided to undertake the task by separately brainstorming ideas, then gathering the ideas together.

My ideas above aim to be bold and quick on the tongue, as a overcomplicated name would deter I believe. I wanted something that wouldn't need a second explanation so something decisive was required. Notes next to each name explain the meaning behind the individual names on both pages.  

Once we felt we'd named as many as possible each, we then presented the ideas while selecting our favourites (circled in the pictures) From there we made a list of the names, then asked peers to name the first thing that came to mind when they seen the name. This would test the meaning of each word and the relation to our ideas.

From this feedback it was obvious which names were the most clear in terms of relating to the idea of the blog and our original intentions. Ones that stood out for our peers were So-So and Cahoots but myself and Luke also felt these two along with Plug were the best solutions. From here we further discussed each name in relation to the blog and decided upon So-So. In depth So-So can mean a number of things, firstly 'neither very good nor very bad' which can be interpreted as negative but also it can signify middle. Which is why we chose it, the blog is in the middle of us and almost a halfway point. Therefore its where our ideas can meet. 

OUGD603 - Collaborative blog - Collation of research

Following spending time researching individually, we collated research during a meeting to see what we found on our own. Luke looked into already existing blogs which inspire him such as Haw-Lin, which is a multidisciplinary creative studio who also run a 'research based online moodboard'. The blog contains a variety of content curated by Nathan an Jacob. The blog shows their personal interests and inspirations which is similar to the idea of the content we intend and have been displaying on our blog.

During our initial research meeting we discussed the issue of credit/ copyright of the images we post. Therefore, Luke looked into other blogs that have overcome this issue. When looking at Haw-lin in the 'about' section of the blog there was a small disclaimer which helps tackle the issue of rights/copyright (as shown below).

From looking into this it made it clear that a disclaimer is a very simple way to overcome the issues proposed by reposting content that belongs to other people. 

OUGD603 - Collaborative blog - Visual blog research

Looking at similar blogs and collectives that we like made us think more about the potential of our blog being niche. Hawlin, Kiosk feed, Ligature.ch, Collate, Visuelle and many personal blogs from studios and practitioners such as Catalogue and Joshia Craven are all are great examples of blogs we enjoy but we looked at them to seek what we could change in our approach to our blog.

Kiosk feed is full of weird and wonderful visuals and is always rotating its content which makes it current and reliable, but it only exist as a blog who don't exactly credit the work. The need to credit work is essential for a blog as it allows people to further discover new work and artists. In contrast to Kiosk feed is Catalogues blog which goes into so much more depth. It offers references, news and research which makes this blog more personal, as it gives an insight into the studio which is based in New York and Leeds. The blog also has two parts, Articles and Daily and this is what separates it from other blogs as it has the feel of a day to day visual blog but offers a scope into the creative industries in articles.

OUGD603 - Collaborative Blog - Research

Once the brief was set upon, myself and Luke made a list of research to undertake as a team. This list included current design blogs, what makes a successful design blog, coding in Tumblr and ways of marketing a blog. Therefore as a first task of research I decided to look into what makes a successful design blog, and to find a way of making a blog stand out amongst thousands of others.

One common theme that arises in researching into what makes a successful blog is promotion, as after you’ve published your first post, it’s time to get it out there and viewed. Setting up social media accounts for a blog on these platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest (this one being the most important). These social media platforms will get the word out about the content we will be sharing, but unfortunately, we are really just guests in each social media space, and are limited by the operation of each site. For example, your Facebook posts will only show up to a fraction of your Facebook “fans”, unless you are willing to pay more money to boost your posts and get more eyes on them. A mailing list is also important as when readers sign up to a mailing list, you will have a built in audience of people who you can reach directly when you have an announcement to make, a share, or just when you just want to connect and get to know them better. Mailchimp is the most common but most cost effective solution as it allows up to 2000 emails free of charge.

Another key aspect is to find a niche as there are thousands of design blogs out there. With new ones being created everyday and its getting to the point where a design blog can’t simply be just another design blog. Our niche can be communicated through our concept of common interests. As you determine your niche, people are more likely to visit the blog when they have a specific need.

Finally It’s all about content as I've seen in research. Valuable information for your readers is key as they are not likely to be visiting your blog in the future if it isn't. While your blog should look professional, don’t waste so much time ensuring your blog design is the best one around. Use that time to make sure you are providing great content to your readers instead.