March 28:: Reading Response & Concepts

My initial concept for P3 is focused on Parks, Gray's Lake in specific.

I'm planning on making a booklet of some sort for this project, since a Brochure-type thing isn't quite large enough to hold all the information I want to include.

Some plans:

- Redesign & include a new Gray's Lake map with directions on how to get there (from the interstate possibly, since it's an accessible & understood route to start with?)
- Nail down the format (Was between Booklet & Brochure, but leaning more towards Booklet for the sake of the information that needs to be included)
- Take Photographs of Gray's lake in various locations to use in the booklet
- Decide on how many pages to work with for the booklet & how big it should be, as well as how it will be bound
- Decide on how to format (Have 4 options so far that are being mapped out in InDesign)

1. Ages of Park Attendees & Activities tailored to those age groups (may not work, since majority of the park activities specify that they are for all age groups)
2. Seasons in which certain activities will be held (Tricky since activities are held certain days & not every day, or even every week)
3. Days of the week when activities are held (also may not work since some activities are 'x week of x month, such as 'the last saturday of June')
4. Months in which activities are held (again some events are pretty specific to a certain weekend during the month, so would be tricky to organize this way)

The activities are Gray's Lake are tricky to work with, organization wise, so I think I have my work cut out for me with a layout format.

Pages of booklet currently planned:

Cover

Table of Contents (probably necessary considering the information that will be included, but maybe not. Too early to tell)
Amenities Page?
Various Sections based on how the booklet will be organized (Ages, Seasons, Days, or Months etc.)
Map (2 spreads?) w/ directions on how to get to Gray's Lake
Contact Information to Des Moines Parks & Recreation (Possibly directly to whomever is in charge of Gray's Lake specifically, if there is such a person)

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Definitions:

Audience- The audience in terms of Graphic Design is who interacts with your design; it is important to design with the audience in mind, so that the end result is straightforward and easy to follow.

Context- The meaning behind a design; context is important to consider in all aspects of a design to make sure meaning isn't being misinterpreted. Some examples would be color choices, word choices, logo choices etc. You wouldn't want a blue or green burger as a logo at a food place for example, since that isn't exactly what an audience would think of when they think 'burger'.

Content- Content covers all the elements included in a design. Mostly it applies to text, but images can be included in 'content' as well.

Media- Plural of 'Medium' and usually refers to a design technique or mixing of multiple design techniques; examples would be 'Digital Media' (Photoshop, Illustrator etc), 'Mixed Media' (Paint & Photographs, Photographs & Cloth, Clay & Wood etc).


Reading Response Questions:

1. What does the acronym SLIP stand for? In your own words, paraphrase the four steps that Maeda outlines.

Sort- Write down whatever needs to be done or sorted on slips, and move then around into groupings that make sense. (Shorts & Jeans would be together for example, as would Blouses and T-Shirts)

Label- Give each group a relevant nickname; if no name can be decided on, then a code can be used, such as a Letter, Number or Color. (Jeans & Shorts would be 'Pants' and T-Shirts & Blouses would simply be 'Shirts')

Integrate- When groups seem to be similar in significant ways, merge them. The fewer groups the better.

Prioritize- Group highest priority items into a single group to make sure they have the most attention. Think of the 'focus' group as the 'top 20%' to focus on, things that either need a LOT of work or need to be finished more quickly.


2. What one sentence in this reading most resonates with you? Why?

"Squint at the world. You will see more, by seeing less." - Last page of the reading

It's more a phrase than a single sentence, but it effected me nonetheless. Like I've stated before in many of my projects I've had a Drake, I have a problem with overcomplicating everything I do. I always feel a design needs to be more complex to be unique, or to be more eye catching, which more often than not isn't the case. I think that's why this phrase resonates with me. It's something I struggle with on every project in every class. Simplicity is often the best route to take, for understanding, but also for (as the reading says) gestalt. Not every design calls for complexity.

March 26:: P3 Reading Response 1 & Design Examples

I've currently decided to work with the subject of Parks, probably putting emphasis in Grey's Lake.

Des Moines Park and Recreation department is in charge of the Parks.

'Park and Recreation Mission

Helping Des Moines Live Well, Play Hard and Protect the Earth 

Responsibilities

 The Park and Recreation department is responsible for the management of 76 parks, 3,800 acres of parkland, 42 miles of trails, and numerous municipal facilities.

The Park and Recreation department is responsible for managing over 16 different programs in the area of sports, urban conservation, environment education, sport instruction, sports tourism, neighborhood beautification, water recreation, volunteerism and stewardship. 

In addition, Parks staff plans Special Events throughout the year, such as, the Father-Daughter Dance, Free Flicks, Hoopin' at the Dome, Earth Day Trash Bash, Mayor's Annual Ride for Trails, Carp Festival, and many other events.'

The user of the Gray's lake map would be anyone who goes to parks, but seems to focus on family or group activities through planned events that occur throughout the year. The re-design would need to be accessible to people of all ages, but emphasizing adults & parents (since parents would be the ones taking their kids to the events that Parks & Rec. have planned).

Demographic 18~60 approx.?

Activities:

bird watching sessions at 11:00 a.m. every Wednesday and the 9:00 a.m. 

Saturday Yoga in the Park sessions on the north shore June through September. 

Kite flying has been added every fourth Tuesday from 5-7:00 p.m. now through October

canoe and sailing lessons weekly throughout May, June, July and August with expanded frequency and age brackets. 

Moon Float from 9-11:00 p.m. the fourth Saturday of those months.

nature scavenger hunt

native plant sale

rowing and sailing clubs’ open houses

fishing clinic

flower pounding

sand sculpture activities

leaf boat building

insect identification

butterfly tagging

fairy house building

landscaping how-to

fish printing classes

May 22 - Gray’s Lake Carp Festival for youth and adults, with registration at 8:00 a.m. and activities from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. that include tournament fishing as well as lessons and carp lake ecology.

Gray's Lake Amenities:

Beach
Boat Ramp
Boat Rental
Grills
Ice Skating
Nature Trail
Off-Street Parking
Overlook Terraces
Picnic Tables
Playground Equipment
Pond, Lagoon, Lake
Recreation Trail
Restrooms
River

Well designed Map:

Comments:

I used to live in Virginia, and so I went to the DC zoo fairly often. It was years ago when I last used it, but pulling it up online still proves it's easy to use. I like how the map was designed with minimal text and use of icons, though I do believe it could be more clear if there was a key for what the icons meant. Overall though, it's pretty simple to figure out what is where in the zoo.

Poorly Designed Map:

Comments:

I found this map through Google, and I don't even know what it's for. It confuses me because of all the icons all over the map, and even though a key is provided, I still don't understand what the map is supposed to be getting at. All the overlaps of the map elements make it a jumbled confusing mess.
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RR Questions:

1. Define the differences between icons, indexes, and symbols. In order to demonstrate your understanding, cite an example of each that was not provided in the reading. 

Icons- Literal visual representations; drawing of a cow looks like a cow, drawing of a pig looks like a pig etc.

Indexes- Create connections between objects, using that which is easy to describe to identify something more obscure; sunglasses could represent brightness outside, or a winter coat could represent 'winter'.

Symbols- more abstract and may represent things that don't have physical form; swirly lines used in video games to represent 'wind', even though it isn't physically visible.

2. What new principle or theory presented in this reading is of the most interest to you? Why?

I found the Principle of Closure to be a fairly interesting one. I've heard something like it before, how our minds will fill in what's missing from a shape or form even if the form isn't in it's entirety, but even then I still find it fascinating. Perhaps the reason I find it so intriguing is because it just shows how powerful our minds are, being able to 'fill in the blank' per se, even if a figure or object isn't all there.

3. Identify three tips (from any of the four Quick Tips pages excerpted) that you would like to apply in this information design project. Why are you choosing these particular ones? How do you intend to implement them in your process? 

1. 'Don't decorate, design'; I would like to apply this tip not only in this project, but it all of my projects. Over the years I've been at Drake I've always had a hard time with this particular aspect, as I constantly want to 'decorate' the work I do. It's unnecessary and clutters the design, so I'd like to get more straightforward design approaches in, instead of worrying about making something 'different' or 'unique'. Not everything has to look different, especially in terms of a project like this where we'll be designing something that the general public would end up utilizing in a real scenario. I intend to implement this by trying to avoid any decorative aspects of the project, and rather focusing on the important things such as the information and hierarchy.

2. 'Create the Perfect Match'; I've used this tip before, but it's definitely one to keep in mind for any project when trying to decide what typefaces to use. Combining a Serif and Sans Serif font not only helps with hierarchy of the design, but also helps with legibility. In most cases, Serif fonts don't work particularly well in body text outside of books (even then, you see less of them in book body copy these days) so they tend to work better as headlines. I intend to implement this tip by picking a Serif for headlines & larger title segments, while using a Sans Serif for the body copy.

3. 'Learn the two-step'; This is a tip that I haven't used very much at all up until this point. Combining different text weights with color or size shifts are also a useful took for hierarchy, especially for a project such as this where we're designing around existing information. I plan to implement this rule with any captioning or comments I may need to include.

March 15:: Final JPEGs and Project Synopsis

Project Synopsis:

Overall, I found this project rather challenging. I had difficulties coming up with proper ideas for a logo, which I intended to base my entire project on. I ended up picking my color scheme before I decided on a logo, which I think helped me shape the logo in the long run. I wanted to pick a name and design a logo that would draw people into the store, due to the unusual nature of the name and logo.

I struggled with implementing my color scheme in the logo and layouts of the various elements of the project, as it gave too much of a 'spa' vibe. I believe after the changes I've made from before, it separates from that meaning completely. Overall, I found the project challenging and fun since I had to really push myself to be inventive and work through the problems I was having.

March 12:: Post Critique

Personal Comments:

I liked the background texture when I initally was using it, but when it's printed out, it just looks like a kind of mold. I don't plan on using it anymore because of this reason. Furniture shouldn't make you think of mold.

I'm semi indifferent on the border I used on some of the elements, though I'm probably going to play with it more to see what I can come up with.

I completely dislike the poster. I want to check out more furniture images and use them as is instead of trying to pull the image off of a background (ex. pulling something out of a black bg).

Viewer Comments:

- Vertical Logo is more liked
- Don't bleed parts off the page; takes away from unity
- Good Typeface Choices
- Integrate borders further --same size-- throughout the pieces
- Let the underlying composition be the linking force
- Remove box from logo
- Tweak colors to be more bright -- more forcefully
- Scale consistiency

March 12:: Pre Critique WIPs

 
 

March 7:: Final Project Brief & Project WIPS

Summary & Brief History: 'Furniture Store X’s mission is to provide easy and quick access to well-designed furniture traditionally found only in designer showrooms. FSX plans on being a one-stop source for modern design, from iconic mid-century works to innovative items designed today. FSX sells clean and simple furniture and accessories, representing designers, materials and processes that span categories and countries.'

Demographics (Age, Gender, Income, Employment, Geography & Lifestyle) of target audience:

• Varied; 30s & upwards
• Male & Female
• Middle Class - Upper Class Incomes
• Business & Design Professionals
• United States nationwide
• Stable Homes
• FSX markets to businesses and design professionals, as well as the general public via a catalog, web site, and retail studios. In addition to residential settings, many of the items offered are used in corporate settings, restaurants, hotels and schools around the world. The Studios offer special services for architects and interior design professionals. Whether customers experience DWR by Studio, phone or online, they receive knowledgeable assistance from people who come from design backgrounds.

Competitive Landscape: Hive (add more in later from website list)

Business Objectives (Why the need for the project): Opening & advertising of a new store opening in downtown Des Moines Iowa

Message (what should be communicated): 

• New store opening; 
• 'provide easy and quick access to well-designed furniture traditionally found only in designer showrooms'
• FSX ‘s goal is to be a leading retailer in well-designed furniture, accessories and services for businesses and design professionals. Its marketing strategy relies on the Internet and other direct marketing channels. This communication strategy will be the guiding factor in your approach to the system you design.

Call to Action (Context of Message in relation to what needs to be communicated): 

• “The desire to deliver great products to a broader group of people and to elevate the interest in
  design, has been here since the Bauhaus. Our goal is simply to accelerate the way that design gets to the public and to take advantage of the most current technology in this process. In Europe, furniture design is taken more seriously and the public has greater access to well-designed products. By giving customers access to the best in modern design – including iconic works that have been in production since the mid-20th century as well as innovative items designed today – we made design within reach.”

Metrics for measuring success (what needs to be achieved): Advertise the opening of the new store in downtown Des Moines, to gain a wider consumer audience

Timeline:

Feb 19 - Feb 21: Research
Feb 26 - March 7: Creation/Concept
March 12 - March 14: Production (print)
March 14 - March 15: Turn in (booklet or panel form)

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Project 2 Specifics:

1. A logo, letterhead, envelope and business card.
2. Promotional poster(s) for the store’s opening. (11 x 17; does not need full size for final turn in)
3. An exterior sign for the building based on your logo. 

• (Present it as it would look in place on a building. You must select a suitable building in the East Village area for your store front. Photograph this building and use the photo to mock up your presentation in Photoshop.)

4. A small brochure/mailer that describes the business, provides contact information and promotes the store opening. (Tri-Fold Brochure)


Project 2 play:

These are some of my ideas for the project so far. I've since changed the logo by adding a wood texture to it, and I feel like the rest of the design needs to change with it. I'm thinking of just using the Green/Teal colors as accents rather than incorporating them into all the aspects of the design. I'm going to try and explore some heavier weight typefaces to contrast each other and compliment the thick/thin lines of the logo. I think I need to go back and revisit the idea of simplicity; I have a habit of overcomplicating designs.

March 5:: Logo Play V2

The other post would have gotten too cramped with these additions. I was exploring color combinations for the lotus icon, paired with different text.

March 5:: Logo Play

The top left are some of the logo Ideas I was playing with. I'm not entirely sure I like the circle behind the text, and I'm also not sure I like the logo Icon. The icon itself was just a quick gestural thing, however, so I may like it more when I refine it.

The top right were some of the color palettes I was playing with; they're a mixture of a few palettes I found, and some colors eyedropped from images of a Kingfisher.

I do believe I'm going to stick to my color palette on the left, though I may not use all the colors. 5 may be a bit too much for what I'm trying to do.

Overall I need to play with my logo more before I'll be satisfied to use it on everything the rest of the pieces of the project.

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Added:

I've decided to scrap the 'wing' icon idea. Even though the Kingfisher bird is said to be a representation of Serenity/Serendipity, I'm not sure the message would be portrayed properly. I did a bit more looking into Serenity/Serendipity and I found that the Lotus flower is a good example of the meanings, so I did some mock ups with a simple graphic Lotus. I've been playing around with placement of the Lotus, and also a way to integrate the light green from my palette. I may not end up using the teal after all, as with the current logo (and added green) there are 4 colors already present.

Currently Im leaning towards the last idea in the right column, though more play with the elements could change my opinion, as it has changed much already.