Aims
24/02/2020: Defining aims
AIMS
- promote
- participate
- inform
- systemise
Project one: Mon 24 Feb - Mon 2 March
Chosen aim: Systemise
Research ref 1: PriestmanGoode presents Onboard: Reduce. Reuse. Rethink. The Design Museum, London. 2019 - 01 March 2020.
Research ref 2: Anthonyburrill.com. (2020). Anthony Burrill. [online] Available at: http://anthonyburrill.com/ [Accessed 26 Feb. 2020].
Research ref 3: Fedrigoni Papers. (2020). Homepage | Fedrigoni Papers. [online] Available at: https://www.fedrigoni.co.uk/ [Accessed 26 Feb. 2020].
Primary research activities: I need to collect materials that are unwanted or by-products to create a more sustainable material. Furthermore, I have to investigate the different characteristics of these materials.
Studio activities: I have to research different methods to work with various materials as well as its characteristics in general. Moreover, I need to use my sketchbook to research and plan out different techniques to realise this experimentation.
Project outcomes: The outcomes of this one week project are more process based. It will show various alternative approaches to make use of our environment sustainably. I will use "waste" to create a system that "encourages us to work together to create an alternative sustainable future" (Robert Johnson). The project is focussed on alternatives for papermaking and print.
What do intend to achieve with this project?
This project should help me to get more sensibility towards different materials and its potential as an innovative alternative. It is important to rethink current systems to achieve a more sustainable future. So, I want to make use of my environment by actually using found materials and substances.
Part of my idea generation process should also include researching various problems and materials that would be wasted anyways if they are not (re-)used as coconut wood or banana leaves.
Did I find it helpful to define these different aims?
I found it very useful to actually think about the various aims that can be pursued since it reveals the (slightly) different focusses concerning the methodology, audience or outcomes. However, it restricted me during my idea development process because I was too focussed on the individual aims instead of stopping me from overthinking my ideas. So, I decided to start generating my ideas very freely and then categorise them afterwards.
This process of thinking more about the intentions really helped me to refine these ideas.
25/02/2020: Action plan and museum research
Action Plan
| Mon 24 Feb |
AM: Commune presentation PM: define aims of design: promote, participate, inform, systemise and research sources; start idea generation based on aims
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| Tue 25 Feb |
AM: Museum Visit (The Design Museum, London) PM: " and reflect on the visit and how it informs my further project development
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| Wed 26 Feb |
AM: Research different approaches of using the environment sustainably PM: Research more specific methods and techniques of processes and revise and finish Project Proposal
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| Thu 27 Feb |
PPP deadline AM: last minute adjustments and feedback on PPP PM: plan out experimentation with various materials and research system design
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| Fri 28 Feb |
AM: collection of several materials PM: experimentation with these materials (recycle, reuse, rethink)
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| Sat 29 Feb |
AM: continue experimentation PM: develop system based on circular economy
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| Sun 01 Mar |
AM: continue development PM: finish system design and reflect on achievements (successes and failures) of the experimentation
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| Mon 02 Mar |
AM: pitch achievements of the latest project + crit: start developing Project Two PM: further development and planning of Project Two
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How does an experience in a museum differ from "usual" research?
It was very interesting to see this exploration of potential future materials. Even though you could not touch these material sample, you got a very good overview about how they look like and how they could be used. It is always very different to see a material in real life than online. You can see what kind of atmosphere they imply etc. which you cannot convey that easily through photography.
25/02/2020: Moodboard
Moodboard
What do I find intriguing about these things? What can I make use of?
The colour palette is inspired by the colours of leaves in autumn which can also be seen in the picture on the lower left. These colours match the shades I have come through during the collecting process. Furthermore, it creates a balance between sustainable aspects as reusing and innovation.
The other two pictures highlight the decorative elements that I want to use. The colours are less important in these images. I was influenced by the way these plants are illustrated. The designs consist of very simple solid shapes which is sufficient to communicate the object.
02/03/2020: Assessment criteria
Was the theoretical session about the assessment criteria helpful?
It was very useful because I really got a better understanding about the different criteria. It really helps to evaluate your work. Now I can estimate my strengths and weaknesses a bit better which shows me what I still need to improve.
Especially the feedback that we received and gave really improved my perceiptional skills concerning my work. Giving feedback by means of this form makes you look at others´ work from a different perspective.
I picked up this aspect of distancing from my work and trying to be as neutral as possible. It was very interesting to really focus on other's work as well as sketchbook development. It has shown me that I really need to present every little step and thought to make it easier to follow and understand my projects.
10/03/2020: Progress Tutorial
What was positive? What is still improvable?
Studio Practice:
The sketchbook development is very easy to follow. The content is meaningful and it is clear how the research informs my projects. So, I need to keep up that standard. However, it should stay very experimental and ambitious. Moreover, I have to extend my research. It should be balanced so that it includes primary research as well as secondary research.
In addition to that, it might be very helpful to research some campaigns and systems that have succeeded or failed to get an understanding of successful strategies which I can adapt.
Project Proposal and workflow:
My headlines are well chosen and help to reflect about my decision making processes and learning outcomes.
Improvement:
- organisation of workflow (seperate page for PPP and action plans)
- research audience and how to reach it
- tone of the message
- research campaigns
16/03/2020: Scale up
SCALE
What happens when the design is scaled up?
To scale something up is a very good possibility to catch someone´s eye. We are tend to be more attracted to large scale things. They often just overwhelm us and draw our attention to it in this way.
Also, the very bright colours of my design support this effect of eye-catching.
Why did I place the design on the floor?
Footprints are associated with being on the floor. Most importantly, placing it on the floor intends to make the customers slow down so that they recognise the accordance of the design on the floor and on the packagings. It should make them more attentive concerning their surroundings.
Why did I choose the supermarket space? What does it communicate?
The logo represents a certification that indicates the ecological footprint of a product. It gives the customer an indication of how sustainable a product is. It includes factors such as commodities and their origin(s), production and transportation as well as waste. This certification will be printed on packaging. Therefore, the design will be used on products in supermarkets.
It functions as a reminder of the impact of our behaviour. Every choice we make has an influence on our environment which is represented by the footprints. The footprints underline the aspect of having a direct effect on our surroundings and how we change our environment.
How does that help this week´s project/aim?
Since scaling something up is a very good oppurtunity to draw people´s attention, I can use this as a tool to spread information about my certification. So, this could be included in my plans for the design of my manifesto and other branding strategies.
24/03/2020: Current Events
What is my aim this week?
I want to include the current circumstances. A lot of countries worldwide are in lockdown at the moment. A pandemic is not a phenomenon that governments are used to or prepared for. Therefore, radical measures that have been taken. This is neccessary to stop or slow down the spread of the virus (COVID 19 also known as corona virus).
So, I want to encourage people and show that they are not alone. Everyone goes through the same at the moment. Nonetheless, self-isolation and social distancing can be very depressing especially when noone knows when this situation will end.
What role does sustainabilty play in this project?
Even though the climate recovers from human strains, people are not really thinking of sustainability. They have changed their lifestyle due to the spread of a currently incurable virus. People will return to their usual lifestyle as soon as possible.
In addition to that, people cannot be expected to change their behaviour in such a drastic way even if this is desirable regarding sustainable measures. Moreover, it really restricts personal liberty and people´s possibilties so that the standard of living would be extremely reduced. This would not be sustainable as well since this whole situation cannot be beared long-term.
25/03/2020: Sustainability
How can I include the aspect of sustainabiltiy?
People have endured a lot already. Therefore, their needs and appreciation of little changes might be sensitised which is very helpful in terms of rethinking nowadays value system. Besides, people have a need for social interaction which is significantly reduced so that design can help to make people communicate through other media.
How do I have to approach this week´s project?
Since everyone is very strained and stressed at the moment due to the very drastic change in our lifestyles it is important to keep people connected and help that to get though this difficult times. We are bombarded with shocking news everyday. The whole situation is very surreal and people do not really want to hear other bad news.
Therefore, I think it is important to follow a rather playful and positive approach to encourage people and make them work together.
26/03/2020: Social distancing
What does social distancing mean?
UK Government Guidance:
12/04/2020: Reach Out
Reach out
How do I feel at the moment?
The last days, I felt very demotivated and isolated. It is very depressing being back in my home country and not being able to see my friends and family. I always try to be thankful that me and my family are still well. However, I find it really sad to see that some other friends of mine do not follow the rules which makes it even harder for me.
In addition to that, I have noticed that people including me get overconfident and think just because they have followed these strict rules for a while the danger would be over. Unfortunately, this is not correct.
It is just very unsettling to not know when this will be over and normal life as we know it will continue.
What is the motivation behind "Reach out"?
After this very emotionally stressful period of time I wanted to keep myself motivated to continue my creative practice. I wanted to explore my possibilities while being quarantined. Self-isolation can be very dull so that I tried to find new ways to connect with people and reach out despite the distance.
One dimension that I am investigating in the two week project that I am doing at the moment is an online strategy to spread my message. Now, I pursued to reach people in a physical way since the online network has always been present, although it is more used in times of self distancing.
What did influence me?
I was inspired by similar attempts that I saw on social media as people tried to cheer up one another with music or encouraging messages displayed in windows. So, I wanted to create something alike that motivates people to keep up and that jollies people at the same time.
13/04/2020: Progress
Current situation
What progress did I make since my last feedback?
I have developed a few ideas that respond to the environmental influences of the measures due to corona virus.
Since I have decided to do web design I looked up some examples of interactive websites, different design approaches, movements etc. Seeing how other people try to motivate others or cheer up one another has helped me developing my own strategy.
I have not started yet to really look deep into web design as a discipline so that I still have to experiment with different platforms and softwares that suit my skill set and approach.
What do I plan to do? Why did I decide to do web design?
I decided to create an online network which intends to inform people about the positive effects that these measures have on the environment. Moreover, people are connected and encouraged to share other positive stories, thoughts etc.
So, I want to explore web design within the next two weeks since the online world offers a lot of opportunities to stay connected and to bring people together. In this way, social interaction do not have to stop.
Feedback questions
- Do you think that a web page/an online network is the most suitable approach to deal with this topic?
- Is the overall approach and style of illustrations etc appropriate?
- Do you have any suggestions concerning interactive websites such as useless.london?
20/04/2020: Scale, Materials and Location
What did I do today and what have I learnt from it?
Today, I reconsidered a few factors that play an important role concerning how other people receive an artwork or design - scale, materials and location.
It is quite interesting to see how a different way of displaying things can change our entire perception.
I scaled the project up and down and I have considered various locations which have given a greater overview about what I really want to express with this project.
What was most successful?
I would not say that any of the ideas were more or less successful. They just have very different focusses. The message changes as it is displayed as someone wearing a soap bubble "helmet" or as a whole house in a soap bubble.
Especially the approaches really change by altering the scale and also the use of materials. Using real soap bubbles that float around are more cheerful while building a glass bubble around a person for example would be rather serious.
How did the location influence the perception of the project?
The location also decides upon the approach. Placing the design in a lost place due to the lockdown would communicate a more political message. It would highlight the aspect of isolation being like living in a bubble. On the contrary, using real soap bubbles that are used at home conveys a signal that everyone can join this action.
21/04/2020: website users
Who would my users be?
Lockdown affects all people from all age groups as well as social classes. Therefore, offering online resources has a lot of potential, especially platforms that enable the users to connect and interact with one another.
However, online portals still rather reach out to a younger audience.
What kind of design and tone do I need to use?
The design and tone need to be clear and comprehensive so that everyone understands it. It has to be new, fresh and playful. In addition to that, an interactive design is way more memorable and intriguing.
24/04/2020: Title
Title
Why Stay in. Stay in Touch. Stay positive?
The statement is part of a creative common license programme of Nick Asbury. The main point of this website is positivity. It intends indeed to inform people about positive environmental effects of the lockdowns due to the coronavirus. More importantly, people are put to heart of that progress by sharing ideas, thoughts, comments etc. about what can or has to be modified to cause positive change.
Fonts and our Perception
How does our perception of the title alter when changing the typeface?
I tested a few different fonts and reflected on what they communicate. Choosing a font requires a very detailed consideration of various factors. It is not about personal preferences, but what they express.
Since the aim of my website was to connect people on a personal level, I was looking for a more personalised font. The top left one looks like someone has taken notes of something. This is what this website is about - making people aware and taking notice of what happens around them.
28/04/2020: Video Tutorial
Feedback
What was positive about the concept and the design?
The overall idea has a lot of potential and reacts to topical events. It combines my project matter with the current situation. My approach of cheering people up and encourage them to see these happenings form a different perspective is very sensitive to what it is going on at the moment.
Regarding the design, the illustrations are really thought through. However, the type is not very well considered. It makes the pages look a bit overwhelming.
What is improvable? What do I need to take into consideration (again)?
The colour scheme and font definitely have to be revised. In addition to that, my tutor made me aware of the fact that the website concept I have created so far is quite specific. Therefore, it might get out-dated after the coronavirus is over.
What are my next steps?
I need to think about changing my concept a bit, so that it stays relevant during the time afterwards. In consequence, this requires rethinking the design as well
01/05/2020: Identical change
Identity - Look Ahead
This the the new start page that I have designed for my website www.lookahead.com.
What has changed and why?
I have changed the name, colours and font. It is basically based on a whole new concept.
Now, it definitely expresses more sustainability. In addition to that, the design follows a quite playful approach which attracts rather younger people, people around my age.
However, it remains mysterious since it does not particularly speak about a topic. This intends to get people interested. They have to interact with the website to find answers. This reflects their process of digging a bit deeper and questioning their behaviour.
03/05/2020: Final visualisation task 2
New poster design
What has been improved?
This design looks way more harmonious and appealing. The limited colour palette really gives it a certain branding and identity. It is way more recognisable even from distance. There is a stronger focus on the weblink too.
Additionally, the logo design itself refers to the weblink above. It also stays a bit more mysterious which intends to make people curious. Nonetheless, the colours give a hint about the overall subject matter - optimism and sustainability.
26/02/2020: Primary research from Commune
POTENTIAL OF FAT STAINS AS PRINT
What is the idea and how did it evolve?
We were sitting at Shake Shack where we had lunch on our first day during Commune. While I was investigating the waste that we generated during our stay at that fast food chain, I discovered how translucent the cardboard got just because of the fat of the fries that it contained. The stains are very undefined which makes me questions the potential of using it for print. Therefore, I need to do some experimentation to see if there is a possibility to get more defined results where the paper does not get too soaked.
Fat as an alternative ink could demonstrate a way more eco-friendly substance for doing print. Following the fatconomy system, fat waste could be used to generate that "ink". But would that complicate the recycling process?
What else could it be used for?
It depends on the intensity of translucence and transparency because it could present an alternative for plastic lids which intend to be totally transparent, but still resistant.
26/02/2020: systemise
Why is research that important for a project?
Research has two purposes/aims. First and foremost, it informs the designer as well as the maker and user.
Firstly, it supports the idea development process. Researching, no matter if it is primary or secondary research, helps to build up a foundation for further development. It can inform decisions regarding materials, processes, methods, colours etc. It is very important to have a broad range of research sources to get a representative overview about the subject matter. You can be inspired by everything that surrounds you. This can be projects that other designers have done before or things from very different specialisms. Recontextualising approaches, concepts, objects etc. from other fields can be as exciting as design-inspired work if not even more intriguing.
Secondly, the process of research helps contextualising your work. It makes it accessible for viewers and enables them to understand it and build up a connection with that work.
Why have I chosen systemise as the aim of my first project? How do I want to use this first week as a start for my final project?
The lack of sustainability within society is based on failing current systems. These influence our behaviour and our individual decisions which all sum up to the consequences that we see at the moment - climate change. So, I want to use this first week of rethinking current processes that damage our environment. This includes researching currently used and damaging materials and technologies. My overall aim of this week is to create a system that encourages us to work together. Climate change cannot be resolved by a few. It is a global issue that thus concerns all of us. So, working together is a necessity to stop climate change and to prevent further damage.
Therefore, I have chosen the aim of designing a system that enhances looking at subject matters from different perspectives.
Waste is often connoted very negatively and disgusted as Robert Johnson described the same phenomenon with fat. However, fat was not always associated with consumption and gluttony or shame and illness, but with energy and wealth. This shows the potential of breaking today's rules and conventions to achieve a different access to materials and processes which can offer a variety of opportunities regarding sustainability.
27/02/2020: research in context
What did I learn today? How does this benefit my project?
Today, I did some research about system design. This helped me to get a better understanding of how to design a successful system design.
A system is not designed without any indicators. Quite the contrary, it is adapted to the needs of the addressed target group and topic. Therefore, I needed to extend my research - You have to be aware of the backgrounds, values and history of the people or that topic that you are designing a system for.
27/02/2020: Papermaking System Draft
Reflect on draft
What is successful?
I really like how it is structured, especially the circle in the centre which references the idea of circular economy - reusing, rethinking, recycling. Also the background colour is very suitable.
What is still improvable?
The bright colours that I have used for the plants express an optimistic and florish future, but it does not fully sum up the concept of sustainability. I think this idea plays a more significant role in this new system. So, I want to use rather subtle, but clear colours.
03/03/2020: Idea development
How did the research that I did inform my idea development process? Did I find out something unexpected?
I was actually pretty shocked when I found out that the age group that values and knows about recycling the least are younger people. Again, this shows how important it is to do research since this was something I would have never expected. However, knowing this now has really opened my eyes. There are actually a lot of reasons and influences that back up that information which mainly refers to today's lifestyle.
Older people often value food a lot more for example which might be caused by their experiences during the second world war and its consequences. Moreover, they are not that experienced with digitalisation and globalisation which enables people networking internationally. However, the travel causes a lot of carbon emissions and is not very sustainable.
So, this has influenced the media and tone of message that I want to use. It is way more digital based and approaches younger people like me (age group: 18-34 years old).
How did I develop the idea for the next project? Was that successful?
I knew that I wanted to include the aspect of persuading a bit more. Therefore, my aim of this week is to promote. I didn't really know where it would lead me at the beginning and I wanted to stay open-minded and explore my subject matter within that dimension of promotion.
Promotion is always about conveying a certain message to a specific audience. Successful promotion thus has to be adapted to time, context and audience. That's why I started doing some research about my potential target group. Furthermore, I did some research about human behaviour which helped me to develop strategies to intervene.
It is very important to understand your audience in terms of their lifestyle, believes, aims etc. because this has an impact on the media and tone that need to be used to reach this specific audience.
04/03/2020: Print press
What did I learn/explore today?
Today I worked with the print press for the first time. It was a very exciting experience. I´ve done prints with objects before, but using the print press is a very different experience. It is way more accurate and the edges are more crisp.
What did I use this for?
I wanted to explore my found objects a bit more and translate them in a way. It was very interesting to experiment a bit with these prints. Especially the colour manipulation enabled me to develop a sort of narrative. This can be very useful in terms of communicating something through texture and materiality.
12/03/2020: Idea Development
What did I consider during my idea development process?
- how to indicate how good or bad a product is
- branding and advertisement strategies
- what the logo needs to express
- name
- images
- indicator
What did challenge me the most? How did I overcome that?
I think it was very hard to find the final name and logo. I felt very restricted since the other categories just require some brain storming. The logo and name really need to sum up the entire idea while the other criteria are only part of that.
I made the mistake that I wanted to find a name first even though the whole concept of the certification was not clear at that point. Therefore, I carried on with the other categories which helped me with the development of the name and logo.
Moreover, logo design seems to be not really sophisticated because it is often very simple. However, this required skill to really simplify such a complex identity should not be underestimated. Branding and the designing of logos requires an absolute understanding of what you want to communicate. Little details such as colours, type etc can make a huge difference. I truly experienced this challenge during my idea development as well as while I was creating the logo.
13/03/2020: Logo Design
What did I acknowledge today?
Knowing which indicator I would like to work with helped me to identify shapes and images I would like to include in my design. Since the design is based on the ecological footprint I would like to include a footprint as my main shape. It is very obvious, but complicating this design would not make sense - the aim is to simplify the problem/issue.
In addition to that, I thought of including text, however, the symbol of a footprint is very self-explanatory. moreover, the certification is tend to be international. Therefore, the avoidance of text is advisable.
What do I need to take into account when designing a logo?
- colour
- type
- text
- shapes
- images
The colour is influenced by the nuitrition profiling system of the UK. Typography does not have to be considered (at least for the logo) because no text is used. However, this is something that definitely has to be taken into account when the manifesto and/or website is designed.
17/03/2020: manifesto
What is a manifesto?
Cambridge Dictionary:
a written statement of the beliefs, aims, and policies of an organisation, especially a political party
What are the beliefs, aims and policies?
- sustainability
- rethink, reuse and recycle
- circular economy
- biocapacitiy
- ecology
- innovation
- improvement
- quality
What do I need a manifesto for?
A manifesto presents the core of a company, organisation or political party. It shows and highlights the values and beliefs of that institution. Moreover, it emphasises what it pursues the most. So, the manifesto helps people to understand what is the essence of my certification.
The manifesto can also be used as a sort of advertisement to draw people´s attention. People have to be informed about the certification and its aims so that it can successfully communicate and guide people´s purchasing decisions.
18/03/2020: Message
How can I structure it? Should I include exapmles? If so, which?
I want to start with the problem that I am facing. After that I want to proof that issue by naming some examples.
Green washing is an example of companies trying to reach a new target group. They attempt to seem more sustainable even though their policies have not changed. It is just a new identity and branding that was created by graphic designers. I want to distance myself from that and provoke real change.
What does my certification intend? What does it indicate?
Companies that do not intend to actually rethink their processes and just try to appear more sustainable (Green washing) will be uncovered. The certification supports the customer´s purchasing decision and gives a clear indication if a product is sustainable or not.
So, it intends to be a reliable certifaction that builds trust and indicates sustainability.
27/03/2020: Refined Idea
What is my idea? How does it respond to the current situation?
My aim is to inform people about the positive environmental effects due to the lockdowns that are imposed by the government because of the pandemic that we are facing at the moment.
People are confronted with many negative news so that this information could show a positive side of this extremely surreal situation. So, I intend to cheer up people as well as entertain them at the same time.
My idea is to design a responsive website that includes some very colourful and playful illustrations and the positive news. The interaction enables the user to play with the website. It creates a full experience and entertains the viewer. Furthermore, it could include a portal that enables users to post about positive news to cheer up other people and encourage others to stay positive in these difficult times. It also enables people to stay connected and socialise online.
What do I need to take into consideration? Design Problems
- illustration style
- colour palette
- accentuation (responses)
- tone of the messages
- structure of the website
- typography
- name?
28/03/2020: Inspiration
MOODBOARD
Annotations:
What does this communicate? How is it linked to my intentions?
The colour palette that I have chosen includes very bright but still natural colours. Moreover, the colours are associated with the sea as well as the wind/air which are the affected areas. They are also very bright and clear which communcates positivity.
The illustrations are also very playful which conveys encouragement too.
It supports people in these depressing lonely times and cheers them up.
How does the moodboard help me to develop my webpage design?
A moodboard is a very good starting point to get a basic understanding of the overall style and colour palette. It was very helpful for me to get this design project started.
However, moodboards are often misunderstood. It is not about collecting random stuff that you like. On the contrary, you have to work very selectively.
29/03/2020: First decisions
What are the news that I want to include?
The environments that are positively affected are air, water and animals: The emissions over China, Northern Italy and New York have been reduced massively since governments have taken measures due to the outbreak of the virus/pandemic. The water in the canals in Venice has been getting clearer and fishes have returned to the canals since the tourism is radically restricted if not stopped completely.
What did I take into consideration today? How has my research informed the project?
Today, I looked at different illustration styles. There are many various techniques as well as designs. I analysed a few illustrations concerning their appropriateness for my purpose. It was very helpful to look at several different styles and realisations since they all communicate something different.
For my project, I want to use a rather playful design that intends to cheer up people. I also want to use bright colours which communicate positivity.
Furthermore, I have researched a campaign which gave me some inspiration concerning the tone that I want to use. Moreover, it has shown me how important it is to include the idea of connecting people and still work together.
How did making a rough plan of that website help me with solving further design problem?
It is very useful to test out some general design ideas before starting the refinement of the design. The concept of structuring this website is as important as the realisation. However, it is important to also refine this plan to get a better understanding of what the finished piece is going to look like.
16/04/2020: Feedback and Reflection
Feedback and Reflection
My sketchbook is very methodical and clear. Also, my current project - the positive environmental effects of lockdowns (website) - has potential.
Also, the little one day tasks that I have set myself are a good way to stay motivated and efficient. However, I can push that a bit further, extend it and generate a few more ideas about how to physically interact during a lockdown. So, I have to consider a few more aspects such as scale, materials and location to find the idea that communicates the chosen metaphor most successfully.
Furthermore, I need to think about other design solutions to preserve the environment and maintain the lockdown's environmental effects.
How did this help me? How did I react to that feeback?
It has really helped me to get some feedback because we do not have the possibility to do regular crits with fellow students at the moment. So, it is very useful to get some comments and thoughts on our work.
Since the video chat I have picked up my last idea once again to reconsider these certain factors as mentioned above. This has opened new oppurtunities to develop this idea.
22/04/2020: Idea generation
Physical interaction
What is the idea behind this new project?
I intend to do this project by realising one day projects. The aim is to reach out to other people in a physical way. Physical interaction is currently not really present in times of social distancing.
How did I overcome problems to generate ideas?
I tried to push myself by setting a time limit. I attempted to generate 30 ideas in 30 minutes. This strategy works very well for me since it helps me to stop overthinking my ideas.
23/04/2020: website features
How do I get more people to sign up for my website?
People often do not want to share their details such as e-mail addresses or phone numbers. In addition to that, it takes a lot of effort to register for a new platform. Therefore, linking or using existing social media accounts to sign up for the website would draw more people to the website.
Moreover, this would verify their identity at the same time. Nonetheless, there is indeed the option to register just through your e-mail account if you do not have or do not want to use a social media account.
Furthermore, everyone can read the posts and post anonymously as well. This increases the traffic on that website.
How do I draw people's attention to my project?
The link for the website can be shared on social media platforms as well. I think social media offers many chances to make things go viral very fast. Additionally, it enables international interaction too. The website is intended to be less personal, but it addresses a wider audience.
Climate change and the pandemic that we are facing at the moment involve the entire global society. So, I am convinced that working together offers the greatest prospect of success.
27/04/2020: draft website
Comment on Draft website
What is successful? What can be improved?
I think that the tone of this website is apt since it mainly addresses younger people. The font conveys a more personal identity, but I am not sure if it might be too playful. This has to be taken into account since this website is not just for fun purposes, but it is about real thoughtful innovative ideas.
So, what do I need to do next?
Furthermore, I think I need to take a step back and rethink the colour scheme as well. It does express optimism. However, it seems quite random and it does not really communicate sustainability which is the crucial aspect of this website. So, I will take this opportunity to also test out other fonts in relation with the new colours.
29/04/2020: message
What did I do today? And how did it help me with my further development?
Today, I started with creating a mind map about the aspects that are most important for me concerning the website. My four categories were position, how I position myself and my work, my values such as positivity and innovation, context and intention.
Then, I selected the ones that are the most important to me again.
- interaction
- people at the heart of the creative process
- debate
- innovation
- positivity
- motivation
This really helped to build a base to come up with a new name for a broader concept. My website has now a stronger focus on the future in general instead of present events.
A few names that I have come up with are
- FutureBuilder
- implies being a part of the "movement"
- LearnFromIt
- learning experience
- who is teaching?
- Positive Future
- optimism
- how is that achieved - a bit unclear
- Look Ahead
- refers to future actions
- optimism
- suits the current situation: keep up/motivational
- always present and relevant
Look Ahead refers to both the current situation as well as future actions. It also highlights my most important point: positivity.
30/04/2020: new concept
Font Tests
I want the design to look very fresh and young. Therefore, it can indeed be a bit playful. The two fonts on the left match very well. In addition to that, they have clearer shapes which makes the design look more consistent and clear.
What about the colours that I have used?
I wanted it to look quite natural and rather neutral. Additionally, I plan to work with some green shades which communicate a more sustainable identity.
02/04/2020: Final Visualisation
Who is my audience?
My work addresses the general public with a stronger focus on younger people since my research has shown that especially younger people lack sustainability.
What approach to visualising the display of my work do I follow?
I want my work to be situated in a publicly accessible space. Furthermore, people should have time to engage with my design. So, I am thinking of testing out spaces as bus stops and public buildings.
First attempt
The red does stand out which draws people's attention to it, but the question might be a bit too open. It is very rhetorical which might not really catch people.
It does not look very intriguing and the website link is a bit too small. It should be legible from distance as well.