Thursday, April 22, 2010

MY DESIGN IS PIECE


My design piece is constructed from paper, illustration board and rubber cement. The most challenging part of this process was making the actual grid that the cubes would sit in. They needed to be an exact size or else the cubes would not fit. Other than the construction of the physical piece, the other biggest challenge I had was coming up with a design that could preform well with my statement. But here's what I came up with!

For my design is piece I designed a cube. On two of the sides you can see my design statement and on a third there is a rationale explaining how I arrived at my statement. On the front face of the cube I made a grid and inserted two different kinds of cubes. One has different images of designs on each panel, and the other has different possible design problems.

My personal design statement was DESIGN IS A CREATIVE REACTION DRIVEN BY REFLECTION. When I began thinking about this project I decided that I wanted to make something that could be interactive to the viewer. My thinking behind my design is that you are able to take one of each cube and create your own solution to the problem and design you have matched up. I feel that this represents my piece because I believe that all design is reaction to something else. By creating a problem you are able to reflect on your own new and creative design.

WEEK 14 PRESENTATIONS

I'd have to say that my favorite presentation this week was Angie's. I thought that it represented her statement very well. The three sides of the triangle were very successful in showing the three steps in a design process. I really like the way the ball was positioned in the center with a light. I think that it shows the pay off you get when you are done your creative process and achieve a final product. Overall her design piece was very engaging, unique and unlike any other piece we've seen so far in presentation.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

WEEK 13 PRESENTATIONS

My favorite design piece of week 13 was Nicole's. I found the lightbulb idea very fun and representative of her design statement. I think that the material surrounding the lightbulb represented our thoughts very well. There are so many different things going on when we are coming up with ideas it is hard to keep track. The unorganized pieces on the lightbulb show our thoughts flying around in our minds. Though light bulbs are a normal object to represent an idea, I think the way she decorated and adapted them to her statement was very unique. I think that the string going around the lightbulb also shows a thought pattern connecting the objects.Overall I think that this piece was very successful and there was a lot of work put into the idea and creation of the piece.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

WEEK 12 PRESENTATIONS

My favorite design piece of week 12 was Adam.
I feel that not only did he create two separate design pieces, but they both fit with his statement very well. I think that the video showed his personality through the statement. It was his own personal project being created and changing over time. As for the origami, I thought it was a very creative way to show change and adaptation. It transformed into many different things depending on the way you held it and looked at it.
Overall Adam's piece was very intriguing and representative of his statement.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Saturday, March 20, 2010

DESIGN IS...final statement


"Design is a creative reaction driven by reflection."

PERSONAL MANIFESTO

Don't wait for permission
• Do it anyways. If you wait for others to give you the go ahead you may miss the opportunity to create something great.

Look around and Listen
• Take an interest in you surroundings. Whether it be scenery, music, or an event, you can always learn something from it.

Test your limits
• Who knows what could happen if you just try that much harder or search that much further.

Play
• Not just in general, but in your work. Something unexpected could emerge.

Don't be afraid to WAIT
• If you don't have a good idea at the moment, wait! There is no reason in wasting your time on a bad idea. Keep thinking and experimenting until you find
a great one.

Make it personal
• Relate your work to something you are interested in. If you do you will not only be some satisfied with the outcome, but you will enjoy the process that much more.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Design Analysis

GROUP MEMBERS: EMMA, LISA, ALEX, ERIC


1. Fire Exit Sign

Key design problem facing the designer:

The fire exit sign is designed to make sure the public knows what to do in the case of a fire. The sign needs to be clear and understandable for quick use and reability.

What the designer needs to know/to do:

The designer needs to be aware of the important information and how to show it effectively. The designer needs to know how to accent the major issues using type, heirarchy and colour.

Others involved:

Other people who may be involved in producing this infographic would include:

- Fire Department of Toronto

- Humber College for approval and placement

- Printers would be needed for final production

2. “Green” Pamflet

Key design problem facing the designer:

The purpose of this design is to communicate ways in which you can help the environment, and become more “green”. The designer needs to find a way to easily show the message and be quickly understandable.

What the designer needs to know/to do:

The designer needs to know how to produce this information clearly, but by using more that just type. The designer used icons to communicate each section, adding interest and simplicity to the design. The designer needs to know what information to include and what to leave out for when they visit the website.

Others involved:

Other people who may be involved in producing this infographic would include:

- Humber College (placement of pamflet)

- Printers would be needed for final production

- David Suzuki’s company (for design approval)

3. Campus Map (at Lakeshore & Kipling)

Key design problem facing the designer:

The purpose of this design is to communicate direction to a viewer. It needs to be simplified enough that anyone can easily find where they are, and then easily navigate their way to their destination.

What the designer needs to know/to do:

The designer would need to know how to follow suit to Humber’s corporate identity in order to maintain continuity across campus. They’d also need to work with an urban planner to ensure the accuracy and scale of the campus layout.

Others involved:

Other people who may be involved in producing this infographic would include:

- Urban planners: who would have the blueprints and technical drawings of the campus, which the graphic designer would need to simplify.

- Representative’s from Humber College would be needed to approve the artwork.

- Printers would be needed for final production

- City of Toronto by-law person to regulate placement of the sign.

4. Parking Meter

Key design problem facing the designer:

The purpose of the instructions on the parking meter is to show customers how to propery pay for their spot. The designer used images to show the procedure rather than a long written discription.

What the designer needs to know/to do:

The Designer would need to know how to communicate with the viewer in a clear and useful manner. For this piece of design it was important that the content was kept simple. A problem to overcome with this design is that there is a very small space to fit a lot of information.

Others involved:

Other people who may be involved in producing this infographic would include:

- Toronto City Parking

- Printers would be needed for final production

- Land Developers: placement of the parking meter in the packing lot area

5. Stop Light Scoss Walk (Lakeshore & Kipling)

Key design problem facing the designer:

The purpose of this design is to help pedestrians cross the street safely. They would also have to take ino consideration different peoples ned while creating this.

What the designer needs to know/to do:

The designer would need to know to use many different forms to communicate when it is sate to walk. In this case the designer used pictures, numbers, writing and sounds to communicate. The designer needs to properly incorporate each of these thing so that there is no confusion about when or how to cross at the crosswalk.

Others involved:

Other people who may be involved in producing this infographic would include:

- City of Toronto Transportation (placement and approval)

[ Information design is organizing information in the most effective way for communication. It needs to be generic, simple, and universal. ]

Friday, March 5, 2010

20 words

"design is a creative reaction driven by reflection"

1. response
2. value
3. feeling
4. motivation
5. individual
6. a statement
7. rewarding
8. productive
9. intentional
10. developing
11. creative
12. on going
13. demanding
14. functional
15. communication
16. approach
17. necessity
18. personality
19. connection
20. culture

Sunday, February 28, 2010

DESIGN IS....REVISED



Design is reflection and reaction with purpose.

WHAT I HAVE LEANED IN LIFE SO FAR...

When your young you feel like you may know everything, when the truth is...you really don't. After thinking about lessons that I have learned so far, here are a few things I know for sure:

1. Inspiration comes from personal experience.

2. You can see something a million times before you really understand what it means.

3. A good cry never hurts.

4. An initial idea can lead to so much more.

5. Failure should not burden you, it should motivate you.

6. Sleep is definitely required.

7. You can't expect people to try and help you if you don't give them the chance to.

8. Don't commit if you can't follow through.

9. Forgiveness can be much easier said than done.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

WHAT IS DESIGN??


Design is many different things. But ultimately it can be seen anywhere you look. Design is the one aspect that makes up, and binds the world together. Just imagine the world without any type of design.....you can't.

For my design statement I have narrowed it down to this,

Design is not to be defined as one thing, but rather as a necessity. It has a purpose and personality.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Technology and Me



After recording my technology usage for one week I have come to find that I depend on my computer much more than I thought.
My highest uses were facebook, music, television and text messaging. Even my music and television use was used more on my computer.
My highest technology use by far is my cell phone. I don't make many phone calls because of long distance charges. I tend to use text messaging and facebook to communicate with many people.
A lot of my technology uses overlap. Since my design program use was high, the music use on my computer was higher than on my ipod, due to the fact that I listen to music while I work.

Technology Blog:
Communication
Text Messages: sent - 280 received - 291
Phone Calls: sent - 5 received - 4
Skype: sent - 0 recieved - 10
Emails: sent - 6 received - 19

Leisure
Facebook: 17 hrs
Tv/Movies: television - 6 hrs computer - 5 hrs
Music: computer: itunes - 17 hrs ipod - 12 hrs

Working
Reading: computer - 3 hrs books - 2 hrs
Design Programs - 20 hrs

Living
Banking: online - 6 times at branch - 0
Shopping: online - 3 hrs



Saturday, January 30, 2010

MAKERS VS. THINKERS

Stefan G. Bucher,

I am writing this letter in response to your Makers vs. Thinkers Conference. I found you talk very humorous and engaging. The approach that you take to your work is very original and fascinating. As well, I was pleased to find myself being able to relate to some of your chosen subjects of discussion.

In some ways my creative process is similar to your own. I like the way you described the beginning of your ideas to "an alcoholic and a bottle of gin". It was a very humorous metaphor, and very true. Many of my ideas start out great, and nearing the end they have grown so much that I have nearly lost sight of where they began. As well, I enjoyed he analogy of taking your brain to the park. I find that as I am working I cannot focus unless my mind is completely focussed on the task at hand. If I have something else on my mind I will have to take some time away from my work and do something to clear my thoughts.

My favorite part of your lecture was the viewing of you Superbowl logo. I found that the "nerdy" approach that you took was very refreshing, and surprising. I think that many designers would focus their attention on providing for the number one target (football fans), and in doing the complete opposite your logo was very distinct. The logo was jam packed with many nerdy interests, but my favorite was showing the testosterone molecule. It took a main aspect of the game and showed it in the most unexpected way possible.

Finally, I loved your book of monsters. It is interesting how they started from blowing out a simple ink blob. This made sure that no two would ever look the same, which was very effective. Seeing the monsters close-up showed how much time you actually put into them when seeing the stippling and cross hatching. Each monster have a different personality and story making them relatable. I also loved the typographic monsters you made for TBS. They were very inventive and original.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching your presentation. It was very inspirational and interesting.

Emma Goddard

Tracking my Creative Process // current assignment


MY DRIVE TO WASAGA BEACH

wk 1
tuesday
- Assigned Experience Mapping Project - creatively execute a personal experience
- let the project sink in for a few days

friday
- Brainstormed ideas for project ( had trouble thinking of what experience to show)
- turned music on for some background noise
- looked on facebook for pictures of trips/experiences that I had recently had
- found pictures from a barn party I went to..lots going on at this event (dancing, fireworks, cook out, horse rides)

sunday
- talked to my room mate --> gave me the idea I am using for the project ( drive to Wasaga Beach --> my 1.5 hour drive unexpectedly turned into a 4.5 hour drive)

monday
- after class - napped --> woke up a decided three variables to map (showing time, gas consumed, stress level)
- watching TV - wrote out description of drive (specific times of when things happened/went wrong)
- sketched some possible solutions to show my experinces

wk 2
tuesday
- showed John Wasaga Idea (idea was approved)
- DIGITAL DUE NEXT TUESDAY

sunday
- made outline of digital version on computer
- took a break --> made lunch/watched TV
- added colour and details to digital version of map


Sunday, January 24, 2010

My Creative Process...

When being asked to describe my personal design process, I had to take a few minutes to give it some thought. I felt as though the answer to this question should come to me easily, as it is something that has now become part of my everyday life. I feel that my design process is not a set routine that I preform or a checklist that I follow. I don't have to clear the clutter away from my desk, or make sure there is nothing around me that will distract me. Because let's face it...that's NEVER going to happen!

While designing I can't shut off the world around me. I need some sort of background noise to keep me focused. Whether it be tv, radio, music on my computer, of just having people around me. If I am sitting in silence I will most likely get bored and look for something else to do, instead of focusing on my work.

When thinking of ideas it is not an instantaneous thing that happens. I need to sit and think about the information that i have been given and decide where to begin. More often than not my ideas come at unexpected times. I may have walked away from a project hours ago without any ideas where to begin and all of a sudden I have a million ideas.

One thing that I do on a regular basis is take breaks between working on different projects. I find that if I finish work on one and then hop right into another my mind is still focused on the first project. Also, I find that it helps to talk to others. Even if it is not someone in your class or program, something that a stranger says could spark an amazing idea.

Overall my design process is quite simple. UNDERSTAND THE FACTS, ATTEMP SOME WORK, TAKE A BREAK, SPARK AN IDEA, MAKE IT HAPPEN!


my journey

My parents have always been very supportive of my goals. My dad has worked in the television industry his whole life and has always encouraged the creative side in my sister and I. From ayoung age I have been interested in art,
and that is the path I followed through most of high school. After toying with the idea of a career in a science
based field, I decided against it and focused most of my classes on art and communications.

During my grade 12 year my communications teacher mentioned this program of study and told me to check it out. I knew that design was the route that i wanted to take. Although I have always love working in paint, photography, and even sculpture, I knew that I did not want to pursue it forever.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Design is...

As discussed in class, design may not be everything, but it is everywhere. There is not a moment in your life where you are not surrounded by some type of design.

So, what is design?

Personally, I feel that design is anything that has been constructed for a purpose, or to solve a problem. It is meant to be seen by a large audience, and has been created to provoke a specific reaction. Nothing is ever designed without purpose. Design can be anything: posters, clothing, signs, buildings, furniture, movies, landscapes. No matter what is being designed, it was constructed that way for a reason. Even things designed by nature were made in a specific way to benefit or provide for its surroundings.

I do not believe that design is in no way a form of art. Though it was not created as a personal expression, it is still open to interpretation. Though a designer may be looking for a certain reaction from their audience, individuals are always going to understand things differently. Design, like art, is producing an emotion or feeling that will be interpreted by its viewer.

Design is part of a process. This process is determined by how the person thinks and works individually, and with others. I am positive that no two person's design processes are the same. We all think differently and need to follow different paths to create a unique design.

-- emma