Design Practice 203 Evaluation

1. What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them?

My time management and organisation skills were forced to improve due to the long period of time in which we had to structure independently. In the beginning I found it tough to get started and to stick to my timetable but as time went on it became easier to get into the projects and surprisingly enough the weeks went by really quickly which gave me an extra sense of urgency!
My software and photography skills improved as I had to manipulate images and I learnt a lot of new tricks which really contributed to finishing the final pieces.
I had to also put into practice my layout skills since I was surprised at how challenging it was to organise the awkward images and information, in particular onto the wagamama posters.

2. What approaches to/methods of research have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?

My primary research methods in particular have improved through use of photography, which informed my design development process in both the wagamama and shelter brief. I had to experiment with each stage of development and make necessary amendments to create a more appropriate resolution. This method was very time consuming however, as I was having to use trial and error with both briefs, looking at baking cookies and strategically placing very unco-operative noodles together!! The work paid off however as I got some good photographs which are instrumental in my final designs.
When researching past advertising for lastminute.com I got a better feel for the type of design they use which is why I decided to go for a very simple idea which would create more impact in reality.

3. What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these?

My work is more successful when I am more active and ‘hands-on’. I think this is because I enjoy this method more which shows through in the outcomes. The wagamama noodle photos are really interesting and the shelter biscuits are successful in communicating my concept. This approach to working is most suited to me and I will adapt this style automatically when the brief lends itself to do so.

4. What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these more fully?

The lastminute.com resolution was not up to the standard that I had hoped which I think is due to my weakness in software skills. The brief was only supposed to be for one day and I thought a fun and instant resolution would be something different in contrast to the way I was working on the other briefs, but I found myself getting frustrated since it took about 2-3 days in the end. This did teach me a lot however and I learnt a few more things on photoshop which I’m sure will be of use in the future. I also know not to depend so much on software to produce a final resolution in future as it doesn't suit my style of working and I did not enjoy the process as much as with the other briefs.

5. Identify four things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?

Although my time management skills have improved I still need to get better at organising myself so that I am working at the same pace throughout and so that I don't feel under as much pressure at the end.

The lastminute.com brief would have been more successful with a different approach altogether. Perhaps if I had taken my own photos of a train station or environment to impose the imagery onto it would have also looked more effective.

Although I got some great photos of the noodles for wagamama, when creating the posters the images were very awkward to place and to crop appropriately. In hindsight I would have placed the noodles onto a square or rectangular base rather than a round plate and I also would have photographed them in a lighting tent or more professional lighting environment.

I also would have changed my approach to the shelter brief and planned it better. Since the brief specified to produce three posters, I should have planned to have a different variation of cake/biscuit on each photograph and in hindsight would have like to have included a biscuit on one, slice of cake on one and then cupcake (for example) on the third, which look more edible and inviting. That said I am still happy with the resolutions even though it would have been good to take further.

6.How would you grade yourself on the following areas:

5= excellent, 4 = very good, 3 = good, 2 = average, 1 = poor

Attendance 3.5
Punctuality 4
Motivation 4
Commitment 4
Quantity of work produced 3.5
Quality of work produced 3.5
Contribution to the group 3.5

That's the way the cookie crumbles

For the shelter brief I wanted to incorporate how shelter could help preventing the loss of not only a house (as in a building) but a home... Somewhere comfortable, safe and warm. After looking at a few ideas, I decided to use a biscuit shaped house as an image which represents tea and biscuits at home and home luxuries, but something that can also crumble and be taken away.

wagamama noodling!!

After a couple of first attempts I decided to make a final image of a park but using repetitive noodles to form the image. It was really time consuming and frustrating because the noodles kept sticking to my fingers or moving and then as time went on they started to dry and change shape!! Eventually I got there though...

Other charity adverts

These are some really effective adverts with a clear but heavy tone. I hope to keep the seriousness in my communication for shelter, although since the brief is wanting to attract people before they are homeless, I think it will be better to have a more light hearted, inviting approach so people who need help will see shelter as an approachable organisation.

Shelter

Here are some previous shelter adverts:

Postcard

This is one of my ideas; the intention is a quirky feel to (hopefully) attract more attention rather than using the usual, over exhausted flyers.

Take Away

This is the current take away packaging the wagamama use.

oodles of noodles!

Thinking of ways to illustrate that wagamama food can be a take away for any environment... Below I've attempted to communicate a outside park environment but the same could be done for a office for example or at home in front of a t.v.

what would Wagamama do...

The challenge here is to encourage people to opt for Wagamama take-aways! Ideal for eating in the workplace, outdoors, at home, wherever...

I've started looking at a few ideas but whilst doing research I found these pieces which have influenced my plans...


The above piece was done by Jung von Matt/Hamburg for Mondo Pasta Gerstenberger & Arena. It really relates to the noodle slurping that goes on in wagamamas :)




These Smarties adverts were done by JWT/Singapore for Nestle.
The intricate 'swirliness' in the illustrative letters gave me an idea that perhaps noodles can be used in a similar way... Just a thought for now.

Lastminute.com

Looking at past lastminute.com adverts, they are very immediate and get the message across simply and quickly. Their location and format is also key in communicating the message successfully.

Simple but effective

I've came across these designs by Carl Smart which are really effective and have a sophisticated finish. I could think about incorporating similar, simplistic style to my work for wagamama.

Wagamama

Bits and bobs... General design image of wagamama.







I think these designs are great as they are something different, incorporating a more fun feel and breaking the standard design mold which wagamama have used previously. I like the simplicity in the use of design and colour.

It begins...

The briefs I've chosen for this module are Wagamama, Shelter and Lastminute.com.

I chose wagamama because I love the food and the existing design style but more importantly, I think it is a really open brief which will allow new ideas to be incorporated into their image. I think there could be some noodley, hands-on work to be done which is perfect for the way I work and my appreciation of aesthetics.

Shelter is going to be more challenging because one has to be careful not to create a condescending or patronizing tone of voice. I want to contribute towards creating design which may direct people who are in a terrible situation... Shelter is an organization who can really help. The brief is more restricted in that I have to produce three final posters, but this may make it easier so I know the direction to aim for. It is also what I want so that I can have more practice in print based formats.

Lastminute.com will be a more fun, quick and open brief for me. I think I am going to treat it as a one day brief and attempt to create a very instant resolution. The brief can be taken in a range of directions because Lastminute.com offer a lot of services but that said, this may be challenging in terms of communicating to the audience the quantity of information necessary if I decide to include details.