Project 3: Final Results

Project three has made me appreciate information designers. Before this project, I had never worked on a map and I really didn't know how complex it is. I can't even imagine what Google maps designers go through. When I was working on my map, I kept thinking I was done and then I'd notice I had left something out, which kept me working consistently. 

I wish I hadn't spent so much time on the map, because I'm not confident the rest of the brochure serves the audience. I think my brochure could use a little more work, and I do plan on adding more to the map. 

Since I've gained more experience working in Illustrator, I feel ready to rework some of the project. Overall, I appreciated this experience because I learned how hard it is to include a whole lot of information in a way that the reader/user will comprehend it. 

The Final Result for Project 3

Front side of the brochure

Back side of the brochure

Project 3: Critique

I received good feedback during critique and I plan to incorporate some of the suggestions in my final of project three. The one thing that I need to work on is the size of the elements in my brochure. I have to admit that I struggled with this because I wanted to have a large map, but not a whole lot of content. I now plan to include more copy, change the colors and rework the layout of my brochure.  

Project 4: Final Results and Summary

Farmers Market Incentive Program Cover

Summary: Project four challenged me in many ways. The first challenge was working with a large design group. I think at this point we all have different styles and we're familiar with different processes, but we managed to develop a strong system. We decided to split the group into two; one group worked on the report, and the other worked on the presentation. This helped keep the project organized and consistent. 

I decided to contribute to the report's design, because I'm more familiar with working with a lot of content and publication design. After we came up with the color scheme and grid system, we set a schedule and took turns working on the report. I was the first to place the all of the report's content (including all the footnotes/endnotes), and I organized and styled everything. I really had work with Jake (one of the law group members) to analyze the law group's report to understand how to break it down. My work also determined how long the report would be, and whether or not we needed more sections and colors. 

I think our group was able to meet the law group's expectations, and the design does a good job at capturing the report's purpose. Overall, I did enjoy working on this project and as far as we know, the law group is happy with the results. 

Project 3: Brief

Objective: Design a brochure that displays the location of the Des Moines parks listed below. Include content to explain the brochure's purpose, the DSM Parks and Recreation Department and the best of each park.

Target Audience: Older people looking for parks with trails and beautiful views.

Parks to include:

1. Ashby
2. Beaverdale
3. Belle M. Turner
4. Brody School
5. Easttown (South)
6. Evelyn K. Davis
7. Ewing
8. Gray’s Lake
9. Greenwood
10. Laurel Hill
11. Pete Crivaro
12. Prospect & Crocker Woods
13. Riley
14. Sargent
15. Stone
16. Waterworks
17. Witmer

Project 4: Tumblr

Follow the updates of our project on Tumblr.

Project 4: Initial Ideas

Colors and fonts selected by our group

My idea for slides

My idea for the booklet

My idea for the booklet

Project 3: Design Examples

Reading Response: The Information Design Handbook

Visocky O’Grady, Jenn + Ken. The information design Handbook. 2008. (excerpts)

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. 

Icon- An icon is a literal visual representation of something. An example is a picture of a car to represent a car. My example is the icon used to show "rocks falling, so beware."  

Indexes- Indexes are a representation of something. The audience should be able to connect the sign to its actual meaning. An example is an umbrella, which means rain. My example is the handicap sign, which usually means "handicap accessible."

Symbols- Symbols are abstract representations of events, objects, etc. 

2. What new principle or theory presented in this reading is of the most interest to you? Why?
I found it interesting that "information overload and map shock are concepts closely related, and perhaps even contributing factors, to 'information anxiety.'" I think it's hard to work with a large amount of information, and find a way to organize and design it well without hitting map shock or information anxiety. 


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. Provide a map
2. Don't decorate, design
3. You say "tomato," I say "red"

Project 2: Identity System Complete

Poster

Letterhead

Envelope

Business Card (Front)

Business Card (Back)

Storefront

Mailer

Project 2 Synopsis: 

My identity system ideas for Zuzane Furniture made progress, and overall I was pleased with the results. I also enjoyed this experience.  

Project 2: Identity System Critique

Business Cards

Envelope

 Mailer

Letterhead

Poster

Storefront

Project 2: Initial Ideas

Zuzane Logo

Zuzane Storefront 

Project 2: Brief

Objectives: 

• Develop collateral materials and an identity system for Zuzane, a new Des Moines based company selling contemporary and modern furniture.

• Create a typeface that is not only unique, but also captures the personality of Zuzane's Contemporary + Modern Furniture. 
• Photograph storefront and add Zuzane elements. 

Zuzane:

Zuzane sells well-designed furniture for artists, and people who recognize and value contemporary and modern furniture. The products are useful, interactive and promise to please all. 

Timeline:

February 21- Work on logo ideas, type and color system.

February 24- Photograph building for signage mock-up.

February 26- Continue working on and refining stationary system.

March 05- Have all initial drafts complete.

March 14- Turn in Identity system and collateral materials. 

Reading Reflection

I enjoyed reading about the history of logos and the impact they've had on the world. It reminded me that graphic designers are important to society, and I'm glad to be a part of the industry. The readings also challenged my personal opinions. "Logos once strived to express the nature of an organization or product; today they are more likely to be abstract shapes that strive for memorability rather than inviting interpretation (Logos pg. 181)," this caught my attention because as much as I love the Apple symbol and the McDonald's arches, I have no idea why they represent a computer store and a fast food restaurant. Even though logos today are not made to be interpreted, I'm still interested in the stories behind them. I'm also interested in typography, so I prefer logotypes like Coca-Cola. But I might feel this way because I'm a graphic design and a journalism student. 

Project 2: Research

Final Posterheroes Poster and Project Synopsis

Final Poster: 

Project Synopsis: 

My Posterheroes poster has come a long way from what I had originally envisioned. I had started with the idea of fossil fuel and its extinction, but quickly realized that there was a bigger story to tell. So, I moved into the idea of evolution and the progress of producing energy. I also wanted to demonstrate the power and ability to improve Smartcities.

I struggled with this assignment, because the poster is for Europeans, and their culture is different from ours. I also felt limited because I didn't know how the Europeans would respond to my design, nor did I know if the amount of text would prevent communication and understanding. I must admit that I did feel insecure, but I performed thorough research, which was what drove my poster to the end. 

I would've liked to interview Europeans, or have more information on what works for this audience and what doesn't. I also would've liked to spend more time on the color, detail, and the placement of the content on my poster. 

Overall, I enjoyed working on this project, because it allowed me to participate in a contest, and I gained experience in working with unfamiliar audiences.  

Poster for Critique

Energy is essential in today’s world. We rely on it every single day—especially in big cities. Over time, we’ve seen the resources and the process to produce energy evolve: from trains that received energy from coal mines; to cars that receive energy from power plants; and most recently, wind turbines that produce energy for electrical cars. These innovations have simplified the process, but only one has kept the environment in mind. We must remember that nothing lasts forever, and eventually it’s time for something new. This world has been generous. It’s our turn to show our gratitude. It’s time to make changes. It’s time to improve. It’s time to evolve.