Preamble – ‘Counter-intuition’

Explore/express and communicate the idea of:

Counter-intuition

Counter:
in a contrary direction or manner
in a wrong or reverse direction
to have a contrary effect or action
something that is contrary or opposite to some other thing

Intuitive:
resulting from intuition

Intuition:
knowledge or belief obtained neither by reason nor by perception
instinctive knowledge or belief
immediate knowledge of a proposition or object

Submission: Tuesday 10th March 2009

Visual Rhetoric

Visual Rhetoric January 2009 -

This unit will look at recurring themes in visual representation; its aim is to look at the concept of originality. Can a purely original idea still be achieved or are we continually re-contextualising various themes, concepts and applicants that have been in existence for centuries?

An example would be the cliche and how, when placed in a knowing context (i.e. irony) the idea becomes relevant and able to communicate on a new level. Recurring themes will be explored in the context of new media. Are there recurring themes and ideas evolving that are particular to digital practice? What is new?

• Communication through visual concepts.
• Relationship between the medium and the message.
• Sign, symbol, metaphor and visual rhetoric.
• Digital workshops.
• Post-modernism as a graphic device.
  

Design Co-Operative

It has been a while since I’ve last made an entry on my ongoing work and seeing as I’m unaware whether we should be keeping a personal blog for research, just thought I’ll get it going, just to be on the safe side.

For starters, I’m going to add the description that could be found on the new brief:

Design Co-Operative 2008/9 -

This unit provides you with two new opportunities. First you will have the opportunity to work on an external brief, selected from a range of briefs from national and international competitions. You will also be introduced to working in a team. You will develop and refine your team working skills; you will also be introduced to the practice of peer assessment.

At this stage of the degree you have amassed a wide range of skills and experiences in both practical and theoretical matters related to the broad world of design, media and communication. Working in a team you will now have the opportunity to work from a selected brief. Your team will have been selected specifically so that individual member skills balance and complement other members and allow your team to fulfill the brief chosen.

• Interpretation of a brief.
• Role delegation within teams.
• Providing a work schedule for completion.
• Methods of design appropriate to chosen brief.
• Presentation of project to staff and peers.
• Interpreting evaluation of results.
• Performing peer assessment.
  

Interface Design (Cont.)

Brief#4 -

Deadline: 13th & 14th November 2008

Create a map of a location, or an aspect of a location of your choice. The work should be manifested as a website comprising Flash and HTML/CSS, combining all of these elements. Now that you have the basics of Flash and HTML at your disposal, you have tool to integrate almost any kind of media you want into a web page. You are not limited to text and static images, you can use audio, animation, video etc.

Using your design skills, create an experience which is interesting and captivating. Create consistent considered navigation and information architecture (link styles etc). Show an understanding of accessibility issues, document your process and research in your blogs.

The map you create is your website content. Your website is a map of that content. Understanding the relationship between the chunks of content you create and presenting them in a way that makes them accessible and easily understandable and in a visually engaging way is central to this brief.

‘Location’ can be interpreted as broadly as, and in any way you like. Mapping a location or an action or journey or even – for example – your emotional response to any of these are all valid and interesting avenues for investigation. Be imaginative. Use a variety of media and processes to create your maps. You can work in extreme close up or zoom out as far as you like.

Interface Design (Cont.)

Brief #3 -

Deadline: 22nd October 2008

Create a set of 4 flash banners ads using/promoting the Font that you created in Brief #2. Use the research you generated during the last 2 briefs as supporting materials if needed.

Create a blank HTML layout in which to place your finished banner adverts. The adverts should be placed in the correct context on the page.

Dimensions: (all dimensions in pixels)

Full banners – 468 by 60
Square Button – 125 by 125
Standard Skyscraper – 160 by 600
Micro-bar – 88 by 31

(For more information regarding the visual aspect of various web-banners, visit here.)

Interface Design (Cont.)

Brief #2 -

Deadline: Friday 10th October

Disassemble the object you worked with in Brief #1 (if this is impractical for whatever reason choose a new one) by any means necessary. Document the process using words and images (photographs and/or illustrations).

Using the parts and pieces of your disassembled object, create a font or as much of one as possible using images (photographs and/or illustrations). If you encounter difficulties creating a full set of characters, work together with others.

The design aspect of your presentation is important, think about it. How does it relate to your object?

You will present your documentation and newly created font to the group.

Have fun!

Interface Design

“Fundamental to the design process of developing a successful human-computer interface is an understanding of the rules of languages of communication between people and also between people and the environment. A realisation of social, physical and cultural constraints and differences will enable a broader conceptual overview of the relationship between the virtual world and the human user. These will viewed in the light of recent core legislation dealing with accessibility and broader issues of access.”

Brief #1 -

Deadline: Tuesday 30th September

Find an old, unwanted, or broken device with some form of interface (mechanical, electronic, etc). Investigate and evaluate how the interface works, its qualities and short-comings.

Create a field guide to that object, and its interface, using words and images (photographs and/or illustrations). Be sure to include your observations, criticisms and constructive ideas.

Deliver your finished piece in PDF format and give a short presentation to the group.

The design aspect of your presentation is important, think about it. Choose your fonts and your colour scheme thoughtfully. How does it relate to your object?

Consider how it might translate into a website.