GRAPHIC PRODUCT INNOVATION NIKKI SCOTT
finding a grid These are a selection of the photographs I took which provided a template grid for the layout of the pages in this book. I mainly focused on geometric shapes in a variation of urban environments. I was excited by the objects and places that would create a more unconventional grid types than ones I have previously explored.
When choosing one of the grids as my template I will have to simplify the shape and line for it to create a balance and for the end result of the page layouts to be successful.
These are a selection of the images I created from the first visual language and grammar workshop.
visual language
We started by exploring the different relationships between the shape, colour and space. As this is an essential aspect of design. We began with black, white and grey and the connotations and relationships that they have. We were focusing on how the eye reads colour and which colours are harsh or easy to look at. Each of use put together a different response from the same request of placing various coloured squares on paper. It was interesting to diagnose each image. Then discuss the relationships between the shapes and all of the outcomes as a whole. This is important to consider in design and is also effected by culture and geographical differences.
a l as ns u f s s io cce variat e u s e t ly lin ular separa grey e c i t r a pa n th ad ot, was yone h a red d was o and e s r s i e e rc cu dot ence exe rk. Ev st; us e fo d t he This of wo reque nd. Th e and respon ed u y t r n e o i c d l o r bo e sam ackg the de in c ich ef fe of n b h e t n a e e h t io of whi ey m ect w . o s it betw on a onship that th er asp comp edges e s i s h t r h t rela otation r. Ano was t e pape d e n h e h n t t k o o o c to ach it ev i on to e eeling in relat f t h e bj e c t s o e th
grids in letterpress In the letterpress workshop we explored how to work with restricted physical grids. This was of value because it gave us the physical boundaries. There had to be precision with measurements with out the aid a computer. This was of value because of the skill involved and it elucidated the importance of hand crafted typography. We translated our grids from the photographs taken into a format that would fit the letterpress platform.
This is a detail from a group print. Each member of the group chose a section from their own grid to fill the group grid and add to the print. We did this using four layers to provide everyone with their chosen space. The finished result with the overlapping of colour, text and image is interesting because each print is slightly different because of the paper being fed into the printer at different angles. Only using primary colours proved to have interesting results with the way the colours overlap.
This exercise is a continuation of the visual language and grammar workshop. We looked at layout and composition again but were given more problems to solve. Having the option of different type size and weight created endless options with experimenting with the composition of the made up poster design.
These exercises were created under strict time constraints. Using ready printed font and a quick cut and stick method Each time a new one was set we were given a new variable to work with, such as different weight, size or colour. The use of black on white and white on black provided strong contrasts which is pleasing visually. These have endless possible layouts and compositions. Each one of these ideas could have various alternatives just by changing one simple element such as reversing the colour.
These exercises simply concentrated on the relationship of text layout to emphasis importance. The task was to rapidly create a series of ideas for a leaflet or invite. Using ready printed information, cutting and sticking. Which part of the information has the most importance was the focus.
Location
Alphabetical
Time
Abatis - France Babble - England Camarilla - Spain Dam - England Echolalia - Latin Farrago - Latin Gastrula - Latin Harbinger - Germany Lagomorph - Greece Madder - Germany Naira - Nigeria Obliquy - France Palmer - England Quarrian - Australia Ragout - France Socle - France Udal - Finland Ween - England Xebec - Spain Yawp - England Zenna - India
Abatis Camarilla Babble Dam Echolalia Farrago Gastrula Harbinger Impedance Lagomorph Naira Madder Obliquy Palmer Quarrian Ragout Socle Telestich Udal Varactor Ween Xebec Yawp Zeana
Dam Madder Palmer Yawp Harbinger Obliquy Ween Telestich Farrago Ragout Socle Xebec
Zenana
Arabatis Camerilla Gastrula
Lagomorph
Echolalia Impedance Varactor Naira
Nouns 1200 1200 1200 1300 1300 1401 1601 1630 1632 1650 1657 1704 1750 1755 1766 1834 1876 1885 1885 1886 1955 1972
Arabtis Camarilla Echololia Farrago Gastrula Harbinger Impendence Lagomorph Madder Naira Obliquy Ragout Socle Telestich Varactor
Verbs Babble Dam Palmer Yawp
taxonomy words exercise
Human
Animal
Vegetable
Mineral
Babble Camarilla Echolalia Farrago Gastrula Harbinger Naira Obliquy Palmer Udal Varactor Ween Xebec Yawp Zenana Gastrula Farrago Echolalia Xebec
Naira Ragout Abatis Madder
Quarrian Lagomorph Ragou
Dam Socle
drawing exercise
2. 1.
3.
1. Draw the object that you have been given. 2. Draw the same object with the hand opposite to the one you normally use. 3. Using one fine and one heavy pen or pencil tied together draw the object. 4. Draw only the objects shadows. 5. Draw the object by using just one continuous line.
6. Draw only the
straight lines and curves of your object
4.
5.
narrative video
The object of the “Narrative” video brief was to do a narrative on another group member. I decided to film the mouth; “a day in life of”. The shape of the mouth, teeth, tongue, lips, skin is specific to you especially the way it moves in speech and conveys emotions. I was interested in the different everyday things people use their mouth for such as eating, drinking, talking, laughing, spitting, shouting etc. How some of these are intentional and others unintentional or automatic. I also wanted to focus on how particularly these actions are unique to the person, in their mannerism, timing and aesthetic.
taxonomy pic ’n’ mix
colour preference
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As an introduction to taxonomy and to explore different ideas and aspects we adapted Richard Saul Wurman’s classification theory,The LATCH system;
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Location, Alphabetical,Time, Category & Hierarchy. For the initial exercise we explored different ways to display, record and catalogue sweets. Using categories to organise the sweets such as size, shape, colour and taste preference, for example, we displayed and photographed our findings. We then decided to document the sweets using axes with a series of variables to do with the texture and shape of the sweets such as human, animal, organic and geometric.
We found colour to influence our choice and preference of sweets. Warm coloured sweets were not only the majority in the colour scheme, but they were also the ones that went missing the quickest showing us that sweets of a warm colour were popular with in the group. We arranged the sweets into various categories and found the results from the taste, texture and aesthetics axis again to have the orange, yellow and red to be the dominant colours.
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Warm coloured sweets were more popular with in the group.
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uniformed utensils I decided to photograph simple utensils and chose to focus on kitchen cutlery for my personal taxonomy brief. I chose to arrange them initially into their obvious categories of spoons, knifes and forks. Then I arranged and photographed them with their matching set and height order. Each set has a different stylised body or pattern on it. I was particularly interested in the different sizes and shapes of spoons; tea spoons, dessert, soup and table spoons. I became aware of how these practical objects had such an appealing aesthetic quality. In addition to the way in which they still no matter how elaborate or contemporary the design serve the same purpose.
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I found the big spoon little spoon combination had a comical quality; like mother and child. I thought this was interesting concept bringing character to these inanimate objects.
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Height order was the first category I photographed. Although spoons were the only cutlery that showed a dramatic height difference.
The relationship between the big and small spoons interested me the most because of how animated they become together.
Even though the matching cutlery is the most obvious category. It has an pleasing aesthetic quality and has family connotations.
city walk
These photographs were taken on a walk around London. I was interested in exploring the layers of urban structures and our own personal approach to experiencing the city. We explored some of the old parts of central London, looking at and absorbing the history of the areas. It was interesting to see how the old and new culture as well as the architecture have changed and how they have integrated.
During my walk around London I was aware of the consistent use of signs and how we accept them as accurate direction and information. I became particularly interested in how some street signs had been vandalized or altered which lead me to question if this changes their meaning or accuracy. This occurred by either the sign being pointed in the wrong direction, if it was bent or broken and if it had stickers or paint covering the information.
proximity This project was about using an existing object to create a new object using the Arduino. “Arduino� is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, hardware and software. It is designed for artists, designers, hobbyists, and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments. My group decided to use the Arduino with sensors placed on the inside gloves. The to be programmed to sense the beats created when you wear and tap the gloves. Thus creating the begging of a portable drum machine.
A4 paper
The brief for this project was to create something with a function, aesthetic or purpose out of a single sheet of A4. Proposed ideas were a form that could with hold a large weight, be the longest, smallest, loudest, prettiest, fastest, have the most function, etc. I chose to make a fascinator. The small and delicate head pieces often worn at weddings. As I thought it had both function and could be aesthetically pleasing. The paper natural delicate quality was ideal to create it even though it proved challenging at times to manipulate the paper by working with the balance and weight of the parts. Another request but not a rule was not to use any kind of adhesive. I achieved this by cutting small slits and folding the paper in them instead of using glue or tape.
These are photographs I took of shop windows in Islington. The photo of the paper door was from a window display in the Seaseme Gallery. It is a paper installation called “A door to dream.� by Mariter Barrero. The other photos are of a clothes shop display in Camden Passage. It reminded me of my facinator but on a much grander and sophisticated scale.
These are a selection of images of the work of Peter Callesen. He is particularly interested in using A4 paper. He takes its neutral quality and gives it life, animation and character. The papers crisp and delicate features add to the romantic connotations I get from his work. I find it fascinating how he manages to give life to these paper sculptures in addition to the wit and humourous elements he depicts.
“We are all able to relate to it and at the same time the A4 paper sheet is neutral and open to fill with different meaning.�
make an entrance
The outcome of this brief was to create an entrance with a difference. For it to be designed to either entertain, have a functional, make a statement, be witty, humourous etc. It could be a concept for an existing door or space or a completely new entrance. I started by thinking about what interested me about doors and I came to the aspect of size. I find the idea of a small or irregular sized door to be very intriguing because a door is something we are all so familiar with.
We have become accustomed to a doors shape, size and weight. Even in all it’s many variations, we still generally come across a typical type practical wooden door day to day. It is quite a mundane everyday object yet when increased or decreased in size it evokes a completely different meaning and feeling. The concept of children’s doors or a door to suit various heights was something that I felt I wanted to pursue. I find the contrast of a standard door and a miniature version to be a compelling image. The pictures opposite show a miniature line drawing of a door. I find the contrast of the height of the girl and the door to echo the feeling I was trying to create.
door outcome
navigation research Here we were to explore how people navigate around the LCC university building. We decided to produce ways of interacting with the LCC building in a more productive way. We began this by researching how people used and made their way around the building. One of the systems of research we used was to ask a variation of people in the building e.g staff, students, visitors etc directions to one specific room. The answers we got proved to be very interesting as some members of staff were convinced the room did not even exist!
Advertise the number in the entrance/well seen places.
Text include directions rather than a map
Hand out flyers to freshers with the number to text
Could we find a sponser?
Used as register tracking, who is in the building etc.
Could it be run by students or an automated computer system?
Not just directions: Updates, News, Alerts and warnings.
Part of student services?
How can mobile phones be used for way finding?
navigation using a text service
9:57 Not much time...
How do i get to that room...
solution to the problem
Quick text to 132 132
Upstairs, turn right...
flyer ideas
1. Would you use this service? 2. Would pay/How much would you be willing to pay per text? 3. Do you think this is more aimed towards First Year/People who are new to the building?
1. 4 no 9 yes 2 maybe 2. 5
yes
7
3. 8 yes 7
standard
2
yes 15-20p
1as much as a chocolate bar
no
comments - “It would be good for only international students” - “I want a GPS system to tell me where to go, not written text” - “If i wasn’t near reception i would use it” - “They might only use it once after they find the room with the text the first time” - “I would just ask reception though, not spend money” - “I think people would use it if it was well advertised at the entrance”
user feedback & interaction
method cards We are developing ideas to create our own method cards. Similar to the IDEO method cards which are a collection of 51 cards that show different ways that design teams can understand the people they are designing for. Our method cards would be specifically addressed and designed to help future Graphic Product Innovation students. Our thought process started with post it notes and votes. We explored function, paper size, paper type, what similar sized cards are used for, usability etc.
We decided on a theme and name to base our own research and design ideas on so that we could collaborate ideas together. We decided on 1940’s theme imagery combined with modern graphics pulled together into a chocolate box style of packaging. We wanted a face to give the brand name we were creating a personality. He is pictured opposite. We wanted the experience of getting the information to feel precious and having each section of the cards individually wrapped would appeal personally to them as they got to rip open the gold foil for the first time. I designed the colour scheme and icons for the “chocolate menu inlay� and wrappers, which are displayed on the left.
I played with various ideas for the box cover and inlay menu. These two were my favourite. The menu was chosen for the final prototype. I chose four treats to represent the four categories and each icon is printed on the back of each card so that once the cards have been removed from their wrapper they are easily recognised and can be placed back into their sections.
The final prototype was successful in it’s function and aesthetics. Each card was designed to a set grid for consistency and the box itself we thought embodied what we had imagined to start with. The experience of opening the box for the first time and ripping open the gold foil was given to our tutor in the crit. This simulated the action and emotion we wanted to create with the precious and luxurious nature of the materials and textures.
model making
I chose this particular building because I found the modern and playful aspects refreshing for a hospital building as these are aspects I would not normally associate with them. The architect, Thomas Schneider, took into consideration the existing landscape and the relationship to the surrounding and planned buildings. In addition to the identity of the Mßritz Clinic and the main components of it’s exterior. The ground it was constructed on was formerly a campsite and in keeping with the area’s past use there is a spa and out door recreation area. The shape of the building follows the line of the height and interprets both the momentum and contour of the lake opposite. It is a structural contrast to the hospital yet it still compliments the form and identity. The curved structure is reminiscent of the landscape that surrounds it and although it covers a large space it still only allows the viewer an insight into parts of the interior.
I decided to project the limited information I could find about the architecture onto the model in German. I chose to do this because Schneider is a German Architect and I had to translate the information into English. However I preferred the detail in the German typography and the statement it made being illegible to nonGerman speakers. I feel that this contrasts with the concept of the design and conflicts with the “vine� like flourishes I added to the text to echo the environment in which the Hospital was built and to break up the sterile nature of the hospital.
secret balloons I wanted my project to combine the various ideas and theories we have explored in VCT. The themes of boundaries, public space and interaction are ones I found most interesting because of their ambiguity and how undefined they can be. I chose to explore through interacting with strangers in a public space how people will still demand their private space and create a personal threshold to traverse during general interaction. I wanted to challenge that idea by crossing those boundaries and having an intimate, even if momentary, relationship with the person in a public space. I decided to approach it with a dominant feature that would put the person at ease and consequently distract them from the fact that I would be documenting our contact. I wanted to collect a series of facts or opinions unique to each person however approaching that with out a particular reason was the issue I had to address. I decided that a vaguely humorous approach would be more likely to get the results I was aiming for initially. I choose to find busy yet open areas in London, approach people with a bunch of balloons and ask them to write a secret of their choice on it. I felt that this would encompass the crossing of a boundary in a public space in addition to providing me with a physical connection to the transitory interaction.
Primarily what I found to be most interesting however in reality not extremely surprising was the reluctance of the majority of the people I approached to stop to look at me never mind take a free balloon and talk to me. I was repeatedly mistaken for a charity worker and even got completely ignored a small number of times. I consequently tired to approach people that gave me the impression that they were in no rush to be anywhere else. I asked people waiting outside tube stations and sitting on benches. The fact that they did not appear to have an immediate excuse to escape proved to be more successful than people who were obviously just wandering around the city. Since they were in motion they were more reluctant to stop.
I feel from the results and insight I have gained into this type of interaction in the city that it evidently merges with several of the ideas we have explored about public, private and liminal spaces and restrictions obviously with in the city itself. As well as challenging various strangers’ perceptions of interaction with the unknown and how revealing a part of them is probable if their identity can stay hidden with in a barrier. This is to compensate for the one that I had as a result have broken when they share a piece of private however irrelevant, humorous or fictional information with me.
redesigning the public sector
where
what does the council offer
how
who
limited recycling
not offered as a public service
how
just re-use
alternative uses 1. Knee pads 2. Hand protectors/gloves 3. Paintbrush preservers 4. Makeshift rain hats 5. Kitchen-cleanup aids 6. Wrapping paper 7. Wet umbrella holders 8. Shoe protectors 9. Cookbook protective sleeve 10. Plant pot filters
This is experimenting with a slogan approach to discourage people from using plastic bags and not re- using them. The slogans I chose are facts to make the user and onlooker think about the consequences of not re-using or disposing of the bag appropriately. I decided that this would be an effective approach because it is poignant enough to get attention and provoke thought but subtle enough not to make the user feel too much of a target.
key bags After designing and prototyping the previous ideas the main issue was getting the user to remember to re-use their bag. Where do you carry it? “Bags for life� are great but they are bulky and only really work if you have a hand bag or backpack etc to keep them in until you need to go shopping. This idea combats that problem. A small material bag designed like a backpack with a key ring attached to it. It fits at least standards supermarket bags in it. You always take your keys with you when you leave the house therefore you will always have plastic bags with you too!
public response
Alternative Uses Bag Slogans Keyring Bag
 
“I think having it on something you always have with you is cool, i always forget them, i have so many piled up at home”
“I don’t usually bother reading leaflets from the council, i just throw them away”
“I think the slogans would work but I think campagining for the abolishment of bags or recycling points where bottle banks is needed”
“I wouldn’t really be bothered about a slogan, I don’t think it would get me thinking”
“They would get more attention if the messages were brutally honest”
“I think it would make people think if they saw me carrying it yeah”
“I don’t think the council care enough to spend money on giving out leaflets”
“You would have to print onto re-used bags to have an impact”
feedback & comments
the way we eat
fastfood exercise
For this one day packaging brief I took the concept of eating sushi in the workplace and how to make it social. The simple design itself reflects a Japanese theme and evokes a precious feeling, it becomes an experience to open the package to get your sushi and arrange it on the flaps. I wanted it to be playful as well as practical.
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existing packaging It became clear from my research that the over packaging in our supermarkets and it’s impact on the environment is a reoccurring issue. I decided to look at ways of reducing it. I started with focusing on ready meals and convenience foods. I looked at the existing packaging and what materials were necessary and possible solutions in reduction. It was evident a lot of the cardboard was unnecessary.
After exploring existing packaging and prototyping possible solutions it was evident that there could be a serious reduction in the amount of cardboard that could be reduced by simply using a smaller cardboard slip or a label. Recently ‘Sainsbury’s’ juice cartons have had the plastic ring pull from the inside of the cap removed. Removing this tiny piece of plastic from each carton is now saving 65 tones of plastic a year.
system solution
1234
This system would be implemented in supermarkets. It would provide a buffet like option to take the place of the boring microwave meal. The container would be reusable and microwavable. Offering fresh ingredients and with the self service method the user has complete control over what they select and the quantity. In contrast to standard microwave meals this gives the user more of a choice and more control over their convenience food. Having the container being reusable would eliminate the throw away aspect of existing microwave meals therefore reducing the packaging that ends up in the bin! The container would function much like a tupperwear, once purchased the user would be able to use it to store any food at home and when brought back to the supermarket to be re-used the user would be rewarded with an incentive e.g a reasonable discount the next time they fill it up.
who would use this? I decided to look at what stereotypical customers would use the system. How they use it and why it would benefit them.
The working couple. They both work long hours and sometimes finding the time to cook is sometimes hard but they are health conscious and prefer not to have to buy processed or frozen foods. So the ‘fill up� system would be ideal for them as a time saving alternative.
The elderly lady. She finds it a tiring standing up for long periods and reaching up to cupboards. She usually buys ready meals for one as they are convient but she would like more choice and control over what she eats.
The student. Time and money is an obvious factor with students. The ‘fill up’ system is cheap and the reward scheme perfect for students who are after discounts on their food shopping.
The single man. He feels guilty not cooking and would like to take more of interest in what he is eating after watching some shocking television programmes. He wants to give up take aways but needs to be introduced slowly to fresh food and is impatient.
This idea would reduce the plastic trays used in microwavable meals. The insulated bag would provide the contents with a protective pocket for freshness which could be frozen or microwaved. However this would not be reusable, just recyclable. This could also be implemented in the ‘fill up spot’ idea. The bag would be filled, sealed and then teared open once it had been microwaved.
Carrying on from the “fill up spot” idea this pot could be used to contain the food served for microwaveable and frozen meals. It differs from the packet idea because the plastic pot would be used as a tupperwear type container. It would be dishwasher and microwave safe. It is designed to be compact and to be reused with it’s re-sealable lid. The shape of the container would allow for easier storage. The label would be blank for the customer to write what they have put in the pot when they fill it up to avoid confusion if it is being kept in the freezer.
systematic failure This group project commenced with looking at social interaction and movement in relation to Max Webber’s theories on social action. His initial theory focuses on the subjective meaning that humans attach their actions and interactions with in specific social contexts. I was particularly interested in movement due to interaction and authority. Focusing on how people in a group move based on several factors. The primary being how men and woman claim authority over others and how do you define or recognise the authority with in a group. Proximity was a key interest in my research because it constantly changed. I studied a group partaking in social interaction over an evening. I noted their positions and absences and group dynamics.
As a group we decided to present ourselves with a problem in a system relating to social interaction. We looked at greeting and the cultural differences it has. We compared the typical British handshake to the European cheek kisses to the Asian bowing. We asked ourselves how do people know or become aware of what is socially accepted as a greeting when you arrive in a country foreign to you. How do you prevent a social slip up, embarrassment and even cause offence.
prototyping the kit Our aim was to create a Japanese theme complimentary aeroplane travel kit. It includes all the essential travel items needed in a long flight to japan as well as information on how to greet and act when you arrive and during your stay. We wanted to re-think and re-design the standard complimentary travel kit and for it to provide entertainment as well as valuable information for the passenger.
YEAR ONE