Identifying my Graphic Design methodology
The synthesis of my research, existing
morals, approaches and taste level underpins my practice; my methodology.
Context is to be considered before identifying
an end user, taking this step before defining a target audience creates a base
to develop upon. This context derives form the manner of the project; why it is
you are completing the project, from my experience there are several contexts
in which a project is to be completed:
-
To respond to a set brief for financial
gain
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To develop and experiment for
personal gain
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To respond to a set brief to
complete marked criteria
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To develop work for a portfolio
that expresses my practice, interests
and focus.
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To adapt briefs to complete
work that you are to enjoy
These contexts skew each approach to a
brief and it is necessary to identify before starting research; as the context
will define this.
I aim to define a set of limitations as
narrow as possible to direct design decisions, although this could appear to
limit my own practice, I believe the opposite. Defining each aspect of the
brief (Tone of voice, TA, Aims) as narrow as possible; subjectively of course,
will direct the creative outcome. This defines a designer and their practice.
User research is one of the most important
aspects of a methodology, more than simply identifying, a designer must gain an
understanding of the user, encompass their taste level, understand their
behavior and somewhat predict their reaction to work. A designer must identify
an aesthetic and channels that are comfortable for the TA while identifying an
educated presumption of the users reaction to visual content.
Research methodology is to follow
identification of a target audience and context; this is a time to identify the
context of forms (typeface, layout, color, etc) that can relate to the content
of the response. The typeface used for the branding of Disobedient Objects;
Doctrine was derived from the only airline in North Korea, it is context driven
design like this that can be appropriated to create strong, substantial
connections; although they may not be apparent to the eye.
Working with pre conceived ideas are a safe
manner to work with, subjectively I don’t agree with the use of these, the
arrangement of hierarchy is pre conceived for example, but why should a
headline sit above copy in the top quarter of a page? It is the questioning of
these pre-conceived ideas that underpins my practice, practice I believe to be
incredibly interesting and innovative.
Applying a subjective taste level is the
practice that creates a designer’s ‘style’, I do not agree with this practice,
as I believe every brief should be approached differently.
OUGD504
You’ve developed a very thoughtful approach to research and development.
The avenues that you explore are helping to define your own design voice although a little more work at the end of the project to up the quality of the production/presentation would start to do more justice to your output. The
collaborative briefs appear to have been the most troublesome for you: with both the i-D and the fashion identity project having been most troublesome. Despite this, it all seems to be heading in the right direction with the effort put into the Secret 7 solution yielding some very interesting results.
OUGD503
A good body of work that demonstrates your growing confidence as a designer. Your ability to reflect and evaluate is particularly commendable. Some of the ideas haven’t always been carried through to your work successfully but you notably address these issues when summarizing what you created. Plus you’re consistently engaging with contemporary design and increasing your understanding substantially.
Identifying 3 point for improvement:
Final outcome and production;
Directly influenced by time management, I need to better plan my time and allow for printing and production. I am to do this in OUGD505 by planning time to print and bind my final response.
Applying ideas into design;
Directly influenced by the development stage, I need to somewhat ‘slow down’ when going through this stage. I need to thoroughly consider and as mentioned in methodology; narrow my direction by defining the project in its earlier stages.
Collaboration work;
This was somewhat due to unfortunate events however it is nonetheless on my behalf that I need to plan for such situations as well as better choosing working partners. Finding people who I don’t work well with is as productive as the opposite, as I now know to be more cautious in my selection.
