Design Principles | Week 9 & 10 (Project 2)
Week 9-10
-19th October 2021 to 29th October 2021
NAME: Isaac Yaw Wai Zac
I.D: 0343197
COURSE: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Mechanical Engineering
SECTION: 02
There is no class session during week 9 because it fell on a public holiday. However, Miss Jinchi advised us to either consult her privately or attend the slot time based on her availability. With that, I did not make much progress for this project, but I did manage to come up with a few design research, idea exploration, and also a few draft ideas to be shared with her as consultation for her feedback before I proceed with the project. Before Tuesday on week 9, I managed to also study the new chapter on 'Sense of Place' as provided in recorded video form in Microsoft Teams. All the notes were documented in the 'Lecture' section down below.
Figure 1.1: Week 10's class session (26th October 2021)
In this week's class session, we were all briefed about our upcoming Project 3 and Miss Jichi announced that the lecture notes together with the recorded video were already uploaded. This week, we were all told to finish our Project 2 (Sense of Place) because the deadline falls on Friday in week 10. For the consultation session conducted this week, all the specific feedback is written in the Feedback(s) from lecturer section down below.
Lectures:
A designer's role is to always solve problems effectively through visual communication. However, there are many problems designers face ranging from personal goals to community events, and from corporate functions to world-changing projects.
and play ping-pong
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Figure 2.2: An example of a poster with a message telling us to draw and be creative every day
Observation is very important in all designers' eyes because they are the ones who should know what imagery or content to create/include in the design. When being observant, we mean that designers should be alert and attentive to their surroundings at all times. To be more precise, attention to detail is very important. Other than that, being very observant can also allow them to get ideas easily such as from artifacts, scenarios, people, physical objects, and etc.
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Figure 2.3: Scenario of when designers use nature as inspiration/design idea
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Figure 2.4: Scenarios of when designers use nature as inspiration/design idea
Strategy/Tips on doing observation (idea exploration)
1. Know your subject
2. Slow down and look outwards
3. Try something new
4. Improve and concentrate by cutting out distractions
5. Challenge yourself to a mental workout
6. Test your observation by playing a memory game
7. Record and consider your observations
8. Stay inquisitive
By acquiring information through observing, we get to realise that we are utilising our senses. This is important because it allows us to feel, understand, analyse, and plan ahead on the next step. With good planning, we get to see ahead of our problems and to find a solution to them before even approaching them.
"All we have to believe is our senses: the tools we use to perceive the world, our sight, our touch, our memory. If they lie to us, then nothing can be trusted."
Next, a good sense of place is also very important because it allows us to observe the suitable design principles in a creative manner.
Figure 2.5: Design examples with a good sense of place (from lecture slides)
Figure 2.6: Illustration of brainstorming ideas through mind-mapping (from lecture slides)
Project 2
- Task(s)
In this given task (Project 2), we were given the duration of 2 weeks to develop our own design that matches the topic of 'Sense of place'. In this design principle, we have to express a location of our choice. That said, the place will become the subject of the composition and we are all advised to move beyond the classroom to the outer world and employ our own skills in capturing and communicating a complex relationship.
- Visual Research
Of course, the visual research started off with an observation on the things that I see in my daily life, spending some time imagining a memorable place, or even doing some research online. Since the class on week 9 fell on a public holiday, I spent some time going out to photography locations to take some pictures and get some idea inspiration at the same time.
Before I even go out to take pictures, I did some visual research from online sources such as Google and Pinterest. From all the visual research, there are many ways that I can demonstrate a sense of place, such as compiling a group of buildings/elements through collage, photography, vectorised art, full drawing/sketch, animation, and also graphical design type. I got inspired by a few of these examples as documented down below, such as digital collage, sketching, and photography. At this point of time (week 7), I did not decide to settle on one specific design type for now but to put it as 'subject to changes' once I go out to explore and to take pictures so that I could do more observation and also get inspiration in the upcoming progress.
Figure 3.1: Visual research #1 for Sense of Place (collage)
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Figure 3.2: Visual research #2 for Sense of Place (graphic design)
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Figure 3.3: Visual research #3 for Sense of Place (collage)
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Figure 3.4: Visual research #4 for Sense of Place (graphic design/collage)
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Figure 3.5: Visual research #5 for Sense of Place (minimalistic vector art)
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Figure 3.6: Visual research #6 for Sense of Place (graphic design)
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Figure 3.7: Visual research #7 for Sense of Place (vector art)
Figure 3.8: Visual research #8 for Sense of Place (vector art/storytelling form)
-by KSI (All Over The Place) album cover design
Source: Link
- Idea Exploration
To kickstart this stage, I looked at lecture slide 16 which says "Now think about the place you're in now, or a place you had spent some time at previously, or a place that had created a lasting memory in you". This statement got me thinking and imagining, I am currently sitting in my workspace in my bedroom, maybe I can try out a design to deliver a message that I spend most of my time here. Other than that, I also reminisced about all the places I have visited in the past. They all bring back so many memories and I would like to create a design that can show that I miss traveling/exploring/taking pictures. This was a hard decision so I thought of trying out many different compositions/designs to be compared with one another, which one would be the better design that also obeys good design principles. All the more detailed observations and analyses were documented down below.
1. Observation
(as of 16th October 2021)
Observation #1
During the exploration process by going out to take pictures, I did not really see many things that could inspire me in terms of object similarity or even objects that fit perfectly, obeying design principles, especially the sense of place. However, I observed and thought about taking pictures of buildings, skyscrapers, or landmarks because they would stand out when composed properly. Other than that, skyscrapers and landmarks can be a representation of a 'specific' location that I have been in, or even as simple as observed through a glance. I also like to explore by going to tall buildings, skyscrapers, and rooftops to view sceneries from higher ground and therefore, this can be a good design with a good representation of Sense of Place in terms of locations that I like to explore.
Observation #2
As for the design of me in my room, I think that it would also deliver a deep message in a very detailed manner. This is because I spend most of my time in my room (my workspace) and there is this saying which goes, 'Make your workspace an organised one, because you spend most of your time here being productive'. I think that this design can be a good representation of this message, although different people have different opinions on a clean/messy/productive/organised workspace. As long as it is organised in a way that suits your viewpoint and productivity, it works! I was pretty excited to develop this design because I got inspired by the album cover of one of my favourite Youtuber, KSI and it is shown in Figure 3.8 above.
2. Analysis
Analysis #1
With that, I went ahead a documented a few pictures of buildings/views that I took in the past week. To have a better variety of pictures, I also dug to find some old pictures of building that I took previously. I did not manage to find many of them, but I managed to find a good variety of different buildings or similar images. All the pictures were taken by me and were documented down below in Figures 4.1 and 4.2.
Analysis #2
With that, I played around with different angles of photography in my bedroom/workspace because I think that it is a better location/place to be designed and deliver a good message of sense of place. I think that they would also turn out nice if I played around with other design principles such as Word and Image. Other than that, I would also want to vectorise this design because I think that it would look nice and allow me to change a little bit of the composition whenever necessary. All the pictures taken were documented in Figure 4.4 down below.
3. Interpretation
Figure 4.2: Pictures compilation #1 (taken by Isaac Yaw) (2015-2021)
Figure 4.3: Pictures compilation #2 (taken by Isaac Yaw) (2015-2021)
Figure 4.4: Pictures compilation #3 (taken by Isaac Yaw) (as of 17th October 2021)
- First Draft (Progress)
For design #1, I tried to go with a digital collage style design that obeys the principle of sense of place. I selected quite a number of buildings/locations from the pictures compilation #1 and #2 above to be cut out using the Adobe Photoshop software. Then I thought about placing the buildings above my head or illustrating them coming out from my head to show that they are still in my memory as memorable locations/places I have been to.
Figure 5.1: Progress in developing Design #1 - Composition #1 (as of 17th October 2021)
Figure 5.2: Video progress for developing Design #1 - Composition #1 (as of 17th October 2021)
Figure 5.3: First draft of Design #1 - Composition #1 (as of 17th October 2021)
- Feedback from Lecturer (Week 9)
In week 9's session, there were no live classes conducted but instead, I consulted Miss Jinchi personally through Telegram based on my progress in that week. In the progress, I only told her about my general idea in the interpretation stage as shown in Figures 4.2 and 4.3 above. Based on her feedback, she agreed with my idea, but she was skeptical about the message behind the idea. It does not really convey a message in a meaningful way, or even in an obvious way. The message cannot really be delivered with just the design by itself. With that, I tried to come up with a few different compositions so that I can compare and further work on the design composition that obeys a sense of place, other design principles, and also delivers a message well.
- Second Draft (Progress)
After the feedback obtained, I then tried many more different design compositions as explained as idea #1 and #2 as shown in the idea exploration section above. In the second draft, I went ahead and continue with the use of digital collage to deliver a message of places that I miss. To put it in a more interesting manner, I got inspired by the science-fiction style by using very complex perspectives and angles to attract attention from the viewers, and to give it the 'wow' factor whilst obeying good design principles, especially sense of place.
Design #1 - Composition #2
In composition #2, I decided to use a portrait orientation design and to have building(s) placed at both sides of the design, while I am falling from the top. The reason why I did this composition is to show that I am in a dream and make it look like I am going through/down memory lane. This composition is very cool, in my opinion. However, I think that it is a little too empty and therefore, does not really show the 'science-fiction' style/genre of it. So, I proceeded and try out Design #1 - Composition #3.
Figure 7.1: Overview of photography session for Design #1 - Composition #2
(as of 22nd October 2021)
Figure 7.2: Second draft of Design #1 - Composition #2 (as of 22nd October 2021)
Design #1 - Composition #3
In this composition, I want to make the 'science-fiction' style effect pop out even more. Then, I changed the orientation to landscape so that I can still have myself as the subject/main focus to be in the middle whilst having more building to fit into the design. For the design process for this composition, I tried to go against the concept of perspective and viewing points to enhance this 'science-fiction' effect.
Figure 7.3: Progress overview for Design #1 - Composition #3 (as of 23rd October 2021)
Figure 7.4: Second draft of Design #1 - Composition #3 (normal)
(as of 23rd October 2021)
Figure 7.5: Second draft of Design #1 - Composition #3 (with overlay)
(as of 23rd October 2021)
Figure 7.6: Second draft of Design #1 - Composition #3 (with overlay & desaturated background)
(as of 23rd October 2021)
Figure 7.7: Video progress for developing Design #1 - Composition #2 & #3 (as of 23rd October 2021)
Design #2 - Composition #1
In this design composition, I was very eager to try it out and to see whether I would choose this design over design #1 after developing it. This design is to demonstrate my little workspace and play area in my bedroom because I spend most of my time here. It is not a place that is memorable, but rather my little space that I would appreciate and love. As shown in picture compilation #3 in Figure 4.4 above, I tried to play around with the pictures to see whether the overlay or superimpose method would work out for this design. By using the Adobe Illustrator software, I had 2 exactly same pictures taken but one of them without me in it so that I can overlay my silhouette to show that I am doing work/spending my time here. And then, I used a title to see how it would turn out. It actually turns out pretty nice and has a deep message to it which is quite obvious. It also obeys the design principle of 'Word and Image'.
Figure 7.7: Second draft of Design #2 - Composition #1 (as of 26th October 2021)
Design #2 - Composition #2
In Design #2 - Composition #1 above, it is very nice and obeys good design principles and design rules such as the rule of thirds and the golden ratio. However, there are some mess/clutter in the picture taken such as the food containers, cooking utensils, and other mess which kind of disrupts the harmony effect in this design. I then tried it in a vectorised version to make it nicer because I can remove the clutters by placing other elements that best represent me or my hobby.
I then made a simple list of pictures of the things I like, so that I can place them on the shelf or fill up the negative spaces in the design. I like to play with Lego, collect shoes, play Rubik's cube, frisbee, and play musical instruments. I will try my best to vectorise and fit most/some of these items to fit into the negative spaces as they will deliver a better message and represent who I am, and what I like to do in my workspace.
Figure 7.8: Compilation of items that I like - to be vectorised (as of 26th October 2021)
Figure 7.9: Progress overview for Design #2 - Composition #2 (as of 26th October 2021)
Figure 7.10: Progress overview for Design #2 - Composition #2 (as of 26th October 2021)
Figure 7.11: Second draft of Design #2 - Composition #2 (as of 26th October 2021)
- Feedback from Lecturer (Week 10)
In week 10's class session, I had 4 different compositions done to be reviewed by Miss Jinchi. From her feedback, she liked the idea of composition #1, and also composition #3 because:
Design #1 Composition #1 - it delivers a good meaning and message that I am thinking and reminiscing the places I have been to, and also demonstrating it in a way that seems like I am holding back all these memories.
Design #1 Composition #3 - it is interestingly displayed because it shows the complex use of perspectives, and makes it fit with a science fiction (sci-fi) look. However, the use of subject (me) falling is not really well delivered/composed. It does not really convey a proper message. Miss Jinchi suggested that I should try out different body postures so that I can be positioned in different locations.
However, the designs #2, Miss Jinchi was happy with how it turned out, but she prefered Design #1 Composition #3 better. All her specific comments and feedback is documented down below.
Design #2 Composition #1 - it is simple and has a very good message delivered even just by a quick glance.
Design #2 Composition #2 - it is nice, but composition #1 of this design is better in comparison.
- Final Draft and Submission
From the feedback obtained up till this point, I finalised on creating 2 design compositions as my final submission. Miss Jinchi also suggested I submit 2 final submissions. One for design #1 and one for design #2 from all my drafts.
In the final stage of the process in developing Design #1, I spent the night decluttering my bedroom to create a plain background for the photoshoot so that the process of cutting it out digitally will be made easier. Figure 9.1 below shows the behind the scenes of the photoshoot and Figure 9.2 below shows the compilation of selected outcomes from the session.
Figure 9.1: Behind the scenes of the photoshoot for Design #1 (as of 28th October 2021)
Figure 9.2: Photoshoot compilation for Design #1 (as of 28th October 2021)
Figure 9.3: Final progress for Design #1 - using Adobe Photoshop (as of 28th October 2021)
Figure 9.4: Video progress for Design #1 (as of 28th October 2021)
As for the development of Design #2, I got feedback from Miss Jinchi that I can use my own desired word as the title. That is a good approach because it also obeys the design principle of 'word and image'. for the development of this design, it is relatively straightforward. I did the photoshoot from the back, showing my workspace. Then I took another exact picture but without me in it. Therefore, I get to overlay or superimpose them together. This creates a very nice effect that I spend most of my time here working and staying productive. The overlay effect also allows me to show off my workspace that was covered by me, such as the keyboard, laptop, and mouse. In between both the layers, I can put the title to further enhance the depth effect. I have chosen the word 'HOME' because it best represents the place where I spend most of my time, my comfort zone.
Figure 9.5: Photoshoot compilation for Design #2 (as of 28th October 2021)
Final Submissions
Figure 9.6: Sense of Place Design #1 Final Submission in jpg
Figure 9.7: Sense of Place Design #1 Final Submission in pdf
Figure 9.8: Sense of Place Design #2 Final Submission in jpg
Figure 9.9: Sense of Place Design #2 Final Submission in pdf
- Project 2 Description
Design #1
In design #1, I will name it 'REMINISCE'. This is because the whole design composition displays a very good collection or compilation of the past places that I have been to, and remember them through my imagination. It will be a good design to be viewed and to reminisce the places representing a trip down memory lane. To further enhance the effect of imagination and reminisce these places in my mind, I created a 'science-fiction' effect with a complex mix of perspectives. The final composition looks very cool and interesting and to make it stand out more, I had 5 cutouts of myself throughout the composition and to create a more digital surrealism composition. All 5 cutouts were placed strategically so that they obey a good golden ratio placement and to have each 'me' looking at one another. As for the design principle aspect, this design composition obeys good visual hierarchy due to the use of colours of the subjects that stand out more, different sizes that also give us good unity principle. Overall, there is also a good balance because all the elements were very well positioned and spaced out. Furthermore, there is a good use of self-portrait because there are many 'me' in the composition but there is one placed in the centre and is the biggest in size, to make sure that it is the main subject/focus.
Design #2
In design #2, I will name it 'HOME' and as seen in the title itself. It gives a good sense of place because the whole message is to show that I spend most of my time here and it is my comfort zone. If I were to think about a place that I spend time being productive, going through stressful times, or even happy times, it would be this place (my workspace in my bedroom). The reason why I named it 'HOME' is because home is defined as the place where we feel in control and properly oriented in space and time. A very deep message and is fitting with the overall design composition. As for the design principles aspect, there is good balance and emphasis that is supported by a good visual hierarchy. I showed this design to a few of my friends and they mentioned that the first thing that they view is the colourful setup, then the title, and then followed by the silhouette of me, and lastly, viewing all the other elements such as the car model on the shelf. Then, we can definitely relate this design to the 'Word and Image' principle because the use of the title creates the main message to be delivered whilst looking very nice and harmonious.
- Reflection
As a reflection of this project, it was not an easy task because it is a very wide topic and we were required to explore things around us or recall memories that would create deep meaning and also obey a sense of place. A lot of thinking and exploring was needed to be done and to finally come up with a proper and finalised design, which was not easy. hehe...All in all, I had to play around with many different design compositions to only to be compared and find out which one to be finalised. It was a very interesting process because I put in more effort than I should, but I learned a lot and got to think creatively along the way.
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