Over and Out!!

Signing off,

Exhibition reflection:

• The exhibition Navigation was easy to use
• the sign placements obvious
• the colourfully dressed orange poles were effectively eye-catching
• The graphic design displays were well placed and impressive
• over all the exhibition was a success and a credit to all who worked on it

Good luck to Simone, Bec, Deb, Bee and Jane with their future work, study and play!

Kathryn

The One

Simplicity is about the subtracting the obvious, and adding the meaningful.

The 3 keys:

Away: more appears to be less by moving it further away. Eg google is away of storing information away from your own computer. While working on the point exhibition we utilized google docs to share information.

Open: Share information with collaborators

Power: Use power wisely, control the time you use power. As a designer spend some time away from the computer designing on paper, researching through books, take photographs and use your own graphics.

Power as an enabler / disabler: the use of adobe creative suite enabled us to design our logo and signs, though because of the limitless options available to adapt the designs was also a disabler, compared to the time it may have taken to hand draw the logo.

What I could take away from the process of the navigation system to add more meaning:

Simplify, less signs that are more obvious

New sign designs for the entrance to each exhibition Building

The design layout for these signs was adapted from the original logo and simplified. The signs need to be easy to read from a distance as visitors approach the building. The word "Point" is printed in black on orange. I thought it was important to keep a portion of the sign either orange or purple. Orange is more eye catching which is why I chose it. I haven't incorporated the graphic from the logo though it could easily be added.

Signage designs for the Point Exhibition

The sign at Architecture. The sign format will be duplicated for each department. Gallery, Print, Orange 11 ( fashion, sculpture, fine arts, photography, multi media and graphic design).

This banner will be the 3rd banner visitors will see on arrival, it will display the sponsors names.

A narrow banner reading "Entry Point", to be placed along the top of the CDU front entrance sign near the roundabout. It will need to be attached to ply board or heavy card to bend with the shape of the Arc.

A large Banner to be placed on the front of the Information building at Charles Darwin University.

Failure, the 9th Law

Questions:

Q. Using point as an example, describe an aspect of your work where you found a symbiotic relationship that is both simple and complex?

A. Designing the map for the exhibition has been both simple and complex as the main CDU map is incredibly complex and needed to be adapted to a simple and more user friendly version. Using the Hide and reduce principles.

Q. Have you had a " return on failure" during your work on the exhibition?

A. When Simone and I were working on fabric draping for the navigation system at the entrance of Orange 11, the roll of fabric was dropped and rolled down the stairs. This accident opened up many possibilities and from that came the end use for the fabric.

Pink business card with Positive / Negative logo

Trust and how the laws are applied through the exhibition process

During one of the first classes with this course, a drawing class, I felt quite uneasy about my drawing skills. I've designed textiles and clothing for many years but have never described myself as an artist. What I learned during this course is to trust that drawing is a skill that can be learnt, like anything, with the knowledge of drawing techniques, I could in fact draw. I relaxed and trusted that my knowledge and experience in design, could be adapted to the art of drawing, resulting in the expression of feelings and information through pencil, paint and charcoal.

Strategies that could be used to instill trust during the planning and running of the exhibition.

• availability of correct information
• consistency of how that information is delivered
• support if any issues arise in the meantime.
• positive feedback for the collaborators

What aspect of the event preparation would I undo..

• When preparing and prioritising a to do list, I would have done it once and done it well.
• The time frame we were asked to prepare, I would have printed it out onto an A3 sheet and placed it on the wall in a prominent position and as the weeks went by students could cross out in thick black texta, each task that had been completed. We may have kept on time this way.

Avoiding any more undoing..

• find out what I am expected to do, how I have to do it, and what the deadline is. I believe that the many small distractions and requests slow down the productive process.

The Laws and the Exhibition process...

Reduce: reduce the time it takes to perform individual tasks - Shrink the amount of work into smaller components, Hide what is unnecessary, Embody the collaborative work to create a spectacular event.

Organise: using SLIP in the initial organisation of tasks. SORT what needs to be done, LABEL the types of tasks, INTEGRATE tasks that can be grouped easily together and PRIORITISE what needs to be done when.

Time: Shrink the time it takes to do a task, by making sure others are not already doing it. Know what you need to do, simplify the details and focus on the deadline to complete the task on time. We have had many mini deadlines so far including logo design ready for printing / advertising material. Compiling information from each department about what their students will be exhibiting. This was needed for the website and poster.

Learn: by choosing tasks that utilise your skills, the work can be completed more efficiently. Through the process of collaboration knowledge is shared and strong ties are formed.

Differences: Day and night, positive and negative, simplicity and complexity, these are all balanced relationships, each require the other to exist to give itself meaning.

The navigation system for the Exhibition appears incredibly complex on the CDU map, though by eliminating unnecessary details the map can appear simple and user friendly.

Context: keep it simple, don't over crowd, too much information is too much information. Empty space is essential especially for the exhibition as there will be an abundance of stimulating visual exhibits, space can aid the digestion of the works. The walk between exhibition areas may be just what our visitors need to separate the different disciplines , creating a natural break between each.

Emotion: Of course more is better than less. Emotion is strongly tied to most individuals. Consumers purchase items they FEEL a strong connection to. We want the Exhibition visitors to FEEL there way around each exhibit, to appreciate the talents of the students, to fall in love with at least one exhibit, to hate another and to leave in the end after experiencing many emotions, mostly positive ones!

Trust: leaning back and undoing!! The leaning back part is Bec, Bee, Deb, Simone and Kathryn leaning and trusting each other. That as a group there is support, which has been demonstrated many many times in difficult moments. That there is a feeling of a shared workload, that everyone in contributing equally. The Undoing is just a part of the everyday process, especially on the Mac computers, don't we love that option!

Failure: is to drop a roll of fabric accidentally and as it rolls away towards the stairs, the endless possibilities unravel with it. Turning the accident into an artistic outcome to meet the navigational requirements of the exhibition. I live by this process, which can be unnerving for others to watch, but solutions arrive when a problem is served up. This is when I come alive!

We can learn through failure.... what not to do next time, how to do things differently etc...

Fabric draping ideas for the Exhibition entrance

Whilst deciding how to use the orange fabric for navigational purposes, the fabric roll was dropped and started to roll away. This " accident" opened further possibilities, from which came the concept of draping the fabric along the ceiling of the entrance way to Orange 11. This use would be effective even in the event of a rainy, stormy evening. The fabric could be kept in place for the week of the exhibition and wouldn't be in the way.

The walkway from Orange 11 to The Gallery will have the fabric draped between the poles

The ends of the fabric will be fringed with a purple fringing. All the lanterns will be purple and all of the fabric will be orange.

That's it!!!

playing with maps

Trying to simplify the complex Charles Darwin University Casuarina Campus Map....

Written content for the exhibition publication.

Last week we received written course and exhibition outlines from each department that will be exhibiting at the end of year "POINT" Exhibition. I was asked to reduce the information for the website. I will need to reduce it again to around 75 words per department for our main publication.

One image will be selected per department to represent the work that will be on show.

I am also working on a map of the specific area of the campus where the exhibition will take place. I am having trouble simplifying the details yet and keeping the aesthetics. I will keep working on it.

basket and woven mat photography

Playing with thresh hold and polarisation in photoshop.

Exhibition content... written and visual

I will be working with Bec on the advertising publication for the exhibition which will take the format of an A3 Poster on one side then fold into a brochure containing specific exhibition information on the reverse.

The Exhibition class discussed the paper choices for the poster, A gloss paper would be more effective than a matt card due to the style and colours of the logo. We discussed the layout of the information and how it would be placed in this format, there are 6 square areas that would each represent one of the six groups exhibiting. Fashion, Architecture, Graphic design, Multi media, Fine Arts and Honors students. We decided that we would not have a Photography section as the photography is part of each department and can be displayed thoughout the entire exhibition.

I am currently collecting the written information from each department on what they will be exhibiting and some information about each course.

The final Exhibition Logo and Identity

Exhibition Details

Questions to answer:

1. Why are we holding the exhibition?
2. What is our mission/vision statement? (useful to know when publicising the event)
3. Who will benefit from the event? ( students exposure to future employers, CDU and course promotion)
4. What is the budget for the event? (need to know what can be spent on printing, food and beverages, merchanise, name badges)
5. Timing... What other events will be competing for the time of the event?

Jobs to do:

• Advertising material including a two sided A3 poster/ details of event product, labels for exhibits, newspaper, website, CDU radio announcement, Off the leash interview, T.V and Cinema ads.
• Content from all departments needs to be compiled for an overview of the exhibition content.
• Graphic design space allocated needs to be designed for the exhibition, how will the space be set up, what do we need to do to make the space work for us?

Just add emotion

Emotions are targeted in advertising all the time. The feeling you will get if you purchase that product or service, for example, " Oh what a feeling.... Toyota!" This advertisement conveys feelings such as happiness, satisfaction and excitement through the words and image. The consumer wants to buy THAT feeling.

With the up coming exhibition, we want our audience to be engaged and experience a range of emotion throughout their visit. We ideally would like them to feel welcome and comfortable. We want the experience to leave them with good feelings and memories after they leave the exhibition.

The graphics used throughout the exhibition and simplicity of the exhibition route should make the experience easy and enjoyable.

Context and exhibition

When planing the layout of the exhibition decisions need to be made regarding the placement of exhibits, the context within the periphery. The space must have a welcoming feel and allow good comfortable flow for the audience.

The exhibits will require areas of empty space to give the audience time to reflect and digest the visual information they have just processed.

The lengthy walk between displays will offer that relief for the visitors as well as creating a natural division between the different disciplines.

Context

White space is important in design. Having a periphery to a graphic gives the content somewhere to be...places it in Context to the periphery.

Be aware of the details but don't lose track of the bigger picture - Foreground vs background

"become a Lightbulb not a laser beam" laser precision vs the whole picture.

When there is less we appreciate it more.

Connotations: an idea or feeling invoked in addition to the primary meaning.

For example:Feather represents something light, soft and fluffy. To convey the message of a feathery product these are the images and feelings that need to be shown.

Denotations: the literal or primary meaning of a word in contrast to the feelings or ideas that word suggests. Keep it in context!

Example:VULNERABLE , the word suggests insecurity , though the way the word has been presented suggests it is strong and confident.

When designing it is important how a message is conveyed to the audience. The mood of the image or word should match the intended meaning.

Ambience; suggests mood, all graphics have a mood and are designed to connect with the audience . The feel of a graphic should represent the image, unless the desired effect is the opposite.

Visual Metaphors

Metaphors state that one thing is another / or one thing represents another.

Here are a few visual metaphors by designers.

The exhibition process using the laws of simplicity

Once all the tasks required to organise the exhibition were identified, we organised them into groups adopting the SLIP guide ( sort, label, integrate and prioritise). As part of this process by integrating groups together we were REDUCING not only the work load but also the COMPLEXITY of the overall process.

Time could have been saved when designing the Exhibition Logo if the response from the group about a favourite logo was acknowledged. Time was lost as a result of poor collaboration and LISTENING. The more information we have about the exhibitors, departments, exhibition spaces and sponsors the easier the jobs will be to complete on time.

Point Logo Sign Post Logo and letterhead

Logo fiasco

A meeting took place on Thursday with department representatives regarding the upcoming exhibition. Our new logo concept was put forward. The response was not favourable, the main comments suggested the logo from the previous week with blurry dots was more interesting and appropriate. After the meeting Bec and Leanne stayed behind to work on other logo - dot inspired options, remembering that an ad with the agreed logo needed to be ready for Friday lunchtime.

The dotty concept below is what I came up with after photographing our pond at home with spots of sunlight then cropping and adapting it with photoshop. The Font is not my final option, it is merely to inform the viewer where I would place the text.

logo ideas

Contrasts in complexity and Simplicity

"Keep it clean" by Mikibo on www.ucreative.com

The simplicity is in the image of the everyday line up of garbage bins, complexity has been added in the intricacy of the painting above the row of bins. The image has been framed to incorporate the brick wall and bike to bring normalcy to the image.

It works for me, the real vs the art, the 3D vs the 2D. The colour contrasts, the orange bin and yellow paint amongst the green bins and black outline images behind.

The use of Typography in Graphic design

The use of Typography to create an image combines complexity with simplicity. The resulting image may be simple but made up of great complexity.

Design called "My Typo", by Huvamp at www.deviantart.com

Some visual examples of Simplicity vs Complexity

The design above found on www.decor8.ro by DragosM appears simplistic until you take a closer look at the complex typography that has been used to create the design. The design balances complexity and simplicity in perfect harmony.

This design by George Bokhua from www.ucreative.com is both complex and simple in design, The text under the sphere is easily legible in white on a black background all in lower case. The Sphere full of well placed and manipulated text is complex, but due to the spherical shape if forms it also appears simple. A well balanced design.

Differences - one of my favourite visual / conceptual areas of interest.

Love and Hate, Black and White, Dark and Light, Night and Day, Simplicity and Complexity. Each of these pairs have a strong relationship with each other. Without one, the other would have less relevance and may not even be acknowledged. How do you know true happiness if you have never endured true sadness, light is more amazing after experiencing darkness and simplicity is appreciated after dealing with complexities.

Rhythm is part of life, ups and downs, changes of emotion, musical tunes, lighting, seasons. Without the changes existance would be uninteresting. Imagine listening to a tune of the same two repetative notes, if a new note is thrown in immediately the listener is more interested in the music.

The more complexity that surrounds you the more something simple will stand out.

Laws 3 & 4 Time and Learn from The Laws of Simplicity

TIME

Perception of time is an interesting thing. By removing time indicators the pressure of time passing is also removed.

When downloading information on the internet the presence of a progress bar makes the passing of time comfortable compared to the absence of a progress bar which leaves the user with a tense feeling of unknowing... how long it is going to take.

The SHE principle can be used again by Shrinking or Hiding time displays, and Embody in the form a progress bar, to make the passing of time a comfortable experience.

LEARN

"knowledge makes everything simpler." John Maeda

Using the BRAIN principle:

BASICS are the beginning ( read the manual first, it saves time later... don't just jump in and get started, this is one of my major flaws)

REPEAT yourself often

AVOID creating desperation ( I must remember this step)

INSPIRE with examples ( a major motivator)

NEVER forget to repeat yourself

Alternate logo concept

The above image is a poster concept using the logo below in a repeated fashion. The strip at the side will hold the date, time and location of the exhibition.

This format could be printed with perforations between the sections and on the reverse side could be printed the event details. A similar process to that used by students searching for accommodation. Alternatively these could be individually printed as "business cards" with individual designers/artists details on the reverse side.

So many options...
This concept uses earthy tones that deeply represent the Territory. I've used the P2P and added "point" inside the P's. The general shape around the logo can be altered further . The background informs the viewer about what the exhibition will encompass and create interest in this event.

Colour block Exhibition logo

This logo concept stems from a number of ideas playing with points, the colour choice is eye catching. Each section of the exhibition could have one of the colours and utilise the style of the grid or letter shapes. This logo is open to adjustment for advertising and correspondance.

Samples

An exercise in surrealism

Using the sub conscious mind images were created from a circle, square or triangle. My 8 and 10 year old also gave it a go... see if you can see the difference .

A second exercise using a free drawing style over a grid of points also inspired by surrealist influence.

The point of these two exercises is to open your mind and create without any specific direction, a good idea before we begin designing the logo for the up coming exhibition.

Gestault images... filling in the blanks

Gestalt theory

" In both the perceiving and visually representing the natural organisation of object, we are supported by the mind's powerful ability to detect and form patterns". John Maeda , " The laws of simplicity".

The gestalt method can be described by examples such as: a half drawn image ( like "Mr squiggle", a children's show) , you can fill in the blank in your mind. For example, a half drawn star, you know how to complete. Also the popular 3D image picture books that are full of complex images that you then identify the picture within or the pattern that lies beneath the complex image.

The Gestalt theory can be utilised by designers by squinting at an object or design in order to identify aesthetics that may not be noticed otherwise. The theory suggests that by seeing less you see more.

Body language and communication

Communication takes part in many ways, not only with language. Some of our strongest communication takes place without any words, with a hint of a raised eyebrow, a yawn, a slouch, pursed lips, avoided eye contact, quivering lips, wide open eyes, an intense stare... all of these hints can be as small as momentary but communicate an what the individual feels.

Non Verbal communication may be used for good or evil..

Good non verbal communication may involve steady eye contact during a conversation, a smile, a nod, a hand shake, allowing the other person a comfortable amount of body space and having a welcoming presence.

Evil non verbal communication is the opposite of the above points, and More. Looking distracted during a conversation and not maintaining eye contact, yawning, doing other things while you are being spoken to, shrugging your shoulders, pursing lips, holding a frown, glaring or by reducing the personal space of the other person.

Different cultures may interpret some non verbal communication differently. Head shaking in India is not a NO gesture, but an indication that they are listening to you. A nod may mean Yes, but is also a sign of respect in some countries when done slowly and thoughtfully.

Organisation

• step 1: Brainstorm... the name of the exhibition with the relevant parties AND brainstorm all of the factors that need to be considered for the exhibition.
• step 2 : Mind maps... are created incorporating all of the relevant information that is necessary when planning this event. The mind map groups information into areas which will help when we organise and prioritise the tasks at hand.
• step 3: Organise...Now we have the lists of jobs to be performed we need to organise them. We can use the SLIP method, suggested by John Maeda from "The laws of simplicity". S-sort, L-label, I-Integrate, P-Prioritise. First we sort and list all of the tasks, second, we label or identify the categories that the tasks fall into ( see mind map), thirdly, we integrate similar groups of tasks to create fewer categories, and lastly, we prioritise the order in which those tasks take place.

A mind map is useful when identifying components of the exhibition.

Week Two

The class opened with a few communication exercises to test the our ability to follow instructions. We discussed the many forms of communication other than through speech and conducted an exercise communicating without speech, using only signing and mumbling.

A discussion about the first chapter in "The Laws of Simplicity" followed. The "Reduce" issue and the meanings behind " SHE".

• Shrink: technology is shrinking, consumers generally have a low expectation of small items and so when a small item is found to house great qualities and functions the consumer is very easily impressed, the ipod for example.
• Hide: The swiss army knife for example, is a sleek design with all the functions hidden. Hiding the complexity of a design to make it seem simple is extremely appealing.
• Embodied. In design we try to fit as many features into a small package, then we hide the complexity of the design to make it appear simple. Next we embody it in an apealing package.

IDEO and The Deep Dive

The class were enlightened by a Youtube video about the Design Firm IDEO and "The Deep Dive", in which the viewer is shown the processes the design group go through when a new design project is started. They have a unique office space and ideology to their process, utilising team of multi-disciplinary individuals to create the design.

The process encouraged wild brainstorming with post-it notes on a wall, then voting and categorising the remaining ideas. Research was then conducted by each individual and the results were brought back to the group for analysis.

A work motto is " Fail Often to succeed sooner". The team are encouraged to play, to be open

minded, to experiment, and to think outside the square.

www.ideo.com

Introduction to Design Collaboration and Origination

First was the introduction into the two units we would be studying over the next semester. The units would involve a good use of communication through collaborating with students from various courses IT Engineers and working within the protocols provided by Charles Darwin University.

We each interviewed a fellow student and were asked to inform the class about that student as accurately as possible in an exercise of communication and socialisation. This group will be working closely together over the semester to produce an Exhibition, so knowing the backgrounds and skills of the individuals will be useful when participating in group work.

The book " The Laws of Simplicity " by John Maeda will be referred to during the semester and a video presentation by the Graphic designer was shown in class. John Maeda spoke at length about his background, and the inspiration for this book, including the question of Complexity vs Simplicity in design, work and life.

This Blog is an assessable component of the course and will represent the design and collaboration process involved in producing an Exhibition.