Visual Communication Level 4

[hollyoxleylevel4]

Bibliography

Imagine That. (2007). Cakes and Cookies. Suffolk: Top That

Ying, C. et al. (2015). Lucky peach : Summer 2015 : the plant kingdom. New York, NY : Lucky Peach

Good Housekeeping. (1994). Good housekeeping new step-by-step cook book. Great Britain: Ted Smart

Millon, M. and Millon, K. (1985). The taste of Britain. Exeter: Webb & Bower.

Fisher G. (1075). Alice’s Cook Book. Great Britain: Frederick Muller Limited.

Graver, A. and Jura, B. (2012). Best practices for graphic designers. an essential guide for understanding and applying page design principles. Massachusetts : Rockport Publsihers

Lupton, E. (2010). Thinking with type : a critical guide for designers, writers, editors, & students. 2nd ed. New York : Princeton Architectural Press

Marshall, L. (2012). How to use type. London : Laurence King

Ambrose, G. and Harris P. (2015). The Layout Book. 2nd ed. London: Bloomsbury Academic.

May, J. (2022). Vegetarian NOSH for Students: a fun student cookbook. 4th ed. Great Britain: inTRADE Ltd

May, J. (2020) NOSH for Students: A Fun Student Cookbook. Great Britain: inTRADE Ltd

Rockridge Press. (2013) Vegan cookbook for beginners. Berkeley: Rockridge Press

Pike, C. (2013) The hungry student Vegetarian Cookbook. London: Quercus Editions Ltd

Rylan Peters and smalls. (2020) The really hungry vegan student cookbook. London: Rylan Peter’s and smalls.

Shannon ,S. (2019). The Priory of the Orange Tree. London:Bloomsbury Publishing

Kidd, C. (2017). Chip Kidd work: 2007 - 2017. Book two. New York : Rizzoli

Famous Graphic Designers. (n.d.) Chip Kidd [Online]. Available from: https://www.famousgraphicdesigners.org/chip-kidd/. [Accessed 7th May 2022]

TED. (2012) The hilarious art of book design. Youtube. [Online]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC0KxNeLp1E/. [Accessed 7th May 2022]

David Mann Design (n.d.) About. [Online] Available from: http://www.davidmanndesign.co.uk/about/. [Accessed 7th May 2022]

Step up labs. (2011). Group. Settle Up. [Mobile App]. [Accessed 21st May 2022]

Splitwise. (2011). Groups. Splitwise. [Mobile App]. [Accessed 21st May 2022

Tricount. (2011). City Trip. Tricount. [Mobile App]. [Accessed 21st May 2022

Andrea Eppy. (2019). QUICK Adobe XD Beginner Tutorial: Intro Basics & Tips. Youtube. [Online] Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vhqsuSSqsQ/. [Accessed 22nd May 2022]

Adnan, E. (2016). The weight of the world. London: Serpentine Gallery.

Jacobus, M. and Twombly, C. (2016). Reading Cy Twombly : poetry in paint. Princeton : Princeton University Press.

Schulze, F. et al. (2010) Turning pages ; editorial design for print media. Berlin : Gestalten

Wilde, J. and Wilde, R. (1991) Visual literacy - a conceptual approach to graphic problem solving. New York : Watson Guptill

[hollyoxleylevel4]

Process book cover design

I wanted to keep the book cover quite simple so that it drew attention to the coloured page edges. I decided to use a simple design of the word "process book" and the unit title. I used the same font I had used for the book cover brief to connect it to the books content. I like how this design was simple but grabs the readers attention.

After looking at different colours of paper, I decided to choose a textured grey paper for the cover. I thought this would work well because it will contrast with the bright edge. I also like how the slightly rough texture would contrast with the slightly shiny paper.

[hollyoxleylevel4]

Content page design

Using my research I decided to create a simple page with the numbers on the write and section titles one column across. I decided to not include the title "contents" as I thought this made the page look too busy.

To break up the briefs I decided to make them the same colour as their titles. This made the contents page easier to navigate because it is easy to see each brief.

[hollyoxleylevel4]

Contents Page Research

For my process book I needed to create a contents page that allows the reader to navigate my content. I was unsure how to design this because I was unsure what a contents page looked like. To solve this problem I decided to go to the library and look at a variety of books so I could see what needed to be on the contents page.

I found that the design of a contents page varies. Most of the books use the same features as the contents and often used the same typeface. Whilst some use a title others keep it simple and just list the section name alongside their page number.

I liked the contents pages that were simple as I thought this was easier to navigate. I did not like the pages where the text was placed close together as I thought this was more difficult to find the number which linked to the section. I also liked the design of the numbers of the left side and text on the right because it is easier to view the two together.

Adnan, E. (2016). The weight of the world. London: Serpentine Gallery.

Jacobus, M. and Twombly, C. (2016). Reading Cy Twombly : poetry in paint. Princeton : Princeton University Press.

Schulze, F. et al. (2010) Turning pages ; editorial design for print media. Berlin : Gestalten

Wilde, J. and Wilde, R. (1991) Visual literacy - a conceptual approach to graphic problem solving. New York : Watson Guptill

[hollyoxleylevel4]

Title Pages

For the title of each brief I was unsure how I wanted it to look. At first I wanted it to be similar to the page titles. However, I thought this made the title blend in with the content, instead of showing that it was the start of a new brief.

I decided to use a coloured text because I thought this made it stand out from the rest of the book. I chose not to place the title sideways because this made it hard to read. The titles will be the same colour as the edge for each brief.

[hollyoxleylevel4]

Process book layout development

For the typography research, I decided to break the information up by having the two sections in two different columns. I thought this made it easier to understand and look more visually appealing.

I decided to place the type experiments on a double page spread so that I could make them the same size as my original experiments. This will give the reader a better understanding on why I chose to use that typeface.

[hollyoxleylevel4]

Process book layout development

When placing my recipe book grid analysis images into my book, I realised the images were low quality. To improve their appearance, I used original scans of the pages and redrew the grids using lines and boxes. I decided to make the lines coloured to clearly show the difference between the margins and the columns.

Although I liked how the colour of the boxes were vibrant, when I test printed the page, I found that they were too eye catching and it was also hard to see what each box represented. To solve this issue, I made the boxes slightly transparent so the content could be slightly seen. I thought this worked better at showing the different sections of the recipe.

[hollyoxleylevel4]

Process book layout development

To make a clear separation between my thoughts and the contents, I decided to experiment with different ways to make the text different. Although I liked how the red text contrasted with the content, I thought this drew attention away from the content. I decided to use the italic text because it was subtle but effective in separating the two set of text.

I had trouble with the place of the text on pages with no images. I needed to be careful because placing the text too high made the bottom look empty. However, Placing the text in the centre of the page made it look like it was falling of the page.

[hollyoxleylevel4]

Process book layout development

To make my thoughts stand out from my experiments, I experimented with different ways to alter the type. Although I liked how the red type contrasted with the black recipe, I thought it overwhelmed the recipes and drew attention away from the main content. The read box also overwhelmed the layout.

I decided to use an italic font for my thoughts because the subtle change creates a clear difference. I like how this does not overpower the recipes but still allows the reader to view the block of text as a separate feature.

[hollyoxleylevel4]

Process book layouts

Although I liked keeping the layer consistent throughout the book, this looked quite boring after a while. I experimented with different ways I can change the position of the text, using the grid to make it still look structured. I found using a 12 column grid allowed me to be flexible and I was able to change the layout throughout the book.

I decided to place the developed designs for the recipe layouts on a double page spread. This allowed me to make the images larger so the reader can understand the text. I placed each page on one page so that the reader would be able to view the spread in a book.

I decided to place the text using two columns instead of one to make the line lengths shorter. This made the text easier to read and less overwhelming.

[hollyoxleylevel4]

Tutorial with Mark

This tutorial helped me to see how I can continue to develop my process book and how I can improve my existing layouts to make them more engaging to read.

Feedback:

Look at how you can use recurring elements to draw attention to thoughts and comments.

Be careful of Orphan and Widows

[hollyoxleylevel4]

Process book Development

I have decided to use the coloured edges for my process book. I liked how this method is subtle but allows the reader to easily see which brief they are currently looking at. Although I liked the idea of having different coloured pages at the start of the briefs, I did not like how these could be easily overlooked when flipping through the book.

[hollyoxleylevel4]

Tutorial with Justin

I found this tutorial helped me to have a better understanding on what I should include in my process book.

Feedback:

Don't overcomplicate the layout.

Make it succinct

You could look at edge painting or inserting coloured pages in between the pages to separate the briefs.

He also suggested that I could look at using different shades of white paper for each brief.

I will continue to develop my process book by experimenting with dhow my process book could look.

[hollyoxleylevel4]

Process book layout experiments

When designing my book, I decided I still wanted to find a way to separate the briefs. However, I wanted this to be subtle so it would not take the reader's attention away from the content. I decided to use a bar of colour or pattern on the side. I chose to place it on the right page so that it would be easily visible when the reader is flipping through the pages.

For the experiments I decided to use the size of the content to show which design was my final outcome. I liked this layout because it does not require text for the audience to understand my journey when developing the design.

For the recipe layout, I tried to spread it across a double page spread, so it would look like it is in a recipe book. I decided to not spread it across two pages because the bar made the image uncentred.

[hollyoxleylevel4]

Process book layout

Before I started to experiment with different layout designs I decided to brainstorm ideas on how it could look. This allowed me to see all my ideas and decided which had the most potential.

I decided to look at the idea of creating three smaller books, one for each brief. I wanted the books' appearance to be influenced by their respective briefs. However, when creating some initial sketches for this idea I decided not to use it. I thought the books would be too different and will be seen as separate instead as a single unit.

[hollyoxleylevel4]

Process book size

Add a image of book with size

I was unsure what size I would like my process book to be. I wanted a book that would be comfortable to hold but still be large enough to show detailed images.

To experiment with different sizes I began to fold an A4 piece of page. When I tried landscape, I found this would not work because the right side of the page began to droop. I found that having a book that was too tall made it difficult to look at when hold. I decided to create a book that was 155mm by 230mm.

[hollyoxleylevel4]

Collaborative evaluation

Throughout this term I have had a variety of experiences when working with my peers. I have found it fun and inspiring to work alongside people who have very different ideas.

For the Off the Beaten path brief, I worked with Molly and Toby to explore the Talbot Heath Nature reserve. Overall I found this project quite challenging, when trying to work with my group ,as for the majority the project we were unable to meet up. However, we were able to overcome this challenge by using video call and messages to keep eachother informed on what research or experiments we were each doing that day. We also made sure to plan out our schedule, so that most of the on site work that needed to be done was planned for the first week. Due to a family illness I was unable to help make the book. However, Molly and Toby video called me throughout the day to get my input on the page layouts. 

When working collaboratively in future projects I would like to continue to explore how I can use technology, such as microsoft teams and whatsapp, to keep others informed on what work I have done.

For our third brief I was placed in a group with Amalia, Tonya and Krizsta to create an app. During the second week I was ill and unable to help with finding a solution for the problem or designing the wireframes for the app. Although they tried to inform me on what I had missed whilst being unable to do any work, I found it quite hard to help as I had limited understanding on how the app worked and what research had informed their decisions. This meant I was unable to help design the app on XD since I did not know what art board led to the next. 

This problem will be hard to prevent in future collaborative projects as illness can not be prevented. However, I will try to be more confident in providing help where I can, as I was hesitant to help create the app in XD in case I misunderstood the design and damaged a feature someone else had already created. I will also try to be more confident when voicing my ideas on what a feature could look like or if I think we could change something to make the outcome more successful.

When completing the tumblr blog for this project, I have found it quite hard to keep motivated. I have found working in the studios with my peers or meeting up with Molly to work together, has made it easier to complete this work. I think this was successful because I was able to ask my peers advice on something I have misunderstood or was having trouble with, which also made it easier to explain my thought process behind it. In future projects I would like to spend more time in the studio as I normally only work there in the last few weeks of a project.