Wednesday 11 December 2013

Final Design for Web Crit

Our final web crit followed the same structure as our final print crit. We were dived into groups A & B. We placed our work out onto the table in order for the other group to anonymously form constructive responses to our work and ideas so far. As part of this exercise we were also encouraged to ask specific questions which we wanted feedback on. As my content was not finished and I had only achieved a very basic website structure so far, I directed my questions more towards the aesthetic elements such as type, navigation and colour.

Alongside my current website which was still a work in progress, I placed a range of scamps and thumbnails on the table for my peers to have a look at. This was to gather feedback on other possible layout preferences. Some of these scamps are shown below:















My three questions:
1. Do the buttons work with my concept, or are they too big/too fancy?
2. Is the navigation appropriate? Would another layout be better?
3. At the moment, my website is plain black and white, however I am intending to include vibrant and bold colour. What colour scheme do you think would work best?

The responses I received were all clear and constructive. This really helped to decide how I wanted to develop my website from this point.


My feedback:

  • I think that your buttons would probably benefit being smaller as at the moment they appear more like titles on a page due to their size.
  • keep the navigation where it is! It's very easy to navigate around which is what any user on any website would want. Let the art be the unusual thing.
  • Colours of Morocco? Try finding a Moroccan colour palette and colour picking colours from there for authenticity - and then translating these into the nearest web-safe colours you can find?
  • I don't think you need the line down the centre of the page. It is easy to see that the page is split into two columns without using this. The line also splits your navigation bar in half, with no reason.
  • I would also maybe choose sans serif fonts for your buttons/ body copy. This would allow for these elements to support your images of Moroccan art without trying to take away from them. In simpler terms, let the art be the only ornate things on each page, so that these stand out.

  • I think it works. Although the buttons are big, they are still simple and break the page up. I like the way the lines appear on the top and bottom of the buttons also.
  • I like the navigation where it is. Your thumbnail number 3 looks really good too, although I don't know how easy that would be to code.
  • Have a look at design.seeds.com for help with your colour. I think beige and red when I think of Moroccan.

  • I think you have done a good job so far regarding getting used to the coding process. I agree that number 3 on your proposed thumbnails would work very well aesthetically. 
  • Perhaps adding in vivid photographs of this art, from mosques and tiles etc, would help to make the pages pop as well as digitally rendered examples for explanation.
  • Photoshop your images to make them more vivid and save them as png's - (could be used as background images).
  • I think the type used in the navigation bar is not bad, however, using something more minimal and modern may help gain interest. (dafont.com is good for type) -- Keep it up!

  • In a word, yes! Maybe widen the spacing between the letters and make them smaller for a more contemporary look.
  • It's more functional where it is but I really love the centralised design you've drawn - I would go with that!
  • Pick colours from your research - (peach, gold, turquoise, brown) it might be nice just to use these as a background colour and keep the text black?
  • Try a different typeface for your body copy - go onto GoogleFonts -- they're all web safe and have instructions on how to install.

  • Who would the user be contacting? Is this suitable?



Tuesday 3 December 2013

OUGD504: Design For Print Final Crit

The format of this crit was slightly different to our previous crits. We were divided into two separate groups (A&B). We were asked to give anonymous feedback to the other group's work while they took a break then vice versa. This was a useful way to gather honest feedback from our peers. We were encouraged to write down questions to be answered about our own work. My four questions were:

1. Would this publication be useful?
2. Is the concept clear?
3. Does the acrylic work as a front&back cover or should I use a different stock?
4. Should I include a glossary at the back with extra print information and resources or leave it as it is?


From this, I received a large amount of positive and constructive feedback…

  • The use of acrylic stock for the cover is an interesting idea, it will make the outcome much heavier but improve durability.
  • I think it's a strong concept. The use of print-related quotes is a really relevant and engaging way of displaying the different print examples.
  • The cover stock is well applied, although it's heavy, it is aesthetically interesting, grabs audience attention and improves durability.
  • The content is well laid out, you can see where your grids would sit.
  • The pages are balanced, there is always a good amount of negative space and visuals - this helps with the flow of your book.
  • The majority of points I can think of have all been well documented, however, I would still include a glossary, it could be used as a quick 'term' reference guide for your audience.
  • (On a personal note) I have never been a fan of ring bound outcomes since the one on my diary in school broke and stabbed me. What other binding methods are available?
  • This publication would be useful, not only as an information pack, but it is also very bespoke.
  • It is unclear who your audience is, however the ideas are really innovative.
  • Definitely use the acrylic stock. It's durable and different from other books.
  • Ring bind it to keep the pages together.
  • Love the use of quotes to illustrate your processes - it works really well with your concept.
  • I think the use of black stock will be much more effective. The acrylic appears cheap and tacky, whereas on stock it appears much more high end. 
  • Adding more content such as a glossary may not fit with the rest of the content.
  • The publication would be useful as a general overview of print in design. Perhaps beginners.
  • The acrylic cover is a unique addition and the bright colour of the cut adds a fun, modern aesthetic. 
  • Are you going to carry this fluorescent orange throughout the publication? I think this could benefit as it would make it more consistent. 
  • If the concept is to give a general design for print overview then it is clear. Not sure if there is a deeper concept?
  • I feel the book has a large amount of content/ info and you could easily overwhelm your audience so I wouldn't add any more content.
  • The production would be useful for somebody with an underlying interest in print, not necessarily an enthusiast. Or even a newcomer in the design industry.
  • The opening paragraph on audience is a great introduction to the publication and gives a well written insight into print. This sets the tone of voice well for the rest of it.
  • You could maybe go into more detail on some of the print processes or visually represent these.
  • Intelligent use of quotes to link and relate to the subject at hand but maybe reconsider the positioning of the person's name?
  • The use of acrylic as a front and back cover is a wonderful idea. It provides protection for the stock when closed, easy to clean and also draws attention due to the bright vivid colours.
  • By ring binding the book it adds a further element of functionality as it can lay flat and doesn't require constant attention.
  • A glossary would be an added bonus as it would allow to have a brief summary of terms without routing or going away to see what certain words mean.