Rough Draft of Accordion

My first draft of my Accordion Book was created out of a spray painted cereal box. I then printed off and glued the pictures to the book and secured the whole thing together with a cardboard band that it slides into to make it nice and secure.

-Rachel

Expressing "Include"

The final idea my group chose for the letter construction, was one of the ideas I had come up with- creating two separate boxes and cutting out the letters from the boxes. The first box would say "inc" and the second box would say "ude," and the negative space between the boxes would create the letter "l," so when both boxes were put together, the viewer would see "include." The main reason we chose this construction was for the pictures we would be taking. We had an idea of incorporating different parts of KU in the space where the "l" is. For example, our pictures include the Campanile, the Jayhawk Blvd. sign, a KU campus bus, a big tree from campus, and one of the big pillars of Wescoe. Our original location for the letters was Wescoe beach. We chose this location because it is where KU students come to hang out and socialize between classes. It is also where people come to promote various organizations, clubs, and much more. We agreed that Wescoe was the most appropriate location to place our letters. It is where KU students include each other by socializing and hanging out or where students find a way to include themselves at KU, by signing up for something such as a club. Another factor we decided would help express our word, was height. If the letters were big enough, people could literally include themselves within the letters. Our group displayed this in our team picture, when we peaked through the spaces of the letters. We chose to paint our word bright red, in order to stand out, grab attention, and make people curious. I was pleased because it worked how we hoped and I received lots of positive feedback and compliments. Many people came to ask about the letters and take a picture. Surprisingly, most of the people my group talked to thought the letters were constructed out of wood rather than cardboard; Everyone was surprised that we managed to make the whole model in two days. I was happy with our project and very happy with the responses from fellow students.

-Rachel

Parts of the Project Reflection

I have learned many things throughout the course of this project. It was a very unique, yet interesting, project to say the least. My group was able to make 5' tall cardboard box letters in two days. Not only did I learn how to cut and build these letters, I learned much about cardboard itself. For example, it really enjoys to absorb spray paint, rather than be coated. Spray painting the letters was difficult, however, once finished, I was so pleased with the way our models turned out. I learned that the cheap $1.00 spray paint is not worth buying, and the more expensive $3.00 cans covered quicker and easier. The advice I would give to those participating in this project in the future is: Do not wait until the last day to start your letters. Our group worked on our letters for two full days, morning until night. Make sure you have enough money for cardboard, spray paint, glue, tape, and whatever else you might need. Money posed to be a big issue for many of the groups for this project. You cannot continue to build if you run out of cardboard or tape, and that will set your group behind. Always get more than you need. If you estimate you need 8 cans of spray paint, get more. Always get more. We ended up using twenty cans of spray paint, granted our letters were large, but many groups also faced this issue. If you think you need 4 things of duct tape, get ten. It is better to have more at the end. Making a simple return with a receipt is much better than making multiple trips to the store when you're reaching the deadline. If you are spray painting your cardboard letters, be sure to first spray it with a primer. This is one thing our group got right the first time. We were sure to spray it well with a white primer before we painted it red. It saved us a lot of time and paint; and when you're buying twenty cans of paint, you cannot afford to make this mistake. Establish within your group multiple ways of communication. This is most likely the first thing one should do when meeting their group. We created a Facebook group and exchanged numbers immediately. This way communication never had to be an issue. And last but not least, Don't forget to eat and get enough sleep. I developed a cold over the course of this project. I was up late, not eating healthy, and not listening to my body. If you follow these simple tips, catching a cold can be easily avoided. Not only is this project hard and challenging, it is a lot of fun. With the right planning, this project can be completed successfully in reasonable time and you can enjoy yourself and your work while you're doing it.

-Rachel

Team Dynamics

The group members were Jose, Janie, Nav, and myself. The team worked well together, helping each other with supplies and contributing different ideas. We were able to effectively pick and choose good designs to come up with a final idea that we all enjoyed. Not only did we complement each other's good work, we gave each other non-offensive constructive criticism, which is always nice to have. One of the main problems our group faced was obtaining enough supplies. We often underestimated how much cardboard, money, duct tape, and spray paint we needed. We ended up going to the store three times for duct tape and 3 different times for spray paint. We also tried to save money by getting the cheapest spray paint which ended up needing several coats to cover the letters. When Walmart finally ran out of the cheap red spray paint, we were left with no choice but to choose the second less expensive brand which happened to cover our letters in one spray. Of course we figure this out, when it is ten o'clock, the project is almost completed, and we had been working on it for hours. We probably could have asked some other people rather than assuming on our own, however, we had fun doing the project together as a group and the next time I spray paint, I now know what to do!

-Rachel

Parts of the Letter Reflection

Before this presentation, I knew different fonts of typography and what serif was. Other than that, my letter knowledge was pretty pathetic and quite honestly, I had no idea how many specific parts make up the letters of the alphabet. 

It was really interesting to see all the different parts. From the bracket, to the tail, from x height, to the crossbar- all of these characteristics of the alphabet came into play when inventing a typeface. In the beginning of the presentation, it mentions, "By learning the vocabulary designers and typographers can develop a greater understanding and sensitivity to the visual harmony and complexity of the alphabet." It is right about it being so complex. It has so many bits and pieces to every individual letter. It is hard to remember all the different qualities. Better understanding the way letters have evolved and their components will make it much easier to identify type, the presentation claims.

The presentation was beneficial because it will help me better identify typefaces and distinguish which fonts look better together, how I should place them, etc. I have much more to learn and understand about the letters, however, I feel once I know, that knowledge will improve my work.

-Rachel

Photography Reflection

In the Photography article by Steve Edwards, he talks about how photography came to be and what it was like in it's earliest stages. One thing that proved to be interesting to me was photography's objective. It was presented as enabling the "traveler, the archaeologist, the naturalist to 'note what they see, without having to recourse to the hand of another.'" Some believed that photography would "do away with the dependence on artistic skill." Photography was originally seen as an unartistic form, without interference of the artist. It was simply point and shoot, no science or art to it. However, times have changed and photography has made a drastic leap into the art world. In the Photo Ops excerpt written by James Krause, he makes a list of all the artistic qualities of photography and how the shooter has to be prepared at all times with their camera in order to capture this art that they are trained to see. Symmetry/asymmetry, repetition, framing, close-up, continuous mode, exploration, movement, and serendipity is the list of categories that photography falls under. Many of the categories explain that if one shoots through this specific method, they will achieve this specific goal. The categories have characteristics- another lesson for the artistic photographer. This reading taught me to look for specific angles, symmetry, and use the camera in different ways. It helped our group when deciding where to place our letters on campus and how to photograph them. We focused our pictures around symmetry since it was pleasing to the eye and our letter boxes design was very symmetrical. I agree that photography is an art and the best photography comes from those who have learned through teachers and experience how, what, and when to shoot. It is not simple no interference, that's for sure.

-Rachel

Include Project Description

For this project, the class drew words out of a box. With this word, our groups of four were instructed to come up with text 2D models to express the meaning of our word: Include. Twenty slides later, my group came up with several pleasant ideas. The second instruction was to create mini models out of cardboard, paper, or anything we could find. We were supposed to construct the letters in a way that express the definition, and then brainstorm places around the KU campus that would also be beneficial to it's context. Finally, once we all had made mini models and agreed on an idea and location for our letters, it was time for us to start building the final, big models to be placed and viewed around campus. There were lots of ideas and characteristics to consider before building. Our final idea was to create two boxes and cut out the letters from the boxes. The first box would say "inc" and the second box would say "ude" and the negative space in between the boxes, would create the "l" that goes in the middle. We chose the color to be red so it is bright, dominant, and stands out. We chose to make it very tall, that way it is very easy to see, attention-grabbing, and big enough for people to interact with it. People could take pictures and fit inside the letters. The letters original location was Wescoe Beach, where lots of the students come together and hang out. People gather and include themselves in the "beach," which made this location suitable for our word.

After the class viewed our letters in their Wescoe Beach location, we took them to 5 other locations and photographed them. One had a tree in the middle for the "l" and another had the "Jayhawk Boulevard" sign. These photos were to be contained in our own folded accordion-type book, along with other photos of the team and the construction process. In completing the project, we created a process book like the previous projects, where we document our "process" through the project with reflections and pictures.

-Rachel

Definition of Include

Include
verb (used with object)
1. to contain, as a whole does parts or any part or element: The package includes the computer, program, disks, and a manual.
2. to place in an aggregate, class, category, or the like.
3. to contain as a subordinate element; involve as a factor.

What I learned about my object that I didn't really consider-

After all the mind maps and brainstorming and word lists, etc, etc. It's hard to find a quality about the little soy sauce packet that you did not think of before. When we made our prototype, we thought it was better in every single way. We fixed all the problems and kept the positives. Until... we conducted a few interviews. Our group had thought about the fact that the soy sauce packet was not reusable but we did not approach the idea and dropped it early on. One of the people we interviewed mentioned that she never used the whole packet really and she wished she could save the soy sauce again for another time. Since we had made this to-go packet which just naturally, we would want to throw away, we did not think about it. This idea is not too abstract, I'm surprised we did not try to approach it and take on the challenge of a resealable lid. I'll be sure to think of it next time! (;

My Storyboard Process Statement

The idea for our video was to showcase how messy and terrible the typical to-go soy sauce packet actually is. Mostly everyone has tried to use these packets, and miserably failed, so for those who do not know, watch our video. It starts with hands desperately attempting to open the soy sauce over their meal. They are at the table and ready to eat. They finally get it open and it spills everywhere because the person opening the packet accidentally ripped it too far. After getting frustrated, they finally decide to grab scissors and open the soy sauce packet that way. Since you cannot dip into the soy sauce packet, we showed what happens if you try to pour the sauce onto the plate. A disastrous mess. It flows all around the surface. At last, we show a fresh plate of chinese food on top of a white tablecloth - a daring move for one who is about to eat soy sauce - and simple soy sauce gets brought into the film. The person opens the sauce slightly with ease and pours a beautiful “S” shape over the rice. Then the person sets the simple soy sauce down, picks up the egg roll, and proceeds to dip gently into the sauce container. No mess, no problems. A very real reenactment of the common soy sauce battle.

Kitty's Prototype Interviews

Kitty: What do you like about the new packet?

Grace: I like that you can do both dipping and pouring.

Kitty: Dislike?

Grace: I miss the panda design.

Kitty: How would you compare it to the old packets?

Grace: It is way easier to use than the old packets.

Kitty: What would you use it for?

Grace: I would use it to dip sushi in.

Kitty: How do you feel about it being recyclable?

Grace: It's cool that it is recyclable but it's not the most important thing in the world.

Kitty: What is your favorite quality of the new soy sauce?

Grace: It is very easy to open and I love the hard part of the top.

____

Kitty: What do you like about the packet?

Shaina: I like that it is transparent.

Kitty: Dislike?

Shaina: I don't really like how small the pull tab is.

Kitty: What do you like about this one compared to the traditional packet?

Shaina: You can pour, unlike the old packet. I can pour it on my rice.

Kitty: How do you feel about it being recyclable?

Shaina: I love it.

Kitty: What is your favorite quality about the new soy sauce container?

Shaina: It is way easier to open compared to the old packet.

____

Kitty: What do you like about the simple soy sauce container?

Robbin: I really like the size of it.

Kitty: Dislikes?

Robbin: There's nothing not to like.

Kitty: How do you like it compared to the old packets?

Robbin: It's way easier to open than the old packet. It's prettier and works for any type of food. 

Kitty: How do you feel about it being recyclable?

Robbin: I think that aspect makes it awesome.

Ellie's Prototype Interviews

Ellie: How often do you eat Chinese? 
Sarah: I don’t really like Chinese, I only eat it when my friends want it so probably once every two months.
Ellie: How do you use soy sauce? 
Sarah: I put it on everything, I like how salty it is.
Ellie: What do you like about this packet? 
Sarah: I feel like this packet makes much more sense than the other packet because it sits on the table and doesn’t spill.

Ellie: What do you dislike about this packet? 

Sarah: Nothing.
Ellie: Would you prefer this packet or a traditional packet? Why? 

Sarah: This one because it just makes more sense.
Ellie: What do you wish this packet could do that it doesn’t? 

Sarah: I wish the lid was easier to open.

_____


Ellie: How often do you eat Chinese? 
Megan: At least once a week.
Ellie: How do you use soy sauce? 
Megan: I like to pour it on my rice.
Ellie: What do you like about this packet? 
Megan: It seems like it would be easy to pour.

Ellie: What do you dislike about this packet? 

Megan: I don’t use this much soy sauce usually and wouldn’t need it all.
Ellie: Would you prefer this packet or a traditional packet? Why? 

Megan: Definitely this, it wouldn’t get all over my hands like the other packets.
Ellie: What do you wish this packet could do that it doesn’t? 

Megan: Maybe make it easier to save the left over sauce.

College Student Interview Hannah

Me: What do you use the soy sauce on? 

Hannah: My chinese food. Especially rice.

Me: Where do you put it after you use it?

Hannah: Next to my plate.

Me: How do you open the packet? and is it easy to open?

Hannah: With my teeth and no, it's real hard to open.

Me: Do you normally use the soy sauce for dipping or pouring? How?

Hannah: Pouring because I don't know how you would dip it.

Me: What do you like about the soy sauce packets?

Hannah: I like the panda on them. He's cute.

Me: What do you dislike about the packets? 

Hannah: The opening process and your fingers get all nasty. It puts a damper on the meal you were about to enjoy.

Me: If you could change one thing about the packet what would it be?

Hannah: Make it easier to open and make it bigger because I have to use like eight packets to make my rice taste the way I want it to.

Out of College (Young Adult) Interview

Me: What do you use the soy sauce on? 

Luke: What don't you use soy sauce on?

Me: Do you use the entire packet?

Luke: Most of it.

Me: Do you use the whole packet at once? 

Luke: Yes.

Me: Where do you put it after you use it?

Luke: In the trash can.

Me: How do you open the packet?

Luke: With my teeth.

Me: Is it easy to open?

Luke: If it were easy I'd use my fingers.

Me: Do you normally use the soy sauce for dipping or pouring.

Luke: Pouring.

Me: What do you like about the soy sauce packets?

Luke: It's clear and it carries soy sauce and it can be put in the refrigerator. It is easily transported and it is free.

Me: What do you dislike about the packets? 

Luke: It's hard to open and it has a bunch of fake chinese on it. Well, it might be real but I think they just threw it on there cause it looks cool.

Me: If you could change one thing about the packet what would it be?

Luke: Make it easier to open and that it doesn't spill everywhere when you open it. Sometimes it spills all down the side so it gets everywhere.

Ellie College Student Interview

Ellie: Do you dip or pour your soy sauce?
Shannon: Pour mostly.
Ellie: How often do you order to-go food?
Shannon: I order from Jade Garden about one or twice every two weeks.
Ellie: What do you do with your soy sauce packet when you are done using it?
Shannon: I set it in the to-go bag my food came in but it leaks and spills from the bottom of the bag.
Ellie: What do you dislike about the soy sauce packet?
Shannon: It's hard to open and it opens into the packet which makes it hard to pour. It makes more of a cut rather than a rip and I can never really get it all out.
Ellie: What do you like about the packet?
Shannon: There is usually enough in one packet.
Ellie: What do you want to change about the packet?
Shannon: Make it easier to pour.

Ellie's interview of an Elderly

Ellie: Do you order Chinese food?
Molly: I normally don't order Chinese food. I'll go to the restaurant. I typically go about once a month.
Ellie: Do you like to pour or dip your soy sauce?
Molly: I always pour it on my rice but I also like to dip chicken in it. I normally don't dip because it gets all over the place.
Ellie: Describe the soy sauce packet in one word.
Molly: Hassle
Ellie: What do you dislike about the packet?
Molly: It is hard to pour. It is hard to open especially if I have eaten something beforehand and have greasy hands.
Ellie: What do you like about the packet?
Molly: I can save it for later.

Adult Interview

Me: What do you use the soy sauce on? 
Teresa: Rice and Sushi.
Me: Do you use the entire packet?
Teresa: Yeah probably generally during a meal. But I normally just use one.
Me: Do you use the whole packet at once? 
Teresa: No. And those packets are a mess.
Me: Where do you put it after you use it?
Teresa: I try to angle it somehow so when it falls over it won't make a mess on my table cloth.
Me: How do you open the packet?
Teresa: I rip it open from the top down. I try to get just the corner open.
Me: Is it easy to open?
Teresa: Yeah, most of the time.
Me: Do you normally use the soy sauce for dipping or pouring.
Teresa: Pouring.
Me: What do you like about the soy sauce packets?
Teresa: They furnished them with the food so you you don't have to get it out of your own refrigerator. They're easy to open but they are kind of a mess if they fall over. It adds flavor so it adds value.
Me: What do you dislike about the packets? 
Teresa: It's hard to set it down when you don't put it all on at once. It gets all over stuff.
Me: If you could change one thing about the packet what would it be?
Teresa: I would probably prefer it to be in a little cup packet like those cream packets, so they would be easier to open and they wouldn't spill so easily.

College Student Interview

Me: What do you like about these packets?

Gina: I like the colors, the design on the duck sauce. It’s neat. I like the way they feel. They’re squishy. 

Me: Have you ever eaten with these packages? And have you faced any problems?

Gina: Yes, the soy sauce. Whenever I tear it open it gets all over my hands or sometimes it doesn’t fully tear and I can never get it open.

Me: When you use the soy sauce, do you normally use the whole packet?

Gina: Yes, however, it’s decieving because it looks like a lot but I always need to use more than one packet.

Me: Have you ever tried to pour using it?
Gina: Yes. I have to find somewhere to put it and it gets everywhere.

Me: What is the main thing you would change about this product?

Gina: Sometimes they are absolutely impossible to open. There needs to be a slit or something to help you open them.

Interview with Worker

Me: What do you like and not like about the soy sauce packets?

Worker: I don’t like how they squirt out everywhere. It’s messier and you have to get it all out. It’s easier to dip it into a container or something.

Me: Do you find it hard to open?

Worker: Not normally.

Me: What type of packaging do you use at this restaraunt?

Worker: We use small plastic containers with a removable lid. We normally give one container per to-go order, but I’ll give as many as they ask.

Me: Why do you use these containers rather than the typical plastic ones?

Worker: Honestly, to save money.

Commercial Example

Doritos Super Bowl Commercial
My dad loved this commercial. It was either the highest rated super bowl commercial from last year or one of the highest. The coolest thing about this video, is that it cost under $20, they claimed. Great idea, so simple yet genius. Love it.
- Rachel

Project Brief

For this project titled, "Make It Better! Design for Five Bucks," we were instructed to find three objects of bad design that each cost under five dollars. After picking out objects, we did five sketches of each object for a total of 15 sketches. In class we were put into groups of four where we shared with our group our objects and sketches to decide on a final object we would like to redesign. The object my group chose was the typical to-go soy sauce packet. We observed the packet, made a mind map, word list, and discovered the pros and cons. We did interviews and came up with refinement idea sketches. We worked together on a poster to display our object and our redesigned object. We developed a prototype that was tested and used to conduct more interviews and we created a movie commercial that promoted our prototype and made it look convincing. Finally, as we completed the project, each person in the group created their own individual Process Book. The Process Book worked as a documented timeline of our work on the project through reflections, pictures, descriptions, info graphics, and much more.
-Rachel

Objectified Movie Reflection

This movie was really pleasant to watch. I especially liked one of the first objects that the movie talks about, the sticky note. When we were instructed to choose objects of good design, I chose the sticky note. It's simplest design, yet perfect design attracted me. Everything object we see or use is designed. We often overlook that the object is, in fact, "designed" per say, but we immediately make judgements on the object based on the design. For example, the chair in the very beginning of the video, the narrator gives a few example questions of what one thinks upon immediately viewing the object. "What is it's purpose? How will I use it? What is it made out of? How much does it weigh? How much should it cost?" etc. These are just few of many question each individual subconsciously makes when they are faced against design. 
One quote that stuck out to me in particular was the quote by Henry Ford, "Every object tells a story." I find this to be so true. It is something that I recognize so much more now that I am actually pursuing to be a designer. My friends always notice me commenting on certain object's designs which they find so different and strange. They do not exactly think the same way I do, but they appreciate design more because of me and the fact that everything is designed or tells a story. They enjoy watching and listening to me dissect objects of good and bad design.
Being able to see the designing of the shell of the Mac computers was very interesting for me, being such a big Apple supporter. There are all these multiple parts needed in created the shell of the computer, and mac discovered a way to merge all these components into one and simplify it. 
There were so many great ideas in the video and great design advice, especially from Dieter Rams. That man has so much talent in design. I enjoy watching and learning from him.
- Rachel

Our Team's Concept Statement

In redesigning the soy sauce packet, our group found through research that both people who pour soy sauce on their food and people who dip their food into soy sauce have concerns with the packaging.  The idea behind our prototype was to make something that is more accessible, environmentally friendly and has more volume.  Our new prototype has as much sauce as three of the old packets, is easier to open and get all of the sauce out and has an recyclable bottom.

Writer's Toolbox Reflection

After reading Writer's Toolbox, I have to say that I agree very much with the statement that writing helps us to form better communication, makes us more comfortable, strengthens our skills, and ultimately, enhances our creative processes. I think simply jotting down ideas, the smallest amount of writing, can make a big difference in gathering ideas, train of thought and work ethic. These mind maps that we have been making for class really do help us get a better understanding of the project and the qualities of the subject we need to cover. The mind maps, I have noticed, also help me to think further outside of the box than I normally would have if I would not have used them. Another thing the article mentions is involving the use of color in mind maps. When we were given sticky notes of various colors when we created the mind map, it helped me sort, group, and synthesize the different notes and qualities. Concept maps, though very similar to mind maps, I feel are easier to understand by a viewer's opinion, however, it is more complex to create and does not allow time for your mind to relax and think outside the box. For this same reason, I enjoy freewriting. "Allowing your thoughts about a subject to flow on paper, without any judgement, promotes an energetic discover process." I completely agree with this sentence from the article. I find that freewrite helps me get all my wildest ideas down, which sometimes are my best ideas. Brainwriting is something I have never heard of before reading Writer's Toolbox, but I feel like this is a great method for making sure each person has gotten an equal chance of sharing and contributing their ideas within a group.
- Rachel

Team Bonding

Class Group Work Day #2

The second class work day was very productive. After a group homework assignment of going out and simply, eating food, everyone was prepared to work. We collected various packaging from different restaurants around Lawrence and brought them to observe. Here are a few pictures of one of our prototypes.

Class Group Work Day #1

Our object of bad design is the typical, to-go soy sauce packets. The messy, uneasy to open, not enough, sticky packets. Here are a few photos of the group coming up with possible ideas for a new and improved soy sauce packet.

- Rachel

IDEO Deep Dive Video

This video was very entertaining and educating. I enjoyed watching it because as I watched it, I found myself coming up with ideas myself on how to improve the typical shopping cart. For example, not only is it hard to steer, things fall through, and it doesn't move sideways, it also really hurts if it bumps into you! I cannot tell you how many times I've gone grocery shopping with my mom and she has rammed me in the back of the heels with one of those things. It breaks skin and makes you bleed! I feel like the shopping cart was an excellent idea for an object to redesign. 

Entire Project Reflection

Throughout the course of this project, I have learned many things about Photoshop and InDesign. I have learned how to distinguish good design and bad design with the help of Dieter Rams. Don Norman has taught me that some design just needs to be appreciated for its beauty, this theory he has made is a beautiful theory in itself.  People appreciate beauty and it makes them feel better, beauty leaves an impression on people. One of the larger things I have learned is how to use color effectively. There are so many techniques available for designers to create good color schemes. It is almost like a science, and its amazing and helpful. I am so glad that I heard the color lecture because it taught me some important lessons that I will use in my designs in the future.

I think my poster demonstrates good design and color usage because of the simplicity of it. It is a photo taken of a girl shaving, and the angle the photo is taken from is the feet. It is a different view, yet it is interesting. It allows the viewer to see the razor from a different angle, and give them a good idea of the product, how it is used, what it looks like, and what the product actually does. The colors involved in the poster are the blue of the razor, and the tan color of the legs. The text is a simple white, cream color in order to not distract but still be a good addition to the poster. 

One thing I would have done differently about this poster is probably incorporate more Photoshop into the project because that is what I am good at and used to. I have never taken Photography and I ended up liking the edited photo alone, better than my other designs .

The most challenging thing for me was coming up with a good idea for the poster.  Every time I thought I had a good design, there ended up being something wrong with it. However, all the problems were things that I should have noticed on my own. When coming up with ideas to display the razor, I thought of it more as making an advertisement. So I kept wanting a picture of a girl shaving, and it was hard to develop it on my own. I also tried to draw the razor with the shadow of the razor resembling a woman. Since I had never taken a specialized drawing class, this was incredibly hard for me. I could not achieve the image in my head through pencil. I think once I am more educated through the classes I am currently taking, I will be able to achieve my ideas to the fullest.

My ideas about design changed because I had never really considered designing with drawing or through illustration, myself. I have always taken pictures or used Photoshop. I enjoyed the idea, even though it was challenging for me. I learned many news ideas about design, which makes me love it that much more. 

Color Lecture Reflection

The color lecture was something completely new to me. I had learned a few things about the color wheel, but other than that, I was unaware of the science one could use to determine color schemes that would look good together. Initially, the idea of hues, values, and chroma was very confusing to me. However, after photo color assignment, I developed a better understanding for the different uses of color. I understood that a hue was a family of color, the value is the lightness and darkness of a color, and the chroma is the brightness and saturation of a color. On top of these three terms, I learned the different types of color strategies, such as limited palette, the use of neutrals, keying the color, and much more.

10 Principles of Good Design

Dieter Rams’ “10 Principles of Good Design,” or sometimes referred to as the “Ten Commandments” of design, are good principles to follow, I believe. He covers all the bases. A lot of the points he made, I had previously thought of. For example, simplicity. I firmly believe that design should be as little design as possible, simple, refreshing. No one wants to be confused by the design, or overwhelmed. It needs to be original, or innovative, because that is what being a designer is all about, coming up with one’s own original ideas for design. That is what sets designers apart and makes it their own. I also agree that it needs to be honest, long lasting, aesthetic, and obviously useful. Design is much more than something pretty to look at. Some points I do not normally think of are design should be thorough to the last detail and environmentally friendly. Both points are necessary and I am glad that Dieter Rams has helped me to consider those points when deciding whether or not a design is good, and when I design, myself.

-Rachel