15 July 2017
INFM202
9 July 2017
INFM202 White Space is Not Your Enemy-Chap 10 & 11 Reading Reflections
- Chapter 10
A picture is worth a thousand words. Never has there been a more true statement when illustrating a point. What is used in a picture for a business or internet site can say a lot about who they are. The subject matter of the photograph is not the only important element. There is also the quality of the image, what is in the image that is not needed, angle of the image, focus of the subject, etc. all make for a well composed photograph. The image resolution also plays a part in the quality of the photograph. With advent of the internet, images for a myriad of subjects can be found, so unless there is a specific need for an image, try looking there first. If a photographer is needed, then be sure to clarify all the details up front to include timelines and costs. The use of illustrations is another way to capture that illusive image of thought. Not all photographs need to be an image, sometimes type font or script writing can be useful. Using rendered type to its fullest potential can yield pleasing results. Always remember the limit of a design is your imagination.
- Chapter 11
Infographics and the evolution of presenting data, it is simple and efficient. The evolution started with the use of sound and motion and then later added three dimensions. There many different forms of Infographics, text boxes, sequences, maps, diagrams, charts and graphs to name several. Again, remember ethics went displaying data, always be truthful and give credit where credit is due. When designing Infographics, remember the following: must be able to stand alone, research topic before beginning, use a grid to organize and structure, group things, chose a compatible design scheme, careful when using black and white, give credit where it is due, minimize ornamentation, and keep the writing tight. Common infographics tips: place maps on your grid, use pie charts to show parts of the whole, use fever charts when depicting changes over time, use bar charts when comparing, use timelines when shoeing history, and keep diagrams & illustrations simple.
Golombisky, K., & Hagen, R. (2010). white space is not your enemy, a beginner’s guide to communicating visually through graphic, web & multimedia design. Oxford, UK: Elsevier.
6 July 2017
INFM202 White Space is Not Your Enemy-Chap 8 & 9 Reading Reflections
- Chapter 8
Honestly, I have really never looked or thought about how a font was presented. As long as I could read it, I was good to go. I can only imagine what it must have been like for somebody, with even the smallest iota of an idea of font style, to go screaming in front of the computer monitor. Golombisky & Hagen (2010) “Nothing screams “amateur” louder than using too many competing font styles.” (p. 92). Bold, italics, and all caps I understand and have a fairly good use of each. Leading and kerning terms are new, but their meaning and usage are very straight forward. Leading is basically the space between lines and kerning is the adjustment of the space between some capital letters and the following character. Tracking and tab leaders are also relatively straight forward. Tracking is manipulating the words on a line to best fit the space and tab leaders help to align columns of information. For me, special characters have always been a careful area and I try to remember simple rules of usage. Very rarely do I use old style or swash style, they are really cumbersome.
In betweener
I usually do not have trouble conceiving ideas for other people’s logo, but when it comes to doing one for me, I am at a loss. To me, the more simplistic a logo, the more applicable it will be for multiple situations. Simple styles and simple colors will go a long way. Also, make sure the logo is versatile.
- Chapter 9
There are many uses for color. They can be used to display emotions or create an image. Having traveled to many countries and seeing many cultures, I tend to overlook the fact that many people do not under the impact color has on everyday life. I personally tend to like earth tones, nothing bright or flamboyant, but other people may be the exact opposite, to be like the peacock. So what appeals to me, may not appeal to someone else. I have known that earth tones typically match well with any color and that primaries are good with their opposite secondary colors. Also, a single color can blend well with different saturations of itself. To get proper color management from screen and print, one must have a keen eye for color. Even though the software does most of the work, it still helps to know the difference. I remember in the early days of color PC computers, the colors were no close to the same and great care was needed to adjust them. Nine important color rules to remember, color inspiration, primaries and secondaries, pure saturated hues, dilute pastels with white, dull earth tones with black, use contrast pairs, choose analogous colors for unity, the three main languages for producing color, use complementary colors when designing.
Golombisky, K., & Hagen, R. (2010). white space is not your enemy, a beginner’s guide to communicating visually through graphic, web & multimedia design. Oxford, UK: Elsevier.
Project #2 - Organizational Design
25 June 2017
INFM202 White Space is Not Your Enemy-Chap 6 & 7 Reading Reflections
- Chapter 6
While I already understood the vocabulary of a grid, it was good to see it in a different light (as an internet page). I learned about using grids when I transferred drawings or sketches from paper to a larger medium (ie vans, trucks, etc.). Many times when I was creating a form for work, I would use MS Excel to build the blocks and frames. This made it very simple when changes were needed.
- Chapter 7
Okay, this chapter I must admit I am weak. As an engineer, I see things in the sense of physical balance and not necessarily in colors, shades, patterns, etc. However, I can, and most often do, use mathematics to create a feel of proportions. Two items where I need to focus my attention is clutter and the Gestalt theory. Many times I ‘cluster’ objects together, but many times it appears cluttered. Another area I like was making the page flow from one grid square to the next. It will take a lot of practice before this old dog gets it, but get it he will. Power point presentations can also be applied here, having a natural flow from one page to the next.
Project #1 (Lab 3 - Website Mockup)
18 June 2017
INFM202 White Space is Not Your Enemy-Chap 4 & 5 Reading Reflections
- Chapter 4
After reading the chapter, I went back to my internet page and looked for the thirteen layout sins. I found only three, nine were simply not used and one was deliberate (number 3, naked photo). With number three I did not like the cluttered look with the border on some of the pictures. I desired a more open look to the page. Some of the more amateurish internet pages are obvious to spot, while others I had some difficulty being specific. The thirteen rules will be very useful in ensuring fewer mistakes while designing pages.
- Chapter 5
The seven elements are easily defined in general and their application, by definition, even more so. I understand the seven principals of good design, because they follow the same teachings in engineering, before computers. In our drafting classes, we were taught the basics of good design. After reading through the chapter, I would say I try to balance elements on a page. My artistic talents are limited. Movement seems to be important when designing a page, almost as much as content. Each of the seven principals flow together from one to the next, Movement to rhythm to perspective to unity.
Project #1: (Lab 2 - Photoshop Image)
11 June 2017
INFM202 White Space is Not Your Enemy-Chap 2 & 3 Reading Reflections
- Chapter 2
In this day and age, not using a computer to do research is unheard of doing. Granted there is no need to start working a design other than penning a few ideas. Clearly defining the objective is the beginning. Followed by knowing who is the target audience, age group, social, class, etc. Where does the design fit into the big picture, does it need to follow an existing style or color? Are there any competitors, what can you say that makes you stand apart from their message? Then how will the final message be delivered, what form of media will it take to get across to the audience? Budget also plays a major role in the design and delivery. Deadlines play a part also. Once when I was on a project, we were building one of the first digital mobile telephone services in Texas. The directors had set the launch date in September, but issues with connectivity kept us from meeting that date. Marketing had to create a delay in the product announcement date, moving it into October (see the video solution below). Brain storming is just as important as any other part. Bring all ideas to the table. Pick through different ones and approach all angles, dump, percolate, morph. Make doodles or sketches of ideas whenever you are out and about. Write on restaurant napkins, envelopes, whatever may be handy to get an idea on paper. Later expand the idea to include a storyboard and or web design.
- Chapter 3
Timelines are important. An easy trick to create on-the-fly is margins, columns, visual, cutline, headline, copy, tag. Margins are for defining your work space. Columns are for ease of reading. Visually is to catch the reader’s attention. Cutlines are the starting point for the reader’s eye. Headlines are like a summation of the subject. Copy is so the headline and body flow together smoothly. Tags are inserts into the body of more information that can expand on the reading. This chapter was a good outline for developing and building layouts. Creating a designs and internet pages have to start somewhere.
Project #1: (Lab 1 - Logo Design)
28 May 2017
INFM202 White Space is Not Your Enemy-Chap 1 Reading Reflections
One of the first things I noticed while reading the first chapter was Form. I never really paid much attention to the way an ad or magazine was graphically laid-out. The practical way in which the artwork is assembled, helped me to recognize the functionality of the intended message. Designs through the ages have changed with society and cultural movements from one popular style to the next. One aspect, however, has remained constant during the course of visual evolution and that is the use of graphics to capture attention, control eye movement, convey information, and evoke emotion.
One such memorable brochure was the plight of the baby seals in Alaska. The message seemed simple enough, ‘Save the Seals’, but through the aforementioned use of graphics, it was lost between those with the true desire to help and those degusted with the imagery placed before them. The people, ‘on-the-fence’, became avid opponents to the cause by the use of objectionable graphic material. Knowing the target audience is just as important as the use of the design.
Visuals are significant in design. The way graphic design uses visual imagery is essential and has basic rules to follow for the most favorable results. Type fonts, styles of script, whether it be calligraphy or basic hand writing, can add to the flow of the message that is being conveyed. The space used to convey this message is a coordination between graphic imagery and typography. Lastly, as in the books title, ‘White Space is Not Your Enemy’, it is not necessary to fill all the space in the design with material.
Try This
1. I have a 1956 Seeburg jukebox that I have taken great efforts to restore. The front of the box has simulated taillights in the style that was popular on several models of cars during the same time period. Each long chrome ‘taillight’ had red lenses slightly below the mid-point. Above it was a fluorescent light shining through a multicolor plastic cover. With all the color and chrome, this was certainly designed to catch one’s eye.
2. In the corner of my den is a very useful, however, out-of-style floor to ceiling lamp. The brass and wood components with white a beaded glass ball directly below each of three lights, is stereo typical of the 1960’s. The three lights are staggered in the layout to either side of the support post with a ‘P-trap’ style arm holding the white glass ball connecting the light bulb socket to the lamp. Each socket has its own ‘on-off’ switch and shade. The central post has a three-way switch powering any combination of the three lights. With some maintenance, the lamp is very functional, but outdated due to its form.
3. To me, Verbatim’s image on each of its DVDs is an image that communicates well its intended purpose. More than thirteen years ago, Verbatim was one of the leaders in recorded media products. One of those products was the DVD+R recordable CD. At the time, movies were still delivered on reels of mylar film. The image on the disk is that of a movie reel. The detail of the reel, complete with a tape label, and the film in it are images helping the viewer quickly identify the CD as a movie disk. The image reminds me of a time long gone of the sights and sounds associated with this type of original media.
5 April 2017
http://marketingland.com/100-questions-you-must-ask-when-developing-web-site-86342
It is unfortunate that some companies choose the lowest bidder without looking at what they offer. Too many times I have seen the bid go to the lowest bidder only to later have cost over runs. Taking time and spending it with the potential client is also an important factor.
3 April 2017
http://marketingland.com/100-questions-you-must-ask-when-developing-web-site-86342
The article was very enlightening. I must admit that I would be one of those to develop a site 'on-the-fly'. Although, most of the development I have ever done, has been for myself or family, and very simplistic at that. If a client will take the time to go through ALL of the questions, they will have a fine internet site.