Stage 4 - Exploration/Refinement

"Drawing is a language.  Your drawings are a personal method of communication that you can develop to be effective and clear." - Karl Aspelund, The Design Process


Stage four of The Design Process by Aspelund focuses on refining the tools used to create a specific result.  The best way to reach a good result is by expanding the possibilities and going back to them for refinement.  Aspelund mentions not to rush when continuing your ideas because it can cause you to potentially miss more interesting ones.

The process of EXPLORation involves the examination of the ideas that were outlined throughout the development of the concept and how they interact and affect the environment.  You can start by testing different mediums and materials, such as, pen, pencil, markers, or computer renderings.  By sketching down these ideas, you can begin to explore and communicate them more effective.  Aspelund gets technical with a list of Do' and Don'ts.  I think it's important to share the list he has provided because it points out some techniques that everyone could incorporate in their process of exploration/refinement.  Here is the list taken from the chapter:

Do's

• Sketch quickly and repeatedly.
• Sketch constantly.
• Sketch large and small.
• Avoid limitation; use different media.
• Consider the purpose of your sketching.
• Practice.

Don'ts

• Edit yourself.
• Keep your sketches to yourself.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is another technique that can be used to create and explore ideas.  If your sketches involve ideas that can be easily created by using a computer, then it would probably be more effective to utilize it.  Sometimes traditional mediums are not always the best method depending on your idea/design.  Aspelund touches on two key terms that should not be overlooked when exploring ideas.  The first is dialogue.  Discussing your ideas helps generate great feedback, especially if it's people who aren't in the field of design because they are the general public.  Reflection is the second.  He describes reflection as a tool that is often neglected in design.  By reflecting on the work you have created, you can actively seek new solutions or solve some problems that may arise.

I think exploring your ideas with sketches is vital to creating a well-thought out design.  Most designers don't just come up with a great design overnight.  It's a process, and it involves patience.

Game Day

So today's class was spent playing games.  I think we were all looking forward to this day because it involved less brain function, and more fun.  But some games did involve a little bit of thinking (Cranium, Life, Monopoly, Scrabble, Clue).  Actually, I lied.  I think all games make a person think and explore different strategies to win.  Who would have thought that games have themes, strategies, risks, rewards, conflicts, characters, etc.  Well, like every thing else we do in life, there is a reason why we played games today.

Playing games was part of our research.  For our next assignment, we have to develop ten ideas for possible games.  These games do not have to be elaborate in detail, just functionality.  We are just coming up with sketches and a clear way to explain to someone if that person wanted to play.  I think this is interesting.  I like how Jimmy is challenging us and making us think outside the box.  I, for one, can't imagine where to begin or how people come up with ideas for games, but playing them in class has made me think about it more.  I'm curious to see what everyone else comes up with.  Now, what kind of game do I want to create...?

Iterative + Films

Today's class felt like everyone was off.  It could have something to do with it being Monday, or maybe the weather.  Jimmy had to point out our lack of participation.  I don't blame him since he was the only answering his questions.  Too bad I'm not a coffee drinker otherwise I'd be up and about like him.

Class was interesting nonetheless.  Jimmy started off by allowing us to vote whether we wanted to talk first or watch the videos.  In Jimmyesque fashion, the vote didn't matter and he still went on and talked about "iterative."  I wasn't familiar with the term, but I knew it had something to do with repeating because I knew what "iterate" means.  We stayed on the topic for about an hour until Jimmy switched and put on a TED Talk on John Maeda (MIT student turn Graphic Designer).  His presentation was very interesting.  He focused on the topic of 'simplicity' and made a lot of funny references to his personal experiences.  He mentioned how humans love complexity (relationships) and enjoy the simple things in life.

We watched another short clip on Scott McCloud.  He's a comic enthusiast and cartoonist.  I like how he started off by talking about his personal life and connected a lot of different images to his presentation.  'Vision" was the word that seemed to be the theme.  His dad became blind after starring at a solar eclipse.  He had always wondered if it was because of the eclipse that made him blind or just old age.  He also talked about three different types of vision.  I can only remember two: vision that cannot be seen and vision that can be.  What it means depends on the person.  The slides and images used in his presentation were what made his speech so powerful.  I will probably watch it again because it was too much to take all at once.

Here's John Maeda's 'Simplicity' Presentation:



Here's Scott McCloud's:

Stage 3 - Conceptualization

In this chapter the key word is Concept.  Aspelund does a good job of providing a list of do's and don'ts when conceptualizing which I thought was very informative.  The list was very encouraging.  It's good to know that there is no right or wrong answer when finding a solution to your design. 

Having an agenda is a good place to start your brainstorming as Aspelund mentions.  I didn't quite know that there were rules to brainstorming, but I think it helps keep the designer on track.  Aspelund goes on and gives a full list of rules to follow.  He also refers to Gestalt perception.  Gestalt in German means shape, pattern, or form and a good gestalt has properties such as regularity, simplicity, and stability. 

There are other tools that can help a designer build on their process of conceptualization.  Aspelund mentions using similes, metaphors, and analogies as "poetic tools."  These can help you make more elaborate connections and is also part of brainstorming.  Another tool is called cubbing.  It is basically a  four-sided cube with descriptive words on each side without too much thought.  It involves quick ideas being jot down.  The last thing that stood out as far as brainstorming was the use of concept mapping, or in other words, mind mapping.  Since we have done this in class already, I felt like this process was vital in my brainstorming because it allowed me to begin with a simple idea and expand it quickly.  It was very useful during my process of brainstorming.

A concept is pretty much a visual of your idea that is slowly moving towards the solution (final product).  I think it's important to begin a project with basic ideas and further develop them over time slowly, rather than jumping right into something you know nothing about.  In the end, the final outcome will be rewarding and pleasing while knowing that it started with just an idea that became something more.

Body Language + New 3 Images

Before getting into our 3 images, Jimmy briefly talked about body language.  He mentioned how body language can signal emotion or nervousness.  When people cross their arms and legs, that usually means they're not interested or closed off.  For the first hour or so, this conversation continued and we eventually had to stand up in front of each other and speak.

Based upon our body language, we were able to tell if a person would lie.  Jimmy told us to say two things that are nobody else knows about us and one thing that's a lie.  We soon found out who's a good liar and who isn't.  The way a person moves back and forth, or where they position their hands (in pocket) provided clues to a person's nervousness.  Most of us were nervous and the lie was obvious, while others kept their cool and pulled it off.  It was interesting to find out some things about my classmates.

Our assignment for the weekend is to do the opposite of our last project.  Now, we need to find 10 images that can be used for one headline or word.  This might be difficult at first, but I'm sure I'll be able to match up some images.

Creative Brief + 3 Images

I think Mondays are always interesting.  You never know what to expect from Jimmy.  He's always spontaneous and goes off topic and we end up talking about other things.  I think it keeps everyone on their toes and makes us appreciate his character.

On the other hand, we talked about creative briefs.  Jimmy brought in a book that we should look into and is beneficial to designers.  The book is titled, "Becoming A Graphic Designer" by Heller and Fernandes.  It has some really great work and is up to date with current designs today.  The book just recently was released and I think would be helpful in seeing what other designers are creating.  It would also be a good inspirational book.

We were all seated in a circle and revealed our images with 10 adjectives or phrases that change the meaning.  Each of us went through and read our list.  For the most part, I was a little unsure how we were supposed to do this assignment.  I didn't know how different each word had to change the meaning and most of the people in class seemed to be on the same page.  So as part of the learning process, Jimmy re-assigned the project to us for next class.  He wants us to come up with really good words or phrases and choose a different image now that we know what to expect.  I think this gives me a chance to fulfill the project the way it was intended, especially now that I know what Jimmy's looking for.  Time to look for an image...but, where do I start?

Stage 2 - Identification

So this weekend we had to read Stage 2 of The Design Process by Aspelund.  The chapter is focused on Identification.  I know when it comes to designing that there is a process.  The build up to the final product isn't always the most easiest to come to, but it has to be attained.  I guess I'm not quite sure how identification plays a role in designing.

Aspelund mentions that there are many ways to identify a project.  It could be a creative brief or revisions on an old design from the past.  The designer's job is to know the limits of the project, also known as constraints.  What are constraints?  How does it apply to design?  Well, in order to create an effective design, the project you're working on must be stretched to its limit before arriving to its final outcome.  This helps find and understand what we are trying to create.  Before reading, I didn't know there was a process of identification in design.

Constraints can be anything and everything.  The size, price, length of time, surface, material, etc can all be constraints.  As designers, we must adjust and work with these constraints until we find the right fit.  I realize that this is important and I must identify what I'm creating before tackling the entire project I'm working on and Aspelund did a good job breaking down the process.

Story-Telling + Film

Today we presented our 3 images that tell a story.  The first half of the class began with a discussion introducing the topic before we revealed our stories.  We talked about narratives, genres, and the definition of a story.  We spent some time talking about it as a class, then Jimmy asked for us to put our 3 images on our desks and everyone got a chance to speculate on what the story of each one was about.

There were some that were more obvious than others.  Some people had different explanations which were quite interesting.  The one that was the funniest was about a little boy and dog.  I won't tell exactly how they were connected, but let's just say it was very obvious what had happened.

For the last hour or so, we watched a film from TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Talks with Elizabeth Gilbert (author of 'Eat, Pray, Love') as the guest speaker.  She brought up a lot of interesting topics all within 19 minutes.  She talked about creativity, where it comes from, and the pressure artists have to perform.  I thought she was very energetic and told some of the stories like if they were from a book.  I guess you could tell she was a writer.  I liked her humor and found the overall film very informative and interesting.

After the film, the class got in circle and we talked about some of the points Elizabeth brought up.  Jimmy asked in one word how we would describe our reaction after watching it.  A lot of the words were along the lines of "motivated, inspired, and energized."  To end the class, we were assigned with the task to pick one image (non-editorial) and come up with 10 words or short phrases that change the way people perceive the image and each needs to shift the meaning.  I have all weekend to work on it so hopefully I can come up with something good.  For now I think I'll just browse around and see what I can find...

Columbus Day - Class Canceled

Well, class was canceled on Columbus day due to Jimmy being ill.  Is it coincidental?  Maybe, maybe not.  Either way, I think this is a good opportunity for me to catch up on my reading and focus a little bit on some of my other classes.

I received an email from Jimmy Sunday night about our homework for Wednesday.  I have to find 3 images taken from magazines, newspapers, books, xeroxes, or flickr and tell a story.  Sounds easy right?  I've started browsing flickr and found some interesting images, but I'm still not convinced about the story.  Maybe I'll look at some magazines.  I'm going for something dramatic or tragic.

Let's see what I come up with...

Stage 1 - Inspiration

"In any creative act, there must be a force that drives the creator and infuses the created object with energy." - Karl Aspelund, The Design Process

I found this statement to be a very good description of the word Inspiration.  The force that drives the designer/artist can be found everywhere.  Before starting a new project, one must begin with an idea and turn that idea into a reality to the best of his/her ability.  We can all get inspired just about anywhere even if what inspires us is not related to the subject matter of the project.  For example, if you are going to design a new web site, you may look at movies, shows, concerts, or magazines for inspiration.  The subject doesn't have to be the same and I think sometimes when I'm designing, I get frustrated and end up copying some of the ideas of a previous design.

Another thing about inspiration is that it doesn't just come to you, one must seek it.  It can be triggered by a visual or by the sound of cars or drums.  A designer must seek it, not wait for it.  Aspelund mentions that playtime is important to have as well during the inspiration stage.  He points out that as adults we tend to forget to use our imagination.  The same imagination we once had as a child is what could help create the next big thing or point us in the right direction.  It is also important that we reinspire ourselves as we generate ideas throughout the creative process.

There were many good points Aspelund mentioned.  Sometimes I don't stop to consider or even think about looking elsewhere for inspiration, or use some time to play, but I will apply this and all the other techniques to my future designs.

Film + Discussion

Today we watched a film on Ken Robinson giving a speech at UCLA.  He is a motivational speaker on education.  The entire speech was focused on the topic of education with a little bit of humor in between.  We spent the good first half of the class watching the film, then we all got together for a group discussion on what we just saw.

Jimmy stepped out of the classroom and let the students initiate the discussion.  Only a few people seemed to be brave enough to speak and overall I think it went well.  Some people had different views than others, while others shared some personal experiences about their life growing up.

The last part of the class we shared our Mind Maps and voted one out of the class to have the most original topic.  There were many good ones, but I found Cee's mind map of the 'Killer Carrot' my fav.  Now it's time for the weekend and I have plenty of reading/drawing to do...

Introduction

What qualifies a design to be a design?  Or better yet, what is a design?  These are questions that were asked in the introduction of The Design Process.  The answer all depends on the person doing the designing.  It depends where lines are placed instead of shapes, where color is used instead of black or white, and where the placement of all other forms are laid out.

The introduction does a good job breaking down some of the basics of design and what it takes to be considered a good one.  The process of design is a relationship you must build and it starts with inspiration.  I thought that inspiration is spot on.  We all need something that inspires us to do what we do, otherwise we would be doing something we don't like.  As an artist, I feel that everything around me can inspire me and trigger a new idea/design.  The author does a good job of pointing that out in the beginning.

The following six stages are identification, conceptualization, exploration/refinement, definition/modeling, communication, and finally production.  Aspelund points out that these stages aren't linear and can be changed while going through the process of designing.  The stages are explained in more depth as you continue to read.

I feel as if the seven stages are important to reaching that eye-catching design.  Without a process for achieving a well-thought out design, most artists would have mediocre artwork with an incomplete understanding of what it is they are trying to convey, and I think I have gained some new insight on my approach to starting a new design with the help of this book.

Mind Mapping

Today we had an interesting discussion about Mind Mapping.  What is Mind Mapping?  According to wikipedia, "A Mind Map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items linked to and arranged around a central key word or idea.  Mind Maps are used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas, and is as an aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision making, and writing."  Sounds pretty self-explantory right?

Before getting into the topic of Mind Mapping, we briefly talked about brainstorming.  Basically, a brainstorm is like an explosion of quick ideas with no right or wrong answers.  Jimmy showed some examples of some Mind Maps, and later as a class, we made our own.  He gave us the freedom to choose our topic and in 20 minutes we were expected to come up with some quick ideas.  We then shared them in class.  It became easier to keep the ideas flowing once I started getting into it.  I thought it was a great exercise.

We also had a discussion about the question, "What if..." and everyone had to complete the question any way they wanted to.  My question was, "What if I didn't have to work?"  Jimmy thought it was a powerful statement.  After everyone said their version, we went deeper into the discussion.  At the end, we were assigned with the task to make a well-done Mind Map in color.  We can do it any size and is due next class meeting.  I need to choose a topic...what should it be?

Design Process cover-xviii

Reading a book for an art class is still something that most art students don't enjoy.  You can ask 10 art students, and probably more than half would agree.  How much can you really learn from reading a book about art?  Isn't art self-expression?  There's no right or wrong answer in art.  Right?

Well, unfortunately there are still guidelines and procedures that one must follow in order to reach one's full potential.  I'm reading The Design Process by Karl Aspelund.  The title says it all.  After reading the table of contents and preface, I noticed that the book was divided into 7 sections referred to as "Stages."  Each stage has a title and individual color which helps the reader identify any specific topics quickly.  The author mentions that his purpose was to set the book up so that it follows a process, hence the title of the book.  He also points out that a staged process helps capture a designer's progress and keep a team focused.  By following these stages, the artist/designer can find it easier to accomplish goals even when ideas are lost.

I'm excited to dive into this new book we will be reading for class.  I know I will learn something new and eventually incorporate it into my arsenal of tools.

Here is the list of stages:

Stage 1: Inspiration

Stage 2: Identification

Stage 3: Conceptualization

Stage 4: Exploration/Refinement

Stage 5: Definition/Modeling

Stage 6: Communication

Stage 7: Production