This week I have gotten the results from my development part of this porject and now I want to focus more on what I could have done and how is the final product of my project.
I have answered these questions through out my project, however I would like to take another view and look at it again
1. How effective is the final piece?
I find the final piece to be very effective in showing concentrated information, empathetic, authentic and passionate look and feel and a real winner for standing out and promoting the 15 below jacket.
It displays the information to donate quickly and it doesn't take long to get to grips with what the 15 below project is about or on how to help them, by downloading my media. In this respect I have created a very friendly donation system that anyone can use since money is not an issue here.
This site or at least the concept is a winner through and through.
2. Does the Final Piece match the brief?
It does in all aspects, it has learning, a fund raising idea, a multitude of media to access, the 15 below logo on every page, a link to the original site on every page, I added one colour to the colour scheme and interactivity throughout.
Also it goes beyond the brief including non essential materials into the site such as wallpapers, an animation a multitude of audio components and I have hosted it live which was not suggested in the brief.
3. Is there any thing I would change about the design?
I would have changed the container it is in, possibly to either take it away and have it all on a blue background or change the shape of it, however I think this one encompasses what I set out to reach fromt he start. Also I would like to have added mroe wallpapers in that section however the original extras I made I have lost, but I might end up making new ones if I have time.
4. Why did I choose this design solution?
In the end I made 5 versions of my idea, I moved back and forward testing each one in aesthetic look and I finally came to the decision of a V3 modified which is the final piece I have shown. I chose it because evrything merges well, I design ed tghe 15below jacket myself in illusstrator, unknowing it would affect my whole design.
What I mean by this is I tried to make it more shiny and photo realistic after this and it just didnt work together, I later figuired out it was my jacket and background that were doing it, so I made new buttons in illustrator and a background in photoshop and it worked instantly.
It fits the brief, im happy i made it, Thats why I chose this solution
See here
5. What difficulties did I find and overcome?
The first major one was the Flash menu bar I could not integrate it into my design as it only worked in firefox, i since solved this by redoing my menu with roll over images a change Im happy off since it was then that I realised I had to change my menu button icons that i mentioned earlier.
I also found little things like transparency issues, layout shifting and such but I solved that with discussion to my human resources and online searching or related issues. There was one other issue of compatibility issues between my laptop and the macs in college which in some cases were unavoidable but most I fixed with simple cleaning of the code.
6. What are the Strengths and Weaknesses of this product?
The main strengths I think is that it looks crisp, and pops out at you, and that it gets the information across very quickly as there is not a lot of reading required.
Also the fund raising idea probably the biggest strength as it doesn’t require people to actually pay money to this charity to get credit to make the jackets its totally self efficient and could easily be modified to include other media at any time.
Another strength for my personal reasons is that all design was made by me, no stock photos, no copied code, all downloadable media, it was all from the ground up created by me and I’m very proud of that.
The other strengths lay in the construction of the site, it’s all named correctly no AP divs named from AP div 1 - 33 or anything like that, and it’s all professionally done. Also the colour scheme fits in well with what 15 below are trying to express about the homeless situation, they need help to stop people dying from the cold, and they need it now.
Also I have delved into other areas of design that could be applied if I had more time to do it, I made numerous Audio tracks to be laid into the site, unfortunately it would be impractical in this site as the music would have to be clicked to play on every page from the beginning, and also the flash elements.
The main weakness I would have to say is there isn’t any, there may be design issues or different perspectives but in terms of it, without thinking of what else could be done to it, it’s perfectly fine.
7. What would I change if anything about the product?
Well after a long consideration, nothing. This is because of the results of my questionaire and I am happy with the results
8. What would I change about the way Ive handled this project?
Nothing, Ive handled it better I think than anyone that was doing this project, I have diaries, I have ablog, I had questionaires, I researched a lot and have applied it too the design of the final peice, and I now have my own site with this blog and piece linked to it. I have even deleved into other possible areas of ideas. I have done a lot.
My site
9. In what way have my skills improved?
I have done graded units since I first entered college, and so the concept is not new to me, however this is the first one that has been visual orientated and so It was my first sketchbook project and I enjoyed working with it, unfortunatly my drawing skills were not top standard and I would liek to correct it by seeing what is top atandard and in that thought It would have been nice to see what what top standard throughout the project.
Also I have improved in Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Flash, Illustrator, Reason and Audacity the programs I used int his project, I have gained more confidence in using them since this project started even tho most of them I've only come to grips with this year.
I also saw new ways to do projects, like this blog for instance I never used them before This project willingly. Its great I find for projects as its easy accessable and anyone can see exactly how your projects doign without needign to meet you.
But the biggest part of my that has improved is my understanding of the whole design process, I have a much bigger appreciation of how an idea is formed and If I had known now what I knew when I did Higher Art I would have passed with flying colours, enjoyed it much more and maybe even had a differebnt mind set on everythign after that.
The whole prospect of these graded units is very exciting hte expanding of thoughts and minds and I look forward to my next project eager to improve in every way.
Thanks for reading I hope you enjoyed my project.
My site
Final Piece
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Sunday, 24 May 2009
My own Space
As I have put the 15 below project microsite up online, I took this opertunity to make my own site, and I have. Although unfinished it still has most of its pages up, I hope you enjoy it :)
My site
It links my projects together and will soon link this to it aswell.
My site
It links my projects together and will soon link this to it aswell.
Final Piece moved
Here is my Final piece hosted at the new location:
15belowproject
It was moved to a more logical loaction, shrinking the link.
I hope you enjoy my end piece
15belowproject
It was moved to a more logical loaction, shrinking the link.
I hope you enjoy my end piece
Sunday, 17 May 2009
week 11
1. What was in your plan for this week?
This week was the second last week of work before the development hand-in. I planned to create a proper working animation download button and just tweak the micro site.
I also planned to prepair the presentation by emailign david about the white board and a way to hold my A3 sketchs for presentation. I also planned to add a footer with the link to the main site.
Also removing the white top bar and moving the title into the main container for a mor streamline look. Also I added meta tags for a search engine to easily find it but I need mroe help in that matter I believe.
Later I decided after failing expectations to buy webspace for myself and use that to host the microsite and then direct my testing towards the site.
This is located at http://www.geokda.co.uk/15below/CSS/index.html
I also planned to print the final product and the other final versions onto A3 boards for the presentation purpose, to clearly show each page in a way where you can see everything at once.
Following mounting all my palnning and development work onto A3 card, I designed a front cover which in itself is nice but I migth include a more flowing feel as it doesnt look like its part of the project as of yet.
Next was to put all the text documents onto the USB and possibly print it off, but to save paper I will likely just put it in the USB under presentation/testing.
After considering how I would present my comments I wrote them down in word and began to write my questionaire which was my way of testing the website, I did it this way instead of directing the viewer what to do because if the website is interestign enough they will explore it themselves :) and answer questions on it later, if they dont answer soem of them then my design is flawed.
2. What did you actually do this week?
Everything I planned to do from the beginning happened accordingly, apart from the meta data I researched and input into the website has yet to work, I even had problems on another computer finding the site.
I also had a few problems in communication getting prints and webspace but ive taken it into consideration and come out with new options, still I would have liked to have had the printing done this week however it has not been possible.
3. If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.
A few but thats all part of planning ahead and have plan B ready and in place.
Just to note I wanted the prints donr this week but I couldnt as I did not get the time required to talk over the principles between printing out a website, so I print screened them and sized them all into 2 variations, one screenshot per A3 and a combo of 4 per A3, ready to be printed next week.
I wish the meta data worked however it doesnt and I will need to proclaim that it should be fixed with more time.
4. What worked well this week?
The final product is very good in all aspects, im glad to have it done with all the tweak variations and the presentation is looking well organised although I should like to prep for questions directed at my work which I have yet to do.
5. What did not work so well this week?
Communication, creative enviroment would have helped my flow a bit better too.
The monotony of creative people in the college wears at me a little, but more so the standard of willingness to aspire, it seems Britain has come down with some sort of virus affecting peoples motivation to succeed I extend this theory to the new generations mainly. I have often wondered about changing the schooling system here, maybe it will help.
I attribute this state to lack of discipline and state of mind, in which you would normally be aware of scoiety, the world around you the politics the economics, but it isnt there in most here, they just go about talking about the same stuff over and over again. Unwilling to reach higher than what they can reach at the moment a small comfort of feeling in control and meaningful, however I am possibly too harsh.
6. What have you learned this week?
People shouldn't underestimate the amount of work it takes to build a website from scratch. Once you have learned it it may be easy, but this is my first full blown project of any design standard in years, a new challenge for me and it does take planning to achieve the goal I want. And I will.
7. Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week.
The final product on line, ready to be printed sheets of the final product and variations and also all my work mounted ready for presentation.
8. Do you have any other comments to make?
I wish I had feedback on this blog that I could respond to or some constructive criticism.
It often helps me being subject or scrutiny rather than handing not getting any feedback as I work through a project and I think its crucial to have this in place, however this is a graded unit assignment and I must follow its rules accordingly
If you, anyone, would like some visuals of my planned please just ask and I will see if I can part with some of it.
This week was the second last week of work before the development hand-in. I planned to create a proper working animation download button and just tweak the micro site.
I also planned to prepair the presentation by emailign david about the white board and a way to hold my A3 sketchs for presentation. I also planned to add a footer with the link to the main site.
Also removing the white top bar and moving the title into the main container for a mor streamline look. Also I added meta tags for a search engine to easily find it but I need mroe help in that matter I believe.
Later I decided after failing expectations to buy webspace for myself and use that to host the microsite and then direct my testing towards the site.
This is located at http://www.geokda.co.uk/15below/CSS/index.html
I also planned to print the final product and the other final versions onto A3 boards for the presentation purpose, to clearly show each page in a way where you can see everything at once.
Following mounting all my palnning and development work onto A3 card, I designed a front cover which in itself is nice but I migth include a more flowing feel as it doesnt look like its part of the project as of yet.
Next was to put all the text documents onto the USB and possibly print it off, but to save paper I will likely just put it in the USB under presentation/testing.
After considering how I would present my comments I wrote them down in word and began to write my questionaire which was my way of testing the website, I did it this way instead of directing the viewer what to do because if the website is interestign enough they will explore it themselves :) and answer questions on it later, if they dont answer soem of them then my design is flawed.
2. What did you actually do this week?
Everything I planned to do from the beginning happened accordingly, apart from the meta data I researched and input into the website has yet to work, I even had problems on another computer finding the site.
I also had a few problems in communication getting prints and webspace but ive taken it into consideration and come out with new options, still I would have liked to have had the printing done this week however it has not been possible.
3. If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.
A few but thats all part of planning ahead and have plan B ready and in place.
Just to note I wanted the prints donr this week but I couldnt as I did not get the time required to talk over the principles between printing out a website, so I print screened them and sized them all into 2 variations, one screenshot per A3 and a combo of 4 per A3, ready to be printed next week.
I wish the meta data worked however it doesnt and I will need to proclaim that it should be fixed with more time.
4. What worked well this week?
The final product is very good in all aspects, im glad to have it done with all the tweak variations and the presentation is looking well organised although I should like to prep for questions directed at my work which I have yet to do.
5. What did not work so well this week?
Communication, creative enviroment would have helped my flow a bit better too.
The monotony of creative people in the college wears at me a little, but more so the standard of willingness to aspire, it seems Britain has come down with some sort of virus affecting peoples motivation to succeed I extend this theory to the new generations mainly. I have often wondered about changing the schooling system here, maybe it will help.
I attribute this state to lack of discipline and state of mind, in which you would normally be aware of scoiety, the world around you the politics the economics, but it isnt there in most here, they just go about talking about the same stuff over and over again. Unwilling to reach higher than what they can reach at the moment a small comfort of feeling in control and meaningful, however I am possibly too harsh.
6. What have you learned this week?
People shouldn't underestimate the amount of work it takes to build a website from scratch. Once you have learned it it may be easy, but this is my first full blown project of any design standard in years, a new challenge for me and it does take planning to achieve the goal I want. And I will.
7. Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week.
The final product on line, ready to be printed sheets of the final product and variations and also all my work mounted ready for presentation.
8. Do you have any other comments to make?
I wish I had feedback on this blog that I could respond to or some constructive criticism.
It often helps me being subject or scrutiny rather than handing not getting any feedback as I work through a project and I think its crucial to have this in place, however this is a graded unit assignment and I must follow its rules accordingly
If you, anyone, would like some visuals of my planned please just ask and I will see if I can part with some of it.
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
Final Piece
Here is my Final piece hosted at:
15belowproject
It is there that I will ask people to navigate towards to answer my questions on navigation/useability/thoughtfulness/design etc
I hope you enjoy my end piece
15belowproject
It is there that I will ask people to navigate towards to answer my questions on navigation/useability/thoughtfulness/design etc
I hope you enjoy my end piece
Sunday, 10 May 2009
week 10
Today marks my approval of the latest version of the microsite :)
1. What was in your plan for this week?
This week I ahd planned a lot of things mainly because I wanted this week to be the last week of the buildign of the website. I planned to concentrate on background design and layout in doing this I captured a sky screen that looked like a great background.
Also I planned to create the Flash animation this week doing the first animation from the storyboards I planned to do in my research pre development.
From then on I had arranged to discuss the changes with david in regards to the flash menu incompatibility issues and picking up the animation designs instead so not too loose my workload.
I planned after the animation design to incorporate the design into the background design and or button design which would hopefully lead onto the final design.
Next I planned to create more Audio tracks to use in the microsite, one more intune with the maturer audio fans and one with the competitive media market genres. Also installing the photograph as the wallpaper should provide an incentive to what menu icons i should use V3 or V4.
After seeign that I could not install a player that would play a track continuously throughout page changes I planned to scrap it but still develope the audio ideas so I could in theory attempt to use them if I had more time.
Nearing the middles of the week I endevoured to remake V3 as V4 was not working out, I chose this option because V3 has the most solid design, is flexible and as close to my original thought as it is. Except I expanded out of the container but that is what will always happen when you plan outwith design and testing.
The button I used in V3 and V$ look too much like buttons and hence require a grounding, That is why I have been havign trouble I believe, so I'm planning to remake some not so shiny.
Also I could not makethe original animation as my Flash could not work on my laptop so I developed a newer one less complicated but using both ideas in this design. From this I managed to come up with menu button designs which worked perfectly with the background I had originally for V3.
Finally I have planned to incorporate the animation into the microsite and the new menu buttons in th edesign and Also I developed my new floatign jacket with extra animation to make it look more interestign and contemporary.
As from now on I plan to Test my site by hopefully putitng it up live either by buying my own spare or asking the college to fund it for all the class. Interestingly I also planend to get a board and printing access for the presentation which I plan to do next week with the testing.
2. What did you actually do this week?
Everything I planend to do fromt he beginning happened accordingly, apart frotm he audio aspects which I had to re-adjust my plans to not include them in the final design but I will hopefulyl fit them into the presentation as an 'I could do this with more time' part.
Also I spend a lot of time more so on the menu button design and audio aspects that I should have, but int he end I'm very gratful for my conviction because I managed to burn through the night and gain a product I would be happy to submit as the graded unit final.
3. If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.
Plan A is always have a Plan B, When somethign changes have a plan and thats what I did, The audio could nto be intergrated because the design for it would require me to rebuild my entire design.
4. What worked well this week?
The final product is very good in all aspects, im glad to have it done
5. What did not work so well this week?#
The social jsutice project is leaning on me too much, that sall i can say with short time.
6. What have you learned this week?
Simple is often the key.
7. Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week.
Nearly a Final draft of the microsite and a new animation.
8. Do you have any other comments to make?
None atm, as I have 1 minute atm to post this, have a good day :)
If you, anyone, would like some visuals of my planned please just ask and I will see if I can part with some of it.
1. What was in your plan for this week?
This week I ahd planned a lot of things mainly because I wanted this week to be the last week of the buildign of the website. I planned to concentrate on background design and layout in doing this I captured a sky screen that looked like a great background.
Also I planned to create the Flash animation this week doing the first animation from the storyboards I planned to do in my research pre development.
From then on I had arranged to discuss the changes with david in regards to the flash menu incompatibility issues and picking up the animation designs instead so not too loose my workload.
I planned after the animation design to incorporate the design into the background design and or button design which would hopefully lead onto the final design.
Next I planned to create more Audio tracks to use in the microsite, one more intune with the maturer audio fans and one with the competitive media market genres. Also installing the photograph as the wallpaper should provide an incentive to what menu icons i should use V3 or V4.
After seeign that I could not install a player that would play a track continuously throughout page changes I planned to scrap it but still develope the audio ideas so I could in theory attempt to use them if I had more time.
Nearing the middles of the week I endevoured to remake V3 as V4 was not working out, I chose this option because V3 has the most solid design, is flexible and as close to my original thought as it is. Except I expanded out of the container but that is what will always happen when you plan outwith design and testing.
The button I used in V3 and V$ look too much like buttons and hence require a grounding, That is why I have been havign trouble I believe, so I'm planning to remake some not so shiny.
Also I could not makethe original animation as my Flash could not work on my laptop so I developed a newer one less complicated but using both ideas in this design. From this I managed to come up with menu button designs which worked perfectly with the background I had originally for V3.
Finally I have planned to incorporate the animation into the microsite and the new menu buttons in th edesign and Also I developed my new floatign jacket with extra animation to make it look more interestign and contemporary.
As from now on I plan to Test my site by hopefully putitng it up live either by buying my own spare or asking the college to fund it for all the class. Interestingly I also planend to get a board and printing access for the presentation which I plan to do next week with the testing.
2. What did you actually do this week?
Everything I planend to do fromt he beginning happened accordingly, apart frotm he audio aspects which I had to re-adjust my plans to not include them in the final design but I will hopefulyl fit them into the presentation as an 'I could do this with more time' part.
Also I spend a lot of time more so on the menu button design and audio aspects that I should have, but int he end I'm very gratful for my conviction because I managed to burn through the night and gain a product I would be happy to submit as the graded unit final.
3. If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.
Plan A is always have a Plan B, When somethign changes have a plan and thats what I did, The audio could nto be intergrated because the design for it would require me to rebuild my entire design.
4. What worked well this week?
The final product is very good in all aspects, im glad to have it done
5. What did not work so well this week?#
The social jsutice project is leaning on me too much, that sall i can say with short time.
6. What have you learned this week?
Simple is often the key.
7. Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week.
Nearly a Final draft of the microsite and a new animation.
8. Do you have any other comments to make?
None atm, as I have 1 minute atm to post this, have a good day :)
If you, anyone, would like some visuals of my planned please just ask and I will see if I can part with some of it.
Saturday, 9 May 2009
new buttons design
This is taken from the design research of the PSP skins and of the Xbox 360 background, all in all circles are widely used in northern american design.
There is one difference from my final design is that I would like on the alt buttons for the dots to move, slightly.
Sunday, 3 May 2009
week 9
Little bit of a rush left this with only 35mins to write
1. What was in your plan for this week?
This week my plan was tomake a new rotation of ideas on my sketchbook using tracing paper overlays to show different modifications, pages, and other idea changes.
Also I planned to wrap up the fine details of Version 3 my final microstie and enter into the animation design stage if I thought it could beachieved and also improve on layout design.
I had also planned to create an audio player with one of my tracks or more to be played with the microsite enducing the empathetic feelings required of the brief statement, this is handy as I need to show what exactly is empathetic passionate and authentic about my site in the final review.
I had also planned to move more deeper into flash to design a mroe interactive flash menu system which would give a much more controlling feeling and uniqueness to the site.
I had also planned to start planning out the presentation for the last week of the project in this stage, easrly as it might be I want to stay ahead and get this project done well.
2. What did you actually do this week?
This week went a bit off the plan I crafted an audio player and inserted it with my own song to create empathy into th emicrosite.
However I did come across a snag that my Version 3 does not work in Internet explorer 8 so I have created Version 4.
Now whether this version will be beside Version £ as the Html version I do not know yet, but this one can Function on its own, there was no Flash created and the same layout was installed but a design change was used by looking back at my deigns and research brining out a shiny look to this one.
I also could not therfore make the flash animation so its posponed to next week once I make the Version 4 more applicable to its nature, ie its too black and shiny atm.
I will also pospone planning presentatin till next week aswell a shame yes but this is why I have planned it like this, I have spare time to dictate to the new site before I need to finally hunker down and do the animation in a week, either next or the week after before presentation.
SO It is going well and Its taking a new route. I pray I get no more big snags.
3. If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.
Necessity, the keyword that defines what had to be done, my version 3 didnt work, I tried to see what was causing the problem, the flash and hence tried to fix it, I could'nt. So an alternative solution is used, make Version 4.
4. What worked well this week?
Planning 3 weeks ahead of schedual really helped, without having this bumper time I would be panicing and in a real mess tryign to pick up the pieces. Sometimes a knock like this really helps get you back on track with ideas creative flow and positivity, for me anyways
5. What did not work so well this week?#
The Flash wasn't being nice again, but then again a menu system in flash isnt the best of ideas aparently from my talk with Chris. A lot of outside project problems have affected my in a way like concentration, I might have been able to do more this week.
6. What have you learned this week?
I have learned that you should keep going, keep pushing and don't give up that which you want. For me this means going for my dream career and an audio designer and eventually a well known and respected composer.
7. Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week.
Version 4 of the microsite, Version 3 with tweeaks includign an audio player and background shift and cleanign of the code. Also Some sketches on tracign papaer and on the sketch book.
8. Do you have any other comments to make?
I like to be motivated by creative people that work around me, but it doesnt slow me down that im not, I just notice it. I will do every effort to be a part of a creative team in the future that strives to be the best.
If you, anyone, would like some visuals of my planned please just ask and I will see if I can part with some of it.
1. What was in your plan for this week?
This week my plan was tomake a new rotation of ideas on my sketchbook using tracing paper overlays to show different modifications, pages, and other idea changes.
Also I planned to wrap up the fine details of Version 3 my final microstie and enter into the animation design stage if I thought it could beachieved and also improve on layout design.
I had also planned to create an audio player with one of my tracks or more to be played with the microsite enducing the empathetic feelings required of the brief statement, this is handy as I need to show what exactly is empathetic passionate and authentic about my site in the final review.
I had also planned to move more deeper into flash to design a mroe interactive flash menu system which would give a much more controlling feeling and uniqueness to the site.
I had also planned to start planning out the presentation for the last week of the project in this stage, easrly as it might be I want to stay ahead and get this project done well.
2. What did you actually do this week?
This week went a bit off the plan I crafted an audio player and inserted it with my own song to create empathy into th emicrosite.
However I did come across a snag that my Version 3 does not work in Internet explorer 8 so I have created Version 4.
Now whether this version will be beside Version £ as the Html version I do not know yet, but this one can Function on its own, there was no Flash created and the same layout was installed but a design change was used by looking back at my deigns and research brining out a shiny look to this one.
I also could not therfore make the flash animation so its posponed to next week once I make the Version 4 more applicable to its nature, ie its too black and shiny atm.
I will also pospone planning presentatin till next week aswell a shame yes but this is why I have planned it like this, I have spare time to dictate to the new site before I need to finally hunker down and do the animation in a week, either next or the week after before presentation.
SO It is going well and Its taking a new route. I pray I get no more big snags.
3. If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.
Necessity, the keyword that defines what had to be done, my version 3 didnt work, I tried to see what was causing the problem, the flash and hence tried to fix it, I could'nt. So an alternative solution is used, make Version 4.
4. What worked well this week?
Planning 3 weeks ahead of schedual really helped, without having this bumper time I would be panicing and in a real mess tryign to pick up the pieces. Sometimes a knock like this really helps get you back on track with ideas creative flow and positivity, for me anyways
5. What did not work so well this week?#
The Flash wasn't being nice again, but then again a menu system in flash isnt the best of ideas aparently from my talk with Chris. A lot of outside project problems have affected my in a way like concentration, I might have been able to do more this week.
6. What have you learned this week?
I have learned that you should keep going, keep pushing and don't give up that which you want. For me this means going for my dream career and an audio designer and eventually a well known and respected composer.
7. Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week.
Version 4 of the microsite, Version 3 with tweeaks includign an audio player and background shift and cleanign of the code. Also Some sketches on tracign papaer and on the sketch book.
8. Do you have any other comments to make?
I like to be motivated by creative people that work around me, but it doesnt slow me down that im not, I just notice it. I will do every effort to be a part of a creative team in the future that strives to be the best.
If you, anyone, would like some visuals of my planned please just ask and I will see if I can part with some of it.
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Sunday, 26 April 2009
week 8
1. What was in your plan for this week?
This week I was to complete my second version of my background design for the microsite and complete the flash coding for the menu system which I made in the earlier week. I also planned to make some more background Download designs and thumbnails.
I had also planned to fix glitches in my code like the homeless page being slightly lower than the rest, But more importantly I have decided to vary my main design, instead of contained I have lanned to expand it a bit and eplore new possibilities.
New possibilities such as boundaryless buttons, brighten the background or darken to one shade of a colour.Also to use more gutters and epand on the information there possibly. I have also planned to search out other flash design like underlines and such so to make the main menu html and not complicate things.
2. What did you actually do this week?
This week I did mostly what I set out to do I was perhaps lax in the creation of the 3rd design which I do regret but I had another Project to be finished by the end of the week which was horrible and I will not go into it.
3. If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.
Everything seemingly went acording to my plan except that my version of the boundaryless buttons in which the flash coding and a lot of other aspects failed me. Also out of my plans I got planning software which I have now aquired, free, but I might not have the drive to start another new software to learn. But then again if I want the credit I will have to do it.
4. What worked well this week?
I have the original html of the 2nd version of the microsite so it will be much easier to menouver my ideas around. have at least one nearly completed microsite which I can use as the end product and say with more time I could have achieved more liek what I was wanting.
5. What did not work so well this week?#
The Flash wasn't being nice to me same with the CSS, and unable to put my ideas down easily, I had them I just couldnt for soem reason lay them down this weekend, I got distracted.
6. What have you learned this week?
I have learned a little, that is to constantly ask and verify what you can, keep trying even though the other party members might not respond or care what your part int he project is about.
7. Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week.
A second version of the microsite with flaws, 2 more backgrounds, a working Flash menu system and a basis to move onto another option for the main idea of the microsite
8. Do you have any other comments to make?
Not really apart from I dotn like people with the attitude ''oh we have 4 weeks left, lets leave it for now'' , to be honest it makes me want to leave the room and be with people who are motivated.
I cannot be surprised that a first year at college is very lax but I do wish there was a few more motivated people like me to 'grow' and learn of each other to push the boundaries and be the future.
If you, anyone, would like some visuals of my planned please just ask and I will see if I can part with some of it.
This week I was to complete my second version of my background design for the microsite and complete the flash coding for the menu system which I made in the earlier week. I also planned to make some more background Download designs and thumbnails.
I had also planned to fix glitches in my code like the homeless page being slightly lower than the rest, But more importantly I have decided to vary my main design, instead of contained I have lanned to expand it a bit and eplore new possibilities.
New possibilities such as boundaryless buttons, brighten the background or darken to one shade of a colour.Also to use more gutters and epand on the information there possibly. I have also planned to search out other flash design like underlines and such so to make the main menu html and not complicate things.
2. What did you actually do this week?
This week I did mostly what I set out to do I was perhaps lax in the creation of the 3rd design which I do regret but I had another Project to be finished by the end of the week which was horrible and I will not go into it.
3. If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.
Everything seemingly went acording to my plan except that my version of the boundaryless buttons in which the flash coding and a lot of other aspects failed me. Also out of my plans I got planning software which I have now aquired, free, but I might not have the drive to start another new software to learn. But then again if I want the credit I will have to do it.
4. What worked well this week?
I have the original html of the 2nd version of the microsite so it will be much easier to menouver my ideas around. have at least one nearly completed microsite which I can use as the end product and say with more time I could have achieved more liek what I was wanting.
5. What did not work so well this week?#
The Flash wasn't being nice to me same with the CSS, and unable to put my ideas down easily, I had them I just couldnt for soem reason lay them down this weekend, I got distracted.
6. What have you learned this week?
I have learned a little, that is to constantly ask and verify what you can, keep trying even though the other party members might not respond or care what your part int he project is about.
7. Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week.
A second version of the microsite with flaws, 2 more backgrounds, a working Flash menu system and a basis to move onto another option for the main idea of the microsite
8. Do you have any other comments to make?
Not really apart from I dotn like people with the attitude ''oh we have 4 weeks left, lets leave it for now'' , to be honest it makes me want to leave the room and be with people who are motivated.
I cannot be surprised that a first year at college is very lax but I do wish there was a few more motivated people like me to 'grow' and learn of each other to push the boundaries and be the future.
If you, anyone, would like some visuals of my planned please just ask and I will see if I can part with some of it.
Sunday, 19 April 2009
week 7
1. What was in your plan for this week?
This week was dedicated to content, although I did not overjump my goals and set out to do all content. What I started doing was the home page text content aswell as the download text content and implemented it into dreamweaver as well as set some divs up for later content.
Slightly moving away from a definitive line of thought I designed the site map after this since there was a querie as to the download fashion so I thought after laying it out I should now design the site map, to me that seemed better. So a site map I created with a key and comments.
Then I set out to design the the layout and implement the text content for the about page and the homeless page in which I found the whole content raather dry and missign somethign so I briefly changed again my line of thought. What I worked on next was a series of borders or gutters to try and stylise the content, based on my earlier research of the PSP and american history of design.
Next was to create visual content for the pages that exsisted at the moment which included a front page image which was in itself a download button and a download button for the download page to be used in a menu system so I could add as many as I wanted. I used the same design of the download button in incorporating it into the fornt page download button so not to tear away from the current design.
Having done what I thought enough designing images for the content I now turned to the actual downloading fund raising idea no.2 - Wallpapers. I chose to start with these so I could leave the animation to the week after when I had richie to ask for backup on code aswell as my menu system which lacks 'directions'. So in turn I designed on paper 4 wallpaper designs.
So with these designs in hand I created one on photoshop to sizes in scale with 4:3 - 800x600 and 1200x900 however I did add another later for widescreened computers, 1280x800 which mine was.
I then done another one following the earlier one in which i transfered the coat design from illustrator which I used in the first over but this time in black to my second wallpaper. I also designed more content and implemented it into what resembled a variation of the design on the 'right' page of the 15belowproject main site.
2. What did you actually do this week?
This week went according to plan roughly, I did have to redo the first wallpaper as it was so basic I could not see how horrible it was initially, so I took another view at it and someone else helped me out by pointing osme things out.
So I made another more detailed one which was liked by me and the alt viewer and might be contemplating using it in my background of the microsite instead of the stock hto of the jacket from the brief documents.
3. If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.
Everything seemingly went acording to my plan and I hope it continues to do so.
4. What worked well this week?
I managed to come out of some design habits and improvise and experiment, which is great because I think its the best way to improve, so not to repeat and never come up with anything new. I also learned a bit more about CSS which has even helped me with another project - ECA website.
5. What did not work so well this week?
The text content bugs me slightly, I am not happy with it and will not be happy until its changed to soemthing I can live with.
6. What have you learned this week?
I learned like I said a bit more about CSS detailign how to link an image to another page from a text link, which turned out to be a very easy thing to do. Also I learned how much work goes into a website and that im happy only to be working on a microsite.
7. Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week.
Nearly ever page layout design, text and image content for nearly all pages, 6 wallpapers, a site map, some border designs and dreamweaver implementation.
8. Do you have any other comments to make?
My laptop gets to greasy from palm sweat which is caused by its temperature, it bugs me is all. Also I still feel out of the loop with my audio I wish I had my programs and peripherals and a decent project to work on to get me going again.
If you, anyone, would like some visuals of my planned please just ask and I will see if I can part with some of it.
This week was dedicated to content, although I did not overjump my goals and set out to do all content. What I started doing was the home page text content aswell as the download text content and implemented it into dreamweaver as well as set some divs up for later content.
Slightly moving away from a definitive line of thought I designed the site map after this since there was a querie as to the download fashion so I thought after laying it out I should now design the site map, to me that seemed better. So a site map I created with a key and comments.
Then I set out to design the the layout and implement the text content for the about page and the homeless page in which I found the whole content raather dry and missign somethign so I briefly changed again my line of thought. What I worked on next was a series of borders or gutters to try and stylise the content, based on my earlier research of the PSP and american history of design.
Next was to create visual content for the pages that exsisted at the moment which included a front page image which was in itself a download button and a download button for the download page to be used in a menu system so I could add as many as I wanted. I used the same design of the download button in incorporating it into the fornt page download button so not to tear away from the current design.
Having done what I thought enough designing images for the content I now turned to the actual downloading fund raising idea no.2 - Wallpapers. I chose to start with these so I could leave the animation to the week after when I had richie to ask for backup on code aswell as my menu system which lacks 'directions'. So in turn I designed on paper 4 wallpaper designs.
So with these designs in hand I created one on photoshop to sizes in scale with 4:3 - 800x600 and 1200x900 however I did add another later for widescreened computers, 1280x800 which mine was.
I then done another one following the earlier one in which i transfered the coat design from illustrator which I used in the first over but this time in black to my second wallpaper. I also designed more content and implemented it into what resembled a variation of the design on the 'right' page of the 15belowproject main site.
2. What did you actually do this week?
This week went according to plan roughly, I did have to redo the first wallpaper as it was so basic I could not see how horrible it was initially, so I took another view at it and someone else helped me out by pointing osme things out.
So I made another more detailed one which was liked by me and the alt viewer and might be contemplating using it in my background of the microsite instead of the stock hto of the jacket from the brief documents.
3. If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.
Everything seemingly went acording to my plan and I hope it continues to do so.
4. What worked well this week?
I managed to come out of some design habits and improvise and experiment, which is great because I think its the best way to improve, so not to repeat and never come up with anything new. I also learned a bit more about CSS which has even helped me with another project - ECA website.
5. What did not work so well this week?
The text content bugs me slightly, I am not happy with it and will not be happy until its changed to soemthing I can live with.
6. What have you learned this week?
I learned like I said a bit more about CSS detailign how to link an image to another page from a text link, which turned out to be a very easy thing to do. Also I learned how much work goes into a website and that im happy only to be working on a microsite.
7. Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week.
Nearly ever page layout design, text and image content for nearly all pages, 6 wallpapers, a site map, some border designs and dreamweaver implementation.
8. Do you have any other comments to make?
My laptop gets to greasy from palm sweat which is caused by its temperature, it bugs me is all. Also I still feel out of the loop with my audio I wish I had my programs and peripherals and a decent project to work on to get me going again.
If you, anyone, would like some visuals of my planned please just ask and I will see if I can part with some of it.
Sunday, 12 April 2009
week 6
I failed to mention what happened to week 4, this was due to my notes being handed in on the friday of that week and hence used as the evaluation. So I never had a week 4 so much as a brief note of what I had done leading to the hand-in.
1. What was your plan for this week?
Nothing as it was my holiday, I touched on some material but not enough of note, so I conclude this week with just this question answered.
8. Any other comments?
The council state that they cannot confirm I am in college more than 12 hours so There sending threatening letters again, will I ever hear rest from the tearign claws of the edinburghs council? This is not helpful for my study.
1. What was your plan for this week?
Nothing as it was my holiday, I touched on some material but not enough of note, so I conclude this week with just this question answered.
8. Any other comments?
The council state that they cannot confirm I am in college more than 12 hours so There sending threatening letters again, will I ever hear rest from the tearign claws of the edinburghs council? This is not helpful for my study.
week 5
This post is a week late due to the fact I had no internet for the whole duration and I am actually now nly available to write this in. I have had a backup in place which was to write a notes version in my written logbook which I have done, so after I finish last weeks write up I canget back on track with this weeks.
1. What was in your plan for this week?
I had planned for this week to slowly ease into the development stage as I was quite aware that my internet access might be limited so I could not access sources etc. So what I have planned for this week which was do-able was to design the background for the wrapper of the microsite and implement it into dreamweaver.
I also planned to design the flash menu to the best of my abilities excluding the coding for it to actually work as a menu and just as a flash image atm, but have all the proper labeling and styling so as to make it as easy as possible to add the code in later.
This week was also for the development of the exact sizes for the microsite aswell as figuiring out which colours worked well with my theme all done in the sketchbook. Among this thought I also wanted to get the layout done for the main set-up of the home page, and the others if I could.
This was about all I wanted to do this week as It was a holiday for me in a way; I have not had any real holiday for years.
2. What did you actually do this week?
This week went according to plan roughly, like the fact that I was unsure if there was internet so I planned accordingly, but as for the goals I set in such a case I achieved them all.
3. If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.
Everything seemingly went acordign to my plan except maybe my holiday :), This week was intended to be a lazy week I just hope I can afford to let it be as such.
4. What worked well this week?
I managed to mock up the flash 'wave' menu seemingly well enough without outside help on the tricky subject for a beginner and also my previous layout strategy has came back and is very useful in the development stage.
A little bit of motivation came into play as I entered a music shop in Glasgow a young boy no more than 13 years old was playing the piano better than me, it inspired me maybe only for a few days but it did the job, thats what I feel is lacking in where I am in Telford, I like to be surrounded by people who do well and work hard otherwise its a bit depressing and it drags everyone down.
A 'superiour' human flaw. I will stick to audio it on its own inspires me daily.
5. What did not work so well this week?
I would have to say the method of trying to get my internet back left me bereft and outof pocket £30 as I bought a router only to find out I could not get a hold of the codes required to access the internet from BT.
6. What have you learned this week?
I have learned that I wish I was brought up differently and not, I seem to like the way I am as a person but as far as achievements in life I am below standard ( in my standards ).
I wonder if I should shed all restraints to reach my achievements, but then again some restraints are often bonuses and helpful human experiences so what I think I really need is a mentor.
7. Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week.
Background design and sizes, Flash buttons look and layoutdesign as well as the half completed menu and finally content layout and slight design.
8. Do you have any other comments to make?
Give me strength.'
If you, anyone, would like some visuals of my planned please just ask and I will see if I can part with some of it.
1. What was in your plan for this week?
I had planned for this week to slowly ease into the development stage as I was quite aware that my internet access might be limited so I could not access sources etc. So what I have planned for this week which was do-able was to design the background for the wrapper of the microsite and implement it into dreamweaver.
I also planned to design the flash menu to the best of my abilities excluding the coding for it to actually work as a menu and just as a flash image atm, but have all the proper labeling and styling so as to make it as easy as possible to add the code in later.
This week was also for the development of the exact sizes for the microsite aswell as figuiring out which colours worked well with my theme all done in the sketchbook. Among this thought I also wanted to get the layout done for the main set-up of the home page, and the others if I could.
This was about all I wanted to do this week as It was a holiday for me in a way; I have not had any real holiday for years.
2. What did you actually do this week?
This week went according to plan roughly, like the fact that I was unsure if there was internet so I planned accordingly, but as for the goals I set in such a case I achieved them all.
3. If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.
Everything seemingly went acordign to my plan except maybe my holiday :), This week was intended to be a lazy week I just hope I can afford to let it be as such.
4. What worked well this week?
I managed to mock up the flash 'wave' menu seemingly well enough without outside help on the tricky subject for a beginner and also my previous layout strategy has came back and is very useful in the development stage.
A little bit of motivation came into play as I entered a music shop in Glasgow a young boy no more than 13 years old was playing the piano better than me, it inspired me maybe only for a few days but it did the job, thats what I feel is lacking in where I am in Telford, I like to be surrounded by people who do well and work hard otherwise its a bit depressing and it drags everyone down.
A 'superiour' human flaw. I will stick to audio it on its own inspires me daily.
5. What did not work so well this week?
I would have to say the method of trying to get my internet back left me bereft and outof pocket £30 as I bought a router only to find out I could not get a hold of the codes required to access the internet from BT.
6. What have you learned this week?
I have learned that I wish I was brought up differently and not, I seem to like the way I am as a person but as far as achievements in life I am below standard ( in my standards ).
I wonder if I should shed all restraints to reach my achievements, but then again some restraints are often bonuses and helpful human experiences so what I think I really need is a mentor.
7. Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week.
Background design and sizes, Flash buttons look and layoutdesign as well as the half completed menu and finally content layout and slight design.
8. Do you have any other comments to make?
Give me strength.'
If you, anyone, would like some visuals of my planned please just ask and I will see if I can part with some of it.
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Development Initiated
I started doing some development ont he Graded Unit even though I have not yet recieved my mark or feedback from the planning stage, this is because I have some ideas that I wanted to lay down and also so I dont get out of the focus.
To start with I sketched down some backgrounds which I then turned into photoshop images, the results were not to bad. I then continued to make a few buttons in Illustrator to use in Flash, I came up with one that I liked so far.
I used this website to learn about the buttons > http://www.ndesign-studio.com/resources/tutorials/glassy-button/, which was accessed today 29/03/09, 22:15
I also had an idea for when you click on a button, this was from playing my psp, a valid research method for designing somethign similar I might add :). The design was from the game, Monster hunter when you selected something a ripple came out of the selection in the same outline as the icon selected, I did nt want to add htis to my sketch book yet as I didnt want to break the flow of creative backgrounds :).
That is pretty much all I have done today I hoped for more but I needed a break :)
To start with I sketched down some backgrounds which I then turned into photoshop images, the results were not to bad. I then continued to make a few buttons in Illustrator to use in Flash, I came up with one that I liked so far.
I used this website to learn about the buttons > http://www.ndesign-studio.com/resources/tutorials/glassy-button/, which was accessed today 29/03/09, 22:15
I also had an idea for when you click on a button, this was from playing my psp, a valid research method for designing somethign similar I might add :). The design was from the game, Monster hunter when you selected something a ripple came out of the selection in the same outline as the icon selected, I did nt want to add htis to my sketch book yet as I didnt want to break the flow of creative backgrounds :).
That is pretty much all I have done today I hoped for more but I needed a break :)
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Planning > Hand-in
This post is just to clarify my readiness for the hand in tomorrow;
I have successfully compiled what I think is enough planning to fulfil all the requirements of the staed brief, but I would like to mention that would have liked to achive more sadly this was not possible at this current time.
I will be submitting my work in an A3 plastic folder which contains the following:
Written Logbook
Printewd Written Documents
Research Sketchbook
Creative Solutions Sketchbook
Memory Stick
Painting
What each is for:
Written Logbook:
This contains my written evaluation/progress of everything, all that I do. It contains info like my research on fundraisers, planning on how my sketchbook should be layed out, ideas in formation, timescaling and functional and non functional requirements and much more.
Printed Written Documents:
This folder contains some of the docs I managed to print of before running vastly short of ink such as the homeless page ont he 15below project website and documents on fundraising and research.
Research Sketchbook:
Simple most of my research layed out in a readable flowing fashion on history of american art to eye catching new media design.
Creative Solutions Sketchbook:
This contains more of my planning docs such as timescale, action plan etc, but it is mainly to visualy put down my ideas concerning the brief like the animation, layout ideas, buttons and colour and much more.
Memory Stick:
This contains all my research that was printed and also much of the information that I could not print of like fundraising websites, images on certain fields that I researched and written docs.
Painting:
This is a painting I did to get some basic ideas out in a different form, I like to try other solutions to vary my responses to briefs, This is an abstract expressionist painting which in its design could be used in the design of the microsite.
And of course this Blog was recorded onto the front page of my planning folder.
I have successfully compiled what I think is enough planning to fulfil all the requirements of the staed brief, but I would like to mention that would have liked to achive more sadly this was not possible at this current time.
I will be submitting my work in an A3 plastic folder which contains the following:
Written Logbook
Printewd Written Documents
Research Sketchbook
Creative Solutions Sketchbook
Memory Stick
Painting
What each is for:
Written Logbook:
This contains my written evaluation/progress of everything, all that I do. It contains info like my research on fundraisers, planning on how my sketchbook should be layed out, ideas in formation, timescaling and functional and non functional requirements and much more.
Printed Written Documents:
This folder contains some of the docs I managed to print of before running vastly short of ink such as the homeless page ont he 15below project website and documents on fundraising and research.
Research Sketchbook:
Simple most of my research layed out in a readable flowing fashion on history of american art to eye catching new media design.
Creative Solutions Sketchbook:
This contains more of my planning docs such as timescale, action plan etc, but it is mainly to visualy put down my ideas concerning the brief like the animation, layout ideas, buttons and colour and much more.
Memory Stick:
This contains all my research that was printed and also much of the information that I could not print of like fundraising websites, images on certain fields that I researched and written docs.
Painting:
This is a painting I did to get some basic ideas out in a different form, I like to try other solutions to vary my responses to briefs, This is an abstract expressionist painting which in its design could be used in the design of the microsite.
And of course this Blog was recorded onto the front page of my planning folder.
Sunday, 22 March 2009
week 3
1. What was in your plan for this week?
My Plan was to create the main idea for the microsite which i did along my research of new media which was another plan, which focused on the xbox and the psp, however the psp layout was incorporated intot he ps3 when it was released also so that counts too.
Also for this week I planned to break down the main idea into a few concepts to which i could develope from, ie different layouts slight design changes. Also I planned to look at focusing it around the psp design which I think a great design in itself but moreso for a microsite as its advertisment purposes and interactivity qualitys are integrable.
I also had a plan to design my menu buttons, in flash. I looked at rounded edges mostly as that is what the design trend is leaning towards and in slightly different terms, from a slightly rounded square to a circle. I termed these reounded edges and illustrator design buttons which litter the web 'squishys' or 'chewyys' as they look gd enough to eat, illustion of 3 dimensions, wonderful colour, they are like sweets.
In my menu button design sketches i also looked at icon design and background design of them they varied from small shines, to cog icons, happy faces to a film strip. This leads nicely on to my other plan to intergrate a level of ingenuity to it for example : having the home page...homeless ( home button less) or having the donate button a happy smile icon, as no one likes to click on the give cash away button.
Also I liked the idea of having psp like buttons, audio, video, web etc but instead of what you would originally get you would get a page with info listing hte homelessness linked to those design areas, therfore interactive with the design class of america by appealing to their specific design classes.
Now to briskly move on I also planned to finalise my find raising idea, which turned out to be a download, yes a download of either a news article ( like the big issue) or a video, of possibly my flash animation, or a magazine. the choices remain at those three atm but the idea is near enough solid, free downloads in which for every download a company would donate a small amount of cash to the charity therfore reliving the burdon of whipping out their cards to that company.
Fortunatly at this stage I dont need to prove that any such company would do such a thing, I just need to come up with an idea that sounds as if it would work :)
I also planned to intake my classes ( like always) however this week proved different front he usual ball bouncing in flash or the kind helpful hint in css, no. This time we learned hw to make proper forms in CSS a vastly helpful tool for my download page indeed and also how to make buttons in flash, my ideas formulated. I had planned hereafter to make my menu in flash like the psp menu with interactive menus that swoosh and bounce when pressed etc.
Moving onto the less design and more pragmatic terms, I detailed the functional and non functional requirments of this project, detailed in my red logbook page 42-43( i should really reference page numbers more). I also planned to detail my action plan and timescale in which i would do this project, these are inserted into my creative solutions sketchbook, the binded flip pad.
I also panned to detail considerations ie, weaknesses and threats of my plan to make this microsite and also a visual of the deadlines which proved more helpful to me than the handout at college as it has the empty weeks of when you do work, from this i saw that all the dates bunched up at the end adn was able to plan accordingly for the development stage, I have only just covered evaluation on suggecting the dreamweaver code checker, a human resouurce for useablity and powerpoint for the presentation, also word for the written.
To top it off I planned for the weekend slot of my graded unit to design some more alt considerations of ideas that could be used in any case of the main not being attainable, I wish to do more, though i cannot overstretch myself as i have other considerations to attend to.
2. What did you actually do this week?
This week went according to plan roughly, but in these terms how i set myself the goals, i achieved all of them.
3. If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.
Not much really wen tdifferent this week, IF i could change it I would have probably added more research into colour schemes but for me that helps when you use the programs as I have very limited control with 8 coloured pencils on white paper.
So I will leave that to developement and pulling it from my research and I have put a few notes down as to the colour and usefulness, but some considerations are just common knowledge, to put everything down with the aid of research would take far longer than the time alotted.
I would also like to have made my bullet points in my creative solutions sketchbook bigger as they are small and filled with tiny fills of colour which would be hard to see for somepeople I might have to admit, a small consieration that should be added next time.
4. What worked well this week?
When It came to finally designing my solution to the microsite I felt myself beign drawn in to the theory of design and the way things should be layed out as Ive detailed in question 1. I also got into writting and styling that writting better in my solutions sketchbook than my red logbook and I have to admit again that the spaces between each idea is a great planning achievment ( the universal ruler width ).
The coloured pencils again worked great in lightening ( colouring) my design up a bit in the sketchbooks.
5. What did not work so well this week?
I tried some photoshop brushes out on a sketch of mine to test my capabilties, needless to say i need to lern the ful extent of how to use them as well as al the other tools to get the ful beinifit from them, considering this is my first task planned in my action plan ( design the background) i need to practise more before the game begins.
6. What have you learned this week?
I have learned more about self reflection i would have to say, no more beign said and also about sketchbooks, the layout of them and each little thing to add to them to make them good. I also learned more about CSS and Flash, but i already mentioned those, but just incase you don't read all the questions.
7. Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week.
Page on PSP layouts/design with criticism, also my Action plan, my timescale, my consideratons, functional and non functional requirements, the main creative solutions and some more alternatives.
8. Do you have any other comments to make?
None to much at this stage except to ask myself a few more questions which i will ponder 'Can I afford to keep studying here?', 'Will Realtime worlds hire me at the end of this colege year?', 'Will I ever get a part time job?' and 'Have I wasted 3 years studying audio as there is no jobs available?' I hope I can answer them in time and with a smile on my face.'
If you, anyone, would like some visuals of my planned please just ask and I will see if I can part with some of it.
My Plan was to create the main idea for the microsite which i did along my research of new media which was another plan, which focused on the xbox and the psp, however the psp layout was incorporated intot he ps3 when it was released also so that counts too.
Also for this week I planned to break down the main idea into a few concepts to which i could develope from, ie different layouts slight design changes. Also I planned to look at focusing it around the psp design which I think a great design in itself but moreso for a microsite as its advertisment purposes and interactivity qualitys are integrable.
I also had a plan to design my menu buttons, in flash. I looked at rounded edges mostly as that is what the design trend is leaning towards and in slightly different terms, from a slightly rounded square to a circle. I termed these reounded edges and illustrator design buttons which litter the web 'squishys' or 'chewyys' as they look gd enough to eat, illustion of 3 dimensions, wonderful colour, they are like sweets.
In my menu button design sketches i also looked at icon design and background design of them they varied from small shines, to cog icons, happy faces to a film strip. This leads nicely on to my other plan to intergrate a level of ingenuity to it for example : having the home page...homeless ( home button less) or having the donate button a happy smile icon, as no one likes to click on the give cash away button.
Also I liked the idea of having psp like buttons, audio, video, web etc but instead of what you would originally get you would get a page with info listing hte homelessness linked to those design areas, therfore interactive with the design class of america by appealing to their specific design classes.
Now to briskly move on I also planned to finalise my find raising idea, which turned out to be a download, yes a download of either a news article ( like the big issue) or a video, of possibly my flash animation, or a magazine. the choices remain at those three atm but the idea is near enough solid, free downloads in which for every download a company would donate a small amount of cash to the charity therfore reliving the burdon of whipping out their cards to that company.
Fortunatly at this stage I dont need to prove that any such company would do such a thing, I just need to come up with an idea that sounds as if it would work :)
I also planned to intake my classes ( like always) however this week proved different front he usual ball bouncing in flash or the kind helpful hint in css, no. This time we learned hw to make proper forms in CSS a vastly helpful tool for my download page indeed and also how to make buttons in flash, my ideas formulated. I had planned hereafter to make my menu in flash like the psp menu with interactive menus that swoosh and bounce when pressed etc.
Moving onto the less design and more pragmatic terms, I detailed the functional and non functional requirments of this project, detailed in my red logbook page 42-43( i should really reference page numbers more). I also planned to detail my action plan and timescale in which i would do this project, these are inserted into my creative solutions sketchbook, the binded flip pad.
I also panned to detail considerations ie, weaknesses and threats of my plan to make this microsite and also a visual of the deadlines which proved more helpful to me than the handout at college as it has the empty weeks of when you do work, from this i saw that all the dates bunched up at the end adn was able to plan accordingly for the development stage, I have only just covered evaluation on suggecting the dreamweaver code checker, a human resouurce for useablity and powerpoint for the presentation, also word for the written.
To top it off I planned for the weekend slot of my graded unit to design some more alt considerations of ideas that could be used in any case of the main not being attainable, I wish to do more, though i cannot overstretch myself as i have other considerations to attend to.
2. What did you actually do this week?
This week went according to plan roughly, but in these terms how i set myself the goals, i achieved all of them.
3. If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.
Not much really wen tdifferent this week, IF i could change it I would have probably added more research into colour schemes but for me that helps when you use the programs as I have very limited control with 8 coloured pencils on white paper.
So I will leave that to developement and pulling it from my research and I have put a few notes down as to the colour and usefulness, but some considerations are just common knowledge, to put everything down with the aid of research would take far longer than the time alotted.
I would also like to have made my bullet points in my creative solutions sketchbook bigger as they are small and filled with tiny fills of colour which would be hard to see for somepeople I might have to admit, a small consieration that should be added next time.
4. What worked well this week?
When It came to finally designing my solution to the microsite I felt myself beign drawn in to the theory of design and the way things should be layed out as Ive detailed in question 1. I also got into writting and styling that writting better in my solutions sketchbook than my red logbook and I have to admit again that the spaces between each idea is a great planning achievment ( the universal ruler width ).
The coloured pencils again worked great in lightening ( colouring) my design up a bit in the sketchbooks.
5. What did not work so well this week?
I tried some photoshop brushes out on a sketch of mine to test my capabilties, needless to say i need to lern the ful extent of how to use them as well as al the other tools to get the ful beinifit from them, considering this is my first task planned in my action plan ( design the background) i need to practise more before the game begins.
6. What have you learned this week?
I have learned more about self reflection i would have to say, no more beign said and also about sketchbooks, the layout of them and each little thing to add to them to make them good. I also learned more about CSS and Flash, but i already mentioned those, but just incase you don't read all the questions.
7. Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week.
Page on PSP layouts/design with criticism, also my Action plan, my timescale, my consideratons, functional and non functional requirements, the main creative solutions and some more alternatives.
8. Do you have any other comments to make?
None to much at this stage except to ask myself a few more questions which i will ponder 'Can I afford to keep studying here?', 'Will Realtime worlds hire me at the end of this colege year?', 'Will I ever get a part time job?' and 'Have I wasted 3 years studying audio as there is no jobs available?' I hope I can answer them in time and with a smile on my face.'
If you, anyone, would like some visuals of my planned please just ask and I will see if I can part with some of it.
Monday, 16 March 2009
Weekly timetable
click to enlarge
Here is the weekly schedule that i initially made at the start of this project and so far its stuck pretty much with me without changing
Sunday, 15 March 2009
week 2
1. What was in your plan for this week?
My Plan was to start thinking of ideas based on my research and to start thinking outside the box i had set for myself which is dangerous in a short timed project like this but i have too to get the extra marks. I began with re-emphisising microsite research a little, i picked up a few interesting but similar designs as trends often are and have subsequently drawn sketches of my own design linked to my research.
I have also set out some things in writing as I had not done so prior to the development of solutions, the details contained info on what software i would be using, what spaces, what people and what websites i would plan to use. I also set out to start thinking on what the menu should contain as htis is a key feature in microsites.
Some of the ideas that leapt forward were firstly and obviously the home button, next an about button as this is key to the brief, a sponsor button for the design idea that will be displayed on the main page, and a how to help us otherwise page, or a help your way page, whcih is basically a small forum to send in to ask about what they can do to help in their way or send ideas etc.
I have also planned to start thinking on what other content i could put into this microsite an dth efirst idea which i have now storyboarded is a flash animation of the 15 below text/logo. breifly outlined with suggestions and comments aswell.
I also started to look at the type of 'containers' these micro sites were in and thought of way to design some for myself, my mouse mat was one and the macs in the college was another, simple rectangles with curves always is a gd way to go in this time, especially looking towards tailoring towards the design class in america, which they are all about, ie curves cleanliness.
I had also planned to research a bit into the audio side of the webdesign such as how i could incorporate it into the code and make it a useful and friendly to sue feature.
2. What did you actually do this week?
This week went according to plan roughly, but in these terms how i set myself the goals, i achieved all of them.
3. If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.
For starters I did not look too much into the audio side as i didnt want to push my own feelings into the microsite and would first research on the design classes in amaerica which are roughly located in terms of density New York, Manhattan and vancouver.
Also this week I kept my plan loose but i do try to get my work done near the times and for the same amount of time,
4. What worked well this week?
I finally got a good idea or two sketched out on paper which i am pleased because for a few days i had a creative block. I also planned out my sketch sletchbook well giving myself space outside my original guidlines to adapt and change an idea which worked a few times.
Also I have a basic idea of what the ECA finally want now which is a start finally. ALthough the design seems a little flawed and i might have to direct them in designing it.
5. What did not work so well this week?
My imagination failed me a little this week but its perhaps from other sources and not lack of design flair, although myabe not. Also this weekend I have forgotten to put anything in my logbook which i will rectify tonight
6. What have you learned this week?
I learned that a simple answer helps and and taking a break on one topic an dmoving onto another which is also gd practice to not spend hours on one thing. Also that my class needs a little more motivation, so i showed them some of my stuff and a few took to it well, others are just going about this the wrong way.
7. Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week.
More research into microsites and design sketches into the layout and flash animation, logbook entries and thought on new topics, i count my mind as a portfolio.
8. Do you have any other comments to make?
Not much for this week except that I hope that this 1 year course will not get me jobs for the sake that i won't have wasted 3 years of my life learning about sound when i won't even use it.
Soon to have images of my work up
My Plan was to start thinking of ideas based on my research and to start thinking outside the box i had set for myself which is dangerous in a short timed project like this but i have too to get the extra marks. I began with re-emphisising microsite research a little, i picked up a few interesting but similar designs as trends often are and have subsequently drawn sketches of my own design linked to my research.
I have also set out some things in writing as I had not done so prior to the development of solutions, the details contained info on what software i would be using, what spaces, what people and what websites i would plan to use. I also set out to start thinking on what the menu should contain as htis is a key feature in microsites.
Some of the ideas that leapt forward were firstly and obviously the home button, next an about button as this is key to the brief, a sponsor button for the design idea that will be displayed on the main page, and a how to help us otherwise page, or a help your way page, whcih is basically a small forum to send in to ask about what they can do to help in their way or send ideas etc.
I have also planned to start thinking on what other content i could put into this microsite an dth efirst idea which i have now storyboarded is a flash animation of the 15 below text/logo. breifly outlined with suggestions and comments aswell.
I also started to look at the type of 'containers' these micro sites were in and thought of way to design some for myself, my mouse mat was one and the macs in the college was another, simple rectangles with curves always is a gd way to go in this time, especially looking towards tailoring towards the design class in america, which they are all about, ie curves cleanliness.
I had also planned to research a bit into the audio side of the webdesign such as how i could incorporate it into the code and make it a useful and friendly to sue feature.
2. What did you actually do this week?
This week went according to plan roughly, but in these terms how i set myself the goals, i achieved all of them.
3. If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.
For starters I did not look too much into the audio side as i didnt want to push my own feelings into the microsite and would first research on the design classes in amaerica which are roughly located in terms of density New York, Manhattan and vancouver.
Also this week I kept my plan loose but i do try to get my work done near the times and for the same amount of time,
4. What worked well this week?
I finally got a good idea or two sketched out on paper which i am pleased because for a few days i had a creative block. I also planned out my sketch sletchbook well giving myself space outside my original guidlines to adapt and change an idea which worked a few times.
Also I have a basic idea of what the ECA finally want now which is a start finally. ALthough the design seems a little flawed and i might have to direct them in designing it.
5. What did not work so well this week?
My imagination failed me a little this week but its perhaps from other sources and not lack of design flair, although myabe not. Also this weekend I have forgotten to put anything in my logbook which i will rectify tonight
6. What have you learned this week?
I learned that a simple answer helps and and taking a break on one topic an dmoving onto another which is also gd practice to not spend hours on one thing. Also that my class needs a little more motivation, so i showed them some of my stuff and a few took to it well, others are just going about this the wrong way.
7. Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week.
More research into microsites and design sketches into the layout and flash animation, logbook entries and thought on new topics, i count my mind as a portfolio.
8. Do you have any other comments to make?
Not much for this week except that I hope that this 1 year course will not get me jobs for the sake that i won't have wasted 3 years of my life learning about sound when i won't even use it.
Soon to have images of my work up
Sunday, 8 March 2009
week 1
1. What was in your plan for this week?
My plan was to recieve answers from my list of questions pertaining the project ''The 15 below Project '' and to work out a list of research material that would need to start the project with the questions. Deriving from that I would write a blog in question form, have a logbook/diary and sketchbooks for visuals.
Also I had planned to create a weekly timetable to roughly set my projects by so i could better manage my time before the inital dates were handed out which could be adjusted; the timetable or the deadline dates.
After this I planned to list in detail my questions to ask myself to better focus my research these questions included but not limited to: What does my target audience use to search the web? how to raise funds online? What is Passionate/empathetic/authentic in design of web? and so on.
Soon after this I planned to recieve a list of accurate concepts and art therories from college to better find books and search online for material to better understand art in general and in design context.
I also quickly planned how to layout my sketchbook research.
Having the basics from reading the brief originally and through finding out research materials O thought it would be best to refocus my thoughts and write a condensed version of the brief and put it into a visual form to understand a bit better.
Moving on through the week I planned that by today i would have roughly done the two main books of research inserted into my sketchbook and the brunt work of my online research put in digital folders ready to be layed out and printed.
2. What did you actually do this week?
This week went according to plan roughly, but in these terms how i set myself the goals, i achieved all of them.
3. If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.
For starters I had not realised how time consuming researchign and laying out ina sketchbook could be so it took a little longer than planned but i put in extra time anf got it just about done, only some text remains, and a sore back.
Also I feel that I made my plan too strict so I have decided That the times will be loose and mallable for me to enjoy a break or indeed do housework etc or fighting back the government hounds and trying to find a job :)
4. What worked well this week?
My ambition to get this project well started went well and I put a lot of work in at the very beginning, however I must admit a lack of attention to my other projects this is because in two cases I work with other people.
The amount of research I have collected so far is good and I have found out a lot of interesting Ideas, facts, concepts, different use of material and an abundance of my own theories on how to integrate the research.
5. What did not work so well this week?
I havn't as of yet got any big ideas on the microsite, this is likely because I have only just begun researchign and not yet fully moved onto the web research in visuals yet.
On a side note of my other Projects, which I have documented in my weekly schedual so it counts here;
ECA have not got back to me as of yet with a meeting date, and the Social Justice project Im having trouble focusing on it as I work with 2 others who weve all just not started very well and I cannot return my focus to being the big push of enthusiasm in the group anymore. I will however use the time I allocated to that project to do the best I can with little inpit from the others, other than what I ask them for.
6. What have you learned this week?
I have learned coloured pencils go a long way in sprousing up the logbook, and on a more serious note on Design; how companies use concepts to get you to do what they want, sort of thing. Also I have learned that sacrifice have to be made when necessary which is unusual as I can plan out a project pretty well before starting, so its new to me.
I have also learned that design from reading books is much more interesting that learning the basics at college from single points of view, to really graps many and of different cultures and countries is amazing. So to is some of the ideas and concepts I have not understood before or even thought of have suddenly become clear like in terms of raising funds asking less money each time so that the donator feels the initial contribution was valued, that I never understood till now.
7. Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week.
Considering I writting in one right now I would have to say this blog, also my sketchbook with 2 books worth of research and my in my graded unti research folder on my laptop I have put definitions, research images and text, and also some back up prints of my book scans ( unfortunatly I only realised doing this would help after the first book from which I have used 40 images, damn). To conclude also my Logbook which is a constant portfolio of my thoughts and ideas/research.
8. Do you have any other comments to make?
Considering I overflow a bit on each question I think I have covered everything exept one thing that is I think that the planing and research stages should be 2 separate developments of the graded unit, this sort time is hardly enough for someone like me to get All the research I want to do in; I like to delve deeply into the research of the different subjects.
Here is a nice image for you that I found on Modernism, enjoy :
My plan was to recieve answers from my list of questions pertaining the project ''The 15 below Project '' and to work out a list of research material that would need to start the project with the questions. Deriving from that I would write a blog in question form, have a logbook/diary and sketchbooks for visuals.
Also I had planned to create a weekly timetable to roughly set my projects by so i could better manage my time before the inital dates were handed out which could be adjusted; the timetable or the deadline dates.
After this I planned to list in detail my questions to ask myself to better focus my research these questions included but not limited to: What does my target audience use to search the web? how to raise funds online? What is Passionate/empathetic/authentic in design of web? and so on.
Soon after this I planned to recieve a list of accurate concepts and art therories from college to better find books and search online for material to better understand art in general and in design context.
I also quickly planned how to layout my sketchbook research.
Having the basics from reading the brief originally and through finding out research materials O thought it would be best to refocus my thoughts and write a condensed version of the brief and put it into a visual form to understand a bit better.
Moving on through the week I planned that by today i would have roughly done the two main books of research inserted into my sketchbook and the brunt work of my online research put in digital folders ready to be layed out and printed.
2. What did you actually do this week?
This week went according to plan roughly, but in these terms how i set myself the goals, i achieved all of them.
3. If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.
For starters I had not realised how time consuming researchign and laying out ina sketchbook could be so it took a little longer than planned but i put in extra time anf got it just about done, only some text remains, and a sore back.
Also I feel that I made my plan too strict so I have decided That the times will be loose and mallable for me to enjoy a break or indeed do housework etc or fighting back the government hounds and trying to find a job :)
4. What worked well this week?
My ambition to get this project well started went well and I put a lot of work in at the very beginning, however I must admit a lack of attention to my other projects this is because in two cases I work with other people.
The amount of research I have collected so far is good and I have found out a lot of interesting Ideas, facts, concepts, different use of material and an abundance of my own theories on how to integrate the research.
5. What did not work so well this week?
I havn't as of yet got any big ideas on the microsite, this is likely because I have only just begun researchign and not yet fully moved onto the web research in visuals yet.
On a side note of my other Projects, which I have documented in my weekly schedual so it counts here;
ECA have not got back to me as of yet with a meeting date, and the Social Justice project Im having trouble focusing on it as I work with 2 others who weve all just not started very well and I cannot return my focus to being the big push of enthusiasm in the group anymore. I will however use the time I allocated to that project to do the best I can with little inpit from the others, other than what I ask them for.
6. What have you learned this week?
I have learned coloured pencils go a long way in sprousing up the logbook, and on a more serious note on Design; how companies use concepts to get you to do what they want, sort of thing. Also I have learned that sacrifice have to be made when necessary which is unusual as I can plan out a project pretty well before starting, so its new to me.
I have also learned that design from reading books is much more interesting that learning the basics at college from single points of view, to really graps many and of different cultures and countries is amazing. So to is some of the ideas and concepts I have not understood before or even thought of have suddenly become clear like in terms of raising funds asking less money each time so that the donator feels the initial contribution was valued, that I never understood till now.
7. Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week.
Considering I writting in one right now I would have to say this blog, also my sketchbook with 2 books worth of research and my in my graded unti research folder on my laptop I have put definitions, research images and text, and also some back up prints of my book scans ( unfortunatly I only realised doing this would help after the first book from which I have used 40 images, damn). To conclude also my Logbook which is a constant portfolio of my thoughts and ideas/research.
8. Do you have any other comments to make?
Considering I overflow a bit on each question I think I have covered everything exept one thing that is I think that the planing and research stages should be 2 separate developments of the graded unit, this sort time is hardly enough for someone like me to get All the research I want to do in; I like to delve deeply into the research of the different subjects.
Here is a nice image for you that I found on Modernism, enjoy :
Monday, 2 March 2009
Set up
02/03/09
I am setting up the parametres in which I will conduct this project of designing a website promoting 'The 15 Below Project', a project dedicated to the homeless by supplying coats that can be easily insulated with newspaper or otherwise.
This Blogs purpose is to catalogue my weekly diary of the project in the form of questions.
The questions I will ask myself are:
I am setting up the parametres in which I will conduct this project of designing a website promoting 'The 15 Below Project', a project dedicated to the homeless by supplying coats that can be easily insulated with newspaper or otherwise.
This Blogs purpose is to catalogue my weekly diary of the project in the form of questions.
The questions I will ask myself are:
- What was your plan for this week?
- What did you actually do this week?
- If there are any differences between items 1 & 2, please explain why.
- What worked well this week?
- What did not work so well this week?
- What have you learned this week?
- Describe all the items that have been added to your portfolio this week?
- Do you have any other comments to make?
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