Critical Introduction to Project

CRITICAL INTRODUCTION

In the 21st century, technology has advanced the way we educate and communicate with each other. The digitalisation of teaching has made education become more efficient, simple, reliable and accessible for teacher and student. George Whale's project aims to communicate these aspects of digitalisation. Through the visual aesthetic of his designs within his project, Whale keeps to a contemporary, minimalist design by exploring the use of colour, framing and pattern and how these aspects of digital design can be used to "convey a mood, describe reality or codify information" Lupton (2008). Simply by contrasting the first fundamental colours of graphic design with green for the branding of the DigiTeach conference pushes the conventional design aesthetic into the present and gives visual energy to the project. The 3 colours that dominate the project are neutral, cool colours. The green conveys growth and new beginnings with calming attributes in comparison to the neutral colours of black and white which gives the project power, elegance and sophistication. Black dominates most of the project and the aspects of white connotes cleanliness and gives the aesthetic a minimalist feel

Influenced by the designs of Saul Bass and Paul Rand, their incorporation of geometric shapes and frames within their designs conveys information in a clear and organised fashion. Whale monopolises on this aspect of design with consistent use of stripes and rounded squares throughout, which improves the legibility, layout and presentation of his presentation.

The use of typography is key in terms of the visual communication of the project. Being targeted at an adult educators, a neutral yet professional typefaces is needed, and none other would fit the mould better than Helvetica. After watching Hustwitt's Helvetica documentary, Whale discovered the power and dominance this font has in everyday society and how people attribute the font's success to Steve Job's incorporation of the font into the apple operating system. From this, Whale made a connection between helvetica and Apple and decided to use app icons as another typeface of the project as app icons "tell a story and build an emotional connection with users" Apple iOS Developers (2014). Therefore, by using these icons instead of another typeface, it gives the an interactive feel to the aesthetic.

Overall, Whale's project displays firm understanding of the basics of graphic design and shows development in his own style and creativity through his lack of use of colour, texture and transparency, giving his project formality. It integrates simplicity with poise.

Blog Address:

http://creativedigitalmediaterm1.blogspot.co.uk/

Bibliography for Introduction

1. Lupton, Ellen (2008) Graphic Design: The New Basics, : Princeton Architectural Press

2. iOS Developers (2014) iOS Human Interface Guidelines, : Apple Inc. Available from: 

https://developer.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/UserExperience/Conceptual/MobileHIG/Iconography.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/TP40006556-CH59-SW1

3. Helvetica (2007) Directed by Gary Hustwit. UK: Veer and Swiss Dots