Overwhelmed

This week was a little tough for me. I found myself stuck on the visual language, and not feeling confident about the design. Also, I was beginning to panic and becoming extremely overwhelmed with the assignments for the week. However, after stepping away from the project for a few hours, I came back to it with fresh eyes. The result was much better and the visual language is beginning to work with the crayon illustrations, as well as the onomatopoeia words that are part of the graphic/illustration elements. For the visual language, I also created a second page for the TOY section of the website. I had to go purchase a new cooking set, since the one I already have
are actual stainless steel—it did not have the “toy” effect I was needing for the TOY page. 

For this week’s UX assignment, I conducted my process for the card sorting and creating a digital rough of the Informational Architecture. With my card sorting, since I plenty of post-it notes from the brainstorming functionality assignment, I opted to use that instead of cards. It was beneficial because I was able to easily rearrange and maneuver with the post-its. 

I also began a rough draft of my visual guidelines book. Though it is very rough, I am able to get a start on setting up the master pages, the folio, as well as the general layout and photo placements for the project. As the weeks will go on, I will be able to utilize what I have already established to plug in the necessary information for the visual guidelines book. 

My next goal is to begin creating rough comps of my package design, which is a little behind. However, now that the visual language is close to being finalized, I will feel more confident in designing the other pieces to follow for my thesis project. 

PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE:

For my photography of the items for the toy page, I was going to hire a photographer, but then decided it may be best to just go ahead and purchase my own camera so that I can creatively direct my own shots without having to explain it to someone else. Also the photographer I had in mind doesn't take direction well, so it is just better to take the shots myself. I just need to go purchase a camera.

Framing: My images will focus directly on the subject matter, for example the tea pot or tea cup. I will need only a small amount of background since most of my images will be clipped for to follow the visual language. I just need to leave enough room around each item so that I can easily clip them.

Perspective: The objects will be shot quite close, as if someone were standing right in front of it, about 2-3 ft away. Size of the objects will be about average. 

Cropping: Cropping will not be a big issue for these shots because most of the images will be clipped in photoshopped with at least .25" to .5" margin around the outline of the object in question.

Point of view (POV): The items will be shot directly on the item, straight on.

Motion: The photos will all be still shots.

Lighting: I will do my best to shoot the images in natural lighting. Natural lighting will give the items a softer look. 

Tone: Tone will be mainly neutral and natural. 

Colors: Images will be shot in color, but will be photoshopped to be in grayscale or black and white. Most likely grayscale. 

Background and foreground content: Backgrounds will be blurred so that the foreground content (the items/toys) will be the main focal point. 

Other finishes/filters: There will be no filters or finishes. 

People: There will be no people in any of the images. 

I think these key points will help my images and visual language hang together. Because most of my images will be clipped in Photoshop, the main things I will need to worry about making them "hang" is to make sure the perspective, point of view and lighting is correct. I think the style will send the right message because most everyone likes to see things naturally, especially for kids. Keeping things in their natural environment will attract the kids' attention. And with the added crayon drawings, it will only entice them more.

USER-TESTING METHOD:

I plan on using participatory design. I think this will be a good way to go because the user can help me identify things that they deem appropriate/inappropriate, useful/not useful, or "user-friendly" vs. not "user-friendly." 

I think in using this method, it will cut down time on designing and iron out the kinks from the get-go. Also, with the user helping me design the website, it will give me automatic and immediate insight on their thoughts as we design the pages. I will be taking more input on insights vs design insight. I am still trying to decide on which prototype to use for this testing.