End of Thesis 2 Explorations

So much… where to begin?

The biggest thing I learned this semester was the UX Development... Oh my goodness. That was basically a course in itself! I do plan on taking what I have learned from the user testing, task flows, journey maps, informational architecture, etc. to fine-tune my website in the future. Because my website is such a big portion of the entire identity of Rethink Playtime, I think it is important that the website is strong and effective in its design. This will only extend to the other deliverables, and it will make everything cohesive, I believe. I think the UX is in a good place right now, I just have to make sure to make the final tweaks and do another round of user-testing in the future. When I began designing the website for the brand, I tried to keep in mind how I experience websites, and what I didn't like or did like about certain sites that I've visited in the past. I took those likes/dislikes and tried to keep in mind of my audience members. It was a good process to implement because when I tested the lo-fi's, about 90% of my design was understandable and easy to navigate. After refinements and hi-fi designs, I think the digital designs are ready to go. I just need to complete the rest of my pages. As stated in my Contract, I was supposed to finish the entire design of my website by the end of this semester. However, with suggestions and feedback from the instructor, I was to focus on creating the task flow first and later complete the rest of the website. 

For my visual language, it has changed completely from Thesis 1. I like it better, but I do know that I still need to fine-tune and add more elements that I can use throughout the collaterals and other deliverables, so as to not make it too mundane and repetitive.

My non-profit items such as swag, uniform/name badge, and direct mail have been pretty much completed. I have to tweak the postcards still because I couldn't find a decent hair dryer set in the time that I had. I just bought one last night, so I will be updating that this week for the final presentation. I actually changed my 4 postcards into just 3 and replaced one with a greeting card per instructor feedback. And I also added an oblast format. For my digital magazine, I have started on the pagination plan for it. I have ideas for the layouts and content that may need to go into it, which will be sourced or personally written. I was able to find a neat plush idea that will work for the identity, and I'm really excited about this piece! ha! 

Packaging is the main item that I need to refine and pay close attention to this last and final week of the semester. I struggled coming up with a box, thinking that my initial idea would have worked, but after careful consideration, the initial idea had to be nixed and replaced with another concept that may work better. I decided to go with a match box (tray and sleeve box) that may work better. The logistics of the first concept didn't work out, and after thinking things through with the toys that I have, the tray and sleeve box is a better choice. I have already designed the rough and digital comps for it, now I just need to mock-up the box and see how it works by the end of Week 15. 

And now… THE END!! just for a little while...