Week 5.1 - Design Process

Time: 2019.3.4-2019.3.8

Group: Cheuk Him Tam (Jordy) & Irene (me)

We did a LOT of work in the final week (four days actually).

• the design of information stands

• the design of bookmarks

• laser cut preparation (book and drawing)

• laser cut

• bookmarks printing and cutting out

• bookmarks cover design and making

• prototype making (information stands and pressing machine)

• presentation

Design of information stands and bookmarks

Information stands

We had almost ten versions before deciding on the final design. We want to preserve the reagent bottle metaphor by the original design, however, I prefer the visual language to be simple and consistent while Jordy prefer to add more details onto it. We stuck with the idea for almost one hour and at last we took balance of each other's ideas.

Apart from developing the design of the information stands, we also added a line showing keywords for searching, especially for those did not know how to search online. This idea came from the interviews in our second visit.

During the process, I learned that I should try to develop the idea instead of negating the idea, which may get the project stuck, especially in this small group as two. Plus, whenever I feel disagree with other’s opinions, I should say the reasons behind it as well. For example, when we two were discussing about this, we may frequently feel unsatisfied with the design, but what matters is that we also say why we think in this way. This can lead to a better understanding and viewing questions in a more critical way.

Different versions of the stands

Different versions of the stands

Bookmarks collection

We discussed about how the collection should be designed in a balance of saving space and showing the information. Jordy's idea was inserting bookmarks into the booklet and then folded over. The front and back pattern of the bookmark are different and the outline is shaped by the pattern. But I held the view that a folded bookmark could not be used again, which was a waste.

We tried different types of paper prototype and communicated with each other using simple demos. Finally we agreed on a simple but smart form (shown on the final design pictures), for the balance of collection value and practical use.

Paper prototype

Struggling in design bookmarks collection

Prototype making

Laser cut preparation

Process of making stands