Colin omosebi stratergies for visual research
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contents
02
Cheshunt broxbourne
determine impact
discover pg. 4-9,10
pg. 28,30
delve
deliver
pg. 8-11,13,16
pg. 14,15,19, 22,24-30
develop pg. 13-15,18-20, 22-27,29,30
define
pg. 3,4,12,13, 21,23
Exploring my area to identify the types of potential problems or shortcoming on my street (clustering)
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crime wellbeing
Research initial steps
social litter community local council green belt
signage environmental public services
house prices
design
pollution economic
organisational
car ownership grids
infrastructure
identifying methods of research and exploration. what fits around or works parallel to our routines and systems?
04
crime
Research exploring
census statistic
averages
negative space architecture aesthetic metaphysical jobs historical neighbours engage
ritualistic layers
anecdote public services
05
identifying possible social issues through crime statistics www.police.uk/
Research statistics
My areas top 3 criminal problems included: anti-social behaviour(asb) criminal damage & arson(cd&a) burglary & vehicle crime(b&vc)
violent crime is not as much of an issue in my area compared to the
asb
national average
cd&a b&vc
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Is my street a community? do we know our neighbours and would we be prepared to go out of our way for them?
Recently (after 11 years of living on my street) i discovered that a serverly
Research
disabled woman lives just opposite my house
neighbours
My next door neighbour has lived on my street for over 50 years Neighbours i know or have met
Identifying possible social issues through online communities www.fixmystreet.com
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Research
pollution vehicle damage
stakeholders flytipping
potholes
crime
Fixmystreet: EN8
accidents
street lights
potential injury
uneven paths
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Identifying the who my stakeholders will be using self-ethnography links to london
Research stakeholders
20 travels late works late
I decided to use myself initially as the subject of analysis to figure out who my target audience was.
public transport uninvolved in area
i have lived in cheshunt for 11 years and feel that i myself do not get very involved in my local area as i commute to work in london, went to secondary school in london and currently go to university in london. The street light issue affects me personally as i usually finish work late( 1am or 3am) and i regularly travel late at night.
commutes
I was sure that this must affect othe people in my area with similar circumstances.
travels often
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Identifying the different stakeholders affected by the problem street lights
Research stakeholders
police
council
taxpayers/ residents
The current situation is that in order to save money Hertfordshire County council have decided in conjunction with the police to turn off about 70% of street lights between 12 - 6am. Residents are angered by the change as many feel they were not properly consulted some expressed fears over increased crime and potential accidents especially during the winter periods. Hertfordshire police and council have responded by stating that milions can be saved and that increased crime was not an issue as street lights in higher crime areas would remain lit.
night workers 11pm to 6am
party goers (night life) 12 to 6 am
early commuters 12 to 6 am
identifying how each stakeholder is affected by the problem
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Research stakeholders
police
Hertfordshire police could be faced with
council
increased crime rates in poorly lit areas
Street lighting costs Hertfordshire County Council about £10m each year and it hopes to save
including antisocial behaviour, from consultaion
£1.3m per year on energy bills at current prices.
with local councilors it was agreed that town
However, the cost of converting all of the
centres, areas covered by cctv and main roads
affected lights is expected to cost £4.56m over the two
would stay lit as usual.
years it will take to roll out.
taxpayers/residents
2011
“There are lot of people travelling at that time in the morning. It’s like walking in pitch dark. If there’s any frost or ice you won’t be able to see where you are putting your feet.” Mr Wiesen, Broxbourne resident.
Identifying different factors the problem
Hillside cresent en8
11
Research problem
crossbrook .st en8
I have also noticed that quite a few street lights seem to be broken or malfuctioning as some are on
13:03pm
during the day when they shouldn’t be. this seems to defeat the purpose switching off street lights to save money, as money is being wasted by poor maintainace.
council
Hertfordshire county council are responsible for the maintenance
13:12pm
of all street lights within the
13/10/13
borough of Broxbourne
13:18pm
Defining the audience, client and intentions of the project.
12
want to save money client Hertfordshire county council and police
Brief overview
communication
problem
1.less than adequate communication between local police council and residents
project aims improve dialogue between stakeholders
2.reduced street lights between midnight and 6am
supporting local authorities in safeguarding the wellbeing of local surroundings and residents improve political and community participation
safety
audience broxbourne taxpayers/ residents participation
street lights
13
“To be honest I spend most of my time at
Stakeholder views on the council and what life is like being a young adult in Broxbourne (hopes and fears)(Survey)
Survey stakeholders
home or going to work and if I do go out i usually travel into London, I have never really got involved in anything in the
“I think the council are more concerned
Borough or even voted whats the point?
with stopping youths drinking and fining
Nothings going to change , I’m not really
people for droppin fags then actually
interested in the council ” Simba ,21
doing anything positive like activities for youths and so on. The council dont understand the common youngster and probably
youth feel uninvolved
never will. I dont think they are the best at listening either to be honest” Seth ,21 “I feel no involvement in the council, i get the one letter through the door once every so often
would like to be involved
about my election rights, and that’s it. What happened to council members walking around
council as there’s naff all to do around here, yet rows
Maybe cheshunt wouldn’t be turning into such a crap hole if they started doing that once a people for old people. i would definitely be happy to be involved as I’m sure most in cheshunt would, if anyone thought they’d actually get listened to, and not just on elections, but actually take one persons good idea and present it to the people of cheshunt to see how they feel about it.” Jamie ,21
kinda there, They don't do anything really for young people, in fact young people are neglected by the
and knocking on doors asking peoples opinions?
month again. its like the council is run by old
“ I don’t feel much for the council, they are just
“They don’t do a lot to help young
council not listening
and rows of houses filled with kids. Brookfield farm is okay, once every 2 months when you have no mode
people especially with things like
of transport or anything better to do, but surely
the housing list its getting harder
instead of making more houses for more people to
than ever for younger people to
live in with nothing to do, they should at least put in a
move.
youth centre or make the most of the beautiful coun-
i dont feel involved in my area but
tryside we're surrounded by, perhaps a cinema down
if the council were bothered to listen i would want to share my views ” Sophie ,22
by lee valley would be a good idea..... I’ve lived in Cheshunt since birth and sod all has changed.. good one Broxbourne council.” Charlotte ,20
14
Talking to Broxbourne borourgh council & Hertfordshire county council (Exhibit) Dee Hart
Interview stakeholders
I set up an meeting and took some of the views from my youth survey and presented them to Dee Hart (Herts
Sue BallGreenwood
County councillor for Waltham cross) and Sue BallGreenwood (Broxbourne borough councillor) and they agreed that more needs to be done for 18-25s as most youth sevices and activties are aimed at under 19s, but they also added that “There needs to be effort on the parts of both the Council and Residents to make things happen.. especially with the largely under represented 18-25 age group� Dee Hart explained from her own experiences that when she does go door to door to speak to residents (as she regularly does) its almost always the 40+ age group that are available or want to speak to her.
38
*
Average age of Broxbourne & Hertfordshire county council employees
15
Identifying organisations involved in helping my target audence (18-25). (exhibit)
Interview stakeholders
I showed Peter my research and my project aims and we identified that once young people reach 19 there seems to no longer be many activities,
I interviewed Peter Walkinshaw from a Broxbourne housing association called B3 living, based in Hoddesdon, Broxbourne B3 living is a organisation independent from the council that seeks to help people in social housing and provide its residents with skills and support. B3 living are all about working with its residents and take a more human approach to issues such as overdue rent, bills , maintenance. This organisation was of interest to me as they do more than the average housing association and actually try and improve all aspects of life for people, they also try and cater especially for the 18- 25 by running schemes/activities such as open mic nights (Take a bow) in partnership with Nacro (who aim to reduce/prevent crime among young people) so people can showcase their talents as well as have a place to express themselves and feel a sense of selfworth.
oppotunities or support available to them in this transitional and vulnerable period in their lives.
13%
of B3living’s residents are between 18-25
16
Statistics from organisations involved in helping my target audence (18-25).
32%
Statistics stakeholders
There is a strong correlation between poor school attainment and exclusion, and antisocial
of prisoners reported being in paid employment in the four weeks before custody.
behaviour.
59%
42%
of prisoners reported
had been permanently excluded.
13%
of prisoners reported never having had a job
regularly playing truant
The link between long-term unemployment
63%
had been temporarily
and reoffending features in many studies and one of the most important interventions with offenders is to help them to get on the job ladder.
excluded from school
*
Statistics from Narco.com
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Br ie f
How can I improve/facilitate communication between Herts county residents, police and council, using a simple platform?
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An outcome that seeks to improve community participation audience target:18-25 years olds Secondary: Broxbourne
D e l iv e r
taxpayers/residents
outcome v1
Local residents will be able to see news and events post/share their views with other residents, the police as well as local government (local MP) and have a chance to meet face to face with each other . the platform could also serve to direct people to specfic public service or schemes in progress e.g. youth services The USP of this model is that all of these action/ services will be located on one easily accessible platform.
Commune
a forum that connects police, local residents and the council in a more appropriate manner than existing platforms
possible formats website app face 2 face
19
Different iterations of the commune identity
commune
I d e n t it y development As i was creating the identity i kept in mind that i wanted the logo to communicate that the project was about buliding or improving the local community and as a result the name “commune” was taken from the word “community”. I also thought about what imagery if any would be suitable or would be effective in conveying my message. I had a brief brainstorming session with some of my peers during this process they helped me to decide which design and colour scheme was most appropriate.
commune commune
commune commune
commune
c c
20
Developing the “commune� identity futher
I d e n t it y outcome V2 with police
The name commune was chosen as I felt it communicated my message well. the word commune is defined as: 1.a small group of persons living together,
with council I felt basing the design of the
sharing possessions, work, income, etc., and
logo on terraced houses was
often pursuing unconventional lifestyles.
appropriate as i was tr ying to convey togetherness
2.a close-knit community of people who share common interests.
with neighbours
What is commune? 21
A im s outcome v2
discover or post activities and services in your area
get involved in your area and local council find people in your area with similar interests
promotes social interaction between groups that might otherwise have not conversed
Usp commune functions as a simple platform to link the police, the council and residents together
How can it be applied? 22
App
Loading screen
start page ( home)
search feature
commune with...
outcome v2 I felt an app would be an appropriate format to reach my target audiuence (18-25) as i feel they are the age group that make the most effective use of technology also i felt that availble formats such as the councils website and printed material were not effective in reaching this age group. To make it assessable to the majority the app will be developed for both android (google play store)and ios (apple app store) operating systems. the idea of the app is that it is plain and fairly easy to use and that it provides a more digestible way to view council services and community activities without having to only use the somewhat cluttered Hertfordshire county council website.
volunteering in EN8
get started enter your postcode
youth connections police cadets red cross waltham cross
police
neighbours
council
youtube 23
How user will interact with the app (user journey map)
internet ad
app store council
enter
Interaction
find: via
outcome
word of mouth
bandwagon users
The bandwagon users are the people that are not
android store
sign up
realy interested in involvement in their community but can be
leisurely
swayed by people that are already using the app through
explore: download
word of mouth, or peer pressure.
charitably participate
The interested user or typical user is more likely to have started using the app after seeing an advert of some sort.
interested users
input postcode
search
politically socially
exit return
24
Mentorship evening (exhibit)
Critique practitioners
I was able to show my svr project to two design practitioners during a mentorship event held at Uni, both from differing back grounds i was able to get both their
AKQA Gav
Native Nick Clement (creative director)
The issue you have chosen to tackle is interesting as government agencies are always looking at ways in which they can appear more human and less like a faceless entity.
I like the idea of improving communication between the council and local residents and your initial designs are a good start towards tackling this issue.
unique views on my project. The main point that came up was that i needed to improve my execution of outcomes as they felt that was letting down
Make sure you can clearly communicate your Usp , why would i choose to use this app instead doing a google search?
learn to think of uni projects as real life projects that you would undertake professionally, try and take that extra step with your execution.
what they thought was a well thoughtout project. Think “global” with all projects you do, always think how can i reproduce this on a bigger scale?
“Take it further”, contact the council about your project to see if you can impact change. look to how you will promote the app as if it was going to be launched today. e.g. facebook, youtube ad...
25
Talking to design professionals about my project (exhibit) (lather rinse repeat)
Critique practitioners I organised a project review with Patrick Fry, his advice was simple he advised me to review the design of my logo and app in order to simplify the design, he said that “a brand identity should have flexibility to work across many platforms/applications”. I felt after taking to Patrick, Nick and Gav that i needed to refocus what my project was about as i had difficulty explaining it in a few sentences to people who had no knowledge of my project this meant that i had to go back to the start of my project and further define what i was trying to achieve.
Brief The fact your project is about improving communication between local government and residents is good as that gives you a lot of opportunities to go out there and conduct research with lots of different people that share a common problem. Identity The design looks sound so far but your logo and the general design of your project does still need refinement, your choice to go for a more flat design is good but you should try and make the brand identity more lively/flexible across different applications and only then will you know if the design works. App Your app has a clean look , its getting there. You just need to make some adjustments for example remove this big logo its not needed people using the app would already know they are using your app as they have already clicked it. Also your app icons need work they could benefit from you just simplifying them. “if people are already convinced that they want to volunteer or get involved in an activity How will you get people to the app? your first user journey touch point should be how potential users will find and download the app. Further advice how will you reach your audience in the best way possible ? Printed or digital? Location? Train/ bus station have a look at the redesign job of GOV.uk its an example of creating an easy to use platform that conveys information clearly. also look in to design for society.
Reworking previous iterations to reach my final design
26
community I d e n t it y
abeatbykai
outcome v3
C 83 M 1 Y 37 K 0
make a change in your area
I choose to go with the phrase “ make a change in your area� as i felt it was the simplest way of communicating what the app and the project as a whole is about , Impacting social change.
27
App outcome v3
Commune will operate by requiring the user to enter their postcode (or use Gps) so that they can access the information they need for a given area. Users can also register to receive updates on current events/ activities or they can sign up to access the social networking feature allowing them to post their view directly to local council and the police through the app as well as forming small online communities. The app may be integrated with Facebook and Google maps,
Promoting “commune“ 28
App marketing I decided that social media such as Facebook (top right) would be an appropriate place to advertise an app aimed at 18-25s, also i identified Youtube ads (top left) as a great marketing tool especially the adverts that you can’t skip, both Youtube and Facebook can reach a wide range of people especially as Facebook utilizes targeted adverts based on your age and interests. If i was marketing the app for real using youtube and facebook I realised that there would be a significant cost involved so I conducted the project as if i was commissioned or funded by the Broxbourne council to produce the app and marketing campaign.
play 15 sec
29
Visual storytelling a summary of the whole project (storytelling)
play
An a ly s is video I found it quite interesting to learn a new skill whilst trying to complete the project, i watched numerous tutorials over the duration of the project in order to learn to use Adobe after effects to create animation/moving image . I was keen to learn to create animations to a high standard as i didn’t want the time and effort i put into making to be wasted. on the right is a 1 minute visual summary for the project. Skills Learnt: animation/ moving image video editing
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Analysis of project: why i worked the way i did (lather rinse repeat)
iterative process
Ev al u a t e
determine impact
discover
Time and time again i found myself going back and forth between each of the types of research methods at different times within the project, As i spoke to residents, the council and design professionals about my project each of their views on the subject altered the way i perceived the problem as i was
delve
deliver
able to see the motivations and thoughts behind each stakeholders actions which in turn influenced the final designs and aims of my project. I really enjoyed going out and exploring/ researching my area as well as getting involved with the local council and local charities which I intend to carry on doing even after the project has ended.
develop
define
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Internet
Ford, M, 2011, Street light switch-off sparks safety
Smith,K, 2008. How to Be an Explorer of the World: Porta-
fears in Cheshunt
ble Life Museum. uncorrected galley proofs for limited distri-
<http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/Cheshunt-
bution Edition. Perigee Trade.
and-Waltham/Street-light-switch-off-sparks-safety-fears-
bibliography
in-Cheshunt-22092011.htm#ixzz2hYPXMAk6> date
Pentagram Design Ltd ,Pentagram: Marks 400 symbols and
accessed october 2013. pg.10
logotypes, laurence King publishing ,(2010)
Images
McCandless,D, 2012. Information is Beautiful. New edition
Omosebi.colin , 2012, lea valley national park pg.02 -street lights 2013 pg.11 Tran,J, 2013, portrait pg .8 Sims.Mark, for B3 living take a bow event pg.15 Google maps pg.16,10,14
Edition. Collins.
Statistics Broxbourne borough & Hertfordshire county council (2013) pg 14 Walkinshaw, P. , 2013, B3 Living database. pg 15 Hopkins, R. ,2012, The pre-custody employment, training and education status of newly sentenced prisoners. Results from the Surveying Prisoner Crime Reduction (SPCR) longitudinal cohort study of prisoners, London, Ministry of Justice. Williams, K., Papadopoulou, V., and Booth, N. (2012) Prisonersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; childhood and family backgrounds: Results from the Surveying Prisoner Crime Reduction (SPCR) longitudinal cohort study of prisoners, London: Ministry of Justice. pg16