MiniProject_04
COMMUNICATION DESIGN Visual Do’s & Don’ts / Video Empathy
Communication (def): the act of conveying information or emotion Design (def): to create or contrive for a particular purpose or effect Media (def): intervening substances through which something else is transmitted Definitions culled from: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/
With these particular definitions in mind, our goal is to express an intended message with purpose (e.g. to persuade, to teach, to enable action, to amuse). Communication Design draws from many disciplines including Information Visualization, Graphic Design, Illustration, Comics, Filmmaking, and Storytelling but the principles remain consistent. To uncover these principles we will explore design frameworks and aesthetic considerations for both static and time-based media. After some exploration and practice, you will apply the ideas to the production of a short video designed to elicit empathy around a participatory event. The experience of media lies solely in the expression of its surface elements. An audience member can only read the surface of your design (images on a screen, graphics on a poster, etc.). When you present your work, you will be doing so without the opportunity to give it context. In other words, the class will respond directly to your piece. Your intent should be well articulated by the surface elements that you decide to highlight or downplay through your aesthetic choices.
THE GOAL(s) 1) Identify and practice techniques that will lead to media that is clear, concise, and compelling 2) Increase your fluency in producing and communicating with quick video snippets 3) Hone your skills around concise and intentional expression 4) Continue to Saturate and gain empathy for the final project
The Assignment For Thursday April 23 rd : Saturate : Spatial Communication : Quick Iteration Prepare yourself to engage with the challenge in front of you by “tuning” your brain to the nuances of the domain.
TOP TO BOTTOM: ‐ http://theconversationprism.com ‐ Obama Campaign ‐ Life in Hell by Matt Groening
1.
Choose at least 3 examples of spatial (visual) communication design that draw your attention. Look for communicative examples that are strong at conveying their intent and apply the “C.R.A.P.” visual design framework to them. What was the designer’s intent? How has the designer used visual language to communicate their intent? How have contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity been used to communicate this intent?
2.
Respond to what you’ve learned by revisiting the design you crafted for MiniProject_01 (history of social media visualization). Make a substantive change that reflects something you picked up from viewing the examples you choose. Alternatively, do the same thing with a screen capture of a website you explored during assignment 2 (e.g. dipity). Respond in digital or sketch form.
3.
Post your response to the contribute section (http://dmediacontributions.tumblr.com/) of the dmedia homebase. Include the following 3 tags: project4, the word communication, & your name in the first name last initial format (scott doorley = scottd)
For Tuesday April 28th: Time-Based Media : 90 second movies
1)
Teams You’ll be working in teams of your choosing.
2)
Short 90 second Video Response to a participatory event of your choice. Some suggestions: Critical Mass: 4/24 6:30p Justin Herman Plaza, Market & Embarcadero http://criticalmass.wikia.com/wiki/San_Francisco Improv Everywhere: 4/26 4:00p Delores & 19th http://improveverywhere.ning.com/group/sanfrancisco
3)
Communicative Your video should quickly and powerfully express a single insight about why people are motivated to participate in the event you explored. Use interviews or footage of your own experience to communicate. Strive for enough clarity that if your grandmother were to see it, she would understand why these “kids” choose to spend their Friday nights this way.
4)
Inspire This video & its embedded insights will inform your final project. Be evocative – it should inspire you and your teammates to explore possibilities as you launch into the project.
5)
Post your video or a link to the video in the contribute section (http://dmediacontributions.tumblr.com/) of the dmedia homebase. Include the following 3 tags: project4, the word communication, & your name in the first name last initial format (scott doorley = scottd)
6)
Share You will share your videos in class: they will be presented without your comments – your video must speak for itself. Your classmates will react to your piece, then you will have time to respond.
Advice for Success •
Be intentional. We are running through a full design cycle in a short period of time; be cognizant about when to be generative and when to focus, and know when to move on despite imperfections.
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Explore Many Options. The more iterations you create, the more communicative your final design will be – each new design will hone the expression of your message.
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Sketch First, Computer Second. Try several quick storyboards or outlines before launching into editing your final piece.
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Take a chance with a new medium. This is safe ground for failure – go ahead and try a new tool or method you’ve been dying to try. This is your chance to try it and get feedback.
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Follow your Curiosity. While we often strive for objectivity. Video is, by nature, a subjective medium (when we frame a shot, we call it a Point of View). Use this to your advantage: you will rarely stumble on a key insight or moment if you don’t bring your personal curiosity to bear.
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As always, HAVE FUN! This is another opportunity to explore your interests!
PLEASE MAKE SURE TO UPLOAD TO THE CONTRIBUTE AREA AND ADD THE 3 TAGS (project4, communication, & your name (johnd))