Project Setmind Yifan Wu 2015 FALL
It starts with a spark.
Setmind
Research
Then a lot of them.
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Setmind
Research
They keep pushing, and growing.
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To find the ultimate mindset.
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Exploration of Topics
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Identity and Research
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Identity and Visuals
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Deliverables
Setmind
Research
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Exploration
Topic
Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you dig deeper, it’s really how it works.
—Steve Jobs
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Overuse of smart devices.
Optimizing your working space.
Final Topic
People nowadays rely on smart devices. The overuse of smart devices can disconnect people from surroundings, cause health problems and affect brain functions. Doing research on people`s behaviors and interactions with smart devices and raise the awareness of public by doing my project on this topic.
Optimizing working space is very important. The design and arrangement of your working space can affect your works in different ways. A mussy working space could be very frustrating while lots of people don`t know what to do in order to create a suitable space for them to work. Helping them to create a better working space is the goal of this topic.
About Graphic Designers.
A good schedule matters.
Is Aurora the signal from the outer space?
Schedule is one of the most important things in our daily lives. A schedule can affect a person both mentally and physically. Bad schedule can make bad effects to one`s daily life while lots of people have troble creating suitable schedules and executing good schedule by themselves. This topic is about helping people to create a better schedule.
An aurora is a natural light display in the sky, predominantly seen in the high latitude regions. It can be caused and affected by coronal mass ejection from the sun. Is there any possibility that the visual form of aurora is controlled by more advanced
Research
Some people don`t know how graphic designers work and who they are, which can be the cause of miscommunication and troubles when working with a graphic designer. We as designers should inform people the importance of Graphic Design and the importance of process when doing Graphic Design. This project will also create a bridge for a better communication.
technologies? This topic is about the journey to the answers.
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Research
Brainstorming Wall Through brainstorming I was able to identify the proper understandings for designers and misunderstandings among people outside of the industry in both conceptual and formal aspects.
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Understanding
Research
Keep files safe.
Create your own work flow.
It`s always good to explore new typefaces.
Know Graphic Design terms.
Keep a neat look when you are doing presentations.
Try to be professional in school.
Handle contrast with rationality.
It`s important to keep your work space stable.
Proof read is a must.
Color and type create a certain mood.
Get to know things related to the Internet,
Graphic Design is about solving problems with visual languages.
Letter spacing is important in many ways.
Typography is the basic skill.
Grids should be used in designs.
Rags need to be handlded carefully.
Negative space should be used.
Always look for new inspirations.
Keep a good habit of doing process.
Step out of your comfort zone.
Think outside of the box.
Know when to stop.
More failures make you succeed faster.
Work not only for money.
Critique is a very important part of design process.
You should constantly try to improve.
Designer should also be good consultant.
Graphic Designers have their own fields.
Graphic Designers should focus on details.
Graphic Designers are good at organizing information.
Graphic Design Conceptual
Formal
Graphic Designer
Ask designers to work for free.
Designers can finish designing “simple design“in 1 hour.
Logo is just a trade mark.
Design should be determined by personal preferences.
Designers should follow instead of leading.
Graphic Design = Making Pictures.
Type doesn`t matter as long as you can read it.
Graphic Designer = people who use PS.
“Make it bigger.“
“This area is empty.“
Designers are able to make it before deadline so we can change.
Feedback from non-authorities.
I hate this work = I hate you.
Vague instructions.
You can ask designers to make the changes whenever you want.
Standing behind a designer at work
Sent low-res images to designer.
sent image in .doc files.
It`s fine to stretch types to make them fit the space.
It`s fine to use more than 3 fonts in one page.
You can be a good graphic designer by mastering softwares.
You can`t do it because you think you can`t.
It`s not worthwhile to pay so much for such a simple job.
Students can`t produce professional works.
Creativeness is the main goal.
COMIC SANS
“Add MORE.“
Use 5 or more main colors in one page.
Do layout in Microsoft Word.
Print RGB files on a CMYK color printer.
Misunderstanding 16
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Research
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Identity Development
Research
Design is the silent ambassador of your brand.
—Paul Rand
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Identity
Strengths
Weakness
SETMIND has been focusing on developing easy-to-use kit for people to use with insightful contents developed and supported firmly by our experienced consultant group.
SETMIND`s biggest weakness might be the fact that some of our products are based on experiences and subjective opinions, which might be problematic somehow in designer community.
Opportunities
Threats
With the rising level of Visual Literacy among people all around the world, SETMIND might able to figure out more flexible ways to expand our brand. Also, the fact that our brand is Internet-based is also a plus to our possibilities.
The rising of competitors might be the biggest threat. Also, the development of mature graphic design communities will also become absolutely strong competitors for our brand since they are more authoritative comparing to a new brand like us.
SWOTS
General Information This brand focus on developing insights and information for design major students, designers and freelance designers in order to bring people together and help them work in a better way with the glamour of Graphic Design. This brand was originated from a thesis project on helping people to refine working process by a graduate student Mike from Academy of Art University.
Setmind
SETMIND is actually developed by Mike and his friends, educating people about how Graphic Design works is the main focus, which could also enlighten and inspire designers at work and freshmen in design schools by bring knowledge and insights about Graphic Design to target audiences.
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Identity
Persona
Design School Freshman
My three target audiences are freelance designer, design school freshman and junior(senior) graphic designer. They are very different in their experience, skill set and mindset, yet they share the same passionate about Graphic Design.
Age:20 Occupation: Student Income: $7,000–$9,000 Degree: GED Gender: Male Transportation: Metro Location: New York
Jeff
Jeff just graduated from high school and it`s his first year in a design school.
Jeff is good at communicating with people, and he is always a team-player.
He likes to do drawings on his sketchbook.
He has trouble with his first Graphic Design history class because he doesn`t like history.
He doesn`t know much about the school.
He has trouble using Adobe softwares.
Jeff`s father is an artist focusing on oil painting.
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Identity
Junior Graphic Designer
Freelance Designer
Bowen
Katherine
Age:28 Occupation: Graphic Design Income: $40,000–$43,000 Degree: Master Gender: Male Transportation: Bike Location: San Francisco
Age:29 Occupation: Graphic Design Income: $15,445–$38,623 Degree: Bachelor Gender: Female Transportation: Sedan Location: San Francisco
Bowen just joined the company for about 3 He eats irregularly in the past few days. months, and he is trying to keep up the pace.
Katherine is majored in literature in her undergraduate.
She always want to experience the design school as a student.
He tried very hard in his school life.
His director is very strict about his work, and he is taking it personal.
She would like to have a flexible schedule.
Katherine is always curious about design.
He is good at crafting things.
Bowen is a quiet person, and he is having trouble communicating with his client.
She is famillar with most of the Adobe softwares.
She is having trouble understanding some of her clients.
She is very versatile in the field.
He`s having a very bad schedule since the project he`s working on is very tiring.
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Competitors
Identity
Stake Holders
Main Competitors
Method of Action is a website that collects tools, games and articles to help people learn design. This is one of the most competitive brand that could be a threat to SETMIND. They did a good job on collecting and creating tools games and posts about design but our brand is more focus on ideology, which will differentiate our brand from theirs.
AIGA As the profession’s oldest and largest professional membership organization for design AIGA advance design as a professional craft, strategic advantage, and vital cultural force. AIGA as lots of resources for
Typewolf is a website developed by Jeremiah Shoaf to provide good resources for choosing fonts for design projects as well as inspirations on typography. He is doing a good job providing information and resources to his target audience. SETMIND will not only focus on type, but also looking at different aspects of Graphic Design, both formal and conceptual.
designers and students to use, which could inspire our products. Also, its authority will also be guiding us to build our own community and system.
HOW design magazine provides a practical mix of essential business information, upto-date technology tips, the creative whys and hows behind noteworthy projects, and profiles of professionals who are influencing design. Our products will be more like easy-to-use toolkit and space that helps whenever and wherever you want them. The flexibility of form will be our advantage.
Academy of Art University is created by artists for artists, Academy of Art University is a top art school in the heart of San Francisco. An art school that has strong design major could be extremely beneficial to our brand: students can share their experiences with us and faculty can provide strong support to our events and the building of knowledge system.
Potential Competitors Behance
Dribbble
JUXTAPOZ
Udemy
Lynda.com
General Assembly is creating a global community of individuals empowered to pursue work they love, by offering full-time immersive programs, long-form courses, and classes and workshops on the most relevant skills of the 21st century. General Assembly could become a powerful stakeholder due to its various resources and scope.
CA magazine
Naldz Graphics
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Tone
SETMIND is a ideological company that
Also, the ultimate goal of ours is actually
educates people about Graphic Design, our tone will be friendly, fun and welcoming. With such a style applied to our language and visual elements, I believe we can create an atmosphere where people can relax themselves and enjoy their time with products provided by the brand SETMIND.
bringing people together with the glamour and power of Graphic Design. Education will be integrated with deliverables as small devices in our design, the goal is to make the educating process more seamless and fun.
Keywords
Messages and Drivers
Setmind
Identity
#1 Main
Bringing people together with the power of Graphic Design.
#1 Sub
Graphic Design needs constant thinking and soaking your mind into it.
#2 Sub
FRIENDLY
FUN
EYE CATCHING
Graphic Design is everywhere. At SETMIND, we would like to deliver the message that you are welcome here at the world of Graphic Design. In order to get our audiences into a relaxing atmosphere, we would like to make friends with our audiences.
Graphic Design is serious, but it is also a great way to enjoy and have fun! Fun will keep everyone on track; with our products and services, our target audience will be able to learn new stuff as well as build their interest on Graphic Design in a different way. Come to us, set your mind and make it fun!
Good design gives a certain feeling to its audience, which will make the visual easier for people to remember. Being eye catching is the first step for SETMIND to be remembered; also, this will help people to build their visual literacy when there are more and more eye catching design around them.
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#3 Sub
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Graphic Design is no magic. Design process is one of the core parts of Graphic Design.
You are never along in Graphic Design.
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Visual
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Identity Development
Visual Development
It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.
—Coach John Wooden
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Visual
Moodboard Keywords: Bright, Warm, Friendly, Powerful According to my previous research and brand framework, the basic looking feel of my brand should be fun, eye-catching and friendly. So visually I would like to introduce some bright colors as well as San-Serif typeface. Also, images about reshaping things and learning process are also included in this mood board.
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Visual
Logo Process: Sketches, Drafts I was able to bring my logo to reality through a well developed brand process. Design process is extremely important in this case because the project needs a solid base to develop upon.
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Visual
Final The final logo shows the concept of mindset and mind space by using paradox graphic element. Also, the shape of the logo is based on gem, showing that the way we find our own mindset is like finding and shaping a gem—it`s valuable to all of us.
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Visual
Posters Process: Sketches, Drafts
Then I started developing my posters. I tried to deliver my main messages through a solid process, from purpose to concept, from concept to visuals. It started with a question, then I showed the idea of learning and discussing through the rest of the posters.
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Visual
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Visual
Contemporary Jewish Museum 736 Mission StďźŒSan Francisco, CA 94103
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Academy of Art University
Visual
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
79 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94105.
701 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103
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Visual
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Deliverables
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Solution
Deliverables
Good design is a lot like clear thinking made visual.
—Edward Tufte
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SETMIND SPACE
MOBILE APP
SETMIND Space is a place where Graphic Design generates sparks among people; where you can get through your mindset. It is a open minded, relaxing and inspiring place to stay and work for people who love Graphic Design—designers at work, freelance designers, students, anyone who loves Graphic Design and works on Graphic Design. It works as different characters: cafe, workshop, even school.
Smart phone is used by almost everyone in their daily lives. SETMIND mobile application acts as your mobile workshop: accepting critique from your friends*, doing brainstorm with other people with your phone, and checking information about our SETMIND Space. It works individually among three deliverables as well as a part of the whole system of SETMIND.
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YOUTUBE CHANNEL
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Deliverables
Summary This project has been both challenging and fun so far. It is all about finding problems, analysis and research on the topic of Graphic Design. What makes it meaningful is that I achieved a lot of information and insights by sticking to the design process. What I am designing right now is actually a concept and a possibility. It`s about shaping your idea, mindset and passion through design process. Everything could be potentially improved by designing. This project is what I`m passionated about because I don`t know what the heck is Graphic Design yet as well—it`s everywhere, but it comes from a spark in human brain.
People love videos, it is easy to access, easy to watch and get information from videos. Here at SETMIND, we firmly believe that through providing insights and information in a seamless way, we could help those who want to get soaked in Graphic Design in their career. Introducing Setmind HD at Youtube; with our firmly built playlists, you will find what you need any time, any where through Internet and your smart devices.
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It`s like one of the essential things in my daily life. As a design major student, you want to make sure you can answer the question:”what is Graphic Design.” However, halfway to the end of the project, I changed the direction of the project because I realize that the educational approach is more subjective, which is a disadvantage for such an inexperienced student like me. The SETMIND will become a more open-minded, friendly and inspiring brand for our target audiences. The development of the brand is the combination of strategy and forms. All the pieces have their own places in the design so they are supporting each other as well as improving the overall brand experience.
Setmind
Deliverables
Deliverable #1
Setmind Space Firstly, Setmind Space is a cafe, a workshop and even a place for lecture. People can come here and work or discuss their works with your friends.
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Deliverables
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1 4 1. Store front 2. Store front 3. Entrance 4. Wall of wisdom
Wall of Wisdom Wall of wisdom shows the quote of the month as well as the topic of the week and related information; for example, the topic of the week is typography, then the quote will be focus on typography and the information below shows the featuring typeface and the recommended pairing of typefaces.
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Deliverables
Working Space With our working space design, you are able to work individually without being interrupted. Also, you can find someone to talk about your work in our talking area. Wireless charging pad is included in our working space, which provides easy way to charge and stay connected, placing your phone on the charging pad will activate the do not disturb mode in your phone, which will prevent you from being disturbed. The wireless charging service is provided by QI.
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Deliverables
Table Tent Here at Setmind Space, we provide the unique way to work and interact with people around. When you enter our space, you will get a table tent indicating your status—I have doubts; I would like to talk and I am working hard(do not disturb). Through this table tent design, people in our space are able to identify others` situation and know how to interact with them without potentially disturbing them.
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Deliverables
Coffee Corner Tired? Coffee will give you a kick start. Go grab a cup of coffee at our coffee corner, our staff will bring you the coffee you want in a minute. Also, insights about coffee are included in the cup design, which give you more ideas about coffee and health, which are both our concerns at Setmind Space.
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Deliverables
Additional Merchandise Last but not least, we have additional merchandise for our customers, these items not only support the overall function of the space but also provide good chances for graphic design to work. Instead of creating “swags“, I decided to include small pieces of information in each design and integrate educational process with every detail in this space.
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Deliverables
Deliverable #2
Setmind Pocket Introducing Setmind Pocket, your personal toolbox in your mobile phone. The main goal of this app is to build a bridge to other designers and benefit both ends by connecting them. Setmind Pocket features three main functions: project time-line, Online brainstorming and note function.
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Deliverables
Online Brainstorming You can invite your friends to help you out start with a keyword through brainstorming. This is a function that I want to realize because it`s going to be fun and convenient for people to get together and generate ideas through their personal devices, which will improve efficiency and support the developing of brand impression.
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Deliverables
Personal Time-line You can add projects to your personal timeline and we provide you with the ability to record your process: upload images, take notes and even import brainstorming to your projects. This function helps you to develop a better sense of process and managing your project.
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Deliverables
Chat & Note Chat with your friends about the projects and gather feedbacks through our convenient note function. This is actually the core function of the app because it`s direct, fast and also convenient. Unlike other chatting applications on the market, our note function provides you with the abilities to express your complete idea on certain image, we also include the privacy alert that shows our concern about privacy issues.
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Deliverables
Deliverable #3
Setmind Official Channel Search Setmind Official on Youtube! This is my final deliverable, a Youtube channel that has three playlists of videos introducing insights about Graphic Design, tips and tricks as well as daily quote on graphic design. Video is a good way to deliver insights and helpful information to people since this is an age of Internet and information and people like something that is fast, easy and enjoyable.
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Deliverables
#1 Things about Graphic Design
Motion Graphic Intro
10s
Short Movie
1 min~3min
10s
Frustration
20s
Tutorials
Quote & Insight
10s
About the People
Insight
5~8s
Summary+Credits
10s
Video Recommendation
10s
Summary
10s
Video Recommendation
10s
Video Recommendation
10s
#2 Tips & Tricks
Motion Graphic Intro
1min~10min
#3 Quote of the day (Daily video)
Motion Graphic Intro
5s
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Deliverables
Tips & Tricks Tips and Tricks is the series I developed for this project, it has a cinematic way of showing useful tricks and tips about design process and computer skills, which is also easy for people to get access to. 78
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VISIONS & FUTURE Through developing this project, I was able to achieve better understanding on my subject and improve my abilities to think, research and execute. I wish this project could provide some valuable insights and ideas that contribute to the graphic design community and push the way people work, educate and being educated into the next step.
Here at Setmind we firmly believe that something within us could bring us together and you are never alone in Graphic Design. Here at Setmind, I firmly believe that even if we are not able to figure out what on earth is Graphic Design, everything will be better day by day because we are connected through the power of Graphic Design. Lets get our ultimate mindset