Reading Response to Writer's Toolbox

        After reading the Writers Toolbox I realized how important brainstorming and working with others really is. The reading gave several examples of way for someone to brainstorm, including: mind maps, concept maps, free-writing, brain-writing, word lists, outlines, and more. Using these methods it allows your brain to think "out side the box" and to use those possibly crazy ideas for something that may be reasonable and innovative. It also encourages working with others while brainstorming. In brain-writing, it allows the quieter members of the group to get there say in. You simple take turns passing around a piece of paper, writing your idea for each topic as you go. In addition to brainstorming together, you should also critique one another. By using sticky notes or other means, ask questions about their idea, and tell them how it could be improved or changed for the better. I also thought this quote by da Vinci I found in the book was really good-

Project 2

Interviews about our poorly designed object 

I asked three different people whether they would find this box/picture frame useful? And why or why not? These are their responses-

Alex T.
"Well I like that it has multiple purposes. But if it were used as a picture frame then that'd be kind of a thick frame you know? Like it'd stick off the wall a bit. So I'd probably use it as a box if I were to use it. But that means I'd have to use it when it is laying down. Not standing up. But You could fit little things in it and sort them. Like different sizes of screws/nails/bits. But then it'd be in the shop. So a glass screen wouldn't be helpful. But you could use it for office supplies and then the glass wouldn't be a problem."

Barbara D.
"No it is not and has not been helpful, it is unfinished with an ugly cheap wood, I don't have small items to put in it. and it is not useful as a picture frame because it has no glass covering."

Dan D.
"Yes, it is useful to put a special picture in it near my beside."

Alex gave several good and bad attributes of our box, while Dan did not care about anything other than the picture inside. As long as it held the picture where he could see it, it did not matter what else it could do, or how it looked. Barbara on the other hand did not like it at all. It served no purpose and was just an eye sore.

Preliminary poster

Our first project was to create a poster of a well designed object. I decided to make mine a safety pin. I overlapped four of the same safety pin and used different colors changing through the color spectrum. We created a grid to organize our poster accordingly. Then we created our final poster in InDesign, print it on a 18x24 and glue it on a foam core board! This is the preliminary poster. I will post the final once I finish. 

Reading Responses

Response to

Don Norman's video-

In this video I learned that design has purpose. When creating an object, building, or artwork, it is useful in some way. An object maybe desirable because of the popularity or attention it would give you, but it wouldn't necessarily be a practical purchase. It does not have to look cool or fancy to be good design. It just have to serve its purpose. 

10 principles of good design-

In addition to a well crafted object, an innovative or new idea maybe a better seller. While keeping the main elements of design (useful, aesthetic, understandable, long lasting, minimal, and other) you may also use your creativity to make a better product. By intermingling these two attributes allows for a well design and well desired object. 

PDF reading response 1-

Design is more important than people give it credit it for. It is all around us from the chairs we sit in to the phones we use. The things around us have been designed fitted for our needs. Also when making a design it is helpful to work with others in order to create the best design possible. With critiques from one another, you can discover what works best for everyone.

Graffiti on campus

I have decided to do one of my English projects on graffiti, so I did a little searching as to where some pieces were on campus. I found several in the same general area, East of the football stadium. I think the stencils and little creatures are very interesting and creative. Here are a few pictures I took while looking around 

For my English class I also drew a picture of graffiti for the cover of my project. It is not finished yet, but here is what I have so far.

The Safety Pin

Our first project is to pick a well designed object and make a poster about it. I chose a safety pin because it is something that we use often, but never really think of it has something someone had to design. It is so simple and easy to use that we often overlook that fact. These are some sketches I did for my poster.

Color Lecture

Transition in Color

These photograph both have transition in color. The first one is abstract using different hues and values to transition through the different colors of the rainbow. The second one is of a sunset with the colors in the sky transitioning from yellow to blue. Both of these pictures are very different, but both use transition of color making it easier for the eye to look at.