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Exercise 3: Design Rationale

The communication intent of this poster is to inform the general public about the advantages of increasing the amount of hydroelectric dam in Ontario. The criteria for a successful poster includes creating a visually appealing piece so people will want to read the information, providing the information in a quick but efficient manner to ensure the poster is not text heavy, and ultimately to provide the sense of optimism surrounding hydroelectric dams. This solution will fulfill the criteria in the following ways; the composition creates a visually appealing piece by using a simplified schematic of a hydroelectric dam, the information is presented in a minimal format that limits the amount of text on the poster, the layout of the text also creates a hierarchy of what is most important to and moves the reader around the poster. Overall, each component supports the objective of the poster, the minimal text provides short but positive points about hydroelectric dams, the colour tones create a friendly appeal, ultimately all serving the purpose of creating optimism about increasing the amount of hydroelectric dams in Ontario.

Exercise 3: Draft Two — Applied Critique

After the critique I received in this mornings class, I made some changes. In my previous post I identified what these critiques were;

1. Creating a shorter title OR developing a short tag line of some sort — In the first draft of the poster, the poster was titled “Increasing Hydroelectric Dams In Ontario”. For the second draft of the poster I changed it to “Hydroelectric Dams In Ontario”, and although I only eliminated one word, I rearranged and shifted colours. In the poster below you can see that I’ve changed the colour of “Hydro” to blue, “Electric” to yellow, “Dam In” to Grey, and “Ontario” stayed black. The words have also changed in size to create a hierarchy within the text. By making these changes I believe I have solved the issues surrounding the title.

2. Shorten text boxes to single sentences (and present them in bullet form) — In the new version of the poster I’ve shortened each blurb of text. I feel this was a sufficient way to address the issues of the long text. Now the poster isn’t as text heavy, but it still provides the same amount of information.

3. Avoid using centre alignment for the text, align with straight edges, and do not put single words on their own line — Along with the above issue, I shortened the text and was able to work with their structure more creatively.

4. I will also be experimenting with the red colour generator and turbine, the red is a bit harsh compared to the other colours — I changed the colour of the turbine and generator section to a blue/teal. This works much better as the tone is closer to the colours around it, it also solves the issue of the harshness of the red.

5. Finally, I want to experiment with applying outlines to each of the shapes — I added a slightly darker shade of grey to border the dam, which makes it stand out more against the green land. I left no border on the land, but I am still contemplating to add a slightly darker shade of green around as a border.

Exercise 3: Rough Draft Critique

For the final assignment, we were responsible for finding a partner and creating visually persuasive posters that argued one side of an assigned debate topic. For this project I was working with Eric Forrest, and out topic was whether or not to increase the amount of hydroelectric dams in Ontario. I was arguing for an increase, and Eric was arguing against. My previous post outlines the concepts that would be explored, and the argument points for each side of the debate. While approaching this project, I developed the objective to create a poster that was not only visually appealing, but one that would also be informative. I envisioned my final product being placed in areas where it would be visible to the public eye, such as public libraries, community centres, civic centres, schools, etc. For the first draft of the poster I came up with the following poster;

After the class critique I was able to determine certain changes that I would like to make to the final product. Some of the changes that I would like to make are:

Creating a shorter title OR developing a short tag line of some sort
Shorten text boxes to single sentences (and present them in bullet form)
Avoid using centre alignment for the text, align with straight edges, and do not put single words on their own line
I will also be experimenting with the red colour generator and turbine, the red is a bit harsh compared to the other colours
Finally, I want to experiment with applying outlines to each of the shapes

Increasing Hydroelectric Dams in Ontario Mind Map

Exercise Three (Part A): Debate Argument Research

Increasing the amount of hydroelectric dams in Ontario

For: Alex

The scope of the issue is whether or not to increase the number of hydroelectric dams in Ontario. Before beginning on the topic specifically, the topic will be introduced in greater detail. Hydropower is electrical energy obtained from a source of falling or running water, in which the pressure created by the water is used to turn the blades of a large turbine, these turbines are connected to a generator that converts the mechanical energy into useable electricity (Pembina Institute, 2014). Hydroelectricity is an important topic among todays society due to climate change and rapid population growth. Both of these factors are major contributors to the research of new clean energy projects. The demand for electricity in Ontario will only continue to rise with the population growth and development of new communities (Canada Energy, 2014).

The issue of whether or not to increase the amount of hydroelectric dams in Ontario is met with both positive and negative results. Those involved in the issue include both major and small energy companies, environmental groups, large cities, remote communities, wild life inhabitants, and various others but those being the major players of each side (or source of argument). Some benefits of hydroelectric energy is that it is a renewable energy source that we can utilize rather than other more dangerous sources, leading to another benefit, that being hydroelectric energy is a green option. It is also a very reliable and flexible source of energy as changing conditions can be addressed and still made into opportunity. Finally, it is a safe form of energy as it does not produce chemicals, pollution, and especially when compared to other sources such as fossil fuels (Maehlum, 2014). Even with all of these benefits, there are some challenges faced when utilizing hydroelectric energy. Such as the expense of constructing the dams, limited amount of suitable reservoirs, possible droughts, and ultimately the environmental consequences (Maehlum, 2014).

Hydroelectric energy is a proven technology, and hydroelectric stations have a long life. This form of energy has become increasingly more demanding as climate change continues to affect the planet. New forms of clean and renewable energy are desired, and hydroelectricity can be that solution. In 2004, Canada was the top hydropower producer in the world (12% of world production). British Columbia, Manitoba, and Quebec generate more than 75% of their power through hydro-electricity. (Pembina Institute, 2014). This is why I believe that Ontario should increase the amount of hydroelectric dams being constructed in order to become a front runner on the clean energy front.

Against: Eric

Although there are many pro’s to hydroelectric dams, there are also many cons. Dam’s are incredibly dangerous for those who interact with the waters close to hydroelectric dams and stations. A spot that looks calm and safe one moment can become dangerous within a few seconds as water levels and flows change, often without warning – caused by changing levels of demand for electricity throughout the day. This poses problems for people interacting with the nearby water, as it is sometimes not even clear that a dam is present. Rapids and flooding pose a danger for people partaking in activities including but not limited to fishing, boating, swimming, camping, snowmobiling and cross country skiing.

Not only are dam’s dangerous for people but they are also harmful to the environment. Studies have shown that large dams increase the potential for earthquakes as the storage of large quantities of water puts strain on the rock below, especially if it is on a fault line. Not only does the storage of water increase the chance of earthquakes but when the water seeps into the soil it causes instability in the soil which can trigger landslides. The wildlife in the waters where dams are built often take a significant hit as well. The addition of a dam on a river can lead to inadequate passage for fish to travel downstream and often does not allow for return migration. A series of dams can seriously impact the wildlife and help to reduce survival.

Sources:

“Atlantic Salmon Federation – Dams and Fish Passage.” Atlantic Salmon Federation – Dams and Fish Passage. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. <http://www.asf.ca/dams-and-fish-passage.html>.

“Dams and development.” Panos London. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. <http://panos.org.uk/resources/dams-and-development/#cons-of-dam-building>.

“Energy Source: Hydropower | Renewable Energy & Efficiency | Pembina Institute.” Energy Source: Hydropower | Renewable Energy & Efficiency | Pembina Institute. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. <http://www.pembina.org/re/sources/hydro-power>.

“Hydroelectric Dams.” & Stations are NOT Safe Places for Recreation. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. <http://www.boaterexam.com/canada/education/hydroelectricdams-en.aspx>.

“Hydroelectric Energy Pros and Cons.”Energy Informative. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. <http://energyinformative.org/hydroelectric-energy-pros-and-cons/>.

“Ontario’s Electricity Future .” Canada Energy . N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. <http://www.canadaenergy.ca/index.php?hydro=future&direct=of&electricity=electricity>

Personal Process Map: The Working Mind

For Exercise Two we were given the task to create a personal process map of a daily process in our everyday lives. For my map I decided to create a mind map of thoughts that run through my head during a workout at the gym. Although my ‘map’ does not have a particular sense of direction, the thoughts in each section of the work represents various stages of a workout. All the words representing thoughts in the heart shape are reasons, inspirations, and thoughts that I experience before a workout. The thoughts that compose the shape of the weights are all ones that I experience during or after a successful workout. Some of the words are large, more bold or noticeable then others. In some cases the reasoning for this is to create a hierarchy of the words, but also at times a visual representation of the words meaning. But all of these thoughts have meaning and provide inspiration throughout a workout.

The reason I decided to create a process map based on a workout is because it is something I am passionate about and has changed my life. Working out has provided me with not only a way to get in shape and stay healthy, but also a method of stress release, a way to compete, and overall a way to improve myself. By sharing some of the reasons to why I workout and the thoughts I experience during it may inspire or motivate someone else to push themselves. And if not, I simply hope that people can enjoy the visual representation and use of typography.

Personal Process Map: Exercise 2 (Part A)

As of now I have chosen to create my personal process map on the process of one of my daily workouts. I am still debating on which exact process to create a visual for, whether it should be for the overall concept of working out/exercising, or if I should create my project based on a specific workout that I personally perform. As the process continues I will determine which would be most beneficial and effective for this project.

I created an idea map to help brainstorm some ideas surrounding my general concept:

I also created a small idea map/tree to get slightly more specific in narrowing down a topic:

For my final exercise I followed the 50 Question design thinking exercise, although coming up 50 questions was a bit more difficult than first anticipated so I completed 30:

Will people appreciate a personal process map of a workout?
Should the theme be aimed more towards general exercise?
Will the audience think the idea is good or bad?
How many branches do I break off into?
Should there be more detail within the personal map?
What kind of images can be shown in the final product?
What if people think the subject is too personal?
What if the topic is seen as irrelevant?
Will people appreciate the message behind the process map?
Is working out seeing as a necessity?
Should facts be used in the personal process map to show benefits?
Should exercise in general be addressed? Or my personal process of exercising?
Is there a negative stigma towards people spend large amounts of time working out?
What kind of stigma or opinions are out there towards the topic?
Will it grab people’s attention?
Should or do they care?
What kind of designs can be applied to this kind of process map?
What kind images, typography, or other techniques should be applied?
How can I communicate underlying messages?
How can this project change the way a person looks at exercising?
Is exercising an issue with the audience?
Will this help influence someone one way or another? Or will they care?
How should I convey the message of the personal process map?
What kind of message should I be aiming at creating?
How personal should this process be?
In what ways can this topic be made more interesting?
Confidence? — Will it be seen as arrogance? Cheekiness? — comfort?
What if I miss something during the process?
How will my process compare to others?
Will the process map create an opening for conversation regarding exercise?

Based on these exercises and further review/discussion I will narrow down and choose a more specific topic that I can base my final project on.

Exercise 3:

For exercise three we were asked to take a given body of text and manipulate the size, format, location, orientation, etc. in such ways that would present a piece that communicated the texts meaning.

Example 1

For the first piece I decided to highlight each word that is connected to the measurement of time in some way. I find that highlighting these words will allow the viewer to better understand the entirety of the text and the main message surrounding life, and the various times and unique periods in an individuals life. I also changed the transparency of certain texts to enhance their meaning. The beginning of the text discusses an individual in their old age, therefore the text is very light and faded to embody the idea of old age. As the text continues and we find the individual becoming young, and stronger, the text becomes heavier and more oblique. The final sentence is at 100% and the freshest of all the text, as we discuss a new born, the stage in which a human can be described as the purest and freshest.

Example 2

For this piece I decided to rearrange the text and work with the structure/location of the various sentences. I reversed the way in which the story is told because I feel that it gives the idea of telling a story of ones life in proper order, and at the very again they wish they could live their life backwards, and in this time the reader may realize the text is indeed reversed. I also changed the location of most of the sentences in attempts to reflect the subject matter being discussed. Each time period described by Woody Allen is space in a way that reflects that periods meaning.

Exercise 2: Process Drawings

For exercise we were provided with a list of words and had to chose two, from which we were responsible for arranging each word in a way that would express its meaning. I chose to create compositions with the words; repetition & disruption. I sketched out various designs while keeping in mind spacing, size, placement, and orientation of all the letters. In each design I attempted to convey the words meaning while still maintaining a level of legibility. For each word, I created about four sketches (for some I changed my design for the final assignment).

For repetition I wanted to ensure that the idea of multiple pieces were shown. The first design was simply the word repetition over and over in a vertical fashion. This is what I began with but ultimately moved away from, but ended up with the third design, which is the word repetition show repetitively in a vertical column. But the difference is that each ‘repetition’ decreases in size moving from bottom to top. This gives an illusion that the word itself is scrolling down the screen but also creates a sense of depth. The second design was my second final design for repetition. For this design I really played with the concept of repetition. I wrote the word front and centre so the audiences focus is pulled directly in. Then, around the main word there are multiple smaller repetitions surrounding the centrepiece.

The second word I chose to create compositions for was ‘disruption’. Approaching this design I wanted to play with the words meaning and create a piece that either physically disrupted the word, but also disrupted the viewer (in a minor way). The first design, ‘disruption’ written in a vertical fashion but shifting the letters ever so slightly allows the viewer to still be able to read it, but the shifted letters creates a slight disturbance while reading due to having to move your eyes in a way different that conventionally reading left to right. I continued on this idea with my final design which is the word simply written backwards, but the letters still face the proper way. This allows the viewer to still recognize the word but work in order to properly read it. For the one design I worked on scattering the letters of the word around the artboard, but ultimately moved away from this idea because it began to become difficult to read.

Below are the final products of each design:

Repetition #1

Repetition #2

Disruption #1

Disruption #2

Typeface: DIN 1451

DIN 1451, also known as Din Schriften Mittelschrift stands for Deutsche Industrie-Norm (German Industrial Standard) was originally conceived in 1905 for the use in the Prussian Railway system. The intent was for the font to be applied to signs, directions, and information panels. It wasn’t until 1936 that Walter Portsman developed the concept of the font for paper use, and finally Linotype Design Studio officially designed the font for use, and in 1995 Albert Jan-Pool digitized the font.

The font was first conceived for the use in the Prussian Railway, but was postponed. When it was finally designed in 1936 it was used for traffic signs, areas of technology, administration, and business purposes. The German Standard Committee decided on this font because it was easy to write and its legibility. Although the main purpose was for professional use, the font became popular with the exposure it received and was beginning to be used for advertisements, graphic design, and modern artists. Since its inception there have been multiple variations of the DIN standard font such as FF DIN, DIN NEXT, and DIN Round.

It is classified as a sans-serif, OpenType font containing lining and OldStyle figures, it was designed with a constructivist style approach using grids to keep uniform. These were some of the main reasons why the German Standard Committee decided to utilize this font for the Prussian and German Imperial Railway systems as it was easy to read and an effective way of communication. There have been multiple fonts designed based on the original, many of which come from Albert Jan-Pool and licensed under Linotype Design Studio.

The DIN 1451 font celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2005 and has been used in multiple formats. It is commonly found in Germany as well as other countries around the world on street signs, railway systems, and has become common for license plates. It has been used in more modern companies such as JetBlue Airways and various others. It has also been found in popular culture on the Showtime television series Dexter. Below are some examples of DIN 1451 and its variants being utilized:

Check out the opening sequence to Dexter here: