GRDS 171 . . . Investigating the Design Process Self Identity Symbols

This introductory design project covers several major objectives:

1st To break down the process of creating design into a series of "steps" that result in initial ideas developing into shape and form.

Steps in Design Process:

• 1. State the actual job (problem) in your own words.
• 2. Research, Research, Research.
• 3. Sketch, Sketch, Sketch! - often referred to as thumbnails.
• 4. The best 2-3 thumbnails are developed more into “roughs”.
• 5. The best “rough” is further developed into a “comp”.
• 6. When the “comp” is approved, it is developed into the real thing.

2nd To introduce a basic awareness and understanding of symbols, their development and usage over time.

• This includes introducing students to the text: Signs and Symbols: Their design and meaning, by Adrian Frutiger; 1998.

3rd To guide students in the development of a unified personal identity form/symbol while working with a visual vocabulary of squares, circles and triangles. Although utilizing only these three basic forms seems limiting at first, it is understanding and investigating the relationships that develop through various design principles that lead to final successful solutions.

Design Principles explored:

• frame of reference
• touching
• over-lapping
• cropping of form
• contrast in size
• direction of movement

To begin this project students created a list of characteristics about themselves. These characteristics included both personality and physical. This initial list was further developed through the use of both a dictionary and a thesaurus. This direction of thought was immediately followed by individual investigation into the historical uses of the three basic forms in symbolic vocabularies. Students further investigated which forms best aided in the visualization of their ideas. Below are the final solutions, the concepts represented and the students.*

Final ID Solutions:

Sarah Meurer Nonchalant	Chris Quick Focused	James Winans Malevolence	Stefani Saxman Careful & On Edge	Stephen Ropeleoski Balanced & Bipolar
Terrence Goodman Obsessed	Matthew Boyer Listener	Amy Oliva Outgoing	Evan Aynes Generous & Friendly	Daphne Campbell Sensual & Charismatic
Dawn Marcoux Stylish &n Helpful	Brad Bachtell Sarcastic & Unconventional	Nevin Laughlin Meek, Friendly, Suppressive	Elizabeth Reddinger Compassionate & Reflective	Cody Radcliff Built
Ryan Heffner Spontaneous, Laid Back	Alicia Knuppel	Jennifer Verdi Short & Stubborn
Kristin Harpster Shy & Stressed	Kris Klein Spontaneous, Bubbly & Tall	Eyitemi Amorighoye Tranquil, Chatty, Cheerful & Open

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* Permission has been given by each student to show their work and give them credit prior to the development of this page