Concept Map: Crime Scene Investigation

The Concept map project was one in which we had to use info-graphics and mapping out of terms to create a logical flow of a specific topic. I chose Crime Scene Investigation, more specifically the evidence analysis portion of CSI and created a mind map of all possible outcomes for evidence at the scene of a crime. I also created info-graphics to represent some significant statistics about the subject. This required much critical thinking and organization as a designer to logically organize terms in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

Image Analysis

For History of Graphic Design, were were to choose an poster or contemporary advertisement that we could identify multiple different art movements that had influence on different parts of the poster. I chose this Wiz Khalifa tour poster because I found many different areas of influence just in this one poster from Bauhaus, Arts & Crafts, Cut & Paste, Art Noveau and Herb Lubalin typography. It was interesting for me to dissect a modern day poster and see where each part of it took influence from to create something contemporary.

The Kitchen of Meaning

The Kitchen of Meaning project aims to have the designer visually design a chosen word. I had the word Mnemonics: any learning technique that aids memory. I tried to visually represent the word by using "chunking" a learning technique which groups items into three's. The word "mnemonics" is chunked into groups of three to help better understand it's meaning and purpose. The smaller head figure is sad because it is connected to a long series of words, "The Kitchen of Meaning." The larger head is smiling because it is connected to the chunked word "mnemonics." This was a very difficult assignment for me because I had to visually represent a definition, something very abstract.

Personal Geography - Cognitive Map

For this map we were to show what we think about from the time we wake up in the morning until the time we get to our first class of the day. The icons showcase what I am specifically thinking about. The size of the icon bubble shows the prominence of the thought. The width of the band shows the length of time the thought takes place. The color corresponds to what category of thought I am thinking. I struggled with this map a bit because I had a hard time making it conceptually pleasing while keeping in mind the layout. I was more interested in the graphics and at times got away from the purpose of the map itself. This is completely different from my original idea for the map, however, I turned this one in for the final critique and was happy with it.

Personal Geography - Perceptual Map

For the Perceptual map portion of the personal geography project, we were to show what we encounter with our five senses on our way to class. I showed what I see, smell, touch, hear and taste from the time I wake up at 8:00 until the time I get to class at 9:00. I used the icons to represent each sense and what it corresponds to, and the lines and spacing of icons to show duration. This was my favorite of the three maps because it was the one that most clearly represents my journey from waking up to going to my first class. I also really enjoyed it because I was able to become very familiar with Adobe Illustrator from vectorizing all of the icons.

Personal Geography - Artifact Map

(Revised)

(Original)

For this series of projects we were to design maps that illustrate our journey to school, specifically to our first class. For the artifact map we were to show our route and what we would see along the way. In my case I included the buildings I walk by on my way to class. I highlighted my path, included only the necessary buildings I pass by and showed other side walks and roads that are on the way. The icons indicate what each building is. I revised this map because after looking at it later on I was unhappy with the original and because I lost the file for the original. In the revised version I made the icons more visible, enhanced the colors and made my path more evident.

Design Culture Now

For this project we were to design a poster for a series of Designers that were being showcased called "Design Culture Now." We were to place the text in an appealing manner using hierarchy, color and design to format the poster. I got inspiration for my design from a poster I have seen in the past. I thought that the way in which the line carries the viewers eye is very intriguing and the colors I used are to apply emphasis to certain areas and make other areas more subtle.