Technologies Reflection

I’ve chosen to reflect on my 4.2 book cover design The Feminist Debate: Independence as it was a project I particularly enjoyed but one I felt I could’ve developed further. At the time, I chose to make this project more personal by using imagery of my Grandma, highlighting feminist issues while allowing me to stray away from conventional feminist imagery. This approach helped emphasise the idea that feminist values exist across generations, not just within contemporary movements and in my book cover I wanted to visually express how feminist values have shaped my own views and identity. Reflecting on the ‘Innovations’ talk has allowed me to think about how current technology - particularly immersive and interactive media - could significantly expand this project as well as its deeply rooted message.

By incorporating immersive technology, I could have developed the piece into an augmented multi-sensory experience that goes beyond the printed front cover. The audience could scan the cover with AR technology to access layers of the design such as family history, personal recollections, archived photos and audio memories inspired by my Grandma’s life as well as my own experiences with feminist values. This would allow for the more personal side of the project to be more upfront while giving the audience a deeper connection with the content, allowing them to connect on an emotional level. Rather than being a purely visual design it would focus on the experience of the viewer within immersive storytelling – a design that goes beyond 2D graphics.

Before starting this module, I never had much interest in digital media and actively disliked AR experiences, as I often couldn’t connect with the work that’s presented. However, reflecting on this project has shifted my perspective. As a designer who enjoys delving deeper into meaning and often embeds very personal elements into my work emerging technology will allow me to enhance my designs – giving me the opportunity to take on a more layered approach, moving beyond aesthetics and combing visual media with audience interaction. Creating a dimensional outcome that go further than just print and digital.

To help me create more hybrid designs I will have to consider my skills in immersive technology and build on them by experimenting with AR, motion design and basic interactive elements. I will look to explore how technology can support my process of designing and benefit the overall piece. It has definitely given me the drive to explore technologies that enhance my work and made me consider how they can influence both me and the audience.