process document 5.2

Within the 5.2 module, I wanted to focus on trying lots of different softwares, approaches and ways of working in relation to technologies. Sampling and trying out the basics in lots of different things has led me to new avenues in regards to my methods of design and typical workflows. Digging deep into what may be hindering and holding my efficiency back has helped me realise efficient design
processes and how I can better organise these issues with the help of technology.

Highlighting technology I wouldn't have ever considered using ranging from Cinema 4D to code Processing has portrayed many new definitions of what graphic design is for me in terms of introducing alternative tech currently shaping industry. Prior to this module, I don't think I was aware of just how broad technology is in relation to graphic design, and the array of tools available that can be used to experiment with ideas and produce outcomes. I have challenged myself to be open to try out new things, engaging and looking into lesser used softwares within Adobe such as Aero exploring basics of Augmented Reality. After writing up about how AR could have been integrated into my 4.4 publication, it made me aware of the bigger picture of possibility and how I can take my ideas further than just static designs, but giving them motion or interaction. This can make design more interesting inclusive of multiple platforms that have the ability to reach a larger volume of people and diverse audiences.

Due to the pace of this module, it has meant there has been time for me to explore things that stray away from set briefs, delving into more personal interests. Despite this, I have also enjoyed being tasked with briefs that have producing surprising and interesting outcomes which have been in the technical sessions with Jon. I have enjoyed using the Ghost platform in order to document things that have informed me in this module, posting and writing up my opinions and technologies that have interested me. Shown as an example in the seminar, I have also tried Medium, a platform in relation to documentation and publication.

Although I haven't tried out all of the tools and softwares we have been shown, I think even just being aware of the evolving technology available is a really interesting insight to have because it means in the future I am understanding of things I can do to enrich my workflow and designs. Something that has helped support this is that I created a post on Ghost that I have been dedicating to add to each week with research into areas that are new, and areas I am interested in to see what other creatives are producing. Adding a selection of key findings into 1 area of this blog post allows a useful bank of references in relation to technology I can always refer and come back to in future.

Now at the end of this module I have gained skills making me more experimental in a digital manner, pushing me out of my comfort zone as I am typically more drawn to analogue and physical approaches in creating outcomes such as screen print and letterpress. I think my interests in terms of technology have remained the same however 5.2 has shown me many new methods outside of usual digital design mediums for example InDesign, a digital software I was comfortable with. I have been pushed into thinking more about how technology can be incorporated into graphics to produce interesting outcomes and ideas.

Research and Ideas.

key research
This is a collection of artists, designers and other creatives that have found throughout this module that are especially interesting to me. All research featured in this post heavily focuses on the possibilities of new and emerging technologies as a way of design, and my opinions on this. Gathering these
my interests- technologies
Below is my concept map explaining and highlighting my interests within graphic technologies. This work explains my connections to Maeda’s Law of Simplicity, and how this is reflected within my own practice. I have also shown work that interests me in terms of how they are created, most predominantly inclusive
neurodiversity awareness campaign
For this campaign we wanted to create a sensory garden to help people who are overstimulated relax and calm down if they are struggling. We would include lots of different textures (grass, stone, wood, flowers) so that people can ground themselves and also regulate with touch. We would install visual
6x6 - ideas
Amplify the overlooked. Identify something small, hidden or overlooked- a physical detail, a system or everyday behaviour and amplify its presence. Celebrating and drawing attention to something that is usually ignored, helping an audience to see things in a new way. Ideas (Brief) * AMPLIFY the sounds of technology- sounds that
exploring the crossover of graphic design and data visualisation
Traditionally, when I picture data visualizations they are hard to understand and complex. Graphic design adds aesthetic appeal, making information more engaging and accessible to a wider audience. Designers also help structure and present in a way that can be tailored to individual users’ preferences and needs, creating more meaningful

Reflection and Opinion.

how AR could have been integrated into the process of my 4.4 publication
AR could have made this project quite interesting due to the nature of the brief which was about a square location of Leeds, which my area was Kirkgate. Throughout the entirety of this project I visited my location and its surrounding areas numerous times and found that colour and spray
identifying workflow enhancements
Clearing my Desktop One workflow I always stick to is having a tidy desktop. Each individual file, package and screenshot has a specific folder or place on my Mac that it will be saved to. This means when I work, its a tidy space. However if I’m working on something
brutalist websites
Having looked at many of the brutalist websites, I have mixed opinions about the whole concept of brutalism. As much as I enjoy the simplicity and sleek cleanliness of minimalism, I love the personality of brutalist websites as the energy they radiate. The websites most commonly focus on extreme large
my stance on AI- chat GPT
when weighing up the pros and cons of AI and the use of chat GPT especially in education settings, many factors have to be considered as positives and negatives. Perspective of a Speech and Language Therapy student at Leeds Beckett: “You just can’t be sure where the information is coming
budapest interactive light experience- UX, AI
Over the Christmas break, I took a trip to Budapest with some of my friends which we visited ‘Cinema Mystica’- an interactive museum experience. Within the museum there are over 25 different rooms and experience which immerse visitors with sounds and sounds that activate sensory feeling. The rooms are often

Software and new found tools in practice.

animation in photoshop
In this workshop with Jon, we were shown how to animate within Photoshop. We were working in the painting workspace to enable to Wacom pen drawing tablets to connect to the screen. It was my first time using a drawing tablet and I really enjoyed it. Although I don’t have
6x6
Amplify the overlooked- Digital Fabrication. For the 6x6 brief, I chose to focus on amplifying the overlooked. My initial thoughts were how I wanted to relate this to the data visualisation outcome however after writing up some notes and exploring potential options within letterpress, I realised that my ideas better
100 book covers- processing
Requirements * ‘Your challenge is to generate 100 distinct variations of the cover using a defined set of parameters.’ * ‘Use a bold and simple typeface to emphasise clarity and contrast.’ * ‘Each cover must prominently display a unique “No. ###” reference number.’ Execution Approach For this brief, we were tasked
medium- blogging platform
‘Platforms such as Medium enable easy publishing of written content, with a focus on individual voices and niches.’ The platform Medium was very similar to Ghost in terms of functionality and tools that you can use to write and publish. I made an account and wrote a short entry
AR using adobe aero
In the studio we were introduced to Aero, a software used to produce augmented reality concepts and landscapes. I loved experimenting with shapes in this software. Although this experiment was minimalistic and only using shapes from the given packs, I want to try and use Aero for other aspects of
AR sensory garden- adobe aero
Following on from the neurodiversity awareness campaign, I really wanted to make a rough scene of what my idea of a sensory garden would look like if made real. After the Adobe Aero workshop, it felt perfect to try and make the garden using augmented reality. Using the basic features
blood cell animation- cinema 4d
Throughout these workshops, I have been creating an animation of red and white blood cells which eventually led me to the outcome of them flowing through an animated vessel. Over the course of the weeks using Cinema 4D, I have picked up basic skills that have given me a base

olivia birkett

manchester/ leeds