The need for people to belong to a cause or to have their say is a very important one. Whether it is political or humorous, having your opinion heard is a gratifying outcome and great developer of intelligent discussion and thought. The use of symbols and icons play an extremely important part in giving focus to a movement or belief. These movements or beliefs usually develop from an idea or concept, which in turn would have developed from an opinion or thought.
In the modern world in which we live, many cultures and traditions are breaking down due to the social melting pot our of cities. This is not necessarily a bad thing and breeds new cultures and traditions that are inherent to the city or the direct community we find ourselves in. New opinions are given rise based on the local problems or concerns rather than beliefs that may now be defunct due to their incapacity to adapt.
It is with this in mind that you are to answer the following question.
If you could say one thing to all the people in World,
what would it be?
We've given you three things from the three sections of social, environmental and economic. You can chose one of these or you can create you own. It can be political, environmental, social, satirical or just plain weird, but what would you want everyone to know?
This is a solo project so make sure it’s something you feel strongly about. Don’t try to please the masses or do what you think is expected, this may be your one chance to have all 4,526,190 (2007 census) sets of ears listening to you.
What is important to you?
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BC101 Assessment 01
Title of assessment: Skills and techniques portfolio
Weighting: 40%
Date issued: Week 1
Due date: Week 13
Learning Outcomes/competencies being assessed:
• Access and use appropriate resources to research and record information
• Describe the application of design elements and principles of different cultures and historical periods
• Create unique visual expression grounded in historic and contemporary knowledge
Description of assessment:
Part 1: You are asked to research, record and discuss in class, eight different styles of symbol. Each symbol style will be presented in class and due for discussion the week after.
Part 2: You will need to complete ten, in class exercises that explore techniques and fundamentals of effective symbol design. 8 of the exercises will be started and completed in the same class, while 2 larger ones will spread across 3 weeks.
Part 3: You are then required to produce a colour symbol portfolio showing your research and in-class exercises.
Instructions:
Part 1: Source 8 symbol style examples and take part in the 8 weekly discussions. Each symbol style should then be given it’s own page within your final symbol portfolio. You should show examples and explain the style in your own words. One title and one paragraph per symbol style will suffice.
Part 2: Complete all 8 ‘done in one’ in-class exercises. Complete 2 ‘three-weekly’ assignments. These exercises have their own instructions sheets that will be given out during class. Once completed each exercise should be transferred to your symbol portfolio and given it’s own page. Make sure each page is titled. A small paragraph detailing your experience of the exercise should also be included.
Part 3: Produce an A4 portfolio showing the above exercises giving one page per symbol style and one page per exercise. Each page should include a title and a small explanation. Exercises can scanned and reprinted or put it as originals if they fit. You can use any A4 document display folder. Please produce your work in colour where possible. Please make sure your display folder is clearly marked with your name and class name.
Marking criteria:
• The creative process (20%): the work undertaken in exploring, experimenting, developing, refining, and resolving ideas. Each exercise attempted and completed.
• Communication of ideas (30%): the originality of ideas, and how well they are communicated to the viewer, depth of research and inclusion in class discussions. Evidence of research and examination of symbol styles
• Elements and craft (20%): Appropriate use of methods and materials. Ability to follow instructions and complete exercises in requested time.
• Design processing and consistency (10%): display of ideas to their potential, and applied consistently throughout the outcomes. Logical and coherent presentation of symbols and exercises.
• Professionalism and presentation (20%): work is presented cleanly and neatly. Completion of all symbol style examples and in-class exercises. Appropriate referencing of ideas.
Submission instruction:
All above research and exercises should be contained in an A4 display folder with each week titled, showing your name and class clearly on the outside of the folder.
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BC101 Assessment 02
Title of assessment: Design a symbol proposal
Weighting: 10%
Date issued: Week 2
Due date: Week 4
Learning Outcomes/competencies being assessed:
• Access and use appropriate resources to research and record information
• Describe the application of design elements and principles of different cultures and historical periods
Description of assessment:
You are required to write a short proposal of approximately 800 words on a cause you would like to promote to the world. The proposal must include a detailed description of what it is you have chosen, why you have chosen it and why it’s important the world hears about it. The proposal should refer to facts or arguments that support your belief and be accompanied by images that maintain and give credence to the idea. It should be an original cause and not an existing organization.
You can choose from a social, environmental or economic base and should name it appropriately. This is a solo project so make sure it’s something you feel strongly about. Some examples might be; a sugar awareness campaign (social), an anti-cotton group (environmental) or a no-tax coalition (economic) - There are more examples on the blog: www.designbridge.blogspot.com
After you have decided on a cause you would like to champion you will then design an information poster to raise public awareness. This poster should include historical reference of previous symbols that may have been associated or impacted upon your cause.
Instructions:
• Write 800 words on a movement you believe should exist.
• Name that movement.
• Create a heading for your poster, a sub-head and select one pull-quote from the text.
• Source and include 8 pictures (photos or illustrations) that support your idea.
• Source 3 other groups that could potentially be seen as competitors (for or against.)
• Include the 3 other group’s symbols and write a paragraph each about who, what and why they impact upon your organisation.
• Lay out as an A2 black & white poster using InDesign and a modular (swiss) grid.
• Print poster.
Marking criteria:
• Structure, clarity and design of proposal
• Evidence of research and examination of different theories of symbols and culture
• Logical and coherent presentation of ideas and arguments
• Evidence in own thinking, conviction and belief in message
• Ability to critically evaluate and analyse ideas, concept and projected assurance of public buy-in
• Appropriate referencing of ideas. Depth of research and knowledge of message
• Spelling, grammar and general design skills (pixel use, font choice, accompanying images etc.)
Submission instruction:
All above information should be contained within an A2 black & white poster.
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BC101 Assessment 03
Title of assessment: Design a symbol based on research findings
Weighting: 20%
Date issued: Week 4
Due date: Week 9
Learning Outcomes/competencies being assessed:
• Develop and create visual form in response to communication problems including symbolic representation and the construction of meaningful images
• Create unique visual expression grounded in historic and contemporary knowledge
Description of assessment:
Based on the concept presented in BC101 Assessment 02 you are required to develop 3 symbols (picture-marks) that will represent your message and become iconic for your movement. You will then present your idea and symbols to your peers upon which one will be chosen as official selection for current semester.
Your symbols should be recognisable to all cultures and ages without the need of words.
Instructions:
• Create a range of thumbnails to develop 3 unique symbols. Process must be clear.
• Convert 3 symbols to vector files and continue development.
• Present 3 symbols to class (acting as client) and have one chosen.
• Continue working up final symbol taking into account any suggested amendments.
• Present final symbol to class (acting as client.)
Marking criteria:
• Identification of a clear path to showing complex messages
• Evidence of experiments with symbolic representation
• Evidence of application of theories of symbols and images as systems of meanings including cultural contexts in relation to message
• Originality and quality of systems of symbols and images
• Reflection and self-critique of design process
• Understanding and acknowledgement of simplicity laws
• Presentation of concepts and finished product
Submission instruction:
The 3 vector symbols should be presented in class via a PDF presentation showing process and each finished piece. The final symbol should be presented in class via an A4 black & white print out.
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BC101 Assessment 04
Title of assessment: Distribute symbol in public for feedback
Weighting: 30%
Date issued: Week 9
Due date: Week 14
Learning Outcomes/competencies being assessed:
• Communicate effectively in a culturally diverse environment
• Construct arguments to influence beliefs, attitudes, values and practices
Description of assessment:
Using the chosen symbol from BC101 Assessment 03, groups will distribute symbol in public arena for feedback and reactions. You are required to document the distribution, impact it had and reflect on what could have been done differently. You will then present to semester group.
Instructions:
• Get into a group of 4 or less.
• Devise a strategy for distributing the chosen symbol to the public so it is understood and remembered for maximum impact and coverage. No laws are to be broken.
• Distribute in chosen style, recording and documenting outcomes.
• Review outcomes and assess changes needed to be more effective.
• Redistribute in amended style, recording and documenting outcomes.
• Produce presentation showing entire distribution process.
• Present to semester.
Marking criteria:
• Distribution process, amount and appropriateness
• Distribution strategy and concept
• Effectiveness of communication to audience
• Final outcome, presentation and strength of documentation
• Reflection, self critique and response to critique
Submission instruction:
Evidence of successful distribution should be presented to semester group via students groups. Professional PDF/Quicktime presentations are expected.
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EXAMPLES FROM PREVIOUS YEARS
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INSPIRATION & EXTRAS
Each week the lecturers throw up things we find that relate to what we've been discussing or working on that week. Sometimes it might be things that relate to your major assessment and sometimes just stuff that we thought was worth seeing. If you find something you think we should be showing or something we just have to see let us know in class or throw an email over to me at matt@billyblue.com.au and I'll get it up here or on the Bluni inspiration site.
To give you a little push in the right directions we've put a few examples below of potential ideas for your proposal.
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Fat country - Yes that's right we are (Australia) now officially the fattest country in the world. What are we going to do about it? Here are some links for more information:
1/ Sydney Morning Herald - Worlds fattest nation by Jill Stark
2/ Japan Today - Finally Australia becomes fat...
3/ Eureka Street - The skinny on fat Aus by Tim Kroenert
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Carless commuters - Sydney is one of the only major cities of the world that still allows cars into the city center. Congestion each year causes multiple problems not least is air quality. By freeing the city of cars you would improve this and allow for more direct public transport, making a cleaner, quicker, safer environment for all who work there.
Nice little campaign from WWF showing one cars total daily emissions. Designed by Ogilvy in China.
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Consumer aware - Do we really need to buy as much stuff as we do. Recent studies showed that we are only using 1% of stuff we buy after six months. Do we need all that packaging? Not only that but where is all this stuff coming from? How many miles has it traveled to get to us and how much fuel did that waste? Who made it and what natural resources we wasted to make it. If you haven't seen The Story of Stuff by Annnie Leonard yet, go there now! It will make you think differently about everything you consume.
