Project One
Introduction
My name is Jen and I’m a sophomore studying Literature & Culture and Global Studies :) I’m taking CDF to gain knowledge about the field of design as it relates to my interests in book and magazine publishing, and because I hope it will help me in my work as an editor. A fun fact about me is that I love Norah Jones and believe she makes the perfect rainy day songs (shoutout to “Feelin’ The Same Way” and “Seven Years”).
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Example of Ineffective Design
This example is a resident advisor (RA) duty sign which lists the RAs for one CMU residential neighborhood and whether or not they’re on duty (meaning they can be found/reached out to in the event of a problem). While this design contains important information, it is radically ineffective. In my opinion, the biggest problem with this sign is the scale and type. The sign is much too small and the type size is tiny and cramped making it difficult to see the sign (particularly in the event of an emergency) or even casually glance over it. Additionally, the placement of the velcro strips which attach the “on duty” signs cover up the names and are so close together that it makes it hard to discern which person is actually listed as on duty. Also, the “on duty” sign is so big compared to the rest of the sign that it covers up identifiable markers — like the arrows — that would help the viewer understand who’s on duty. Lastly, the font size used for important phone numbers listed on the bottom left is too small and in a bold font which causes the letters to cluster together making it difficult to read. The one thing I will say in favor of this design is the polaroid-style photos of the RAs that help residents get to know them and associate names with faces. Still, this sign struggles overall to communicate its message simply and effectively.
Example of Effective Design
This is a photo of a room spray I purchased in Cold Spring, NY. I absolutely love this design because it conveys exactly what information it needs to in a clean, simple, and organized manner. The bottle itself is made of glass giving it a cool and clean exterior which is complimented by the label. The label has a large, simple type that shows the viewer exactly what the product is and the scent you can expect from the spray. However, I think what this design does best is utilizing contrast, emphasis, and unity to communicate information simply: the white label on the brown bottle draws viewers in, the large font size used for the name of the product and company emphasizes what the product is, and the use of a consistent font and simplistic colors (brown, black, and white) gives a sense of unity to the design. One of my favorite aspects of this design is the line of text which lists the ingredients in a visually simple and well-spaced manner clearly divided by plus signs. Overall this room spray visualizes information in a clear, beautiful, and concise way which easily communicates what a consumer can expect from the product.
