OUGD405 - Train Station Sign Research

Our final destination for our sign research was Leeds Railway Station.

The station followed a particular colour scheme, a dark blue background with white text. This allowed the text to be easily deciphered from the background and made it stand out well. A sans-serif typeface was used, which is easy to read and has a high legibility.

There was quite a lot of imagery/signs used within the system, such as luggage trolleys and meeting point diagrams. One thing I found particularly interesting was that the sign for the cash machines did not have any text, or even any mention of the ATM machines, just a simple diagram of bank notes and money. This demonstrated the idea that people are able to decipher what certain images mean without the aid of any text at all.

 

OUGD405 - Trinity Leeds Signage Research

We took a trip down to Trinity Leeds shopping centre in order to document their own particular signage system.

Personally I really like Trinity's signage system and think it is very functional. Each floor has its own designated colour system within the sign system, making it easier for visitors to navigate their way around. There are maps of the entire shopping centre located at various different points that not only gave something visual to look at, but also included text in order to help decipher exactly what is on each floor.  I think the signage is very clear and easy to follow, without being too formal. The colours and light up signs add a fun and playful element.

 


I also really liked the signs used within the Trinity Kitchen part of the shopping centre. This food hall is designed with a street style influence and has a very 'funky' edge to it. The neon signs used around this area added a modern, grunge element and were very effective at displaying the way to certain places.

 

OUGD405 - Study Task 01 - Uni of Leeds vs Leeds Beckett Signage

Me and my group decided to visit both the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett campuses so that we could document their way-finding systems and compare them to each other.

Uni of Leeds:

The signs followed a specific colour scheme, the one linked with the university - dark green, white and black. I felt the white text against the green background was really effective and was great for legibility.  A simple sans-serif font was used throughout the signage, linking in with the logotype for the uni and again aiding with readability and legibility. The signage was fairly formal and straightforward, with no ornamentals or 'frills'.

    

The student union however had a very different feel to it. The general tone was a lot more informal and there was a variety of both sans-serif and serif typefaces. The union had a more 'fun' and young element to it, for example the arrows used to point in directions of places were bow and arrow style. Similarly, vintage-style hands were used to demonstrate direction along with shapes and colour.

Leeds Beckett:

Leeds Beckett campus was very similar to Uni of Leeds in the terms of its signage layout. Obviously different colours were used, still white text but instead upon a purple background, which I felt did give it a more informal feel compare to Uni of Leeds. Despite this, most of the signage was very similar in comparison, again with sans-serif typeface being used with basic arrows to show direction.

 

However, inside the student union the signage system again appeared quite different. Inside, things took a more informal tone, with a variety of different colours and styles being used. There were lots of arrows on the floor pointing in different directions to help students find their way round. Something that was particularly interesting was the footprint stickers found all around the inside of the union. These footprints became very confusing in certain places, with multiple different routes overlapping each other and no particular definition between the two aside from some small text. This system definitely would have benefited from colour coding and more variety between the routes.

OUGD405 - Study Task 01 - LCA Sign System Research

I started my research for this project by looking at the sign system used within LCA.

The sign system within LCA  is very basic - all signs are a dark grey colour with white text. Whilst these colours could be seen as dull and monochromatic, I do also think that this keeps the sign very functional and legible, which is its main purpose.

There is a simple sans-serif font used, which again helps with easy legibility and readability. The typeface has a formal aesthetic without being too serious or ornamental in any way.

Simple line drawings are used, for example the basic arrow or zig-zag line to symbolise the stairs. This stops things from being over-complicated and keeps the design purely functional.

Overall, I think the sign system is fairly effective as it is simple yet clearly demonstrates the location of various different rooms/etc. On the other hand I do think using colour, perhaps a different one for each floor or different type of sign would be just as effective, if not more, and also add an element of informality to the design.

OUGD405 - Jim Lambie's Floor Installations

I really like Jim Lambie's floor installations in which he uses glossy tape in a variety of colours upon various indoor spaces.

Whilst the vinyl tape is a very average everyday item, Lambie uses this in a way that completely changes the dynamic of a space. He transforms plain, lifeless floors that would usually be ignored into dynamic and energetic pieces of artwork that attract attention and interest.

I think this particular artwork is quite relevant to our way-finding and sign system brief. I think that the way the tape curves and moves along the floor almost creates a sort of 'path' and is almost a way-finding system within itself. It looks as if we are meant to follow the lines and that they will lead us or take us somewhere, which is something I think could work very effectively within my own project.

OUGD405 - Pentagram for LCC

I decided to look at LCC's recently re-designed sign system as I felt this was very relevant to our current project.

Pentagram took on this project, knowing that the college needed something very simple, yet functional. Along with this, LCC wanted something that represented one of their key principles - a dedication for making and the physical creation of art.

I love the way that the signage can be fixed onto any wall type without massive upheaval - this means that signs can be re positioned and relocated as the building changes and grows without any disruption.

Colour coding has been used for all four of the college's main areas, which makes things simple and legible for readers. Helvetica has also been used to create links between LCC and UAL's overall identity, which I think is a really nice touch to help bring the whole idea together.

Overall, I personally think this sign system is really effective - it's straightforward, simplistic and easy to follow whilst also being very aesthetically pleasing and contemporary. I believe it works very well within the college setting.

OUGD405 - Conventional Sign Systems

Today we have talked about conventional systems, what they are and the role they play within our world.

Pictograms:
- warn, guide or protect
- immediately decipherable

Semiotics:
- semantics
- sign and meaning
- dependent on context and knowledge of meaning

Syntax:
- set of rules, principles and processes that govern how the signs work together
- formal, unambiguous, succinct

Pragmatics:
- how context contributes to meaning of sign
- indictive - may or may not
- imperative - must not
- suggestive - appeal to readers and their feelings

                               


Shapes of signs:

Square:
- boundaries
- protection

Triangle:
- direction giving character
- symmetrical

Circle:
- feelings addressed more strongly

OUGD404 - Jo Blaker Talk

Today we had a really great talk from artist Jo Blaker.

She showed us a variety of her sketchbooks from the past 13 years, starting with her degree level sketchbooks right up the the present. I was fascinated by the way Jo works, and her sketchbooks were incredibly inspiring. Her style was extremely varied, ranging from realism to very abstract style sketches, all of which had their own interesting points.

She talked about how she makes her sketchbook about herself, and almost uses it as a hidden side of her persona. She said her sketchbook is a great record of her feelings and shows the emotions she was feeling at that particular time.

She also mentioned how she doesn't use her sketchbook in a linear way, it is more random and expressive. She said she feels most relaxed doing her work in bed, which I thought was interesting.


The best thing I took away from this talk was the idea of drawing and sketching things around me in order to help record things within my daily life, which is what Jo does with her own work. I really enjoyed learning more about Jo's work and will certainly be following her in the future.

OUGD403 - Design Skills - End of Module Evaluation

During this module, I have learnt so much about typography. I have enjoyed exploring more about typography since the very beginning of the project, starting from our trips to both Yorkshire Sculpture Park and The Hepworth Gallery. I have never really looked at sculptural type before so this was new to me and I found it really interesting looking at how letters could be formed in three-dimensional ways.

I also learnt a lot about how kerning can affect a logotype or text in general during the initial stages of Studio Brief 01, and I found the Kerndown task particularly useful as it really highlighted how altering the kerning even slightly can help represent a brand or company in a completely different way.  

Researching into different typefaces is something I found very intriguing, when looking at both Massimo Vignelli’s six essential typefaces and Joseph Mueller-Brockmann’s classic and lead typefaces. I now feel a lot more informed about the different effects various typefaces can have upon a logotype or piece of work and the way this changes how things can be perceived.

Doing research has really helped me in both Studio Brief 01 and 02 and has helped develop my own personal ideas At the beginning of Studio Brief 01 I looked at and analysed a variety of different electrical company logos, which was definitely useful in helping inform my own design decisions. Seeing how other people in the same industry were tackling their own logos helped me decide what was appropriate and what wasn’t. I took a similar approach for Studio Brief 02 where I started the project by briefly analysing existing typefaces used within the confectionery industry, which in turn helped inform me how to tackle creating my own.


My knowledge of typeface terminology has certainly increased – I am now able to talk about letters and type in a professional and technical way, which will definitely benefit me in the future. I now find it easier to discuss the different parts of a letter whilst trying to explain an idea or problem, and in turn I now feel more confident experimenting whilst adapting an already existing typeface.

Similarly, I feel my digital skills have definitely improved during this module and I have learnt a lot more about using Illustrator and Photoshop to develop designs digitally, which will certainly be beneficial to me in future projects.

The frequent group critiques have also been very useful as they have helped guide me throughout both projects. When I was unsure about an idea or which route to take, taking my ideas to these group crits has been really informative and useful. Getting other people’s opinions on your work really helps you look at it in a different way.

Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed the module as a whole as it has deepened and broadened my knowledge on the typographic element of graphic design. There have been times where I have found things difficult or challenging, but I have overcome these barriers and learnt more through experiencing problems and difficulties.
The things I have learnt I can take forward and make use of in further projects, which in turn will be beneficial in later life as a professional designer.  

Studio Brief 02 - Evaluation

Once I had settled on a final font, I began creating a type specimen to display this in a creative and engaging way. I used a baby pink colour to represent a marshmallow-like style and placed this against a dark grey background to help bring it to life. I also included two secondary colours, bright white and a lighter grey. These were in keeping with the soft and neutral theme I wanted, but added an element of variety too.  I included a few different symbols and numbers within the specimen to show how the typeface would work in other ways as well as basic letter-forms. I also used the simple outline style to demonstrate how the type could be changed and adapted to suit a particular purpose or use. I think my final typeface is appropriate for use on food and confectionery packaging as it has a clear link to what is already in the industry today. It is fun and soft, yet has a structure and form that allows it to be used in a professional context.

I think my initial approach to the brief was well planned and informed - I had a clear idea of what I wanted to achieve, what I wanted to portray and how I wanted to go about doing it. I think my prior research into existing typefaces really helped drive my work forward and kept me informed on what was appropriate and current in today’s market. I wouldn’t change anything about how I approached the brief, except perhaps done more research - you can never have enough and I think analysing a broader variety of existing typefaces would have increased the amount of
potential ideas I could have generated.

During working on this brief I have learnt more about the structure of letters and increased my knowledge of typeface terminology. This will definitely help aid my work in future projects as I will be able to refer back to how I approached this particular brief and use it to help drive my work forward.

Studio Brief 02 - Final Crit

Today we have had our final crit for Studio Brief 02.

I left my type specimen on my desk for people to have a look at and leave feedback on. As a whole, I was impressed by the feedback I received as it was mostly positive!

The majority of comments I received said that my typeface represented my word very well, and that the serifs were a key part of this working so well. There were also lots of comments about how my strokes were wobbly and imperfect and how this added character and personality to my typeface.

There were comments about how the colour scheme used in my type specimen was really fitting for my chosen word, with someone writing it 'adds interest and contributes to the informal feel'.

The only two negative comments I received were about the same thing - people said that 'wobbly' strokes weren't as appropriate for my chosen word, stating that a smoother, rounder finish would've suited the adjective 'plump' better.

Overall, this feedback has been extremely useful in helping me analyse and critique my own design decisions. It has given me an extra and different viewpoint of my designs and made me see them in a different light. I will take this feedback and advice on board and use it to help inform my design decisions in further projects in the future.


                  

Studio Brief 02 - Type Specimen Production

Now I have settled on a final font, I have created a type specimen to display this in a creative and engaging way.

I have chosen to use four different colours - baby pink, dark grey, light grey and white.
I chose the baby pink as it reminds me of marshmallows and other confectionery items, which is exactly what I want my typeface to portray. This particular colour works really well against a dark grey background, and then I chose the two other neutral shades to compliment this.

I have included a few different symbols and numbers within the specimen to show how the typeface would work in other ways as well as basic letter-forms.

I also used the simple outline style to demonstrate how the type could be changed and adapted to suit a particular purpose or use.

                                       

                                          

Studio Brief 02 - Further Digital Typeface Development

Following my experimentation with the offset path tool, I have decided to go back to basics and use my original sketches. I prefer these because they have a hand-crafted element which I feel gives my typeface character and personality. I used the ‘image trace’ tool to vectorize my scanned image, and then I began playing around with the letters.




I like the idea of having the counters removed as I feel this really does emphasise the idea of ‘plumpness’, but I do feel like this is perhaps a bit too abstract and slightly affecting legibility. Once I had added the counters back in, I instantly felt that this had a better clarity and readability.




I then began playing around with the outline and inner fill. I removed the outline around all the letters, which made the type slightly thinner. Whilst I like this effect, I do feel like it is taking away from the main idea of having the letters thick and chunky, so I decided this wasn’t the way forward. I also tried this in reverse and removed the inner fill, leaving just the outline. I quite like this particular effect as it adds another dimension to the letters and creates a more lightweight, breathable version.

  
                                     



Another thing I experimented with is adding an extra layer behind the original font. This created a 3D style effect and made the letters very bold and striking. Whilst I think this looks effective and engaging, I personally feel this particular style is a bit too much for the aesthetic I want and it isn’t as
appropriate as some of the other designs.



Overall, I think my favourite variation is the original scanned image without any other adjustments. I feel this is the typeface that portrays my chosen word the best, and has the most 'plump' qualities.

Studio Brief 02 - Initial Digitization

Now I have decided which idea I want to take forward from my sketches, I have begun digitising my ideas.

The first step I took was rounding the serifs on the original Clarendon font by pulling in the anchor points, which immediately gave a softer effect (see fig1 below).

I wasn’t happy with this though, as whilst the serifs were rounded, the rest of the letter appeared too uniform and thin. I attempted to use the anchor points to adjust the width and thickness of the strokes, but I found this difficult to control. Moving the handlebars around to create curves proved
problematic as it distorted the overall shape and created a ‘lumpy’ effect (see fig1 below).

To combat this, I then took a different approach and used the ‘offset path’ took to thicken the letters. I experimented with different levels of offset, adjusting the numbers to see how it effected the type. This created an interesting effect but made the letters quite illegible, which was not ideal for a display font to be used in a variety of settings. By filling the original outline in with white, the word was instantly made more legible and readable. Whilst this was a positive, I wasn’t too keen on the outline effect this had, and I still felt like this wasn’t quite ‘plump’ enough as I wanted (see fig2 & fig3 below).

I tried the offset path tool with the full alphabet, and I did think this worked better as I used only a very slight offset. This was better for legibility but I felt the glyphs were too similar to the original Clarendon typeface (see fig4 below).

I decided to use a baby pink colour whilst experimenting with my typeface as I felt it linked in with how I would like my type to be presented on my specimen at the end of the project.


           fig1.             fig2.
                                                     
                                                            fig3.  

                           fig4.