OUGD503 - Studio Brief 1 - Noughts and Crosses (4 Days) - Final Outcome and Evaluation Against the Brief

Final Outcome and Evaluation 

The design is bold and eyecatching with feedback suggesting the photography of oil and water created strong imagery. The gradient created by the lighting on the droplets creates a three dimensional appearance that makes the design stand out, whilst the contrast within image and type creates a bold design. The cover as a whole forms a cohesive piece as the same photograph wraps around the book, with the typography set so that it flows with the image, filling the negative space and maintaining and reflecting the fluidity of the photograph as it continues across the cover. A refined type selection and colour palette creates consistency across the whole design. 

The concept uses a passage from the book as a basis for the design, creating an original interpretation of the brief that doesn't use the noughts and crosses imagery found on existing designs. '"We don't need to mix with them" "What's wrong with mixing?"' suggests a sense of the divisions between noughts and crosses and the groups that they form in response to this. The idea of not mixing is similar to oil and water which is used for the imagery within the cover, with the rounded droplets reflecting noughts through shape and form. The colouring of the oil in the image links back to race, but in a more dynamic way when compared with existing designs which use flat colour. Feedback suggested that the design has strong connections to research and the book which had given the book a new look and style. 

There is a strong use of typography within the design, which subtly reflects elements of the shapes of noughts and crosses as symbols, with Semplicita Pro Medium having sharp finials, reflecting the angular nature of a cross and Quicksand Light having more rounded finials evoking a sense of curve and linking to droplets within the image.The clumping of typographic elements and text lines reflects how noughts and crosses form groups away from one another and mimics the droplets within the design. The combination of light and a bolder type creates contrast within the design suggesting crosses are more important. Adapting the shape of the blurb so elements form a fluid shape reflects the essence of the shape behind. 

The design is appealing to a broad audience through the use of an abstract concept which is both distinctive and memorable, however not gender specific through the use of a monochrome palette.

The audience for the book is mainly teenagers, so a more refined design is appropriate for the age group, which would also appeal to parents. The use of bold and striking imagery would stand out to them whilst the use of playful imagery creates a sense of fun within the design.

The book has a point of difference from other designs on the market, as all of the existing designs use noughts and crosses imagery with a monochrome palette. In this design noughts and crosses are represented in a more tangible and metaphorical way through water and oil, representing the idea that they don't mix. Feedback suggested the design would stand out against other black and white entries because of the use of the unique imagery. The use of photography enabled the creation of a design with more depth and dimension.

The design needs to work across both print and ebooks so the blurb was increased in size to compensate for the light typeface making it more legible. The depth of imagery stands out both on screen and in print.

The book would be on sale in a variety of locations. The design would be effective in different stores because of its use of contrast and photographic imagery making it distinct from other books.