OUGD503 - UK Greetings: Evaluation - END-dangered Wild(life)

The collection is called END-dangered Wild(life). The whole collection turned out better than expected as it highlights and raises real life issues that are currently happening around us. The whole collection and the name is to evoke an emotional response from the public so that they are aware of our potential losses, not knowing what how these wildlife creatures can benefit us. Although the collection isn't 100% recyclable, the collection is supposed to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. The envelopes, gift tags and outer gift box is made from recycled stock however, the gift bag, cards, netbooks and gift wrap are made from non-recycled stock due to product having to be durable to keep as memories.

The feedback received were all positive and that they think it is a good idea to include a charity as people may take the collection more seriously. They have also commented how they like the illustrations which is uplifting as it is something I want to explore further into.

Studio Brief 02 - Design for Screen: Track Point App Evaluation and Images/Video

The final parcel tracking app successfully solves the initial problem that was identified when re-writing the blank brief. By researching the issues people face with parcel tracking and existing parcel tracking apps, the app takes into consideration the problems from customers such as being able to contact couriers and the hassle of having to find the email with the parcel tracking as it allow users to use the app confidently and easily, like it should be. The layout of the app design looks as minimal and as simple as possible to avoid stress when users use the app.

The logo and 'Track Point' name is made to work well together as it is suppose to be obvious and suggest what it says and how it looks. This is so users can easily detect what type of app it may be.

By researching existing courier company apps and third party tracking apps, the direct courier apps are easy and simple to use but it is not convenient as users would have to download each courier app and third party apps require to input your tracking details manually (some features would have to be paid for). The app eliminates the problem by allowing users to track all their parcels (no matter the courier) for free on an app since the clients would be all couriers so they would all be on one network. The idea of the app was the best idea for the target audience which are people over the age of 16 that work full time/students that study full time and are not always available at home.

The app shows the brand/company of where the parcel is from as oppose to what courier it's being sent by since people didn't seem to care what courier it is being sent by, but rather what parcel it is. E.g. ASOS instead of DPD.

Track Point will allow users to log onto the app using their email address and password in which the app will automatically detect all known courier services so users wouldn't have to worry about having to input new parcels as it will automatically show up. In terms of the delivery itself, the user has the option to have their items to be delivered to a 'safe place' or to preferred neighbours (and input neighbours to avoid) if they're not in. Users can also add other email accounts if they have several such as other personal or work emails accounts so the parcels will still be in one place. Users can edit this type of information on 'My Account' section on the accordion.

The app allows the user to input their timetable of when they're unavailable (if known) so the delivery courier driver knows whether to try to deliver to the user or just deliver to the safe place/preferred neighbour. If users don't know when they'd be in or not, they could just turn the setting off or turn the automatic location setting where the app will automatically locate using the location service to see whether they're home or not. This is found on the icon of the setting pictogram.

The homepage is a live feed of the recent updates of parcels that have been dispatched/delivered or undelivered. The accordion allows you to see 'All Deliveries' which users can view all parcels - whether they've been delivered/dispatched or undelivered and are able to view more details or delete as they choose.

The last section of the accordion is 'Courier Information'. The app is suppose to be for convenience and ease of use so, if the user is having any problems at all with their parcels, they can click on the 'Courier Information' section and they would be able to find the couriers contact number instead of having to find it online.

The yellow (#FFF960) tone used in the app is influenced by the idea of green (successful delivery) and red (unsuccessful delivery), yellow being the neutral colour of the two. The yellow indicates that it is not influenced to a particular definitive side (green or red) but is instead, impartial. This particular yellow colour looks bright and lively which is how users should feel when they receive their parcels. The previous research had shown that people were negative and frustrated when receiving parcels as they consider it as a hassle, which it should not be and the yellow makes it appear more joyous. The other colours that were used are neutrals since the yellow colour is bold in itself and because it looks eye-catching enough that it didn't need an additional colour.

The use of Helvetica as the body of text reinforces the neutral nature of the app and the idea of using yellow as the colour. Helvetica holds no meaning and is un-biased so it doesn't particularly make you feel excited or disappointed. DIN Condensed Bold used as the display typeface makes the app appear more charismatic and confident as the narrow width and tall height makes the letters look confident.

The pictograms used on the app makes it easier for users as they are easily recognisable and so the user aren't overloaded with words. Pictograms are also recognised by many people regardless of age or language so it allows a wider range of people to potentially use it for an ease of use.

OUGD503 - UK Greetings: Final Designs

Greeting Cards

The greetings cards feature each wildlife creature individually with a message in accordance to the representation of that animal. E.g. A Turtle Dove is part of the dove family and they are peaceful and pure animals therefore they have the words 'With Sympathy' alongside. The cards are blank inside, giving the customer more space to write. The central placement of the illustration and type is so that the audience is immediately drawn to the centre, as the card designs are made to look as minimal as possible due to the serious and direct nature of the everyday cards. The central placement of the design and the choice to create it 140x140mm is so that the area of the card looks filled up without having to fill the whole space, keeping to the minimalistic layout. The Wildlife Trust logo is featured on the reverse of the card as it doesn't disrupt the design.

The stock used for the card itself is a standard bright white 250gsm card. Even though the idea was to create the collection to be environmentally friendly since the collection is about protecting wildlife and nature, cards are sentimental and people like to keep them. Using non-recycled stock meant that it would be more sturdy and last longer than recycled stock. However, the envelopes are made from recycled stock called 'White Rag' which is 210gsm off white/cream colour. The slightly coloured and grainy textured envelope gives the cards more character and uniqueness as typical card envelopes are smooth and 'perfect'. The creamy/off white works well with the stark white card as it gives it more of a contrast and a differentiation is it doesn't look boring nor dull.

Notecards 
The notecards are similar to the greeting cards where they are blank inside as it allows the consumer the freedom to use it for any occasion. They are similar to the greeting cards where the card and the envelopes are made from the same stock as people may find cards sentimental and may keep them so they have to be made from durable stock. The box itself is made from normal white 250gsm stock with the 210gsm White Rag covered over to keep a consistent theme to the cards. The lid is made out of clear acetate so that customer can look to see what the product looks like before they buy it. If the collection was to be mass produced, the box will use less material as it would be made of a singular heavier gsm White Rag stock rather than having 2 different types of stock.

The half view of the design that is placed to the right of the card is meant so that up close, people who pick up the card can identify the illustration closely and therefore identify the wildlife creature online where they can log in their presence. This will make people become more aware and interested in the design and hopefully make them want to help and identify endanger wildlife creatures. The half view of each wildlife creature is suppose to make them appear vulnerable as they are up-close to show how vulnerable they are to extinction if we don't help them. The logo is also placed on the reverse of the card to promote the Wildlife Trust charity so it doesn't disrupt the front design.

Notebooks
The note books are an A5 size as it is more travel friendly and compact to carry around - especially if they will be used to look for wildlife creatures as it will be handy to jot as you walk. The notebook pages are blank as it allows people to draw/sketch wildlife creatures or just to write inside. The Wildlife Trust logo is hidden inside of the notebook on the back page. The notebook pages are 120gsm recycled fine grain drawing paper. The reason for this is that people tend to write or stick stuff on the front so having it on the back is more discreet and it also has three lines where the user can write their names on. The notebooks are staple bound as it requires less materials rather it being perfect bound as PVA can potentially be harmful to the environment when burnt as it emits toxic fumes.

The notebooks showcase the full design of each wildlife creature where that when the notebook is unfolded, you can see the full design. This makes the design appear more lively and entertaining as you can view one half of the design on either side. The use of the full design also allows people to see the wildlife creature up close and would be easier to identify them in real life.

Gift Wrap

There are 4 different gift wrap designs for each wildlife creature as it allows the customer to match up with a card/notebook they have already selected or if they like it on its own. The reason as to why there isn't one gift wrap featuring all the animals/insects is because each illustrative design is different and inconsistent and would clash when they are all put together. Having the designs as a repeated pattern of just one wildlife creature per gift wrap shows that these creatures are individuals and they have their own levels of danger and risk of endangerment. The gift wrap is printed onto Tyvek stock which is waterproof, tear proof and recyclable so it would protect the product correctly. 

Gift bag

The gift bag is simple as it only features the Wildlife Trust logo which is because like the gift wrap, each creature has their own characteristic and it would be unfair to place one animal/insect as the focal on the bag as they are all equal. The decision was to have the gift bag plain with only the logo on but also come supplied with 4 gift tags of each wildlife creature where the consumer can choose whichever would suit their other chosen designs. This gives the customer freedom to choose and they could also use spare tags to use on other things. On the tags and gift bag, they use black ribbon to match with the logo and it makes the whole design look sophisticated. The design of the tags are simple and are blank so that the consumer can use it for any occasion. The tags are made of the White Rag stock so that it is consistent with the whole collection. The gift bag is made of non-recycled card because a gift bag must be durable enough to withstand any weather. 

OUGD503 - UK Greetings: Feedback

Feedback

• The designs looks really intricate and reflects each animal well.
• I like the consistency of the whole thing and how it all ties together - even with the different choices of stock.
• I like the minimalist designs, it doesn't look tacky and looks more serious.
• The different illustration styles of the designs make them all look unique and cute.
• I think that using a charity alongside the design is a really good idea because it shows your not just designing something to look nice but you want to do it for a good cause. 
• Cute and bright. I really like the squirrel.
• If I saw this and saw it was for a good cause, I would definitely buy it!
• You've worked out the greeting cards nicely as the phrases match well with each animal.
• You have a nice range of different products - I like the individuality - it doesn't look like you've tried to force the designs to work together e.g. putting all the animals on the bag, gift wrap or notebooks.
• I really like them all! I think the squirrel could do with being slightly more red.
• ^ agreed
• The collection looks ace! You just have to figure out an impactful name.

The feedback received were very positive, they like how each animal have different styles and characteristics as they agree that they are all individual. I also do agree that the squirrel could do with more red but there are only two types of squirrels in the UK so you would be able to see that this is not a grey squirrel.

OUGD503 - UK Greetings: Mock Ups

The recycled stock, White Rag 210gsm and Cairn Eco White 150gsm have been considered for the potential greetings cards stock. Upon testing them, they do look unique as they are both textured and coloured as the White Rag is a creamy/off white and the Cairn Eco White is a speckled grey. Both stock felt far too thin for a card even the 210gm White Rag. The texture and colour of both stock do slightly draw the attention away from the design too which is not ideal. The Cairn Eco White however does look interesting to be printed on but white stock will probably look better than these two.

Both stocks have also been considered as the envelops too as it would still make the collection sustainable if recycled stock is considered. The White Rag looks better than the Cairn Eco White as the envelope as it looks warmer and uplifting but the Carin Eco White looks dull as it is a grey colour.

OUGD503 - UK Greetings: Stock Decisions

As the whole concept is trying to promote the protection of British Wildlife, it made sense to consider using recyclable stock to print onto as this helps the environment in which the wildlife and us live in. It was difficult trying to find recyclable stock in stores as they weren't readily available especially the larger A1/A2 stock, most were standard non-recycled paper. The two different paper stock that were recyclable and available were 'White Rag' which has a slight texture and more of an off-white colour and 'Cairn Eco White' which was a greyish-brown colour but decided maybe it would work out since it gives it more of an eco-friendly look to the card. A standard white recyclable card was going to be the stock the cards and notecards were going to be printed on however, it was more difficult to find.

OUGD503 - UK Greetings: Designs

Bumblebee
The bumblebee has been digitally designed using a chalk-effect brush to replicate the bees short-haired, fuzzy texture. The final outcome of the bee is a simplified design of bumblebee yet still features the key parts that still has the identification of a bee. It's rough texture of an actual bee itself and the illustration makes it appear more realistic.

Red Squirrel
Using a bristle brush, the design was made by layering different colours on top of each other to replicate a squirrels soft furry exterior. A mixture of browns, greys, whites and oranges were used to create the fur to add dimension to the animal.

Tortoiseshell Butterfly
The texture of a butterfly is smooth yet it is slightly fuzzy around the body so by recreating that digitally, an ink brush was used to mimic the texture. The Tortoiseshell butterfly is a very colourful type of butterfly and so making it appear more undone, you can see the bright colours more vividly.



Turtle  Dove
The dove has been hand-drawn as opposed to digitally like the others as the texture of a bird is smooth and so would look best recreated by hand. To create the design digitally would make it appear more conventional and boring - it would turn out like a digital colouring book as it will use block colours rather than having the ability to shade by hand. The Turtle Dove have different variants of colour and different tones so using colouring pencils by hand, gives a more subtle and smoother appearance.