I took a seemingly paradoxical approach to the Design for Print (Type in Context) brief and created a book dedicated to an analysis of typography in user interfaces. This allowed for an exploration into how typefaces intended for or suited to digital use performed in a printed environment, which led to comparisons and critiques on both sides. Such a close analysis of typefaces for screen-based environments also served as an asset in both the research and development of the Design for Screen brief. Though it would seem odd to create a book based around something exclusively digital, there is no reason why the two formats cannot exist simultaneously and in regards to each other. Indeed, many webpages exist on traditional media and many books exist on digital media, and my target market (graphic designers, design students, UI designers, technology enthusiasts) would likely be interested in both. Instinct led me to try and incorporate digital elements into the printed publication (such as link based navigation and digital iconography), but after experimentation I quickly realised how pointless a process this was - the formats are different for a reason. There were some elements that could transcend the digital to the physical however, such as the use of bright white satin paper (such as phoeniXmotion by G.F Smith) that would create an appearance similar to that of a backlit display. Unfortunately I wasn't able to acquire it for the final construction, and so standard matt is used. In mass production this obviously wouldn't be an issue. The cracked ink is also an issue created by the standard matt paper, and so wouldn't be an issue in mass manufacturing. Perfect binding was assessed as the most suitable method to use and proved effective, with ample strength, good usability and ease of manufacturing. Attaching the cover proved difficult however, perhaps due to multiple mathematical inaccuracies, but was still durable, appropriate and effective. The overall look and feel of the book was inspired by the modernist design manuals of the 50s and 60s, and though that resulted in communication and usability being put first, it also resulted in a somewhat sterile and repetitive appearance. Studio photography of the book would've been effective, but I didn't deem my final construction of a high enough visual quality and lacked the monetary ability to rectify it.
The book's design and construction is appropriate and effective, with strong justification and a reason to exist, but the double page spreads should have been made more visually striking.
Design for Screen
Hyperloop is an emerging transport system which could allow travel up to 760 miles per hour. The system, its infrastructure and its usage will be progressive, exciting, futuristic and convenient, however there is a potential to expand this experience into the pods themselves with the inclusion of a large, retractable touchscreen interface. Inspired by science fiction, modern interface guidelines, and space transportation concepts, the Hyperloop interface is designed with the intent of finding an ideal compromise between the chaotic excitement of sci-fi and the functional convenience of well-designed modern interfaces. The final concepts come relatively close to achieving this, however there are some notable gaps in both aesthetics and functionality that would need ironed out if the concept was to be extended into an actual usage scenario. A strong foundation is provided however, with a basis for the application of on-brand and appropriate colour usage, the suitable application of iconography and the location of on-screen elements, from the top nav bar to the left and right climate control panels. The average Hyperloop commuter was kept in mind throughout the entire project, encouraging re-assessed visual hierarchy and the inclusion of multiple location/time tracking enablers. Globalisation was also accounted for, with numerous automatic and optionally manual measurement/time zone settings.
My interface concepts provide a starting point based on a deep level of research concerning ergonomics, usability and psychology, and would only need a few more iterations to become a well-rounded and usable system that furthers and enhances the ideally exciting and convenient nature of Hyperloop.
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