Sunday, October 17, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Origami and Kirigami Research
Origami
The Japanese art of folding paper into shapes representing objects (e.g., flowers or birds)
Kirigami
A variation of origami where the artist is allowed to make small cuts in the paper (from Japanese "kiru" = to cut, "kami" = paper). This enables the artist to enhance the visual presentation of the artwork, at the expense of simplicity.
I found that kirigami is much more suited to business card design, as it is required to be attached to a flat surface. I googled som
e examples of kirigami to inspire me and give me and idea about what exactly it is and how it can be effective.
This example looks quite architectura
l. The one colour design makes it look clean and allows the side, see-through pieces to stand out. It is
quite symme
trical and would possibly look better slightly off center. This design is quite effective, however I
would rather focus on simplicity, as I want to be able to make my design myself.
This design uses a vertical fold. Horizontal folds have the sides cut out, whereas vertical folds have the top and bottom cut out. I believe horizontal are more effective, as a card is small, so viewers will be generally looking down at it and a face looks better than a gap. It also uses one colour which gives the design high contrast between the paper and the gaps in it. It is a very complex design, which makes it instantly eye-catching. It looks a little confusing, but the one colour used ensures it is understandable and effective. Again this is a very complex use of kirigami, but gives me an idea of the possibilities of it.
This design is much more simple than the previous two. It shows me how even something as simple as stairs can look effective in this pop-up style. It shows how even though the gaps are in plane view, they can look attractive on a dark background due to the contrast made. This design is much more dynamic than the previous two, as it is not so symmetrical. This is a very effective use of kirigami which i may employ in my concept designs.
This design has a much different take on kirigami. The graffiti writing along with the many arrows makes the design quite complicated. However it shows me more possibilities for a 3D card design involving kirigami.
This design has a very simple, yet striking look. It would not be overly hard to do. The small indented and outdented boxes stop the design from looking too boring and symmetrical. It has an effective, modern looking design.
This example of kirigami is quite different, as it does not use a traditional rectangular card form. It appears more complex to make that the card kirigami. Also the card kirigami will fit in better for a business card, as when closed it has a traditional business card shape. The cutouts in this design are quite tacky, and the colour quite garish. However I could research this method of kirigami further and come up with some different, more simple and modern designs.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Outside Source Research on Effective Business Cards
Devon- DJA Design
- A business card is very important as it is the first and last impression of a business.
- The material is also very important, as a thin, flimsy card will portay a much more negative image of a business than a thick, durable card. The entire card represents the company and what it stands for.
- The card should be a bit different so it makes an impression. It shouldn’t be just a typical business card. For my business card design this is a given, as a 3D business card is not typical. However some 2D examples they gave of making your business card memorable are: Cut outs, rounded corners and unusual business card size or orientation.
- The paper printed on is important to consider. For example, shiny material leaves fingerprints.
- Utilising all faces is an effective marketing tool.
Conclusions Gained from Research
- To meet the requirements of the brief, the business card designed must be 3D. This can involve folding it to make it 3D, having something pop out, having a stand, etc.
- Folding it to make it 3D would meet the specifications, but requires user interaction. Therefore the final outcome of the business card must be easy to understand and easily achievable.
- Folding methods would best be left simple, as otherwise it may be too complicated for users. This would make the business card ineffective, as it the information would not be portrayed.
- Pop up method’s could be effective, as they require a minimal amount of interaction, and generate a pleasant and interesting result for the viewer.
- Therefore this business card design should require some interaction to get viewers involved, but not too much to make it seem like a hassle. It would be best if it looks effective with or without user participation.
- As with any design, design principles are very important to employ. It is important to ensure colours are minimal, design is not too busy, and the card has a clean modern look to keep it relevant.
- Materials are important to consider. Generally card is best as it is strong, however depending on the company, wood or metal could be effective and appropriate.
- Only necessary information should be included on the business card to keep it to a minimum.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
More in Depth Research of Most Effective Designs
This design is for a yoga company. Although it is not 3D and therefore does not meet the criteria set in the brief I wanted to research it further because of its extrememly innovative and effective design. It encourages minimal user participation, which is effective as viewers do particiapte, but it does not take a lot of effort. The effect of putting your fingers through is quite funny, which will help viewers develop a like of the company. The design is simple, straight to the point and modern. This gives it an upbeat look which is effective for a company focused of exercise. The white background also gives it a spiritual look, which is effective for yoga. 
This business card is for designers, which is very appropriate as it has a creative form and creative print design. It employs alot of design principles in the print design including its asymmetric type layout which used the rule of thirds. The font used is simple and modern, which attracts viewers and ensures the design does not look too busy. The colours contrast well, giving the design impact. The design is bold, vibrant and modern, which is what a graphic designer aims to be, giving viewers a great image of the company. One negative of theis design is that if made out of paper it could be a bit flimsy.
This business card is for a security company. Though it is only 2D it is an interesting design because of the material used and the cutouts. The material used is metal, which is strong and sturdy and also implys the company offer strong support. The cutouts stop the card from being a typical business card, giving it much more depth. The tools relate to security, which makes the design cohesive and relevant, as well as aesthetically pleasing. It is the general shape of a business card, meaning it can be stored with other business cards. This makes it very functional and space effecient.
This design is for a chest physician. It is simply her information printed on a balloon, however it is a very creative and unique idea. It relates clearly to the job the business card is for, as it needs to be blown up to be read, which uses lung function. The colours used are simple and fresh, which are very suitable for a chest physician. Like the electrical cords below, although this ends up 3D, I do not feel it would meet the 3D recquirements strongly enough. It will also not last a very long time, as balloons deflate after a week or so.
This business card was designed by an artist for themselves. It recquires user participation to be built, but has simple instructions of the original block so is easy to do. This will allow the viewer to feel like they have achieved something and instantly develop an interest in the business card. The final product looks attractive and is very eye-catching. The information on the front and back are both easy to see and read, as they are vertical. This technique is very effective and folding techniques such as this could be useful in my design.
This design is for the Department of Energy. Their logo and information are printed on palm sized electrical cords. As well as not taking up much space, they are also very memorable. The bright colours are instantly attractive, and because the information is printed in black the design does not look too busy. Viewers will enjoy playing with the cord and bending it, which adds to its interest and helps draw them further to the design. This design would be considered 3D, however from understanding the brief requires a design that uses more 3D elements, rather than just being printed on a 3D object.
This design is not too complex, but is very interesting and cohesive. The stretchy material clearly relates to a massage therapist. This business card is read by stretching the material which entices viewers into interacting with it, as they need to stretch it in order to read it. It is handy in regards to storage as it would not take up a lot of space. A simple font and logo design is used, which is effective as it does not detract from the interesting design. The colours used are quite natural looking which imply's that the massage therapist uses natural methods. One negative of using a stretchy material could be that the design will fade over time as it will often be stretched. It also may be a hassle for users of the business card, as they have to stretch the business card with two hands in order to read the phone number or address. It would not really be considered 3D, but has an interesting use of materials. 
This example is for the company Paper Donut. It is a unique and interesting form for a business card which instantly attracts viewers. It encourages interaction by encouraging viewers to hold it in their hands, allowing them to see it from all angles. The sides can be folded down to reveal more information, which encourages further interaction, helping viewers become more interested in the company. However the design looks a bit busy, with lots of different patterns on different sides. This reduces its professional look and could deter viewers from looking at it.
This business card is for a hair and make-up artist. The idea of using bobby pins to mimic hair is very innovative and works very well with a business card for a hair artist. It allows viewers to interact with the card and makes it useful in their daily lives. The use of a silhouette rather than a real person stops the card from looking too crowded, and ensures the hair part is the main focus. designed that well. It comes across as looking quite unprofessional. Improvements I would make on this business card would be to use a more striking colour in the background, and remove the neck and clothing line. I believe the grey makes the card look dull and boring, and implys the hair and makeup artist is also dull and boring. The neck and clothing lines cut up the silhouette and make it look a bit childish. I would not really consider this design to be 3D, so therefore it would not fit the three dimensional aspect of the brief. 
This design is for a graphic design. It is very simple design using minimal colours and minimal images. The main focus is the image of the graphic designer, which is effective because it allows to viewer to quickly understand who the business card is for. It is easy to see, as it being vertical makes it very easy to read. Although it is a simple design, the 3D element and the quirky photo draws viewers in and makes the design instantly appealing. The minimalistic look ensures it looks clean modern, which is effective as the card is for a current graphic designer. Viewers pop out the person themselves, which is an easy way to get them to make a connection with the business card and take notice of it.
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