OUGD406 - Studio Brief 04 - Evaluation

During our final crit session, it was suggested that overall, the concept was quite strong in communicating our desired message. However, it was also considered by some that this concept could almost be seen as patronising to new students transitioning from school or college, potentially communicating to them that they are still ‘children’ and need to learn how to take care of themselves through this new university experience. The aim of the brief was to help new students feel at ease during the transition process, however the children’s book aesthetic could be seen as producing the opposite effect. However, in the production stage of this guide, this is one element which was considered and discussed. The ‘adult’ content, in terms of both illustrations and humorous captions were used deliberately in order to make the advice more relatable and less patronising, focusing on the idea that these new students are in fact young adults who are aware of such concepts.

Others considered the approach to be friendly and entertaining. The humorous content of the book was seen to make light of stressful situations, such as shopping for embarrassing and personal items, which lets new students know that these things happen to everyone with the guide offering advice which could be useful if they ever find themselves in similar situations.

Although the paper stock worked well in keeping consistency with the textured aesthetics, one potential improvement suggested that the covers should be printed onto a thicker stock. As a result, this would keep the front and back covers separate from the main content of the guide, as well as protecting these from damage since a thicker paper stock would hold the content together in a stronger manner. Originally, this was done purposely to help with the binding of the guide, however upon reflection the stock could have been made thicker for the front and back covers without the use of card.

Another potential improvement was to replace the digitally printed textures with the physical textures themselves. This would produce further links to our contextual and primary research in that the interactive element would be similar to that of a children’s touch and feel book. This idea would also potentially make the guide more engaging through physically replicating the textures of each illustration rather than digitally and having to interpret why they have been produced and used in this way.

The personification of the shopping items was one element which was well regarded, that adds to the humorous tone of the guide. However, the use of googly eyes on the front cover was considered ‘interesting’ and may not have been needed in the communication of these personified elements.