It was suggested through feedback that the final design works effectively in presenting initial ideas and showing how these have been developed from themes referenced within the book itself. String theory used to influence the final designs is one of the more complex theories explained within the book whereas many entries may think to study some of the lesser complex and more obvious theories, therefore showing an original concept. The playfulness of this can be seen to produce an element of curiosity to the specified audience which engages them and as a result leads them to reading the book.
Be competently executed with a strong use of typography?
The use of typography within the final design was based on research into existing cover designs for this book, which showed a use of bold, sans-serif typefaces making use of all available space on the covers. Although not used exclusively, the typeface used for my final designs was chosen for it's contemporary characteristics which aimed to communicate the book as something which stands the test of time, with its universality also reflecting the universal nature of the theories presented within the book.
However, although very much informed, this use of type may not be as strong as it could have been in that the text can be seen as too bunched together in some ways and does not have any big elements which makes it stand out from other typographic designs.
Appeal to a contemporary readership / Show a good understanding of the marketplace?
The final design can be seen to appeal to contemporary readership in that it uses some playful elements to represent theories within the book which may seem complex. In visualising these theories in a way that can potentially be considered fun, the design does not look like your typical science textbook which the brief stated the final design should not look like, and therefore it is felt this is communicated effectively.
In also appealing to a contemporary readership, the designs were carefully considered about how these would work both physically in bookshop environments and digital retailers such as Amazon. This also helps to show a good understanding of the marketplace in that a younger generation of readers may browse for books online more now than physically.
However, one potential weakness in terms of working on both on screen and physically is the use of textures. These may not be replicated as effectively when used online as a physical copy would do because these can use specific paper stocks which better enhance such elements. This could potentially mean therefore that when used on screen the final design could be slightly miscommunicated.
Have a point of difference compared to other covers it is competing against?
The use of imagery on the spine can be considered as one point of difference of this final design, since the spines of books are typically kept purely typographic for reasons of clarity of information. However, this element of imagery was included in order to help the book stand out on bookshelves in a physical environment where the spine may be the first thing you see before picking up the book.
Despite this, in another way the design could be seen as not having a clear point of difference in that it takes reference and inspiration from existing cover designs for this book in the use of fairly minimal photography paired with bold type. However, many of these designs use standard portrait images of Hawking himself, whereas my final design presents photography in a more playful nature. In this sense, the final design can still be seen as having some form of difference between these.
No comments:
Post a Comment