OUGD603 - The Batsford Prize - Notebook Designs

In addition to the pin badges which attendees of the event would be given on arrival at the event and could wear to show which side of the debate they support, it was decided to create a set of A5 (148 x 210 mm) notebooks which each attendee would also be given as a token for attending the event which they could potentially use at the event itself in writing down any notes they may want to take from discussions. As well as being practical, it was also thought these would act as an element of promotional branding too, since these notebooks could then also be used outside of the event in which others may notice and so the event gets more publicity.

For the design of these, it was decided to use the full patterns created for the original poster design concept in order to make these notebook designs more playful and illustrative. Additional patterns were also created for these notebooks which would flow as a continuation of the pattern on the front cover when the notebook cover is opened out fully.

In these designs, it was also decided to add elements of type which would, again, match the original concept designs, utilising the same typeface and justified text alignment in order to make this consistent with the event's logotype and overall branding. However, rather than using the two textual elements of the logotype itself, it was decided to make these more playful in creating additional slogans which would communicate what the notebooks could be used for. For the brain pattern, it was decided to use the word 'brainstorm' to communicate the idea of people using the book to jot down their quick and initial ideas in, as well as matching the imagery in its use of the mind. For the cell pattern, it was decided to use the words 'field notes' to communicate the idea of using this notebook for more detailed findings in the psychological field.

The inside front and back covers would simply feature the darker background colour of each pattern variation in order to give a small additional continuation of the design onto this as an element of playfulness in the notebooks' designs. These would then be filled with plain white paper in communicating the original inspiration for these designs as based on the quote which suggests that our mind is like "white paper, void of all characteristics" as one side of the nature/nurture debate. The use of plain white paper also gives the notebooks practicality in allowing the receivers to use them as they please.