OUGD603 - The Batsford Prize - Evaluation

With the original theme of this brief being the idea of ‘being human’, it was considered that the design concept for this branding project works well to communicate this theme through the nature versus nurture debate, since this concerns how our behaviour and personalities arise. It was also thought that the design concept works well to communicate the two sides to this debate in a more contemporary and engaging way which would appeal to a wide audience of those interested in the field of most ages. The two patterns used to communicate each side was thought gave the branding some variety, meaning that not everything looked exactly the same and so would potentially keep more engagement with the audience, and allows the attendees of the event to show their support for the side of the debate they believe in more, encouraging debate between people. In addition to this, the patterned designs have been manipulated effectively for use in different contexts, meaning not everything looks the same, but overall still remains consistent throughout all the branding material.

As another strength of the project, it was also considered that the element of screen-print in the production of some of the branding material effectively and interestingly reflects the inspiration for the original concept for the designs and branding, that of communicating the belief that experience 'imprints' knowledge on the mind, as well as the process reflecting 'being human' through the unique imperfection each print creates.

On the other hand, it was also thought that potentially the project could have included more elements of screen-print in the design production to further reflect this initial concept. However, it was considered during production that this process could have gotten complicated and timely for certain elements in the use of two different colour variations.

In order to make the event branding realistic, the British Psychological Society’s logo (BPS) was added to the branding elements to show it as organised by them. As an improvement, it was suggested that (if any) the guidelines for producing content for the BPS could have been looked at and adhered to in some elements to show an extra element of consideration within the branding design. But despite this, it was thought that the designs worked effectively to communicate the nature of the event, and the simplicity of the logotype worked well to not overpower the imagery whilst still effectively communicating the concept behind the designs.