Publishing Design: Task 3(B)
18.06.2024 - 16.07.2024 (Week 9 - Week 13)
Sorcha Griselda / 0353056
Publishing Design / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 3(B) | Ebook
LECTURE
Task 3(B) | Ebook
Since this task coincided with
Brand Corporate Identity: Task 4, there will be similar parts that are discussed here.
Finding Inspiration
Before starting my project, I thought it would be a good to fine some inspiration on Pinterest. My goal was to find layout ideas that I believed would best represent the Matchacha brand. By browsing through the numerous designs created by other designers, I created a moodboard of the concepts that would help me achieve the elegant and classy aesthetic I envisioned for Matchacha.
|
| Fig 1.1 Brand Guideline Inspo | Pinterest Link |
Format + Grid System
For this task, we were provided with specific dimensions to use: 1366 x 768.
Based on these dimensions, I developed a grid system. Below are the four
variations I experimented with.
|
||||||||||||||
Fig 1.2 First Grid
|
Fig 1.10 Chosen Grid System + Layout Tryouts
Refined Layout
After receiving feedback from Mr. Hijjaz on my navigation system, I decided to
simplify and streamline the design while ensuring it still complemented the
grid system I had selected. I aimed for a clean and straightforward appearance
that would enhance user experience without compromising the overall design. As
a result, I developed several button navigation ideas that adhere to this
approach. Below are some of the concepts I created, reflecting the feedback
and maintaining a cohesive and functional design.
|
| Fig 1.11 Buttons Designs |
|
| Fig 1.12 Final Navigation Buttons Design |
To source images for my brand guideline, I primarily used Pixabay and Unsplash, which offer a vast selection of free-to-use photos. I focused my searches
on keywords such as "matcha," "cafe," and "desserts" to find images that would
perfectly complement the aesthetic and theme of my brand. These platforms
provided a wide variety of high-quality visuals that fit seamlessly into my
brand's vision. Below, you can see the carefully selected images that were
chosen to represent and enhance the overall look of the brand guideline.
|
|
Fig 1.13 Picture #1 |
|
||||||||||||||||
Fig 1.14 Picture #2
|
After receiving my feedback in Week 11, I decided to prioritize completing my
layout before making any further adjustments to the interactivity. Once I had
incorporated Mr. Hijjaz's feedback into my work and refined my content, I then
focused on enhancing navigation by creating forward and back buttons for each
page. Initially, I intended to use simple < and > buttons, but I found
them visually unappealing. Instead, I chose to incorporate the Matchacha whisk
handle, which is part of my brand pattern, for a more cohesive and attractive
design.
|
| Fig 1.23 Forward and Back Buttons |
To ensure smooth and precise navigation throughout the document, I utilized
the bookmark options for all buttons except the forward and backward ones.
This approach allowed me to create accurate links within the document.
Below, you can see the list of bookmarks I created for the document. I used
a numbering system to organize them, which made it easier to select the
appropriate bookmark in the buttons tab since the software arranges all
bookmarks alphabetically. This method helped streamline the navigation
process and ensured that all interactive elements functioned correctly.
|
| Fig 1.24 Bookmarks |
- Interactive Buttons: Buttons have been designed to respond to user interaction, enhancing the overall usability of the PDF
Fig 1.25 Interactive Buttons
- Color Changes: The brand's patterns changes colors on hover, providing visual feedback and making the navigation more intuitive.
Fig 1.26 Change of Pattern Color
- Picture Zoom-in: When users hover over certain images, they zoom in, allowing a closer look at the details.
Fig 1.27 Pictures Zooming-in
- Information Pop-ups: Smooth pop-ups animations to keep the user engaged and make the document feel more dynamic.
Fig 1.28 Information Pop-ups
Final Submission
Complete Thumbnail Layouts
Fig 1.29 Final Thumbnails | PDF
Final Brand Guideline
Interactive Online Link: https://indd.adobe.com/view/a6397a00-a05c-4ca8-b676-5045c0371529
Fig 1.30 Matchacha Brand Guideline | PDF (Interactive)
|
| Fig 1.30 - 1.60 Matchacha Brand Guideline | JPEG |
FEEDBACK
Week 12
- Make sure that your text margins and alignments are consistent throughout the page
- Treat your brand logo with full respect, so adjust the placement of your logo
Week 13
- Change the text font size to a smaller, readable size
- Add more writing to you brand guideline, but the overall design layout is consistent
REFLECTION
Experience
This experience has been incredibly tiring but insightful at the same
time. Before this, I never knew that I could make an interactive pdf using
InDesign. Hence, learning on how a PDF can become interactive, complete
with functional buttons, was truly eye-opening. The process of turning a
static document into an interactive one was intriguing and taught me a new
skill that may be helpful for me in the future.
Observations
For me, learning often happens by observing the work of others. In this
class, I found that my classmates' innovative approaches to the
navigational systems were particularly enlightening. They used methods I
had never considered, offering me new perspectives and ideas. Seeing these
creative solutions helped me realize that there are many ways to enhance
navigation in interactive PDFs, which I could also incorporate similar
techniques into my own work.
Findings
From this task, I learned how to effectively integrate my previous
knowledge from earlier assignments and typography modules into creating a
comprehensive brand guideline that utilizes interactive features.
Throughout this project, I frequently referred back to my earlier work to
ensure I was meeting the necessary design requirements. Each prior task
served as a stepping stone, building up to this final outcome, which I am
pleased with. This process taught me the value of combining different
skills and knowledge to produce a well-designed, interactive document.
FURTHER READING
 |
| Fig 2.1 Brand Style Guide | Adobe |
Consistency is crucial when creating a brand
People tend to think of brands like they do people. Just like we trust friends who are stable and consistent, we trust brands that always have the same look and feel. That’s why the most well-known brands have strict guidelines to keep their appearance and message consistent. A detailed brand book with these guidelines helps everyone in the organization represent the brand correctly. When designers, copywriters, and developers understand the brand's elements and voice, they can all work together effectively using the same foundational principles.
Describe the Visual Identity
A brand’s first impression is often visual, so it's crucial to clearly define its graphic design elements. A brand style guide should outline how and when to use the assets in the brand kit to maintain consistency.
- Logo
- Start by specifying the main logo—this is the full version with both the logo image and company name—for use in most situations. Provide a secondary logo for instances where the full logo might be too large or not suitable. Be precise about the proportions and alignment of both the design and text elements to ensure the brand always looks consistent. You might also include guidelines on what not to do with the logo to avoid deviations from the brand identity. Tools like Adobe Illustrator are great for creating and refining logos.
- Color Palette
- Define the primary and secondary colors of the brand. Include the hex codes for each color so that whether a designer is working on printed materials using CMYK or on digital projects using RGB, they can match the exact colors every time.
- Typography
- List the two or three typefaces the brand uses. Explain where and how each font should be used, including the appropriate size, spacing, and weight. Consistent use of the chosen font family is crucial for maintaining the brand’s identity. Include guidelines for web typography to ensure uniformity across all online pages.
- Iconography
- Emphasize the style of icons used across different platforms, such as social media and mobile apps. Icons should be easy to understand and match the brand’s overall design. Ensure that icons, logos, and typography work together to create a cohesive look across all brand communications.
Comments
Post a Comment