Nature (God's creation) is the ultimate example of excellent design.
Creation's design offers a full measure of subject, form, and content.
This study will focus on the form of natural design.
Utilize what you have learned in our previous design element problems as you complete this analysis, discovery and graphic communication.Goals
To graphically express prominent design
features of the surface and structure of a natural subject, along with other
features that reflect the designed nature of the subject.
To engage the viewer's attention.
To communicate effectively with that
viewer.
To develop a unified design in the
overall document, site, project or exhibition.
* * * Required Content Ñ outline summarizing project content and options. ÊÑ Explore this section carefully!
Design Analysis: Your final project involves studying a natural object in order to recognize and understand the formal characteristics of that subject. Then you will select several particular design topics to present to your viewers/readers. Select those topics that are most most interesting and appropriate to your subject. Consider which design traits can be best communicated visually.
Design Graphic Communication: Then you will develop images and diagrams and text that explain and present those characteristics. Devise graphics that effectively communicate and emphasize the formal traits you have identified.
Designed Presentation: You will design a presentation format that presents content in an orderly and engaging manner. The presentation should be both enjoyable and instructive. The final product of this project is a graphic communication of the insights of your analysis. It may be presented in diverse and creative ways.
Design your project development and implementation: Finally, you must also plan and implement it all Ñ you'll need to design your use of time.
Design a format for each page so that the presentation will be perceived as a unit. Consider the margins, typefaces, colors, motifs, arrangements and other graphic traits that will provide a sense of continuity from one page to another.
You must also design your pages for flexibility and variety. Your page designs must allow for the individual communication-graphics on each page--no two pages are alike.How will your document pages provide similarity? —and variety? How will you create harmony in the entire presentation?
How can the specific medium you choose, be effectively used to engage the viewer?
Consider transparent overlays, cutouts, additional materials, etc. that might be used.
In Flash and Web design, consider intractive features, annimations, audio and general navigation technniques that will exploit your technologies.
In exhibitions, consider what is offered by a broad, extended wall—rather than isolated pages of content. Consider how the space within the exhbition might be exploited—encourage the viewer to move through the space in ways that set up unexpected viewpoints or discoveries.
Go through several of the earlier nature studies. ( see Nature Study Samples ) Explore the analysis, the craftsmanship, the document designs, and the graphic communication concepts of other student designers.
Explore scientific and popular journals that deal with design, nature, morphology, biology, etc. See how images, especially, are used to communicate significant features and relationships.
Develop an expressive concept for your study.
You might tell a story about your subject. You might use a character to narrate content and lead the viewer through. You could create a mystery or hunt —invite the viewer on a search. Imagine the reader going through your study —will they understand what you're talking about, or would you have to explain?
Develop a graphic concept for your page layout, color, illustrations and text.
What medium will be appropriate for each design or diagram? What medium are you familiar with; what will offer you the most range of effect and the most control in illustrating, clarifying and emphasizing the features of interest? What do your time and talents allow?