OUGD505 - Product Range Distribution - Brief Information & Interpretation

The Brief

Studio Brief 02, Product Range Distribution, requires the examination of graphic design outputs relating to social, political and ethical change. The aim of the brief should be to increase self- awareness of historical examples and contemporary practice that is both responsive and alleviating to issues experienced in the 21st Century.

Prior to one's own practical investigation, exploration and evidencing of the interrelationships between medium, message and distribution should be clear, leading to a body of research work that explores the connections between these concepts and their respective design responses.

The following personal practical and conceptual exploration of possible products, ranges and methods of distribution should be informed by self-preferred content that reflect personal ideologies, concerns and/or ambitions relevant to design practice.

Considerations

This brief is in two parts -

Part 1:  Development of a practical, visual and contextual investigation of a specific subject. Research from a range of primary and secondary sources should be carried out in order to fully explore the opportunities for informed creative development. Research and development will be presented as part of the interim concept pitch.

Part 2:  Consideration and development of a body of practical work that evidences both knowledge of an identified issue and demonstration of ability to tap into the market potential for socially, politically and ethically-driven design. The resolution(s) should still work within the broader creative and professional contexts of graphic design, however may be based on or around ideas of awareness or protest. Responses should explore the relationship between product range and methods/media of distribution as well as specific audiences, contexts and appropriate tone of voice.

Examples of potential deliverables include (but are not limited to):

• Materials relating to an issue-led campaign (this could be one affiliated to an established organisation or a more ‘guerilla’ approach).
• A poster series.
• A booklet/publication/manifesto.
• A web/digital platform.
• Placards, banners or a set of badges.
• A range of products or merchandise that communicate your identified core message.

Mandatory Requirements

• As defined by self-interpretation of the selected brief.
• In addition to the submission requirements for the briefs, evidence of the research, development and production of resolutions should be clear.
• Work should be documented through regular labelled posts to Studio Practice Blog.
• Correct labelling of work on blogger is essential.  Failure to organise work clearly will affect the assessment of your work. 
• The response to the  brief should be supported by a rationale and evaluation of work in relation to the initial brief.
• Contextual research, critical observations and reflective evaluations should be documented on the Studio Practice blog and summarised within reflective content that supports your design submission.

Deliverables 

• Resolutions & Products appropriate to selected brief(s).
• A minimum of 5 x A3 design boards/design sheets (submitted as PDFs) articulating the selected research development, resolution and contextualisation of work.
• Posts to Studio Practice blog demonstrating ability to effectively record, document and critically evaluate the progress of your work in relation to your own intentions and appropriate areas of contemporary creative practice.

Deadline

Module Submission: 18th MAY 2017 (14 weeks)

Interpretation