What problem(s) can you solve with design?
For this assignment, consider a problem that affects you... or another person... or your peers... or people you know... or even someone you don't know... or a community. What can you make that solves this problem? Oh, and it has to been in a matchbox-style box.
In this design challenge, you will have to create both the outside and the inside of the box. You will need to consider how the design of both will contribute to solving your problem. You also do not need to limit yourself to only using electronic means to complete this challenge. You may embellish this in any way with other things such as paper, marker, paint, crayon, objects, etc. Also, you are not limited to only designing a single box.
Step 1: As always, BRAINSTORM.
- As a class, we will do part of the brainstorming together. Since you all will be coming up with problems to solve, I thought we might identify possible problems as a group to generate some ideas.
- After the class brainstorm, you will brainstorm on your own too.
Step 2: Research.
- Still looking for a few ideas or need a little more information about a topic. Now what? Crowdsource. You all have a social media account of some type. Use Instagram, Reddit, Twitter -- whatever. Ask a probing question. Try to narrow down your results. If you ask, "What's a problem you face today?" you are probably going to get a very broad range of answers. Instead, try asking something more specific that is related to an idea you are considering. "Looking for ways to help me remember my where I put my keys every day."
- Got a few ideas? Great. WHO is this solution going to affect? Can you research this group? Or WHAT is the problem? Can you research the entire problem? For example, when I searched for, "How Often Do People Lose Keys" I stumbled upon this article, where I was shocked to learn the most common items that people lose. WRITE DOWN any useful information you find.
Step 3: Sketch, sketch, sketch. And plan.
- At this stage, you will need to start determining your design. You still might have multiple ideas at this point -- that's ok. Actually, that's great! You should not have a finished/polished idea yet.
- The template you will use for this design is here. However, you may choose the dimensions of your box to suit your needs. When considering the size of your box, you must first consider your design needs. A box too small will not solve your problem. A box too big will seem awkward and poorly designed. Make sure you create a test print and mock-up of your ideal size to make sure you are planning accordingly.
Step 4: Concepts and "Thought Train"
- You may use Illustrator or Photoshop -- or both. Remember to duplicate artboards (Illustrator: use the Artboard Tool) or entire canvases (Photoshop: Image>Duplicate). Do not delete work. Create a "thought train" that illustrates your thought process throughout the assignment. Do not work on a single idea for the entire assignment.
Step 5: Narrow down concepts and move forward with a final idea.
Step 6: Feedback and revision.
- You should not be passing in any assignment without feedback. You are all here to learn. Critique is an excellent way to learn and grow as a designer.
Step 7: Assembly
- This is where you are going to showcase your work. You will need to carefully assemble this assignment. You will need to bring in any objects needed to complete your solution.
