Final Major Project - Quirkology
Quirkology - Science Museum London Exhibition
For this final module in the last year of the BA Hons Graphic Design degree the brief was to create a portfolio or designs for a mock exhibit entitled Quirkology The Curious Science of Everyday Life to be held at the Science Museum in London.
Quirkology itself is a strange science which encompasses all manner of weird and wonderful subjects.
The brief required designs for a number of items including:
- Exhibition Advertising Poster
- Signage for Museum (internal and external)
- Ticket
- 20 Page Programme
- Promotional Mailer or Merchandise
- 1500 word Design Report
My initial thoughts and ideas for this project was to begin with identifying a clear tone of voice that would appeal to a specific identified target audience. I believe the exhibition should appeal to adults and children (including teens) alike and would be a great family activity for those visiting London. The resulting colour schemes, fonts, layouts and imagery explored will appeal to this market and incorporate a quirky and unusual response to the subject matter.
I would like to utilise strong, bold and imaginative themes clearly linked to Quirkology. A scientific aspect should also be included to convey the integrity and intelligence of the theory and communicate that it is a legitimate science.
To begin I had four main ideas I wanted to explore (although these may evolve further) to communicate thw theme including: -
I would like to utilise strong, bold and imaginative themes clearly linked to Quirkology. A scientific aspect should also be included to convey the integrity and intelligence of the theory and communicate that it is a legitimate science.
To begin I had four main ideas I wanted to explore (although these may evolve further) to communicate thw theme including: -
- Modern Science – minimalist, Scandinavian, monotone, clinical
- Whimsical fantasy – Tim Burton, Paper art cutaway designs, curious and slightly gothic edge, fairytale (Grimm’s)
- Surrealist – Dali, objects behaving in strange ways, double-take, state of flux
- Urban Modern - typography, white space, scientific
Colours will be bold, strong and complimentary whilst fonts will be artistic, clear and flowing.
Questions to consider would include if a mascot or cartoon character should be developed to represent the exhibition and relate to the audience or if this would detract from the subject. Perhaps a cartoon brain that guides the audience through the exhibition in the style of one of my three ideas above would be a useful and interesting design tool.
The final presentation should be professional, clear, communicate the important exhibition information (date, time, location etc) and convey a sense of the weirdness of the theme.
My next step was to complete preliminary research involving mood boards, mind maps and image collation for inspiration and design basis. Then move on to experimentation with digital and different mediums such as paints, collages and cut out designs.
Questions to consider would include if a mascot or cartoon character should be developed to represent the exhibition and relate to the audience or if this would detract from the subject. Perhaps a cartoon brain that guides the audience through the exhibition in the style of one of my three ideas above would be a useful and interesting design tool.
The final presentation should be professional, clear, communicate the important exhibition information (date, time, location etc) and convey a sense of the weirdness of the theme.
My next step was to complete preliminary research involving mood boards, mind maps and image collation for inspiration and design basis. Then move on to experimentation with digital and different mediums such as paints, collages and cut out designs.
My final design is based on an inkblot background that was developed in the experimentation phase. I utilised both digital ben dots inkblot brushes and also handmade inkblots using Quink ink and a straw. The handmade imagery worked really well and added a complete uniqueness to the design. It also signifies and relates to Rorschach tests which will feature in the Quirkology exhibition as a weird pseudo science.
The resulting design includes a 20 page booklet with a die cut inkblot shape revealing a bright word cloud. A direct mail out promotional fold out which is A5 in size and folds out to A3 with various information about the exhibit and taster Quirky facts. A ticket with tear off stub, advertising poster and outdoor signage. I also included a fold out star map as an extra option for either merchandise or mail outs and like the interactive folding aspect of this piece.
I am very happy with the result of this brief and hope it shows how one theme can be taken across a range of items for a campaign.
The resulting design includes a 20 page booklet with a die cut inkblot shape revealing a bright word cloud. A direct mail out promotional fold out which is A5 in size and folds out to A3 with various information about the exhibit and taster Quirky facts. A ticket with tear off stub, advertising poster and outdoor signage. I also included a fold out star map as an extra option for either merchandise or mail outs and like the interactive folding aspect of this piece.
I am very happy with the result of this brief and hope it shows how one theme can be taken across a range of items for a campaign.
