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Objective

To learn design principles through exploration and experimentation. To learn visual grammar by making abstract compositions. To practice thumbnail sketching. To apply design principles to real-world visual communication problems.

 

Secondary objectives

To utilize Adobe Illustrator as layout and production tool.

 

Description

Re-design an existing urban mass transit map (hint: choose a poorly designed map). Your map can does not have to show the entire system (i.e. single route map, station map, area map, etc.), but it must be simplified to show clarity. Your design must show an understanding of unity, emphasis and balance.

 

Procedure

1. RESEARCH AND REFERENCE: Review the book Transit Maps of the World (on reserve in the Parkland Library). Study the best designs (what makes them clear and easy to understand?). Find a map you wish to re-design. Scan both maps for reference and print them for your Process Book. Also publish your scans on your projects page (no wider than 800px).

2. DEVELOP THE CONCEPT: In your sketchbook begin to conceptualize ideas for this project (see examples of sketches). Make at least 10 sketches of all possible directions you might take this project. Edit your concepts down to your best idea and redraw it on 8.5 x 11 white paper using a felt tip pen. Scan and print your concept for your Process Book.

3. PROOF: Using your sketch as reference, execute your concept by tracing over it in Adobe Illustrator. Generate a web-ready JPEG (no wider than 800px) and publish your proof on your personal Process Page for critique. Be prepared to talk about what design principles are utilized in your design. Also print a high-quality proof for your Process Book.

4. FINAL CRITIQUE: Based on the critique of the above, refine your design and add a revised JPEG to your personal personal Process Page for final critique. If necessary, make additional refinements until you are 100% satisfied with the project. Print a high-quality color proof for your portfolio. Be sure to save all your files for future editing.

5. GRADING: Submit two high quality laser proofs with your name on it for grading. File the graded proof in your Process Book for individual review along with all the preliminary work you did for the project (research, sketches, preliminary proofs, final proof). You will not receive credit for this project if any of the above elements are missing.

6. EXTRA CREDIT: Submit your project into next year's student show by printing an art gallery quality proof and mounting it on foam board. Also prepare an archival quality JPEG (800px wide, no larger than 200K) and submit your project using the online entry form at gds.parkland.edu/show. Your project may win a cash prize and be published in a showcase of student work on Parkland's website.