Research and Annotation.

For each project you are required to explore a range of themes and a big part of this is your research. Aiming to evaluate the work of other designers and design principles not only meets the requirements of the assessment criteria but also enables you to expand your horizons in terms of creative influence. Most designers will collect information, photograph things of inspiration but will certainly research ideas and themes for a new project. This could be a specific genre of design or a significant art style to influence their work. The criteria state that you should: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding. 

What does this look like? 

For a recent project, I had to use research and theories to present a solution to an identified problem. In the case of some design briefs, the outcome is not set on one fixed design, it could be more abstract than that. Some design briefs can be more prescriptive and ask for certain outcomes such as a logo or app. However, for each, you would need to show research into branding and explore cases of successful brands to identify what their key to successes are. With packaging, you should demonstrate an understanding of the legal requirements and also explore creative packaging to inform design ideas. 

Example:
UX / Ui Research:

THE PRINCIPLES:
A CLEAR HIERARCHY: This ensures smooth navigation whether it is an app, a book or a website. This involves organising your product in a way that the customer finds it easy to use. 
COMPETITION: Havenly
x

USER EXPERIENCE (UX):

This is meeting the needs and requirements of your customers. In order to achieve high-quality user experience, a company must provide all these needs. it should focus on customer needs. It should also consider how the person will feel and their attitude when using a certain product. It's important to consider meaningful and valuable aspects of the product and human interaction. 

USER INTERFACE (UI): 

UI designers work with UX principles in order to create their end product. The whole point of the UI is to create the final product that UX envisioned. The user interface focuses on following through the experience and interaction that works overall with the vision created by the UX. 

CONSISTENCE: A design should share some similarities with other designs of a similar product. By doing this, the easier it is for people to use. As well as that, it makes it easier for the designer to design and create the product because completely unique ideas don't need to be introduced. 

ACCESSIBILITY: When designing, accessibility should always be in mind. The designer should make sure that their product works and is usable. It should also work for as many people as possible, for example visually impaired people.

USABILITY: UX focuses on solving the users' problems making sure that the product works. The whole product can look nice and have an aesthetic layout, however the most important this is that it works and that it is safe and easy to use. this is the reason why a lot of designers go for a minimalistic approach for their apps or websites. The less clutter there is, the easier it is to use for the customers. 

VISUAL GRAMMAR: Visual grammar consists of everything that makes up the visual elements of a design: icons, illustrations, patterns and more. It is important for designers to understand these elements in order to create products. 

NARRATIVE: Another important UX design principle is telling a story. It makes your product interesting and doesn't bore the customers. Too fast of a pace in the use of narration in the design can however confuse the audience, so keeping a balance is important. 

Evaluating other products

Havenly was created by two sisters who wanted an app that helped them decorate their new home. Havenly links people to experienced interior designers who help people design and plan their homes. It also works like a shopping portal that helps people pick out furniture to suit their styles and needs. 

WHAT SETS YOUR PRODUCT APART?

- For my app, I want a more open concept. My main drive behind the app is the idea of a community coming together to help each other. I wanted not only experienced interior designers to help people design their homes, but also non-designers too. Therefore, I wanted to create an app that was similar to typical social media such as Instagram, allowing people to share their ideas and spaces as well as help each other out. This links to my idea of community being the main focus of the app. 

It would also be free as my app won't require the hiring of professional interior designers. 

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE CHOOSE YOUR PRODUCT OVER THE COMPETING PRODUCT?

- This app would be approachable for many people. You don't need money to hire a designer, but instead, you have a community of people who would help each other progress with their home designs in one place. 

MY APP'S UNIQUE ADVANTAGES: 

- Created for a varied audience.

- Simple and easy features that are similar to apps people are used to.  

- Some information, but not heavy and easy to understand.

- Aesthetic layout that is pleasant to the eye.