Semester 2, Week 1, Interim Show

This week I have created the final content list for the shape section. After much deliberation, I have decided to drop all other sections so that the remainder of the semester can be spent focusing on design solutions to delivering the content, and further development of the interface. In the final solution, it is likely I will create basic branding concepts for the remaining sections, to demonstrate the thought that went into what should be included.

Due to the focus on the shape section, it is likely that I will reconsider the floating navigation system, as the use of just text is no longer appropriate. Perhaps mini versions of the face shapes should be considered.

By referencing the content list I have been able to create prototypes of the face shape models that will be used in the final solution. Created in Daz 3d using the Victoria 3 model, and then with the addition of eye textures, they were rendered as clay models in 3d studio max and can be seen below -



Week 1 was also spent developing images and text for the interim show, which will be displayed in the Grays School of Art entrance area, this will be the first chance for the public and the external examiner to learn about the project. The final design which will be printed in A2 can be seen below -


In week 2 I will be working on graphic solutions to conveying content and developing the interface to work with the shape models.

Christmas/New Year Period 3

Leading up to the first week back to official classes, I have been working on the swirling aesthetics and testing the 3d navigation system. I have also been experimenting with transparencies and working on the use of gradients to create the illusion of space, this has lead to the following iterations of the interface -



Currently, the version which I am most happy with includes the change of the title font and the exclusion of the orange outlines -



I have began working on creating drafts of the content for the "shapes" section. Knowing what I am likely to include will help with the development of idea's regarding user interaction with the interface.

Christmas/New Year Period 2

Using the theory booklets obtained from the college, combined with my own research on the subject, I have been able to finalize the content list for the project. The topics to be covered fall under the following headings -

Choice
Maintenance
Shape
Colour
Form
Lifestyle

In semester two I will begin by finalizing the interface design which will then lead onto the developement and production of the content.

Also required is the mocking of the text based content so that it can be proof read by the college.

I should be looking to source photography to support the text content if 3d is not being used.

Still to do - the developement of the swirling animated aesthetics, testing of the 3d naviation system and its related transitions, the developement of an introductory animation relating the new content list, and the testing and developement of the flash components within the interface, e.g. scrolling image boxes and text boxed, aswell as 3d element control.

Christmas/New Year Period

These concept images have been created regarding the issues in the previous post. The multiple color scheme has been dropped for and orange panel, gradient has also been applied to create the illusion of 3d space. The navigation panel now sits on the floor for the spiraling navigation float on.
I am aiming to develop a vector line image similar to hair which will appear in the background, it will appear to have depth. It will animate into the scene, and the navigation system will hopefully rotate round strands.

Week 12

After discussion with Cameron regarding the aesthetic look of the project, it has been suggested that I experiment further with color palettes as the current color scheme doesn't work well together. After looking at products in the hair industry, I have decided to experiment with a monochromatic color scheme in orange. Also, though gradient has already been implemented in the design, Cameron suggests that I push this further to create an illusion of 3d space in which the content area's can be suspended.

In regards to navigation, I have discovered an interesting tutorial which shows how to create a 3d rotating spiral navigation system. If changed to a horizontal setup, this resembles that a of a spiral curl of hair. This system would sit well in a 3d space.

It is becoming more and more likely that the object imagery will be dropped along with the grid paper texture, this could be replaced with hair strands and smooth curves to support a more contemporary design solution. The 3d models may no longer have the wire-frame visible.

In week 13, I will be mocking the new interface concept, and taking it into flash.

Week 11

This week I have been developing a tab interface concept that will provide a much sturdier navigation through the project content -







As seen in the concept images, the aesthetic theme can still be used by implementing the appropriate imagery on each tab and applying the grid image to content area's. In week 12 I am aiming to develop this concept by experimenting with transitions and interactive flash media. These experiments are likely to include the application of a scrolling image gallery and text box, and some tests for 3d media control.

Week 10

After discussion with Cameron regarding the shell interface, I spent week 10 revising interface concepts. The design needs to adhere more firmly to design principles in order to look professional, for example, the selection of images need to line up, and the font should be more readable.

New concept images -




Two sources of reference have been examined this week - the first, relating to an introduction for the interface is the "Nip/Tuck" introductory sequence. The use of mannequins in this sequence is similar to the aesthetics that are frequent throughout my concept, looking at this sequence has lead me to think about the development of an animation that utilizes a variety of camera angles and pan's across a range of realistic, wire-frame, and clay style models. At the end of the animation, I am considering a zoom effect into a wire-frame which will lead to the grid backdrop in the interface.
The second source is the personal portfolio website of David Moles (www.oeta.co.uk). This site utilizes a number of graphic and transition techniques that result in a professional aesthetic and design. Key to this sites success is the use of gradient and drop shadows. Gradient allows imagery free panels, but still allows the inclusion of subtle color. It also helps create a 3d illusion across the interface, drop shadows reinforce this illusion. In regards to navigation, tabs are used with corresponding colors and imagery, this makes the site simple to use and easy to follow.

With the idea's regarding these sources in mind, week 11 shall see further development towards a final interface concept with solid aesthetics and navigation, it is possible that the panning website idea could be dropped due to the unprofessional layout that is it likely to require. Storyboarding for an introduction may start this week.

A second meeting with the collaborator has been set up, this time focus will be purely on content issues.