OUGD501 - Quick Experiments with Subjectivity

Based on initial research and brainstorming of ideas, it was decided to put these into practice and produce a few quick experiments aiming to communicate ideas of subjectivity. It was decided to use a very slap-dash method in these designs, throwing ideas onto the page as soon as they came to mind, without too much thought into them as to break the rules of design.

These first two experiments work specifically with ideas of overlaying text and image, along with both hand-drawn and digital approaches to design. The paragraph of my essay based on arguments of subjectivity within graphic design has been used as the main body of text in these experiments. They have been used in conjunction with photographic images of Van Toorn, an influential Dutch designer who promotes the use of subjectivity within design and his own practice. Parts of this text has been overlayed onto the images in order to show the direct links between the arguments presented in my essay and Van Toorn himself.

These initial layouts were then printed for further modifications by hand. Low ink in the printer meant that these images were printed with a grainy effect and streaky lines which alter the colour, however it was thought that this added more texture and further developments to the work, since the uneven use of colour and image worked well to give it an 'unconventional' element of design in that it would not necessarily be considered professional standard of printing. Large type was handwritten across these layouts using various colours along with basic shapes, based on styles found present in both Van Toorn and Carson's work.

The next set of experiments looked at further overlaying image and colour onto text. This one uses a strip taken from one piece of Van Toorn's own work and stretched across the page. It was decided to work with basic shapes such as these, since they presented bold use of colour as well as allowing for some of the detail/ image to present through which could potentially help in communicating certain messages. For instance, it was thought that if more obscure shapes were used, although subjective, the aim of my idea is to show how subjective design can still communicate messages effectively just in different ways from that of objective pieces of design, and therefore obscure shapes may inhibit this.

Another element which presented itself in this experiment, was a blue box around one column of text. This was accidental, however potentially any mistake which presents itself in the final outcome could be kept in since this would give an additional element of subjectivity.

This experiment does the same as the previous, however includes the additional element of a quote used in my essay as bold text overlaying everything else, something seem presented in the work of David Carson.

These experiments allowed me to develop quick outcomes without much thought in order to provide subjectivity in them whereby no particular rules have been followed, unlike objective design. Although working well to convey such an approach, the premise of my essay was that subjective design still works well to hold a function and purpose, particularly one in communicating a desired message. Because not much thought had been put into these experiments, it was considered this meant they did not hold much purpose as a piece of design (although they were simply just experiments with process). In further developments towards a final outcome, therefore, the placement of objects (text and image) will be more carefully considered in order to communicate the arguments presented in my essay whilst still using elements of subjectivity, such as a disregard to the grid.