Documenting the Design Process

Task 1

The logo design process for the city of Marrakesh has been far from linear. As demonstrated in the graphic above from A Designer’s Research Manual: Succeed in Design by Knowing Your Clients and What They Really Need, by Jennifer Visocky O’Grady and Ken O’Grady (p. 68), there has been much back and forth between the commission, research, prototyping, design and assessment. 

From the research gathered for each of the three aspects of my ideation (tradition, modern culture and geography), I first wrote down basic features and offerings of the city. Based on that list, I generated mind maps. Then, before creating each batch of sketches for each of the three aspects, I delved into further research. Then, during the sketch process, as questions arose, I did more research and repeatedly consulted the mind maps for inspiration. Added research has generated more ideas and sketches as shown below.

References

O’Grady, J. V., & O’Grady, K. (2009). Designers Research Manual: Succeed in Design by Knowing Your Clients and What They Really Need. Beverly, MA: Rockport.

My Takeaway

The instructor comments and peer review from my work this week have been overwhelmingly positive.

B.W. said, “…The way two buildings were used in place of the “A’s”, and the monkeys in place of the “R’s” is what stands out as a distinct factor to the two images” in reference to images #15 and #38. She gave me Level 4 on all the options of the grading rubric.

C.S. said, “The simplicity in the word logos were astonishing as they still portrayed the culture. The A’s in Marrakesh to look like the arches in Marrakesh building designs is absolutely genius,” also referring to image #15. She gave me Level 4 in all but Innovative Thinking, for which she accorded me Level 3 because of repetition in several of the sketches.

My instructor Ryan McClung said, “Wow, Dorothy! Way to go above and beyond! A great many of the concepts you present are quite varied and hold a good deal of potential for continued development, and you do a great job of explaining your rationale for each set. Fantastic work!”

I will use this new launch into professional logo design as a confidence-building experience to gain momentum for the classes ahead. It will also help to fuel my profession in media design going forward. It helps me to know that my ideas are sound and my work is good. I’m grateful!