OUGD501 RESEARCH

To begin my research for the practical side of this module, I began looking up lots of interesting formats that information has been presented in the modern world. First I began looking at interesting ways that print can translate information on a more abstract level, engaging with the audience more and giving the publication itself a lot more value. I went to village books and studied all of the contemporary magazines, zines and books they had to offer.

There were so many books and magazines to look at but I narrowed my search down to these few. This first book it titled Grey Cobalt and has taken it's concept throughout the book to reflect the design of physical publication. Some of the imagery within has been printed in full colour and some in black and white reflecting both present and past. The whole production has been taken into very serious consideration, with multiple different techniques used to give the book a very contemporary and unique finish. It has been bound with a thread sewn technique and has a slightly embossed soft cover. It also features information within tip ins in the publication, separating image and type on a very clear level. 

This is a contemporary tattoo magazine titled TTTISM. It documents contemporary tattooing worldwide and also practices contemporary editorial to reflect the content on a physical scale also. This piece of editorial uses interesting typesetting throughout, translating images and type together in an more abstract yet legible manner. It uses a selection of modern typefaces with sharp serifs, most likely inspired by tattooing itself and the needles used in the process. It also uses a rough paper stock perhaps in keeping with the harsh content within and finally a very physical skeleton bind visible on the outside of the publication. 

Finally, this book has recreated the classic tale of Alice In Wonderland in a much more abstract way. It has a very modern illustration style throughout to express what is happening in each part of the story and also very interesting typesetting in comparison to a classic read. The book itself has been made to a custom size, completing its modern aesthetic and colourful allure. This is obviously much more eye catching design in comparison to its predecessor. 

On the digital side of the project, I have researched a number of interesting ways information has been translated on digital formats. This first example is titled BookLand. This is a website which allows independent writers to have their short stories published online. It does this in a very abstract way with lots of interactive features like gifs and exploding diagrams as the user is forced to scroll through the site. Small illustrations follow your journey through the stories also which emphasise on what is happening at that given moment. 

Finally I studied formats that link digital and print formats together and I came to the conclusion that QR codes was the answer. Using a very simple label, you can transfer information from print to a digital screen in seconds, granting access to both sides of my discussion. This could possibly be my way of linking the two together and creating one perfect publication to link both digital and print.