Visuals
Project Statement
This project focused on slow looking and being tuned in to our surroundings. This assignment helped me to slow down for once and genuinely absorb what is happening around me even on a path I take daily. I often take the same route from Hayes to a Starbucks nearby, so I decided to focus on this route that was well known to me. I incorporated layers in this project because the history of Hayes being one of the first buildings on campus compared to my end destination being a very modern coffee chain intrigued me. The way I chose to portray this was an original campus map lying under a transparent sheet of paper, and finally the current campus roads in the thick dark lines which are cut out for added texture, all described in the key, bottom right. The tops of the buildings are drawn on to each stop I make as well as quick sketches looking straight on to the area. I decided on green for my single color because it intertwines nature with the green in the Starbucks logo- my destination. My additional sense introduces an auditory element: Spotify codes that bring you to a song that reminds me of each place. The path is composed of small circular cutouts so it can be traced with your finger which provides a tangible way of mentally visualizing the path I take. Overall, this project was a great way to balance a variety of elements in a comprehensive whole.
Process
View detailed project process at Space and Time Walk: Process
Reflection
I had so much fun with this project because it involved exploring different routes around campus. It was also the first time I thought about designing in a way that is more inclusive, specifically for those who don’t have the ability to see because of the addition of stimulating other senses in some way. I like all the texture my map offers as well as the sketches that show off different areas of campus. This project led to deeper thinking about the purpose of color and how making directions clear can severely affect the way a design comes across to viewers. During the process building up to the final, I experienced a few setbacks and felt unconfident in my work and where and how I tend to play it safe. I believe this was very important to my growth as a designer because I took a step back from my work and learned that not every exercise we do leads to a great idea but instead it can steer me in an entirely new direction based on the failure of the direction I thought I would go.