Poster+ Prototypes

Here are my initial prototypes for an accompanying annotation for the poster.

My first prototype exploration involves an actual display of how solar energy works. I would create a homemade solar lamp jar, which consists of a glass jar (decorated/undecorated) and a component of a solar yard lamp. The solar yard lamp would replace the lid of the jar, therefore creating an eco-friendly lantern.

To accompany this visual display, I would create a small book. This book would resemble a solar panel, but more importantly it would contain information on how the community can move forward by embracing solar energy in their everyday environments.

My second prototype is based on the idea that: "The energy that drives wind originates with sun, which heats the earth," (National Geographic) therefore providing solar energy. So I decided to have pinwheels be an interactive and friendly reminder/encourager for the community members. The pinwheels would have typography relevant to how to move forward with implementing solar energy into one's everyday life, with some friendly icons to accompany this text.

The more important message that this pinwheel contains is making the audience think of their children and future generations to come. Specifically how converting to solar energy can only benefit their lives. The viewers would be able to take the pinwheel home to place near the front walkway, reminding them and encouraging to help the environment by converting to solar energy.

My third prototype is more visual, but it will be accompanied by a phone app. The phone app will have information on solar energy technologies and ways to add them to your daily environment.

Poster+ Solar Energy Research

This is the poster that I was assigned:

This was the information I retrieved on the Solar Energy Process:

Solar energy technologies use the sun's energy and light to provide heat, light, hot water, electricity, and even cooling, for homes, businesses, and industry. There are a variety of technologies that have been developed to take advantage of solar energy:

Photovoltaic Systems: Producing electricity directly from sunlight.

·         Possible Solar Cell Devices:

o   Rooftop shingles, roof tiles, building facades, or the glazing for skylines.

Solar Hot Water: Heating water with solar energy.

·        Solar Water Heating Systems:

o   Solar collector and a storage tank.

·        Active or Passive Systems?

o   Active systems rely on pumps to move the liquid between the collector and the storage tank, while passive systems rely on gravity and the tendency for water to naturally circulate as it is heated.

Solar Electricity: Using the sun's heat to produce electricity.

·        Three main types:

o   Parabolic-trough: long rectangular curved mirrors absorb sun’s energy.

o   Dish/engine: energy gathered by dish to create mechanical power to run a generator.

o   Power tower: large field mirrors concentrate sunlight onto tower, which heats molten salt through the receiver. The heat of the salt is the generator for electricity; but more importantly, molten salt can maintain its heat for a long period of time. This allows electricity to be run on cloudy days and even after sunset.

Passive Solar Heating and Daylighting: Using solar energy to heat and light buildings.

·         Direct Gain: Floors and walls collect heat during the day, then the retained heat is slowly release at night when it is needed most.

o   Sun spaces, trombe walls, and clerestory are all techniques for maintaining energy.

Solar Process Space Heating and Cooling: Industrial and commercial uses of the sun's heat.

·        Types of Systems:

o   Transpired collector: consists of a thin, black metal panel mounted on a south-facing wall to absorb the sun's heat. Air passes through the many small holes in the panel. A space behind the perforated wall allows the air streams from the holes to mix together. The heated air is then sucked out from the top of the space into the ventilation system.

o   Evacuated-tube collector: a shallow box full of many glass, double-walled tubes and reflectors to heat the fluid inside the tubes. A vacuum between the two walls insulates the inner tube, holding in the heat.

o   Parabolic-trough collector: long, rectangular, curved (U-shaped) mirrors tilted to focus sunlight on a tube, which runs down the center of the trough. This heats the fluid within the tube.

Process Post #7

 These were my initial sketches for three possible book designs:

This idea is intended to be similar to a brochure, except in a different layout format. This format is unique and permits the user to interact with this small pamphlet while they tour the interior space.

This is a simple book layout that would be composed of 18 pages, documenting Parker's life through stages. The book would be square shaped, easily fitting into one's hand or purse.

This idea would be the most interactive experience. Viewers would receive an envelope, which contain several postcards documenting Parker's life in stages. The only problem with this solution is possible organization, making sure the viewer receives everything in the proper order. 

In the end, I decided to pursue my first idea: the brochure. Here is the result.

I admire this design the best because I was able to incorporate several aspects of the interior space, but in a a completely different way. Giving the viewers a more practical experience.

I also accomplished the elevations of the interior space:

Interior and exterior spacing, flat layout.

Process Post #6

This is my second exhibition mockup, but I realize that there is still a lot of work to be done. Specifically, I would like to make the exhibition more dimensional, so perhaps I could play with the floor and walls. Other than that, I am happy with the overall layout of the exhibition. At the far end of the shipping container, there is a good amount of wall space for Charlie Parker. This wall space is meant to represent the potential feeling of freedom Parker's music offers. He was called 'the bird' because when he played, his soul was as free as a bird. I wish for viewers to feel at peace in this area, relaxing while listening to some of his best bebop songs. The outer area is meant to focus more on bebop movement as an art.

Process Post #5

Imagery Exploration: These preliminary images will be utilized to represent Charlie Parker and his bebop music. 

My goal for this project is to create a refined and minimalist exhibition. I have chosen a muted color palette, mostly due to the Parker's sad tale of woe throughout his career and personal relationships. I do not wish this to seem too melancholic, which is why I am adding the gold flair in many of these icons, indexes, and symbols. I think it is important to truly represent Parker's life, but I wish to convey it in a sleek and minimalistic fashion... so hopefully it will be successful:)

Many of these graphics obviously relate back to Parker, but here is a brief explanation:

For instance, the silhouette figures are icons representing Parker and his magical saxophone: the saxophone that made him as 'free as a bird.' 

The musical note is a reference to Parker's nickname: The Bird because this note is called a Birds eye and I hope to repeat this symbol throughout many of my icons. 

The circles are brief symbols for Parker's personality.

Here are the title explorations:

My layouts will be coming shortly:)

Process Post #4

Fini. For the first project, the class was assigned to redesign a Rice Krispies cereal box. The main task was to consider the form and typography on a 3-Dimensional surface. 

Each Design below is influenced by an attribute, which conveys the overall tone of each design. From left to right:

1) Comfort  2) Energy +Informational  3) Refined + Order 

I decided to propose the third box as my final design. This box is a result of the 'Game of Chance' trials, which had enjoyable and inviting results. With the results as a guideline, I created this design. The amount of white space gives the design a minimalist tone, evoking sophistication and order. But the true jewel of this design is the barcode. The barcode was the main building block for this design, allowing the provided text to be placed in an orderly fashion. 

This was a very enjoyable project. I was truly able to explore with the provided text and try several different formats. Great way to start off the semester:) 

Photography Explorations