It’s a Babys World After All

By DKG in Aaron Walter, babies, character, contrast, cute-factor, design, Design for Emotion, JMC 3433, less is more, simplicity, web design

How interesting that the human psyche loves babies. I know it’s certainly hard for me to tell a wide-eyed, bald headed, tiny toed baby “No,” unless its for the child’s well-being. Whoever says taking candy from a baby is easy has clearly never tried it. Some scientists suggest “cuteness” is a baby’s first line of defense, I concur. If babies weren’t so gosh darn cute, it would be much harder to give them the affection they crave, and actually need for a healthy development. This is why many cartoons have big blinking eyes that somehow make adults suspend reality and  believe they are real for an instant.

Walter says, “The world is our mirror.” Everything we look at we look for an element of ourself in. This makes sense. When I chose my bed spread I looked for a pattern and texture that resonated with me. I think we not only look for ourself, but we become attached to objects or environments because it reminds us of loved ones. I want to live in a yellow house because it reminds me of my aunt, when I pick Oklahoma stickers out of my shoes it makes me smile in remembrance of my Grandpa. I don’t see myself in Oklahoma stickers or yellow houses, but then again, I do because I see someone important to me. This could become tricky when designing for a wide range of inevitably different people, but it proposes a fun element to design when the designer is able to create a character down to the style of house he/she might live in.

It could become very easy to get carried away in a masterpiece. My mom used to always tell me less is more. Less makeup is more beautiful, less syrup on pancakes and less pictures on the wall. I understand now that what she was trying to tell me was the more contrast I created the more pleasing the final product. Simplicity is sweet, especially on a  webpage. Designs get distracting and the more time it takes to finish a task, the less likely it is to be completed. As inventors, designers and trail blazers, if we can create something that mimics the heart of a human, is appealing, simple and easy to use, we will be successful.

Originally posted at Dusti-PR pubs

Design Blitz

By Brooke Strother in Uncategorized

 

1) Color

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This is a good example of color with design because all the colors are bright and attention-grabbing while the image itself bleeds off the page.

2) Typography

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This is a good example of typography because all of the letters in “Indian” are new and unique. They also have small features that make each letter similar to each other.

3) Metaphors/Symbols

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This sign warning visitors to watch out for falling coconuts is an example of a metaphor or symbol because it has the image of a coconut falling above the writing. This is very useful for getting the message across to those who might not speak the language.

4) Minimalism/Use of Space

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I like this poster because the colors make it very eye-catching while it only uses simple shapes to represent the movie. The viewer knows it is Star Wars from the two moons shown from the desert planet.

5) Form/Function/Message

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This is a good example of form and function because the cool colors/texture and neat purpose draw buyers in even if they don’t necessarily need it. I don’t even drink beer but it still seems cool to have.

Originally posted at Brought to you by Brooke

Design Blitz Scavenger Hunt

By Nick Edwards in Uncategorized

This assignment required us to post examples of color, typography, symbol/metaphor, minimalism and form and function to our blogs.

Color

This is album art by an artist I listen to, Neon Indian. This art is an obvious example of color because of all of the different colors splashed together to make this abstract image.

This is album art by an artist I listen to, Neon Indian. This art is an obvious example of color because of all of the different colors splashed together to make this abstract image.

Typography

This image is an advertisement for a performance by DJ Simba, a close friend and colleague of mine. This ad is a good example of typography because his text is superimposed over a busy, vibrant background image.

This image is an advertisement for a performance by DJ Simba, a close friend and colleague of mine. This ad is a good example of typography because his text is superimposed over a busy, vibrant background image.

Metaphor / Symbol

 

This is the symbol for OU Stompdown 2014. This is an clear example of symbolism, as this image represents the contest and is a recognizable symbol.

This is the symbol for OU Stompdown 2014. This is an clear example of symbolism, as this image represents the contest and is a recognizable symbol.

Minimalism

This profound quote by revolutionary artist Jason Derulo is presented in a very minimalist form against a plain background.

This profound quote by revolutionary artist Jason Derulo is presented in a very minimalist form against a plain background.

Form & Function

Two very large purchasing factors of cars are typically form and function. This 2013 Cadillac on a display floor is a great example of a car manufacturing advertising both a product's form and its function.

Two very large purchasing factors of cars are typically form and function. This 2013 Cadillac on a display floor is a great example of a car manufacturing advertising both a product’s form and its function.

 

Originally posted at Nick Edwards

Design Blitz Scavenger Hunt

By Mary Morton in design, JMC 3433, Scavenger Hunt

For this blog post I am going to post pictures I had to go find to complete a design scavenger hunt that my PR Publications teacher assigned. In this assignment we were required to find an example of several different design principles. The ones we had to find were color, typography, metaphor/symbol, minimalism, and form and function.

COLOR

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I chose this planner as an example of color because I like the use of these three colors. With the basic white and gray design and the coral accents it is simple and easy to follow the organization of the page.

 

 

 

TYPOGRAPHY

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I chose this sign as an example of typography because it is very clean and simple. The font is easy to read and understand.

METAPHOR

Anchor Silhouette Take Your Picture

I chose this as an example of a metaphor or symbol because in my sorority the anchor is our symbol. For us it symbolizes the principles were we founded under and the bond we share with our sisters.

MINIMALISM

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This is a good example of minimalism because it just uses the outline of Jack Sparrow and a plain background. It is a good poster for the movie Pirates of the Caribbean because anyone who has seen the movie will know that that is the silhouette of Jack Sparrow.

FORM AND FUNCTION

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I chose this for form and function because the print on the buttons make it easy to know what buttons to press to work the television it goes to.

 

Originally posted at Mary Morton- PR Publications Course

Designing for Emotion Chapter 2

By Taylor Jurica in Designing for Emotion, JMC 3433

From the start of the chapter, it is very thought provoking. I have never thought about the term “emotion” is such different ways. Emotion unites and brings many people together no matter who you are. I’ve never considered the fact that emotion is essential in sustaining life and that we are born ready to express many different feelings of emotion.

Later in the chapter, it talks about the “baby-face bias.” It states that many scientists believe the original reason we evolved to love baby faces is so that we wouldn’t kill them. In my opinion, these scientists are wrong. I believe that many people love baby faces because they are innocent and have smaller features than we could ever imagine. The point of the “baby-face bias” though, is to attract people into liking a certain symbol or mascot that has an innocent, baby looking face. This to me, makes complete sense.

Going through this chapter was very interesting. It made me think about emotion in ways that I’ve never considered or thought about before. In the past, when I am creating a design, my main focus is to attract the reader’s eye. Although this is necessary, I learned in this chapter that appealing to the audience’s emotion is just as important.

Originally posted at Taylor Jurica- Gaylord Journalism Student

Designing for Emotion, Chapter 2

By Mary Morton in Designing for Emotion, JMC 3433

The title of the second chapter of Aaron Walter’s book is Designing for Humans. This chapter discusses what we as humans find attractive or beautiful and how we make emotional connections to things we find beautiful. One of the most interesting things that Walter talks about is how we are hardwired to find the same things visually appealing. He discusses the golden ratio and how we naturally look for things that are proportioned like ourselves. I found this very interesting because I never really considered why I personally think some designs are beautiful and some are not. That is looking at the proportions and layout rather than just the color scheme or pictures. It definitely gave me a new way to start looking at designs.

One thing that I did not really agree with in this chapter was his use of Ricardo Mestra’s web site as an example of great design. Although his approach to his portfolio was unique and organic. I found the design way too busy and hard to follow. It almost looks as if he didn’t know what he wanted to focus on for the website. There are so many colors and word bubbles that you don’t even know where to look first. It is a different approach and very creative, but I think it needs a little more organization.

I am looking forward to learning in class how to utilize the golden ratio and other concepts in my future designs. I’ve always struggled with making things turn out the way I see them in my head and I hope that this class will help me improve on that.

Originally posted at Mary Morton- PR Publications Course

From Industrialization to DIY

By Makenna Rogers in JMC 3433

The beginning of Chapter 1 of Designing for Emotion explains the shift between craftsmanship to industrialization and then back to craftsmanship (or do it yourself) in today’s society. It explained the need for human to human interaction versus humans to machine. This throwback idea is the new trend for design today and what is discussed in the chapter.

When I first saw the chapter title, Emotional Design, I thought it would discuss the design of websites in general (i.e. interesting colors, different fonts, etc.). I was surprised to find that it was actually all about making your website fun and pleasurable for the user, which enhanced communication between a business and its users/customers.

I had actually never thought about emotional design in general. I had thought about making a design (especially a website) attractive for more viewer traffic, however, I had never considered the element of fun. After reading the chapter I reflected on websites I enjoyed using and why.

I specifically focused on Wufoo. This is because the book specifically mentions Wufoo as being a great website that users enjoy especially for data collection. I have used Wufoo multiple times through a few of my leadership roles on campus. Most recently, however, I used Wufoo for my Public Relations Research class to collect surveys and analyze data. I do agree with the author that Wufoo creates an exciting environment where something boring like collecting data can be a fun and enjoyable experience. I personally like its data analysis features, as well as its note section where I was able to make notes about surveys regarding the important information we gathered from each one.

Since the first chapter served as a basic introductory I did not find anything I disagreed with. I mostly just discovered a lot about what I am going to be learning in this book. I am very excited to continue reading and learning how emotions can influence the work we do in design.

“You want design sensibility that is distinctly human, individual, reflective of a real personality, and honest – all while keeping business goals in mind.” – Kindle Locations 74-80 Designing for Emotion

Originally posted at OU Public Relations Publications

Jan 20-24 Chapter 1 Blog Post

By Tori Beechum in Uncategorized

This chapter was very interesting. I’ve never thought about design and websites as being something that relate to people emotionally. When I really think about it though, I do actually relate to websites according to how easy it is to navigate and the way it looks.  I do disagree that good design is the only thing that could draw someone to a particular website. Yes, I think its great that a design can make you feel positive, but sometimes you can get passed a design and look at what the site offers and it be a site that you visit often.

So far I am really enjoying class and the book. It was an easy read and interesting. The lectures are fun and it really helps that they have different design elements to help engage us students. I think I will also like the website and learning more about the various software products we will be using in class. So far, so good.

- Tori

Originally posted at Tori Beechum - PR Pubs

Designing For Emotion

By Tyler Mahoney in Designing for Emotion, JMC 3433

When I began to read the book, “Designing for Emotion,” by Aaron Walter I was a bit skeptical, because like many of my peers I do not like to read the assigned passages for my classes. However, once I got through the first section I quickly became engaged in the topic discussed in the chapter. I had never really thought much about how websites and emotions were connected. It definitely made me think about how much time I spend on Facebook and Twitter and how I have an emotional connection to my favorite websites. The chapter also introduced a concept that I had learned about in some of my other PR classes, Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, which I think is extremely interesting. I love how he uses positive experiences to attract users.  Something that I disagreed with was the fact that I felt like the author kind of gave the reader ideas that you could use media to manipulate the emotions of others in wrong ways, which I don’t know if I completely am okay with that. I’m completely fine if it is for the greater good, but if people use it in the wrong way I get upset. I feel like many times the general public are skeptical about the media and how it messes with emotions. This chapter just kind of reminded me of that.

Originally posted at Tyler Mahoney- PR Student