STUDENT LED CRIT - feedback

During the student led crit the other day, we were to discuss our design direction and the stage that we are currently at in terms of our practice, instead of simply showing practical work. Whilst I did want some feedback on some of my recent briefs, I actually found this crit really beneficial. There is a large variety of work and visuals going on within our studio, and it was really interesting to sit down and see what others were up to and what their current plan of action is. We found that is was easier to have more of a group discussion than it was for us to go around individually, as this allowed us to give input and feedback. However we made sure that everyone had a chance to speak, directing appropriate questions.

We each discussed our plans for when we graduate, as well as our current feelings towards our own design direction. I feel that is was beneficial to find out what everyone was interested in in terms of their practice as it displayed variety and allowed me to see briefs from a different perspective. For example, my design practice was visually a lot different to other members of the group. Whilst I am currently focusing on pattern, packaging and hand drawn type, others were working with advertising and digital media.

As well as the above, it was nice to see where everyone was in terms of placements and contacting studios, with some individuals knowing exactly what they wanted, and others still feeling like they were in more of an open and experimental stage. Everyone is currently at a different point, which I believe to be a positive thing. Although it is good to know who you are and what you're about, it is still beneficial to be open to new experiences and possibilities, which is where I am currently at.

CRIT - interim crit

Interim crit feedback with Simon Jones

- High Street Spa, Champneys
- Younger audience
- Approachability - consistent dialogue with potential customers, being healthy
- Attributes to 'party'/'clubbing' lifestyle
- To appeal to 'boozy' people without offending them - an add on, recovery products
- Web presence? Interactive?
- Should include a blog

From this crit with Simon, myself and Steph went away and thought about the ways in which we could strengthen our concept. We felt that the best way to do this would be through a blog, which is something that Simon suggested. Blogs are extremely popular amongst our intended age range and also our target audience, therefore this is something that would grab their attention as well as getting them to interact with our brand. A blog will be a great way of adding a sense of youth to Champneys, whilst allowing us to promote deals, vouchers and competitions.

CRIT - tutor led

Cath Kidston

- Something you would definitely see being sold within a Cath Kidston store
- Relevant and reflective of brand
- Suits target audience
- Consider colour schemes for other variations
- Spring colours, blues, yellows

Harry Ramsden's

- Strong illustrations
- Reminiscent of Victorian era, etchings, anatomical
- Product range - napkins, placements
- How could it be applied to the environment? Different fish sizes on walls and placemats?
- Illustrations throughout the restaurant due to strength
- Really cool
- Strong logo
- Consider uniforms, aprons?
- If it's going to be expensive food then it might as well look it

CRIT - feedback from Elmwood

Crit feedback

The feedback giving during the crit was extremely helpful and allowed me to gain a more direct and clear design route. Overall, my concept was positively received and I will therefore be developing it further.

Points mentioned

- Really like the name shift it, very friendly tone of voice and is something that you would find yourself saying yourself

- Good use of illustration

- Really effective tag line

- Could create a pattern from more than one household item and then create a blank space for text, as though the text is shifting the items out of the way

- Could include photography, images of living spaces where something has been 'removed'

- Images, something should be there but it isn't 

From this crit, I am going to develop one of the ideas that was suggested to me. As photography isn't a strong point of mine, I am going to stick with illustration and pattern and incorporate this into my designs. It was suggested that I simply used blank/white space to shift a hole in the pattern where text can go, as though pushing the items out of the way. 

INTERIM CRIT - questions and feedback

Questions and feedback

UK Greetings Questions

1. Although traditional Christmas colours of red and green haven't been used, do the chosen colours still effectively represent the theme?
2. Is the hand written type legible?
3. Does everything work as part of a set?

Feedback

1. I get an American indie Christmas feel to these products. A great use of alternative colours to standard red etc. I think these give a heritage and kitsch feel to all products. The contrast of dark and light works well too.
2. It is legible, I am drawn to the 'l' in love though as standing out. Unsure if this is negative though as I know what it says.
3. Yes, consider a repeat pattern on the reverse side of the swing tags. Very clear use of plain wrapping in a set as you've thought of the way that they would work together.

1. Chosen colours work well. Good idea not to go with obvious colours.
2. Handwritten type is great.
3. The set works well together.

1. The colour scheme used works well with the xmas theme. It is not 'tacky' as typical red and green. It reminds me more of victorian style colours.
2. No problems with legibility of type.
3. Clearly works as a set, the colour scheme and patterns used link closely and compliment each other.

1. Chosen colour of green/gold very related to Christmas.
2. Very legible.
3. Yes colours relate all parts. Top left is only slightly less detailed.

Brabantia Questions

1. Do you think the pattern is appropriate for a kitchen environment?
2. Do you think the pattern is effective once applied to products? (Scale, format)
3. Do you think the range would appeal to both men and women? (Colour and pattern)

Feedback

1. Cold be more related to food/cooking.
2. Pattern would be huge on ironing board.
3. Only to women. Too flowery for men.

1. Yes it is appropriate, the pattern is light and summery but could work in winter also.
2. Yes, although having two plain colours is a risk as nothing has been applied other than pantone.
3. No, I think men would pass these in store.

1. I don't think the pattern would be out of place in the kitchen, but I think it falls more into a generic floral pattern aimed at women so would suit any household item.
2. The pattern works really well when applied, but perhaps makes the other two solid colour designs look a bit random. Is there a reason you only did one pattern?
3. As I said before I don't think this would appeal to a male audience as floral patterns are generally avoided by males.

1. The pattern is appropriate for kitchenware you often see floral patterns.
2. The pattern works when applied to the products, good mocking up.
3. I think the range would probably be more appropriate for a female audience.