Through my research and writing I have been able to define and clearly articulate the intentions of the project. I started to consider the values and ideas of the project to then design an identity to the project. Initially I had only considered the one location, Bodmin. However on further reflection, this project needs to be universal and adaptable to a range of locations. While platforms for skills share already exist, they do so online purely and lack the focus of specific location and intention to improve an economic or social status. The Skills Hub aims to do this and holds theses ideas as core principles. Engage, Promote and Grow encapsulate the vision and values of the project. Therefor the logo needed to be clear, simple and non location specific. Initial sketches had focused on icons of people or ideas of community but I asked myself, is this too obvious. Should the identity of the project be defined by the actions of the people and projects. Should the visual representation of this project be open and adaptable to consider its surroundings. With this in mind I believe that the visual representation of this project, the logo should simply be typographic. With this I am able to use shape and colour to create a visual language that adds to the brand value of this project. The below logo idea is one that I have been drawn to but feedback has been that this can feel too ‘designer’ and not say enough about the project.
The Above visual is the chosen logo based on feedback and discussion with a community group. I was able to pitch a range of ideas and discuss rationale for each, this idea resonated with a majority as being simple, recognisable and does not appear to be drawn to any cliches or have the fear of becoming out of date too easily. The suggestion was that this icon clearly states a community feel and could be used with and without the text. This was a big part of the discussion during a Zoom call with the BCA group. Could some of my design ideas be seen as out of date or too corporate? The shape used emphasises the dynamic approach to a town investing in itself, while the typeface has a strong identity and presence that was drawn from my initial research.
During this process of sketching and designing had brought about ideas of usability and operational strategies for the platform. This is where I need to begin visualising and mapping out the website and app based platform. Thoughts were that people were able to make a profile on the website and be guided through a plan to present a business or project proposal. Observers could also see projects that are looking for participation and engagement, encouraging people to become involved in local initiatives. Projects and proposals would be posted onto a ‘notice board’ where users can ‘like’ or comment on projects. Users also have the opportunity to get involved as a mentor with business ideas and build partnerships within the community.
A part of my work in the critical report hi-lighted a need to define each customer journey and identify characteristics for each group that could be used to influence their engagement. This work was in part speculative and part based on research. The necessity to consider a range of different groups and their needs will help define key questions of accessibility and usability. This project, should it be adopted by other locations would need to consider their own demographic. I have identified four groups of people, each will be considered in their participation and engagement.
Pixels and Serifs. 