GDES2012 – Teme Valley Brief – Final post

GDES2012 – Graphic Information Design

Mani Brief – Teme Valley Trail 

This will be the final blog entry for the Teme Valley Trail brief and tomorrow is hand in day, so all designs have now been finalised and printed ready for submission.

I thought I would go through my finalised ideas to give an insight into how they have developed since the early concepts.

Identity

I decided to create a logo that would act as an identifier for the whole Teme Valley Tour.  Each location has it’s own colour coding identity, so this logo acts to tie them all together.

I chose the font Panton as a starting point, but modified the letters V and A to create a valley and mountain shape between them in the word “Valley”.  The V and A could even serve as a letterform logo in it’s own right, which would lend itself to merchandising opportunities.

The identity I created for the Teme Valley Trail

Map Additions

I added sample routes to the map based on the colour coding that I decided for the walking and cycling trails (blue & pink respectively).

One option could have been to use pull outs to give further information for each of the routes, instead I chose to follow the form of the map and create colour coded sections with pictograms and simplified data for each route, such as distance, time & difficulty.

Information Board

The information board has been designed specifically for the Tenbury Wells location. The accent colour would vary from site to site and has been informed by the colours I used on the leaflet. All signage at each location would feature this accent colour, creating  strong visual unity.

Each board would then feature information unique to that site such as things to do and places to go.

QR codes would be used to give further information on routes, such as detailed instructions or maps.

The Teme Valley Trail logo is also featured to tie it back into the overall theme.

Background elements such as the pattern are shared with the leaflet and based on the star shape that apple pips cause when it is cut in half sideways. The apple connection being due to the region being well know for it’s production of cider.

 

Information board for the Tenbury Wells location

Way Finding Signage

Large Signs – These are designed to be close to the visitor centre or start of each route. They are large and bold but feature simplified information or pictograms where possible.

Finger-Post – Designed with simple information; Time, distance and pictogram. These would feature intermittently along the trail. The design is intended to wrap around the post with the trail colour indicator on the inside, which would be visible due to the height and viewing angle. The post would feature a location marker on top as per those found on the map section of the leaflet.

Way Markers – These would also feature along the trail, but are designed to blend into the surrounds more and in many cases could be fitted to existing fence posts etc. Colour on top to denote location, with pictogram and colour coded arrow to denote trail type. This would be layered in design so that it had a 3D look and feel to it.

Large Signage

Finger Post and Way Markers

Finally I created a few simple mock ups to show what the signage may look like in-situ.

Conclusion

Overall I am pleased with the solution I arrived at. With more time there are a few changes or additions I would have liked to explore, such as different material types, cu-out shapes or the inclusion of braille for the unsighted. However these are things that could easily be implemented should the client wish to do so.

Signage scale

Preview of my presentation board, for submission

Presentation Board

GDES2012 – Teme Valley Trail Brief – Part 4

Teme Valley brief – Research

Time Valley Trail Leaflet

Part of the brief is to redesign the existing ‘Teme Valley Trail’ folding leaflet, so before starting on the design elements I decided to take a look at folding techniques, both creative and more traditional.

The leaflet currently folds out to reveal an A3 spread which features the main tour map as well as information regarding the area and towns on the tour.  It is currently very information heavy and quite dated in it’s looks.

Considerations:

• The sample text from the supporting document should be included.
• Use clear grid & column structure.
• Consider use of pictograms or informational diagrams to help put across the content.
• Could tie in wildlife, nature, local foods & drinks into the theme.
• A general want of the client is to have more visual interpretation/dynamism/pictograms on the leaflet & less text.
• 2 sides of A3 to work with.
• Consider audience when looking at format.  i.e. cyclist may have a pouch to read quickly from the handlebars of a bike.  Walkers may want it to fold small for pocket, perhaps like a train timetable.
• There are 5 areas to be included on the leaflet – Tenbury Wells, Bromyard, Broadheath, Great Witley & Cleobury Mortimer.  (this may help determine the number of folds or sides created by folds that are needed.

Examples of folding techniques/possibilites:

I looked at a number of folding styles from creative to more traditional.  I think for the purposes of this brief, the more creative designs may be a little too out there,  They often seem to be used for promotional purposes in the “creative” arena such as promoting an event or an exhibition, or even self promotion.

As this brief is aimed at an audience who’s main interest is navigation of the area and information on things to see & do, I feel the more traditional approach is best suited.

Examples of folding techniques

Creative use of fold to create visual interest

This would fold to A6 in size, so would be very pocketable.

Creative fold of a map

Added features

Once I started creating mock-up flyers using some of the different folding techniques that I researched, I discovered that I would end up with more pages than I needed in terms of the information I have to include from the supporting document.

I decided it might be interesting to include a few different elements to the design to engage with the audience a little.  For example a page directing the audience to look out for wildlife along the route.

Therefore I researched a few of the different species of bird, butterfly, insect and wild flowers that can be seen in the area.

Chafinch

Greenfinch

Bluebells

Honey Bee

Common Blue Butterfly

Kestrel

GDES2012 – Teme Valley Trail Brief – Part 3

Further Research

The Teme Valley Tour

This is the link to the “visit the Malverns” – Teme Valley Tour page, which contains further information on the area and the towns covered by the tour.

Teme Valley Tour details

Map of the Teme Valley Tour area

Tenbury Wells

• Known as the town in the Orchard
• The River Teme, which runs along the edge of the town, separates Worcestershire and Shropshire.
• The famous 16th century, Tenbury Bridge, with its bend in the middle, crosses the Teme at one end of the main street and is considered to be the gateway to the town.
• The area is still primarily unspoilt farming country and perfect for walking, cycling or driving.
• Known for local beers and ciders.
• Tenbury had the ‘Wells’ added to its name in the mid 19th century to help promote the mineral water wells that had been found in the town from 1840 onwards.
• The mineral waters brought about the building in 1862 of the now restored Tenbury Spa, or Pump Rooms as it is generally known.
• Tenbury lies in an area known for growing hops and cider apples.
• Known for the rearing of cattle and sheep, for which the annual Agricultural and Countryside Show in August each year is a wonderful advertisement.
• Queen Victoria, who visited the area at the end of the 19th century, referred to Tenbury as,  ”my little town in the orchard”.

Source : http://www.tenburywells.info

The Round Market

Tenbury Bridge – Bent in the middle

Tenbury Pump Rooms

Themes

The area is well known for it’s hops & cider apples.

Local beers

• Many breweries in the area including – Ludlow Brewing Co. (Ludlow), Hobsons Brewery (Cleobury Mortimer), Bewdley Brewery Ltd. (Bewdley), JHS Brewery (Tenbury Wells).
• They produce “craft beers”, “artisan ales” and cask ales & bottled beers.
• Themed around local produce, great taste, traditional, English, gentrified, “experience”.
• Examples in their combined branding of – bowler hat (English gent), bridge logo (local landmarks), Hops, bold colours, traditional styling.

Local Ciders

•  Tenbury Wells holds and annual Apple Festival called “Applefest”.  http://www.tenburyapplefest.co.uk
• Hobsons Brewery also owns “Oldfields Orchards” who make cider. http://www.oldfieldsorchard.co.uk
• Robinsons of Tenbury are the other big Cider producers in Tenbury.  http://www.robinsonscider.com/index.aspx
• Everything has a craft, artisan, hand-made, local, country feel to it.
• Labels feature striking, bold images of apples (Oldfields).

I could tie this theme into insects/nature wildlife as found in my previous research.  For example insects that are associated with apples i.e. Wasps, worms maybe.

Wasp on a red cider apple

Cider Apple

Cider apple orchard

Apples are shaken from the trees and then gathered using a collecting machine

Oldfields cider

Oldfields Cider varieties

GDES2012 – Teme Valley Trail Brief – Part 2

GDES2012 – Graphic Information Design

Time Valley Brief – Initial Research

As the first deadline for the brief is to come up with initial ‘roughs’, so the first part of my research is based on design and visual style as opposed to content, as the detail will come later.

I find mind-mapping a useful way of getting ideas/inspiration down quickly, so I started by thinking about interesting, fun and imaginative ways to engage the viewer.

I then tried to simplify and break down into several sections, what I felt were the most relevant topics or areas for development/consideration.

Walkers Needs

• Clear, legible text.
• Clear directions.
• Visual stimulation.
• Consider visually-impared, although one would assume they wouldn’t be out walking trails alone.

Cyclist Needs

• Clear, legible text.
• Clear directions.
• Easy to read at speed – Pictograms, abbreviations?

Themes

• Nature – Leaves, trees, wild flowers, berries, acorns etc.
• Wildlife – Animals that are found in the area : Birds, Cuckoo, Kestrel, Barn Owl, Butterflies, Moths, Newts, Insects.
• Environmental – Materials: wood, stone, metal, preservation and wildlife.
• Elements – Earth, wind, fire, ice.
• Colour schemes – Earth tones, natural, pastels, greens or those of elements.

Shapes

• Rectangles.
• Squares.
• Cubes – Perhaps stacked.
• Arrows.
• Traingular.
• Organic shapes – suck as rocks.
• Take the Malvern Hills shape and apply to top of sign?

Materials

• Wood – As base, or perhaps carved into,accent pieces.
• Stone – Carved or as base for the material i.e a plaque.
• Metal – Sculpture, such as the battling Eagles in Malvern.

Signage Styles

• Finger posts – Different shapes/angles.  Think about the angles/shapes found in nature.
• Posts – Perhaps colour topped or coded to let you know you are on the correct route.
• Markers and waypoints – Coloured indicators along the route (between signs – but would have to consider environmental effects).
• Colour coding – Each route is colour coded allowing the audience to know they are on the correct path.
• Flags – Attached to posts.
• Banners – Roll/scroll banners.

Signage Elements

• Typography – Should be clear, legible, readable and timeless (no fancy fonts).
• Layout – Should be simple, free from clutter, easy to read quickly.
• Pictograms – These could be especially helpful for cyclists who may need to take in the information quickly, whilst on the move.  Pictograms could include lakers/hikers, cyclists, bike, terrain, car-park, cafe, amenities etc.
• Time/distance – The “time” it takes or “distance” to get to… on the signage?

I then spent some time looking at as many different styles of existing way finding signage as I could.  I have included images of a few that I feel will offer me inspiration in my own designs.

I like the bottom shape and background image

Interesting use of colour accents

Pictures/Images included in this design

Very classy, map based

Geometric shapes

Interesting sign orientation

Sculpture and cut-outs

Materials stacked and combined, also features cut-outs

Engraving in wood

More wood/natural style installation

Layered/stacked wood to add interest and hierarchy

Interesting wood display

I then started thinking about shapes, more specifically shapes in nature.  This then bought me onto the golden ratio and how it features in nature.  I collected a few images that I felt would offer inspiration to my design:

Snail shell

Cross section of shell

Cross section of shell

Fly eyes

Close-up of a fly’s eye

Patterns in nature

Patterns in nature

Close-up of honeycomb

Honeycomb pattern with layering that could be used in my design

Looking at these shapes then started me thinking about geometric shapes and design, so I gathered a few pictures that might be useful to me.

Geometric wire frame – Demonstrates how a 3D structure could be built

I like the twist in this, would make for an interesting sign style

Geo style signage

Combination of elements adds to the beauty of this design

Cut-outs with bold background colour are very striking

Andy Gilmore art – Amazing

Geometric art

 

 

 

GDES2012 – Teme Valley Trail Brief – Part 1

GDES2012 – Graphic Information Design

The main brief for this module is to design creative concepts for a visual system that supports the Teme Valley Trail which is under the care of Malvern Hills District Council.  The brief is both real and ‘live’ and so offers the possibility of one or more students work to be produced professionally and in situ, exciting stuff.

Primary Requirements

• Research – I will look into existing walking and cycling trails throughout the UK and worldwide.  I will also look into way finding systems, informational boards, maps and anything else related.  I will report my findings and thoughts her, on my blog.
• Tour base map amends – I will need to use the base map that has been provided to us (illustrated by our tutor Andy Stevenson), but add to it showing the walks and trails detailed in our supporting documentation.  I can alter things like text and use my own navigational colour coding, but the base of the map will remain untouched.  The Map is illustrative in design, so this is something I may carry across into the design, making it playful and fun.
• Re-design the existing (A3) folding Leaflet – The existing tour leaflet will need to be redesigned as it is now considered out-dated.  I will carefully consider typography and type setting as the leaflet needs to be clear and easy to read (something it’s current not).  I will establish a clear underlying grid structure and ensure that the leaflet is well designed, with supporting images and/or pictograms.  I will also research interesting folding techniques and formats for an A3 sheet.  The current leaflet features from and rear covers, with 2 inner pages and then folds out to a large A3 centre spread.  I will also think about how the leaflet might be used by the people who use it, the format and where they will store it i.e. should it fold small?  Something that’s easily read from handlebar pouch etc.
• Develop ONE way finding sign – Based on research and findings, I will design and develop a suitable solution for the signage of my way-finding system.  I should be a sample directional sign that can be used by either walkers or cyclists, which incorporates appropriate, legible type and a suitable pictogram.  It will also link into the visual style of the leaflet.  I will also consider material here as there may be some interesting nature/natural elements that I could play with.
• Develop ONE sample information board – Public information boards will be placed at key sites within the tour area to help explain the site to pedestrian onlookers.  I will design a sample information board that forms an overview of the tour,  which will  be located in the main pay & display car park in Tenbury Wells.  The board should feature the re-use of Andy’s map (with my alterations)  as well as including one or more pictures/illustrations linked to Tenbury Wells.  The visual style will also tie in with the leaflet and way finding sign, creating a cohesive and connected visual system.

Secondary Requirements (time permitting)

• Consider developing additional conceptual visuals that show how my visual system might appear across digital platforms, such as web, mobile or tablet.
• Develop an ID for the ‘Teme Valley Trail’.

Presentation of work

Final design elements to be presented on A2 black mounting board and should include :

1. Tour leaflet re-design.
2. Sample fingerboard (way finding) design.
3. Sample information board design.
4. Supporting text that helps explain ideas and solutions arrived at.

Secondary:

1. Digital media formats.
2. Time Valley Trail ID concept .