Assessment Item 2: Response to Readings Wk 3

The readings this week were very interesting. The redesigning of the Pittsburgh Children's Museum (Thomas G, 2000) was very clever, and really makes you think about how, even in modulating logos, it's important to be able to bring the customer's mind back to a parent mark (in this case, the only circle with a thick black line instead of a grey one).

I also thought the use of colour in the stationary types was great, and helped to convey the idea that the museum is a playful, lively and interesting place to bring the kids.

The design of Sony's Meteron, by one of my favourite companies, Pentagram, was also very interesting. I can't say I liked the end result so much, though, being pretty forgettable, really. But I understand why a typeface was used instead of a symbol (new entry to the market, meaning there was no brand recognition to work with). However, I think a symbol would have given the Metreon more of a personality.

Considering this in the jewellery design assignment was important, because our task was essentially to reshuffle what was already there, and create a uniformity across the various mediums (letterhead, signage, etc). Despite the fact that there were certain elements of the design that I wasn't in favour of (the typeface especially), it was a good exercise in working with what your client wants, instead of what you think they want!

The second reading, "Bank on the Brand" (Business Papers No1) I found really useful because I am currently helping my brother with the logo design for his new gallery. As he already has a logo for his workshop, I am hoping to create a new logo based on the character of the original. In this way, the gallery is a part of the workshop, but will take on a new appeal, hopefully drawing customers to the showroom. This reading brought to light a fundamental point that any designer needs to consider first - the nature of the business and its day to day culture, aims and objectives.