Gallery Opening Night and Paul Rand
If you’re going to have the conflict of a night class the same night as a design event opening, it’s certainly of great fortune to have that class also be a design class, along with the benefit of a teacher who supports the attendance of said event. Which of course is what resulted in our Feb. 17th class starting out at the Paul Rand Brands opening at the CVA gallery.
CVA Gallery Exhibit Postcard
So with a slightly restructured class on hand, we spent most of the evening exploring the featured work and the legacy of Paul Rand – first through the gallery exhibit, then through a few short videos Liina presented back in class, and wrapping fully around with each of us whipping out a quick reaction paper to the event. Because, really, experiencing a great seasoned designer’s work and advice does come down to how each person individually interacts with that work. In that, it was quite pleasant to show up a bit earlier than scheduled simply to absorb and internalize what resonated with just me and my needs and reactions. As such, here’s a few of the pieces I found of particular draw:
all images care of http://www.paul-rand.com/
Obviously, there’s the appeal, amusement, and natural nostalgia of the vintage style – even down to the actual products and the aged and faded papers of original display purposes. But Rand, as are all of us, was also subject to his own time and influences. Thus, what we experience and learn from his work should go beyond the playful vintage aesthetic – it wasn’t vintage to Rand, after all.
For example, I recall hearing that even within the huge variety of Rand’s designs and varying clients, there are only a scant few fonts he ever used. Logical of course, given the lack of digital output of the time, but still, in our time of an explosion of typography ad choices due to digital output, it could serve well to remember that more isn’t always better or as effective.
Also, as an aside and to prove myself as a child of the technological world – can you possibly imagine not having digital? What would people even do with themselves?
Video Extras
But to wrap up on the Rand, here’s the short clips Liina showed in class. As points for the digital side, there’s an immense collection available for easy picking on YouTube, but let’s focus on the class results for now, shall we?
On to Class Time and Quizzes
Beyond Rand, it was still Thursday, and, exhibit or not, it was still quiz night. But quiz night this time with an added twist featuring a question beyond multiple choice on providing an example – with back up reasoning – on how a company’s design strategy fits with its business strategy. How’s that for added application of reading topics rather than simple passive absorption?
Plus a Journal Check-In
Still, answers were all in good humor – a gallery opening apparently has the power to add a little relaxation and good playful humor into late night studies. And that ease of mind carried nicely over into journal checks; you have to appreciate rolling with the flow, after all, and it lends to a much more entertaining discovery of the good and bad explorations of usability applications.
From PearlBrite’s bouncing navigation and hypnotic music,
to the MN Unemployment Department’s completely unreadable purposes,
and the Catholic Church’s new Confession App available for only $1.99,
there’s always room for usability evaluation.
Moving Forward…
Oh, and let’s not forget that next Tuesday is the big due date that’s been creeping up on us. Whether you’re feeling under control or are shooting for that last minute panic push, just don’t forget any pieces at home Tuesday night! For those keeping lists – because why wouldn’t you keep a list? Life feels better when you get to cross them off! – the pieces to consider include:
-mounted Personas
-mounted Wireframes
-mounted Mood Board (or two)
-mounted Design Boards (minimum of three screens)
-research documentation
prepared PSD and JEPG files for the server
Good luck to all!
Principles of Usability 