Activity 9 – Technology Process Information

Task

Develope a logo for a new social networking site called MySphere. Your design should use colours and style of current Web 2.0 design.

Disign/Technology Process

Step 1. Understand the brief.

Step 2. Research. i) Identify the target audience.

The target audience of this particular task are the young generation of people who constantly make use of Web 2.0 sites (people who probably have accounts over ten of hundreds of chat and blog sites).

ii) Find out what the current Web 2.0 design style is.

The current Web 2.0 style is use of greens, grey-blacks and oranges. the logo’s are simple yet eye catching with basic shapes.

Step 3. Create sketch and annotate at least two possible design solutions showing the progressive changes. Explian the elements and principles of design in the case of your final design which should be incluyded in your design solution sketches.

I, of course ended up with number 6 -the last one- it looks best in my opinion

Step Five

Evaluate the result.  Did you achieve what was specified in the brief? 

I sure did. The colours are green for the writing and grey for the sphere shape -typical of Web 2.0-. I decided I would stick to the basic shape of a circle, but twist it a little with shading that gives it a spherical appearence. It is simple and pleasing to the eye with both sides of the image blanced by its elements.While in the concept sketch the sphere is quite ‘heavy’ the bright colour of the writing will add some ‘weight’ to the text.

                                  End,

                                       =Pandora=

Digital Video

Activity 18 requires me to answer the following:

1. List three analog video formats

1. PAL-Phase Alternating Line
2. NTSC-National Television Standards Committee
3. SECAM-Sequential Colour with Memory

2. What advantages does digital video have over analog video?

1. Digital video has a better quality
2. Only limited by network bandwidth
3. Able to be used on computers
4. Allows for two-way viewing (video communication via the Internet and web cam {On Computers})

3. What is a disadvantage of digital video?

Digital videos are comprised of too much information, so to maintain the illusion of motion they need to be processed at a constant rate. These can be illuminated, but with an impact on file size or quality. Without cocompression digital video requires a computer with enough processing power to play back 33.2Mb per second.

4. List and briefly describe three common digital file formats.

AVI-Audio Video Interleaved. This is a multimedia format used to store audio and video.

WMA-Windows Media Audio. Name for products from Microsoft that can create, deliver and play streaming files.

MOV-The file format generated by Quick Time software originally only available for playback on Macintosh OS

5. List 3 ways of reducing the file size of a digital video.

1. Compressing the video data.
2. Reducing the dimensions of each frame.
3. Reducing the frame rate.

6. What is a codec?

Codec is an acronym for compression/decompression. A codec is a specialized computer program that compresses or reduces the number of bytes consumed by large files. Video files are encoded by the codec when compressed and will require the same codec to enable them to be decompressed and then played.

7. Define and breifly describe blu-ray disc.

A blu-ray disc is an optical disc media storage format. It’s main uses are high definition video and data storage.

                       And so I have,
                                           =Pandora=

Symbolism

The second part of activity 17 asks me to choose symbols to express words and put them in a table… TAAAADAAAAAA!!!

Symbolism

 

DANGER	CAMPING
HOT	ANIMAL CROSSING

 

That is all,

           .-**`xo`**-Pandora-**`ox`**-.

Printers

For activity 17, I am to write about printers. okeey…

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

ADVANTAGES

Inkjet:

• Allows for colour printing
• Recently more affordable
• Room for advancement in efficiancy and quality

Laser:

• Produces better quality black text documents
• Turn out mors pages at a lower cost

DISADVANTAGES

Inkjet:

• Poorer quality black text documents than laser printers
• Cost more for the number of pages produced
• Not as long lasting as laser printers

Laser:

• Produces an ozone inherent by-product of the printing process
• Requires regular maintainence

COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH HOME PRINTERS

• Maintainence costs
• Ink and Toner costs
• Paper costs
• Power consuption costs

WHICH PRINTER IS MOST SUITABLE FOR PRINTING DIGITAL IMAGES AT HOME ?

The Ink Jet printer would be most suitable for printing digital images at home. The most obvious reason being the advantage of colour photographs and the fact that they are quite affordable now is also a good reason why they would be better. However colour seems to be the only advantage from what I was required to read. 

Because everybody likes a nice colour photograph,

                                            .-**xo**-Pandora-**ox**-.

Composite Image

As part of activity 14 I was to demonstrate my understanting of photo editing by creating a composite image of the two photos below.

The first picture is a good picture of the student and the sencond is a good picture of the lecturer.

I used PhotoShop to create one good image. This is what I came up with.

I lassoed the good lecturer and copied and pasted him onto the picture of the good student. I then cloned the pieces of him that were missing so that he fit perfectly and blended and smudged him in the appropriate places and compensated for the lack of light falling on him. The difficult part was getting rid of the red eye, what with they’re eyes being so tiny.

I’m quite proud of it. deceiving isn’t it? I showed a friend they didn’t even think there was a difference. And so I say, mission accomplished.

Oozing with happiness,

                      .-**xo**-Pandora-**ox**-.

Task 2 Evaluation

Presenting…MY FINAL COMPOSITION! YAAAAAY!

(It’s meant to be the actual document but unfortunately a photo will have to do)

In the construction of this poster I used a range of techniques to meet the required criteria. Balance was the main aspect of the composition that I focused on. To achieve an asymmetrical balance I carefully arranged the elements in a way that is pleasing to the eye. There are two coloured panels, one at the top and one at the bottom, this balances the poster so that it’s not top or bottom heavy. If you look at the layout of the photographs that I have chosen they tend to curve through the composition giving it a nice, balanced, clean look.

The red panel at the top of the poster attracts attention which, shows off the heading in bold white letters. In contrast, underneath the heading is the college motto in black. To the left of the panel is the college logo in a white panel the white from the heading leads the viewer to the logo. The shield on the logo also plays a part, as shields normally represent prestige.

The photographs are the next thing to capture the attention of the viewer. They snake their way down the page and continue to lead the eye through the composition. But, that’s not all that they do! The contents of the pictures are really important. To serve my purpose, the photographs depict a happy, mature age, modern, multicultural environment.

I have also included a student testimonial of their opinions of the college and a photograph of the student. This strengthens the overall image that the poster is presenting. The photograph is the important element in this, as it puts a face to the testimonial, without it the testimonial seems false. The name of the student is also included to add to the ‘reality’.

In the text explaining the ideas behind the program I made used of adjectives such as ‘opportinity’, ‘supportive’ and ‘rewarding’ to further add to the image that I wanted to present to the viewer.

Finally the contact information at the bottom is also enclosed in a panel. This stands out because the panel is grey and the other two panels, surrounding the heading and testimonial, are red. The information is presented orderly and is easy to read  next to the government logo (The logo makes it seem legitimate). The lack of information in the text means that they will want more information, perhaps on the subjects that the college offers, and so I have provided a web address, an email and several contact details.

Finally I can relax and then get on with my other mass of homework/assignments,

                                                                                                       .-**xo**Pandora**ox**-.

Concept Sketch Evaluation

As part of Task 2 we, that is the class, are required to produce an A4 poster for the Canning College Marketing Department.

The poster has to appeal to potential local students, parents, government agencies and school guidance officers. Must have strong visual impact that will appeal to ‘youth’ (Which has a broad definition here at CC). The College corporate colours and original photographs of the grounds/buildings and student population must be used.

The college program I chose to promote is Flying Start.

After some thorough research I developed the following concept sketches…

Yes, I know there’s only two! But, in my defence, I annotated!

My final sketch looks a little something like this…

If you can read my tiny, out-of-focus writing you will see that it meets the design brief.

My design makes use of the college corporate colours-the red and the grey.

The use of shapes (the squares and rectangles of the photographs) creates an asymetrical balance in the layout that leads the eye through the composition.

The design is simple and appeals to a wide range of people.

The pictures below are the ones that I have chosen to place on my final piece.

 

Each of these photographs contributes towards a positive image of the college. Displaying photographs of happy and smiling people (That look natural, and not posed!) is a typical way to advertise for educational facilities.

  That is all.

                 .Pandora.

Digital Ethics – Image Manipulation in Advertising

So, from this activity my job is to find a photograph for an advertisement that I thought had been digitally enhanced. So, being lazy as I am, I picked a photograph that was so obviously enhanced. And so I chose this one…

 

This is an advertisement for Chimp Week at the Melbourne Zoo (At least I think that’s what the logo in the corner says).

 Describe what you believe has been changed in the image.

Obviously the zebra has been digitally altered to appear as hanging from a tree (like a chimp (I don’ think that Zebra’s actually do this, but when alone…you never know…)).

What effect does this image have on the consumer? For example, does the advertisement make you want to buy the product?

I don’t think that this image is particularly effective attracting people to the zoo, however it does draw focus to it, make people have to look twice and then find out what it is all about.

Do you think the changes made to the image have improved the image?

The image is definitely improved by the changes that have been made. It has made the image more interesting and eye catching.

Who do you think is the target audience for the advertisement? Explain why.

 The advertisement is aimed at the general public in hopes to attract more people to the zoo. The way that it is constructed uses the humour created by the images that the public is presented with so that it stay in their minds (Much like jingles, repetition of words or the use of humour in TV advertisements). Mainly I think it is advertised at young children, because what’s more annoying than children constantly saying “Muuuuummmmm, can we go to the zoo?” “Daaaaad, can you take us to the zoo?”.

Provide a personal critique of the advertisement. why do you like or dislike the advertisement?

I like this advertisement, it makes good use of humour and captures the eye. I just wouldn’t fly all the way to Melbourne to go and see a zebra hanging from a tree…even if it is chimp week…

What are the advantages of image manipulation for advertising?

The advantages are that you may present the subject in a way that feeds your purpose. digital manipulation in advertising is just fine by me as long as the public know that there is no way that someone is able to sell you popularity, beauty, elegance and fame with their products (because perfume does not make you look like a model people!).

What are the disadvantages of image manipulation for advertising?

 The main drawback is cost (maybe), but hey, if your selling good looks, popularity and fame your going to sell a lot of your product!

Digital Ethics

As part of Task 7-Digital Ethics I was to read the article Kate Doesn’t Like PhotoShop – Digital Ethics. (http://photoshopnews.com/2005/04/03/kate-doesnt-like-photoshop/) and answer the following questions.I apologise for all of the brackets (I tend to get a little bracket-happy-case and point!-), but this is how I actually speak. Especially on topics that I am passionate about. I’m sorry if I get a little off topic. If it’s any easier, ignore the bracket parts altogether. Happy De-cyphering!

1)Do you think the LA Times staff photographer should have been fired for digitally manipulating the photos discussed in the article? Discuss why you think the images were altered. Is it acceptable for photo journalists to digitally manipulate news photographs?

Yes, I believe that, Brian Walski, the journalist in question did, in fact, deserve to be fired for his actions. He deliberately miss-represented the truth to suit his own purpose, which was to support the point that he was trying to convey. By doing so he gave a false impression to the public on matters of war, because the difference in the interpretation between a photograph with a soldier standing near a group of people holding a gun non-threateningly by his side and a photograph with a solider wielding a gun, holding out a hand and shouting at a man with a small child in his arms is huge. Had Walski simply cropped the picture it probably would have been acceptable, but there is a point where we must draw a line between what is acceptable and what is bending the truth especially in the media where citizen rely on journalists to report the truth, particularly when some people who do read it are easily persuaded.

2) Is it more acceptable to alter fashion photographs than news photographs? Why?

It is typically more acceptable to graphically alter fashion photographs but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a good thing. The reason why I say this is because many people (and I don’t think people are actually fully aware of the numbers) , particularly young teenage girls (Yes, I know this is a little stereotypical, but it’s true…to an extent) are influenced by what they see (even though some are unlikely to admit it. Why else, besides depression, do we have anorexic and bulimic people-I don’t mean to say that it is the cause, but it sure doesn’t help!- {please correct me if I’m wrong-or if I offend[I don't mean to]}).

3) Why doesn’t Kate Winslett like PhotoShop?

Kate Winslett doesn’t dislike PhotoShop, she dislikes the people who edit her photographs because they don’t do what she wants them to do!

Profile Image

For this activity I (By “I” I mean my friend Elise) had to take two pictures of myself that expressed something about me. Below are the two photos Elise took which I had to sadly pose for (I hate having my photo taken by the way).

  

I obviously chose the second one even though the first one was positioned a little better (Yes Elise, I blame you for that), but I can just crop it anyways. The reason I did was because it reflected my personality a little better, it looks a little more dreamy. I have a tendency to randomly zone out (even mid-sentence) and I kinda showed that in the second image. So yeah…