Weiss: Reading 3

Section 3 of Lupton’s book is just as information packed as the first 2 chapters that we have already been though. On that note I found myself this time; wondering what else Lupton had to say about the design process, before I had even starting reading. So I turned to the chapter and in the very first paragraph, she gave me what I was looking for. Lupton explains that after the process of brainstorming, and mind mapping, we continue to think about the direction of our design! The process seemingly never ends, to further the excellence of your design. At-least this is what I am led to believe by her, and I agree. The goal in achieving an excellent design is to ask questions about what it is you are designing. Lupton goes on to ask the questions: How does it work? Does the design communicate well, or at all? These are simple questions that effectively narrow down the approach your design should have on a specific target audience.

            The use of Alternative grids is what can set one designer apart from another. An understanding of this technique really amplifies the overall design, if used appropriately. I like the example Lupton uses on pg. 120. One way these grids can be used is with typography. The reason I enjoyed this example is because this reminds me of a project I did not to long ago, Therefore it was nice to see that this design process is so effective that it is institutionalized, and not just left for a designer to figure out on his or her own. I am excited to see what the next chapter of this book brings. Especially because we have an opportunity to deploy the techniques we are learning about to our current project that we are doing in class.