ROADSIDE
Client: Student Work
Category: Publication, Typography
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PROJECT BRIEF:
Conceptualize and design a system for a text dominant / reader oriented publication and test the system using a variety of content.
Discovery
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Brainstorming & Research
I kicked off this project with some simple mind mapping to explore potential topics.
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This lead me to the idea of roadtrips and, more specifically, those wonderfully tacky roadside attractions. From there, I started compiling potential content and creating a moodboard.
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Feedback
I submitted my title, editorial statement, description of readership, publishing frequency, comparable publications, and potential articles to my professor. She came back with two key questions:
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Will the journal offer connections and resources for those wishing to join the adventure lifestyle?
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How will this differentiate itself from current publications on the market?
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I realized I needed to clarify my focus and allow that to set my publication apart. This led to a question of my own...
How might I showcase the compelling custom signs, bold colors, and larger-than-life shapes of roadside attractions in a new way?
Ideation
Thumbnails
Keeping my new research question in mind, I played around with layout options that featured bold typography instead of photos.
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Focused on generating many different ideas.
CHALLENGES
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One of my biggest obstacles throughout this project was keeping visual consistency without compromising the unique nature of each attraction. I found it helpful to switch between divergent and convergent thinking. This allowed me to explore all my options creatively with few restraints, evaluate what I'd come up with, and then edit into something suitable for the larger system.
Implementation
REFLECTION
After reviewing my proof of concept, I think it is clear that my ultimate plan (twelve articles covering eight separate roadside attractions that each needed their own custom illustrations and typography selections) was a bit ambitious. Also, with the added layer of color-coded regions, I feel that it could be overwhelming for readers.
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If I were to revisit this project, I would probably assign a separate region to each quarterly issue. I would also consider focusing on fewer attractions in greater detail.