Friday, January 18, 2013

C.R.A.P. Interesting Acronym for Design Principles


C. ---- Contrast
R. ---- Repetition
A. ---- Alignment
P. ----- Proximity

When I first read and saw the YouTube video on the four principles of design, the acronym threw me for a loop.  You would think to use the word C.R.A.P. to explain the basic principles of designing a variety of elements i.e. posters, business cards or websites.  Once I got over the initial shock and awe then I understand what my purpose was for this weeks project.  I chose Lewis Carroll's manuscript entitles Alice's Adventures Under Ground but we all know it as Alice in Wonderland.


Alice’s  Adventures Under Ground by Lewis Carroll

I discovered something interesting as I looked at the different manuscripts for this assignment.  I learned that Alice in Wonderland was originally called Alice’s Adventures Under Ground, it was also called Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.  I also learned the Lewis Carroll isn’t the author’s real name, his was Charles Dodgson. Carroll was his pen name. The signficance to this story was for entertaining the daugthers of a colleague, later his friend convinced him to publish the story.
Looking at the leather back cover it was nice to see how books were bonded together compare to how people read story in the 21st century.  Through e-Books, Nooks, iPads, and other electronic devices.  With electronics, we lose the true asthetic of reading literature and understanding the process of story writing.  
On page seven of Lewis Carroll’s book the only contrast within the text was two word “DRINK ME.”  http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/ttp/alice/accessible/images/page7full.jpg    The orignial manuscript was hand written, therefore he drew and create each font change and illustration in the book. He only used color ink (red) on the title page and at the beginning of each chapter. This was a continous pattern throughout his book.  The drawing also add a unique touch to his manuscript.  He choose to create line drawings without a hint of color. 
This is an excellent example of  text contrast, alignment usage and format proximity of the font. Throughout Lewis Carroll’s manuscript you  see the varying patterns between the handwritten letter in the story and the illustrations of the characters.
http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/ttp/alice/accessible/images/page28full.jpg  I like the format on this page because it shows contrast between the tradtional writings throughout his manuscript. I enjoyed see the orignal hand written text of Alice in Wonderland. I appreciate the shear history of typography.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Action Plan Update

Just a quick review about my Action Research Plan goal.

My goal was to establish a technology program at Avondale House, a private school for students with Autism.  The school had no form of technology in the classrooms, so for I began a seven month journey of researching computers (pricing),  SMART boards, ELMOS and Mobi viewers. I also setup various product conferences, in order for the teachers to get a better understanding of the different types of technology they could implement within their classes.  It was labor intensiveful but worth the work. Later I had to  create then present my proposal to the CEO of  Avondale and her financial committee, that was a little nerve racker but I got through it.  Starting next week the school will be getting everything e.g. touchscreen computers, ELMO, Smart boards, and much more.  I will post photos once everything is in place.  It is great to finally see my plan come to fruition.