305:specialtopic

Welcome to {0} {designspace}

2006-03-09T16:49:00.000-08:00

HELLO!.....................from the {designspace} a very sparse, pale but plucky blog that split off from the mothership blog It is designed to be filled with the jottings, thoughts, links, ideas, maps help, drawings, diversions, images, colour and HUMAN-CENTRED DESIGN which spin off from the the diverse projects currently undertaken by members of the OPEN SLATHER group .
View by clicking{0}

Digital submission

2006-03-08T14:55:00.000-08:00

Double click image to see supervisors view of "digital trail / archive" for 305 projects

To make things consistent the digital submissions are mostly PDFs. One of the purposes of getting you to upload the draft proposal early is to for you familiarise yourself with the system, to iron out any technical problems and to explore the design possibilities of the PDF format .

Thanks to Nicole and Megan who responded quickly today we solved an interface display issue very early on.

What to do if you have a technical issue submitting your files

First check the format and size of the file
If difficulties persist in submitting then take a screen shot of the problems, email it to me with explanatory text and we will solve it as quickly as possible. If it happens around deadline time then email the PDF file direct to your supervisor [or drop in their public drop box] as a back up.

Why bother with digital submission through the student web site
Well good question but for two very good reasons.
1. The digital submission archives your work as it develops thus leaving a digital trail of your performance.. a portfolio of your progress if you like. With your permission we can display this back to the class for comment or edification or simply catalogue it [see staff view of archive above]

2. The digital submission is linked to the Assessi so when your work is being assessed by the panel of supervisors the online mark sheet appears as a separate window to displayed work .

Open Slather: How to get the Guff

2006-03-05T22:29:00.000-08:00

Dear Open Slathers

After tomorrow's 305 lecture [Tuesday 7 March Moot Court 1.00pm] and at 3.30pm I have scheduled an Information Literacy Workshop with Gillian Elliott Design Reference Librarian

305. Student Placement

2006-03-05T12:39:00.000-08:00

Dear All

After a bit of shuffling and negotiating most students have been placed with supervisors.Good going! There may be 1 or 2 who still need to confirm their placement. These people should see Nick Laird in the first instance.

By now you should know when and where your 305 group meets weekly. If not check with your supervisor.

This is by far the fastest most efficient sorting 305 has had to date.

Because the sorting has been so efficient, this week lectures will cease after the 1-3.00pm Tuesday Moot Court, so from then on the course will comprise small group teaching only under the supervision of your supervisor.

breakout® field of dreams

2006-03-02T16:43:00.000-08:00

breakout® project forum, for stakeholders and commentators

Supervisors, Options and Contacts

2006-02-23T12:22:00.000-08:00

Nicola Bould Prototype nicola.bould@design.otago.ac.nz

Michael Findlay Super Model Michael@design.otago.ac.nz

Mick Abbott Artificial Ecologies mick@design.otago.ac.nz

Gavin O’Brien Material effects + Ripping Yarns gavin.obrien@design.otago.ac.nz

Alex Gilks Breakout alex.gilks@design.otago.ac.nz

Scott Savage One Army and Lost Buildings scott@design.otago.ac.nz

Tom Bond dub dub dub tom.bond@design.otago.ac.nz

Ralph Lawrence Labels + Bookwise ralph.lawrence@design.otago.ac.nz

Nick Laird Open Slather gavin.obrien@design.otago.ac.nz

Caroline McCaw Graphic Activism caroline.mccaw@design.otago.ac.nz

2006-02-23T02:45:00.000-08:00

: : platoon beta 12 whitewash : :
Adam Parata Adrian Vercoe Briton Smith
Casey Teat Gary McLanachan Genevieve Silvester
Hanna Pettit Hayden Raw Larissa Dyke
Lucinda McConnon Malcolm Monteith Nic Selvadurai

: : sergeant major : : Scott Savage
: : drill sergeant : : Melkham Honê

305:Student Placement

2006-02-22T15:22:00.000-08:00

Thanks for your interest over the summer. The following students who have expressed an interest in a 305 option have been confirmed by their supervisors.

Note: If your name does not appear on the list below then please see Nick Laird and then negotiate with a supervisors who have places left open.

The best time to do this is after Preliminary Lectures Friday 24 March [300 level 1.30 -2.00 pm} or in time set aside in the first lecture Tuesday 1.00pm -3.00pm. Venue: Moot Court, Richardson Building, 10th Floor.

Graphic Activism: Caroline McCaw [9]
1.Cara Cheung,
2.Esther Lobb,
3.Cara Gullick,
4.Julie Hoffmeister
5. Abbie Lees
6.Marissa lee
7.Jo Dormer
8.Stephanie Hall
9.Fran Brown
10.Emma Pook
[List is now closed}

3 dub: Tom Bond[10]
1. Sonia Ingles Agudo
2. Casey Teat
3. Jinwen Zheng
4. Bethany Frowain,
5. Mijburgh Beukes
6. Alisa Khrisanapant,
7. Kelly Lowe,
8. Damian Whitburn
9. Sarah Almond
10.Varisa Maswimol
[List is now closed}

Artificial Ecology: Mick Abbott[2]
1. Genevieve Tyson
2. Louise Davidson
3. Jessica Baker
4. Charles Hodgson
[3-4 places]

Open Slather: Nick Laird[7]
1.Annalicia Young,
2. Nicole Ogden,
3. Kate Stevens,
4. Charlotte Cockerill,
5. Gareth Bedford,
6. Leigh Paterson,
7. Megan Willett
[3 places]

Prototype: Nicola Bould [5]
1. Jess Kerin
2. Andrew Landreth
3. Victoria Cooper
4. Fern Thomas
5. Greg Parsons
[2-3 places}

Material Effects:Gavin O'Brien[2]
1.Alice Soper
2. Julia Reay
[4-5 places]

One Army: Scott Savage[12]
1. Gary McLanachan,
2. Nick Selvadurai,
3.Shane Colbert,
4.Adrian Vercoe,
5.Brit Smith,
6.Lucinda McConnon,
7.Malcolm Monteith,
8. Casey Teat,
9. Hanna Pettit
10. Genevieve Sylvester,
11.Larissa Dyke,
12. Joel Brereton
[List is now closed}

Breakout:Alex Gilks[10]
1 Harley McCabe
2 Matt Brass
3 Varit T.
4 Cara Gullick
5 Nicole Reece
6 Mark Dewdney
7 Beris Fforde
8 Caroline Jackson
9 Daniel Smith
10 Daniel Golding
[List is now closed}

Super Model:Michael Findlay [10]
1.Paul Graham
2.James Phelan
3.Andrew Van Stratten
4.Romena Lim
5.Cameron McMillan
6.Tessa Grinlinton
7.Travis Walsh
8.Charlotte Cockerill
9.Yingying Cai
10.Sarah Sutherland
11.Katie Male
12.Nick Scott
13.Tegan Dunn
[List is now closed}

Labels:Ralph Lawrence {4}
Julia Capon
Anita Koh
Alison Owen
Chanel Guppy
[3-4 places]

300 level Preliminary Lectures.

2006-02-21T19:02:00.000-08:00

The 300 level Preliminary lecture [including a very brief insight to DESI305] is on Friday 24th Feb. 1.30pm Archway 1 . This information is also in your enrollment pack.

Reminder to superviors! Meeting wednesday Feb 22 10.30 attic

2006-02-20T15:30:00.000-08:00

just a reminder of the meeting tomorrow for supervisors only . We will finalise student lists and hopefully, timetables and venues together with a small discussion re workload

SUPER-MODEL update

2006-02-19T19:54:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all those who have lined up for Super-Model. The topic will be run in a similar way to last year with the first semester comprising a two hour lab (final time and venue to be announced). 10:00 – 11:50 on Friday is when these sessions have been in the past. Please let me know if this time suits you. If there are a lot of clashes, I will look for another time.
A number of students have talked to me about architectural subjects. As you probably know, there is no fixed subject for Super-Model. All I ask is that you have thought about the design of your subject in some detail before you start. This may sound odd but the purpose of Super-Model is to develop ideas about 3D representation and spend time on that rather than on the design of the actual subject itself. I am not at all worried if you adapt or represent an existing design. There is not much time for developing a complex subject such as a building from scratch so think carefully about this now.
There will be regular readings handed out in semester 1. Everyone gets to present one using a Keynote presentation. There will also be critiques and shows of work to make sure everyone is hitting the hand-in dates.
Vectorworks has been substantially upgraded for Version 12 with new radiosity rendering options and a revised interface. I have not had a chance to do a lot with it yet so the first lab might be a bit bumpy... I have dropped in a couple of images from past Super-Model years so that you can see what others have done. See you at the first 305 lecture next week.

Michael

Desi 208 exhibition: 'The Life and Death of the Pencil'

2006-02-18T03:54:00.000-08:00

As a side note to all returning students; if you are around the department during the next week, have a look in Stage One at the end of semester 208 exhibition entitled 'The Life and Death of the Pencil'. The final animations are currently being formatted and will be on display later in the week. The exhibit will continue into semester one.

A huge thankyou again to all my 208 students this Summer School. It has been an awesome past six weeks and your willingness to sacrifice a holiday in the sun and work tirelessly has been inspirational.

305 Supervisors

2006-02-15T14:34:00.000-08:00

Supervisors
Coffee in the Attic Wednesday, Wednesday 22 February. Please come around 10.30am . A chance to talk [and possibly eat] turkey, compare blogs, check lists and organise introductory gala appearances at first lectures. A showing of excerpts of the complete set of Ardman Creature comforts (volumes 1-3) together and Mr Gilks web site commando interventions will help lighten the administrative chores.
RSVP to Lairdo,
Attic Functions

Rub a Dub Dub Dub...

2006-02-15T10:14:00.000-08:00

The dubdubdub option also offers a blog of it's own.

Welcome to the atomic blog

Current intenders:
Sonia Ingles Agudo
Casey Teat
Julia Capon
Jinwen Zheng
Bethany Frowain
Julie Hoffmeister
Mijburgh Whatsishandle
Abbie Lees
Alisa Khrisanapant

Sustainable Product Design::Prototype

2006-02-14T14:39:00.000-08:00

This is a project for committed students who are budding 3D designers.
There are two options to SPD, the first is you design your own brief. Last year's products ranged from personal floatation devices to a sheep dipping unit to an inclusive public sink.... so as you can see the options are wide and varied.
Or the second option is to work with me on a few of my own projects ranging from sustainable outdoor equipment to the use of scrap metal from a playground manufacturers to designing a sculpture for a new playground in Mosgiel.
Both options have a sustainable theme and the design process will go through definitive stages of research (ergonomics, materials, manufacturing and sustainability) ideas and concept generation, concept development, refinement & testing and evaluation. Detailed prototype models will be amongst the main outcomes of this enquiry.
If you are interested in any of the above contact me asap at nicola.bould@design.otago.ac.nz

305:Student Placement

2006-02-13T15:01:00.000-08:00

Thanks for your interest over the summer. The following students who have expressed an interest in a 305 option have been confirmed by their supervisors. If your name does not appear on the list then please see Nick Laird and then negotiate with a supervisors who have places left open.

Graphic Activism: Caroline McCaw [9]
1.Cara Cheung,
2.Esther Lobb,
3.Cara Gullick,
4.Julie Hoffmeister
5. Abbie Lees
6.Marissa lee
7.Jo Dormer
8.Stephanie Hall
9.Emma Pook

3 dub: Tom Bond[10]
1. Sonia Ingles Agudo
2. Casey Teat
3. Jinwen Zheng
4. Bethany Frowain,
5. Mijburgh Beukes
6. Alisa Khrisanapant,
7. Kelly Lowe,
8. Damian Whitburn
9. Sarah Almond
10.Varisa Maswimol
[List is now closed}

Artificial Ecology: Mick Abbott[2]
1. Genevieve Tyson
2. Louise Davidson
[3-4 places]

Open Slather: Nick Laird[7]
1.Annalicia Young,
2. Nicole Ogden,
3. Kate Stevens,
4. Charlotte Cockerill,
5. Gareth Bedford,
6. Leigh Paterson,
7. Megan Willett
[3 places]

Prototype: Nicola Bould [5]
1. Jess Kerin
2. Andrew Landreth
3. Victoria Cooper
4. Fern Thomas
5. Greg Parsons
[2-3 places}

Material Effects:Gavin O'Brien[2]
1.Alice Soper
2. Julia Reay
[4-5 places]

One Army: Scott Savage[12]
1. Gary McLanachan,
2. Nick Selvadurai,
3.Shane Colbert,
4.Adrian Vercoe,
5.Brit Smith,
6.Lucinda McConnon,
7.Malcolm Monteith,
8. Casey Teat,
9. Hanna Pettit
10. Genevieve Sylvester,
11.Larissa Dyke,
12. Joel Brereton
[List is now closed}

Breakout:Alex Gilks[10]
1 Harley McCabe
2 Matt Brass
3 Varit T.
4 Cara Gullick
5 Nicole Reece
6 Mark Dewdney
7 Beris Forde
8 Caroline Jackson
9 Daniel Smith
10 Daniel Golding
[List is now closed}

Super Model:Michael Findlay [10]
1.Paul Graham
2.James Phelan
3.Andrew Van Stratten
4.Romena Lim
5.Cameron McMillan
6.Tessa Grinlinton
7.Travis Walsh
8.Charlotte Cockerill
9.Yingying Cai
10.Sarah Sutherland
11.Katie Male
12.Nick Scott
13.Tegan Dunn
[List is now closed}

Labels:Ralph Lawrence {4}
Julia Capon
Anita Koh
Alison Owen
[3-4 places]

Course Outline+ Revised Schedule Available

2006-02-13T13:11:00.000-08:00

The course outline and revised schedule for both semesters are available on line either from from the departmental web site [under the latest news item re 305:2006} or from Student Resources in the DESI 305 folder

Attention Supervisors! Interim lists

2006-02-12T14:12:00.000-08:00

Can supervisors publish interim lists of those students who have expressed interest in options to date as Caroline Scott and Alex have . Thanks

New 'One Army' blog launched

2006-02-11T02:40:00.000-08:00

A weblog for the 305 One Wo/Man Army & Lost Buildings project group managed by Scott Savage [a.k.a. themachobox/malcolm höne] has just been launched.

http://onearmy.blogspot.com/
[for those students invloved, you might want to bookmark this page]

The site is still under construction, however, keep an eye out for updates within the next couple of weeks incl. a finalised, more detailed project description and downloadable proposal form.

The group for this option has basically been finalised [just a couple more students to negoitate with]. Once this been completed, blogger invites will be sent out for those students to join.

Most updated list [confirmed: Gary McLanachan, Nick Selvadurai, Shane [Adam] Colbert, Adrian Vercoe, Brit Smith, Lucinda McConnon, Malcolm Monteith, Casey Teat]. Others still to negoiate with [Anita Koh, Hanna Pettit & Genevieve Sylvester - can you please email me, I seemed to have lost your contact]

Breakout®: coming soon to a project space near you

2006-02-09T17:51:00.000-08:00

» individual and collaborative communication design project
» high visibility resourceful publishing
» smart thinking
» quality design

THE LOOK and tone currently advocated by head office is one of clean, slick, faux-corporate communication, encompassing a dynamic whimsy and self-reflexive subversiveness. For venture overview, contact project management at alex.gilks@design.otago.ac.nz

Current design teamTBA. Many have expressed interest. Max 10 designers.
BREAKOUT® is a democratic venture. Membership is on first-in-first-served basis. Those on waiting list will be promptly informed if space becomes available. Team is becoming finalised at present, information emailed to applicants ASAP.

Artificial Ecologies:

2006-02-08T19:01:00.000-08:00

!00% PURE?

Desi 305 Environmental Design Option: Mick Abbott
Email: mick@design.otago.ac.nz
Phone: 4795796
Office: 692 Cumberland St

This country is promoted by Tourism New Zealand as 100% Pure – yet is it really?
Yes the waterfalls are spectacular, the forests brooding, and mountains majestic. But what of the way we visit them. Across unimaginatively designed boardwalks made of exotic timber soaked in toxic chemicals. Along tracks marked with generic orange triangles. Using maps that suggest an empty relationship with wilderness.

How might we direct a more creative engagement of the outdoors. Where our boardwalks, markers, maps etc speak of an imaginative relationship with nature. Where visiting such landscapes means taking part in place, rather than taking photos of place.

This 305 option investigates how designerly strategies and outcomes might suggest alternatives. Ones that may have visitors as taken by the facilities that enable their visit as the waterfalls, forests and mountains they come to see.

Field Trip
On Thursday March 16 (leaving at 4pm) to Sunday March 19 (arriving around 8pm) we will be going with Desi 433 students on a field trip based in Te Anau and doing number of day trips around the place. Transport and accommodation is provided but you will be expected to contribute to the cost of food.

Numbers
Because of the amount of people we can squeeze into a van this option is limited to 4 students. For more info contact either myself or Nick ( Note I’m away from the 10th – 22nd of Feb).

Student Preparation for 305 in 2006. What needs doing

2006-02-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

To date, just under half of the pre enrolled students for DESI 305/306 have joined the blog as they respond to last years prompts and web site information. The number is growing as people flow back into Dunedin. The time between now and enrollment should be spent securing a position in one of the available 305 options.

What to do ?

Course Fact Sheet
Read this thoroughly to get a good overview of the course and your suitability. Fact sheets are available from the Design Studies Office or on this course blog.

Course Blog
Read the entire blog including the archives to find out about course options, supervisors and expressions of interest and other developments.

Expressions of Interest
Contact the supervisors you wish to work with by email or in person ASAP. You should have at least one fall back option as places are restricted and vary from option to option. In a sense then there is competition for places and each supervisor will make clear to you their selection criteria.

Still worried ?

Contact Nick Laird and make an appointment for a chat.

UPDATE One Wo/Man Army & Lost Buildings

2006-02-08T13:50:00.000-08:00

Just a note about expressions of interest so far made to Scott Savage.

This option has proven to be very popular at this stage [15 students interested so far]. Nothing is confirmed, but you need to be aware that I am taking on only 8-10 students absolute max. I have already confirmed eight, so if you do the math, thur be only a couple of spots left.

Please note that choice for spots will NOT be based on a first in first serve basis. I will be choosing students on a number of factors: the strength and interest of the initial written proposal, on previous working relationship (i.e. do we get along), previous Design Studies papers, who I think is capable of achieving exemplary results, and who will add to the dynamic
of the group while still being capable of working independently.

So if you are one of those [listed below] who have expressed interest, it would be good for you to shop around and have a back-up option. Others offering 2D options: Alex, Caro, Tom, Ralph

[those confirmed for 305: Gary McLanachan, Nick Selvadurai, Shane Colbert, Adrian Vercoe, Brit Smith, Lucinda McConnon, Malcolm Monteith, Casey Teat]

Others whose interest has been expressed [Anita Koh, Genevieve Sylvester, Mark Dewdney, Hanna Pettit, Sarah Sutherland, Kate Male, Varit Tangsitthirot, Andy Van Straten, Alisa Khrisanapant]

design magazines amid the dank and dust

2006-02-06T20:19:00.000-08:00

hey supers! Mick A had the sound plan last year to salvage the otherwise-doomed Design Studies magazines + journals last year. He housed them in downstairs at 692. Eye, Graphis, ProDesign, ID, Arbitare, Urbis, Aperture etc.
Ideal for a browse or 2 with a 305 group, of course some titles over in central lib also, but it'd be nice to see our ones getting used. I think Mick's plan was to allow borrowing but to keep track ... write title/edition/student down on the whiteboard, or do what I do with my own books and tattoo the info on your shin.

Good News! Mick Abbott to offer Environmental Option

2006-02-03T14:48:00.000-08:00

Those students who enjoyed DESI 204 and 304 and those with a passion for environmmetal design will rejoice in the news that Mick is offering a 305 option in2006. Mick invites expressions of interest from students for a project that incorporates an exciting field trip. Detailed information will posted shortly. Contact Mick on mick.abbott@design.otago.ac.nz

Fact Sheet 2006

2006-02-02T17:35:00.000-08:00

Test post:Useful summer warm up exercises for DESI 305

2006-02-02T16:33:00.000-08:00

Supervisors Meeting

2006-01-31T19:21:00.000-08:00

Can all 305 supervisors meet with me next week to discuss arrangements . How about Tuesday February 7 around 12.00 noon in the CApSc seminar room? Post an RSVP comment to let me know thanks.

Enrolment numbers and course planning

2006-01-31T14:28:00.000-08:00

Enrollments
As of this monday there are over 90 enrollments for 305 which is a 30% increase over last year. This presents some problems as far as teaching resources go. Short of drastically increasing the numbers for each supervisor cluster there are several ways of handling this increase.

Course Entry
Students should check that they have the recommended grade average of B -B+ average over there 200 level results for Design Studies papers.This is a demanding paper with less structure than other 300 level options. If your grades fall below the recommended entry level and have the option consider completing your major in other 300 level options.

Leave The Special Topic to your final year
Usually students undertake this paper in the last year of their degree. If you are not a finalist then consider deferring the Special Topic until next year when there will be more flexible options and you have gained greater understanding of design and even more sophisticated design skills.

2007
2007 sadly will see the year long 8 point DESI 305 paper will be discontinued but fear not, it will be replaced by two. semester long, 6 point papers [DESI 315 and DESI325] . These can be managed as two separate projects, or depending on potential an extended project.

Group Projects
Group or collaborative projects are especially encouraged this year.Talk to your supervisor or the course coordinator about the potential.

305 Option : : Scott Savage [2 options offered]

2006-01-18T23:07:00.000-08:00

One Wo/Man Army
frontiers for animation

A project for committed, meticulous students, with a technical proficiency in drawing and visualization and a mind for conceptual and filmic innovation. Recommended previous study: [from] DESI 202, 207, 208 [esp.], 302 & 403. Limited to 2-4 students.

Develop a short hand-rendered animation which presents a subjective meditation on a socio-political condition or theme, in negotiation with Scott. A strategic research basis into time-based media, image type and relevant other ephemera will shape outcome as well as a conscious engagement with filmic and social theory and innovations in describing temporality, space, movement and intangibility. Students will undertake an immersive process of sketching, scripting, storyboarding and animatics, as well as engaging with various technologies such as digital video for visualizing and software packages for composing and sequencing. Outcomes should focus ultimately towards submission to various animation and illustration-based competitions from mid 2006 to early 2007.

Lost Buildings
creative image sequencing

A project for students with genuine interest in the mechanics of contemporary illustration, photography, and the graphic structures & narrative devices of comics. Recommended previous study: [from] DESI 202, 207, 208 [esp.], 302 & 403. Limited to 2-4 students.

Construct an image sequence, using static illustrations and typography. Animate the sequence using sympathetic movement, timing and audio. Use the structure of comics as basis for your investigation to examine how the mechanics of this medium could prompt a new algebraic language and expand and offer new portals for visual literacy. Students will undertake extensive research methods of composed time and decoded narrative structures and juxtaposition, the materiality of type / hand lettering and the relationships between medium / content and author / reader. Projects will use a design-based issue or other theoretical / historical prompt as the backdrop for their study. Non-animated illustrated sequences may also be optioned in negotiation with Scott.

Tempted by one of these? Arrange a chat with Scott promptly, to negotiate potential proposals or just to talk through some ideas. Contact Scott at: scott.savage@design.otago.ac.nz, or commandeer him in halls during Summer School.

[Absolute max of 8 students [those confirmed or interest secured to date: Gary McLanachan, Nick Selvadurai, Shane Colbert, Adrian Vercoe, Brit Smith, Genevieve Sylvester, Mark Dewdney]

Images ref:
Frame from Beyond issue 1: Black day to Freedom [2005] by Glen Hardaker and Rob Chiu [The Ronin]
More at: http://www.blackdaytofreedom.org/
Frames from Lost Buildings [2003] by Ira Glass and Chris Ware.
Check out more on the making of this project at: http://www.apple.com/pro/video/kuramoto/

Enrolments to date for 2006

2006-01-17T17:45:00.000-08:00

As of last week the 305 course had 65 confirmed enrollments with
another dozen or so enthusiastic enquiries
This means competition for places will be keen in each option.
Usually selection is made by supervisors based on a combination
of grades aptitude and motivation. Early enquiries are encouraged and it is advisable to have a fall back option.

BookWise (Real and Virtual)

2006-01-17T16:41:00.000-08:00

Last call for places (well almost!)
'Books' act as powerful cultural objects and icons and beyond paper and paste provide a mirror for the navigational demands of the virtual environment.
A few lucky students will have an opportunity to extend their research work and ideas from 2005 and to build a custom publication to portfolio standard.
We will work with my contacts in publishing and media and may also design and produce an e-book to accompany the print edition.
It is a demanding and thoroughly detailed exploration of the finer points of publications, so there wil be some negotiation and professional practice challenges along the road to portfolio standard 'real world' resolutions!
This is dependent on getting copyright release so it is really important that no time is wasted in firing an email to me expressing your passion for the immensely powerful world of real and virtual books and publications.
Email me now @ ralph.lawrence@design.otago- to snatch one one of the few remaining places.
Email Nick Laird - nick@design.otago.ac.nz -to become part of this blog.

Caro's option : who how and why

2006-01-17T15:18:00.000-08:00

hi budding projecteers,
this year I am again offering an option titled "Graphic Avtivism" seeking and making opportunites for you to use your communication design skills for the benefit of real people. Out of the year long project you will e expected to produce around six new works of portfolio standard. Many students choose to include portfolio design as one of their project aims.
The problem is, this topic is extraordinarily popular. My selection processes vary every year, but this year I have asked students (who have been on my list since October last year) to send me a pdf (or hard copy) including 1-2 pages about themselves, study background, personal and professional interests, and 3-4 images of their best work to date.
My list of applicants so far includes Cara Cheung, Esther Lobb, Emma Pook, Cara Gullick, Matthew Brass, Julie Hoffmeister and Abbie Lees. Email me - caroline.mccaw@design.otago.ac.nz-now if you'd like me to add your name to this list, you still have another month to forward the pdf about yourself.
Looking forward to another great year.
c

2006 schedule:[double click to view]

2006-01-16T19:39:00.000-08:00

Tom Bond offers a web design option

2006-01-16T17:30:00.000-08:00

Tom has offered to repeat his successful 2005 305 option .

dub dub dub

Tom Bond
Web Design
A project for computer literate, competent communication design students
Recommended previous or parallel study: [from] DESI 208, 207, 202, 302 Limited to 12-16
students
Web skills are highly valued in designers across the spectrum of their specialisations and
web design as field, continues to offer excellent opportunities to talented individuals.
Students are encouraged to begin to define an area of interest at the earliest opportunity.
This will involve initial research of the design project; make educated choices about the best
use of media and planning resources- especially time for the year.
Projects can be chosen from some excellent briefs that Tom and Grant have prepared, or
students may follow a personal project with the co-coordinators approval. The aim is to
provide a flexible course within the Special Topic framework, which serves a range of skill
levels in a complex field.
305 Web Design will be a two-part affair in 2005. The initial 4-6 weeks will involve a
structured introduction to the various necessary skills required to design and produce
effective websites. This will be intensive and practically based studio time with weekly
assignments, which should be highly rewarding. Topics covered will include design, planning
and project management, technical skills in HTML, CSS, Flash and an introduction to
dynamic content and supporting code.
At the same time students will be encouraged to deepen their research and develop
conceptual frameworks for the production of design options.
Interest in this option should be conveyed to Tom and Grant at grant@design.otago.ac.nz cc
tom.bond@design.otago.ac.nz

Ralph Lawrence offers two options for 2006

2006-01-16T17:23:00.000-08:00

Ralph offers keen and motivated students two 305 Special Topic options in 2006 .
Ralph’s professional practice in marketing, design, print and web management for many leading businesses both here and abroad, ongoing research for the wine industry and his ongoing passion for the culture of books, gives invaluable insights.
We build on the success of last year’s applied branding projects with Labels and introduce the brand spanking new BookWise book design and publication option which builds on and develops 200 level book design skills and insights.

Labels
Ralph Lawrence
Opportunities for seriously thoughtful, creative and competent Communication Design
devotees.
Minimum recommended previous and parallel study: [from] DESI 208, 207, 202, 203 302. Limited to 3- 4 students.
Logo logo/type, monogram, trademark brand.
What is the difference and how do designers effectively communicate identity, place, and personal experience?
This area of exploration covers and applies the finer points of letterforms, logo/types, monograms and perhaps even tattoo to ‘real world’ projects negotiated between staff and students.
To get your ideas from dreams to realities starts with good coffee and banter with Ralph at ralph.lawrence@design.otago.ac.nz

see later post for the run down on Bookwise

Welcome to the 305 Blog for 2006

2006-01-13T19:35:00.000-08:00

305ers of 2006!

Happy New Year! I hope the this is the year "where it all clicks" for you. I also hope you are all getting some quality holiday time outside working commitments. I thought I would use a blog just over the summer period just to keep you posted about developments in 305 - it seems the easiest way for me.

If you know of any other intending 305 students who would like to join the blog team then get them to email me and I'll add them in.

I am back at work but many of the other staff are still away so the complete list of course options won't be available until February. I'll feed this information to you as it comes to hand. The course itself will not differ markedly from that of 2005. If you would like a pdf text version of that course I can send one to you. I am in the process of updating schedules and the like and the 2006 version should be drafted by the end of next week.

So far the confirmed options for 2006 are -

Nicola Bould: Prototype. Industrial design . Sustainable products [nicola.bould@design.otago.ac.nz]
Michael Findlay : Supermodel ; 3D digital modeling and representation using Vectorworks
Gavin O'Brien: [1] Material Effects. Material exploration. Product design [2] Gripping Yarns. Design stories, oral history.
Scott Savage: [1] One Wo/Man Army, Cell-based 2D animation. [2] Lost Buildings. An animation and research project
Caroline McCaw: Graphic Activism. Beyond Apple P: Client-driven visual communication projects
Alex Gilks : [1] Hybrid Imagery. Photomontage and image assemblage [2] Crafty text. Illustration project
Nick Laird: Open Slather : self defined projects

I'll provide further detail in separate postings

I guess it is time where you started to think about what you really want to achieve in 305 this year . It is a course that can focus the mind and sharpen skills. It can act as passport to the work you really want to get into. So at this time it s a matter of beginning organising your ideas and marshalling resources.

Any questions about the course overall, the blog or anything else then you can email me nick@design.otago.ac.nz or post a comment

305:Open Slather. Nick Laird offers further options

2006-01-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

Open Slather.
Nick Laird
Self defined projects that appear to fall outside the parameters of other options.
Recommended previous and parallel study: [From all DESI 200 and 300 level papers]
Got a good idea that just won’t go away? A need that needs to be fulfilled? An itch that needs
to be scratched? An over riding passion which needs to be seized by the scruff of the neck
given a good walloping then turned into a compelling design? Then submit a proposal as
soon as possible.
Proposals need to be research driven, anchored by clear project definition with strong
development potential. Please note submitting any proposal means thoughtful planning
and ordering of detailed information in a persuasive way.
If you are interested in this option then contact Nick Laird as soon as possible for help in
developing a successful proposal- nick@design.otago.ac.nz .

305:Prototype. Nicola Bould

2006-01-12T15:57:00.000-08:00

Prototype
Nicola Bould
Industrial design. Sustainable products
A project for committed students who are adept 3D designers.
Recommended previous and parallel study: [from] DESI 201,207,208,301 DETE papers
Limited to 6 students.
The brief will have a sustainable theme and the design process will go through definitive
stages of research (ergonomics, materials, manufacturing and sustainability) concepts,
concept development, refinement and evaluation. Detailed prototype models will be amongst
the main outcomes of this enquiry.
The brief is yet to be decided but suitable proposals are welcome, Nicola is very eager to hear
from you. Address your ideas and queries directly to nicola.bould@design.otago.ac.nz by
early February 2005

305:Material Effects+ Gripping Yarns. Gavin O'Brien

2006-01-12T15:54:00.000-08:00

Material Effects
Gavin O’Brien (2 options offered)
Product design. Exploration of Materials
Recommended previous and parallel study: [From] DESI 201, 202, 204, 207, 208, 301, 302,
and 303, 304. Limit 3-4 students
An opportunity for imaginative students to research characteristics, performance and poetry
of materials with the intention of designing and developing an innovative new product.Gripping Yarns

Oral Histories. Narrative communication
Recommended previous and parallel study: [From as above plus DESI 203 303] limit 3-4
students
A chance for students with an insatiable curiosity and to research local and national design
stories and to represent their findings in a compelling way
If you are interested in working with the mercurial Gavin in either of these two areas then
contact him directly at gavin.obrien@design.otago.ac.nz

305 Option: Super Model. Michael Findlay

2006-01-12T15:44:00.000-08:00

Super Model
Michael Findlay
3D modelling and representation
A project for imaginative the student with a head for theory who can visualise and
communicate clearly.
Recommended previous and parallel study: [From] DESI 201, 202, 204, 207, 208, 301, 302,
and 303, 304. Limited to 12 students.
Super Model is designed to provide theoretical analytical and practical skills in the design
and construction of digital and 3D solid models for a variety of fields; projects may be
advanced by the students or selected from a range of set subjects.
This option encourages creativity and builds on communication skills used to explore
concepts.
Supermodel will explore creative strategies for digital and solid modelling using Vectorworks
software and will address theories, techniques, applications and modes in these challenging
and dynamic fields. Techniques methodologies relevant histories, discourses and the notion
of cross-fertilisation of different media (how underlying models of one media are implicit in
others will be taught)
Got a Super Model in mind? Curious about the options Michael has for you? Then contact him
at Michael@design.otago.ac.nz

Graphic Activism: Beyond Apple P

2006-01-12T15:43:00.000-08:00

Graphic Activism: Beyond Apple P
Caroline McCaw
Visual communications design. Community action.
Involvement and projects for committed students who are outstanding visual communication
designers and who want to change the world.
Recommended previous study: [from] DESI 208, 207, 202, 302. Limited to 6 students.
Make new friends and influence people! Opportunities to choose a cause or a not-for –profit
group for whom you will research and design print outcomes.
Learn new skills producing media. Learn basic prepress and colour separation skills in taking
your digital design to print.
Learn techniques in designing and printing and produce one, two and full colour screen
prints.
Students will document the communication process through intensive research, design,
critique, reading and discussion of designs that make a difference.
Ready to take up the cause? Contact Caroline at caroline.mccaw@design.otago.ac.nz