Design a three-dimensional typographic sign for a site specific location. The sign should inform the user about the space, provide a visual brand that reinforces the space and provide a visual cue/pun about the space. Your project should offer a way for the user to enterpret the space in a new way. This project decontextualizes type, takes it off the page and allows you to work with it in the real world–a great way to get to explore typeforms in a new way. We will work with ideas of “branding space” and “wayfinding.”
Download project brief

Schedule + Process (due December 10)
Oct 29/Nov 3/WEEK ONE.
Ideation: The most important part of the design process, this is when you open your mind to any idea, nothing is too big and nothing is impossible. The more creative the better. This is where the best ideas are formed. Create a list of ideas and keywords, you should sketch possible ideas and have at least 5 different ideas to bring to class. Not variations, but real, different ideas. Think about how you will make it? Plan ahead for the production phase. Start the layout of your design brief.

Nov 10/WEEK 2.
Research: In the research phase you will begin to narrow down the ideas to the best direction. Research includes getting input on your ideas from other members of the design studio, scouting locations and take pictures, research environmental graphics on the web and in the library. Make a mood board. Find other designers who do it, and look at their examples. Sketches should show scale to space and the human form. This phase will help determine the scope of the project and you should have a clear direction to follow to completion. Add the research to the design brief.

Nov 17/WEEK 3.
Refinement: Now apply the research in step 2. Try different type styles, arrangements, color and sizes. Build to scale paper mock-ups and visit the site with them. Tape them in place and take pictures. Check for scale, style, color. Does the signage utilize the space in a good or unusual way? Check your work against others in the field. How do they solve the problems you might be facing? How can you you simplify the design and make it just as effective, or make it easy to fabricate? Can you make small changes that will make it a better project. Be open to change! Add this info to the design brief.

Nov 24/Dec 1 WEEK 4–5.
Production: Using the lessons from phase 1-3, begin the actual fabrication of the sign. You should have methods clearly defined before working. How are you going to “build” the piece? What are you going to fabricate it from, color, paint, texture, finish–is it matte or glossy? Think through all of these items early in the process so when you get to the 4th week it will be figured out. Be prepared to find alternative solutions, be willing to make 2 or 3 versions of the final to have the best possible outcome.

Dec 8/WEEK 6
Finish: There are only 3 days in this week before the end of class. All work must be completed before the last day of class. You should spend these 3 days refining the design brief and printing it out. Think about how you will present the final to the class. How will the design brief work in your portfolio? Finalize the typesetting, make it typesetting quality! Present the final brief and sign for the final critique.

View projects from fall 2007 (instructor: Doug Barrett)
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