Feedback from Lynda

Feedback so far from Lynda:

Hi Roxy - this is coming along very nicely!!

• Glad you've knocked back the strong background for the insides - that's why it was looking too much like the cover. Nice colour combo that could vary within a full book.
• It's got a lovely style to it now - sophisticated enough for parents and engaging enough for 8+ children.
• Liking the broccoli character - just make sure all your illustration holds together as one style. I know the source of the googly eyes but the reader doesn't - see what they think in peer assessment.Also you previously mentioned 'Little green trees' - this could be the key pivot for the look and feel of the book - more 'delicate' and 'sweet' than googley eyes (which still works - but with a different treatment).
• Heading font - again, make sure everything hangs together style-wise - look back to your cover.
• Incidentally, I liked the illus around the dish on your previous burgundy layout.
• All the elements are good - just push forward to come to a conclusion. Don't lose your thread by trying too many variations.
• Hope that helps, you've worked really well on this and it shows a variety of quality applications style-wise that would impress any publisher.

I am happy with what Lynda is saying and agree with all points made, I will develop this over the next few days before adding images from my second spread. 

What i will do next:

Wait for peer assessment and get a range of feedback to take forward for resolved body of work.

A little chat with my target audience

A chat with Beth:

Here is a recording of a little chat I had with my friends daughter. She is ten years old so I felt it may be useful to get her opinion on my work so far. We had an extensive conversation about my use of colour, illustrative style, added feature concepts and the recipe in general. I didn't record the whole conversation just so she didn't feel awkward at all. However I got some really useful opinions and some notable points are as follows:

• She loved the use of colour, the range of pastel yet bright and flat colours. She described them as pretty but boys and girls could both like them. Her favourite was the pale green.
• She enjoyed my choices of typography and had no problem at all reading them. Her favourite was the "munch munch" which is a hand written font.
• She found the recipe a little boring as standard. But when i asked her "what if you could add your own secret ingredients after you had tasted it" she replied explaining that she would find that fun and maybe she could add cheese as this was her favourite topping. We tried that and she ate it all and asked for more even with the smelly little fish!
• She encouraged my use of characters and found the notion of googgly eyes very amusing, she introduced me to a really fun little animation called "ooglies" which actually seems very similar to what i was going for initially.

Beth, a few questions and feedback

spread

development

spread development

something new

Returning to the main brief

What next:

Following my visit to london, I had a few days off to get some head space from my work, I believed this would give me time for stewing up some more creative Ideas. 

After coming back to it, I have decided I definitely want to incorporate some extra features such as the diary/note book, and that I am going to try something new for the inner spreads, as what I have been developing so far, doesn't sit right for me. It looks too similar to the front cover design I have chosen to go with. After conducting some more research and looking at what I have done so far I feel that I need something more cooky and playful.

London book fair and task:

Task:

Consider three different innovations around the subject of children’s book design. These could be elements of design, illustration style, graphic design, added features, format or even a emerging trend of children’s books. (1 side of a4) With supporting reference information. These could be leaflets, photographs of a book/element itself.

Explain how is has been used within the design of the book or is connected to book design/publishing

Describe/explain why you consider it to be innovative.

Consider whether you think it has been used appropriately or is suitable for children. Explain your answer.

Innovation 1:

This series of books are called ‘make your own sound books’ and are based around the concept of young children interacting with the book itself in a way that is more than "just reading". (Almost becoming a performance for the child). Designed to be placed over the child’s face, this level of interaction includes them in the story, in a way making them the main character and also teaches them noises that the animals make through their own repetition of the sound along with encouragement from the parents or caregivers; for example, the image of a cow provokes a "MOOO" and the more this happens, the more educated the child becomes  in the sounds animal makes. In terms of over children who are viewing this, such as siblings etc, this practise is also educational and fun for them as they can watch all this going on. In addition the template itself is repetitive. The child will know automatically really, that he or she should put the book to their face, and this simple structure is continuous throughout making it easy to play with and understand. 

 Questions are asked, such as "who am i now?" which creates better relationships with the story line and also encourages deeper bonds with child and caregiver or other children watching. Created from a thick board , the books remain rigid with thick individual pages which are easy to turn for small fingers. They are sturdy and solid reducing the risk of damage when being passed around and played with and come with a cut out section which acts as a carry handle. The design and illustrative style of this series is simple with a happy and playful atmosphere created through use of bold colour and line. This grabs the attention of the child and evokes a sense of happiness. The colours used, although bright and bold are still true to life e.g, orange fox, green frog, black and white cow etc.

Overall I feel these books are innovative as they challenge the standard perception of "what reading can be or is" they engage the child in a unique manner by creating a personal first hand relationship with characters which not only encourages a more creative imagination, but a deeper understanding of narrative and interactive play. I also believe in some way the way the child "performs" to parents and peers whilst using and playing with the book, may develop confidence in terms of public speaking later in life. 

Innovation 2:

Innovation 3:

Main brief: development

Spread 1 concept... Getting closer:

I am starting to like this spread concept now. The colour pallet is more about shades and tones than in your face bold colours, which I feel is mature yet the underlying colour is still fun and appropriate for a child of 8 years or over. The images I intend to incorporate on the lifting/flap circles are a basic outline drawing that still reflects factual scale, and detail. There would be full colour photographs underneath the circles which could move in a range of ways such as, lifting, spinning, opening like a book... and digitally the circles could be touched to create a zoom, or a spatula could flip them etc. A sound could also be incorporated such as a bubbling, boiling, chopping or hissing of a pan for digital versions.
By using circular images i am creating an idiosyncratic appearance that has continuity throughout the spreads and cover. This reflects again the notion of things being ever-lasting, sustainable, and organic in addition to relating visually to the world as a whole. I still see circles as a things that implies a sense of looking in to or through something, which is appropriate in terms of exploring curiosity etc.

Main brief: development

Spread concepts:

I am interested in the idea of extendable pages. This would allow greater space to work with and create an interactive spread for children. I have divided the page out into the standard A3 or 2xA4 layout which is essentially the two centre sections. The space on either side which i have made purposely uneven would be a flap or pull out section. If I go forward with these sections being underneath a flap then this would effectively create a space on the "top" of the flap as well which could be used productively. If on a pull out section, I would not have to worry about the aesthetics when the flap was closed, or if it doesn't cover enough of the page/doesn't look balanced etc
I have created circular images  of my experience cooking the dish, which I feel look a lot better, and somehow more organic than square ones. However, the balance of colour between the background and the images is too clashing. I am tempted to have an illustrated image on the top of the circle and have it as a flap again creating something more interactive again. With the photo and instructions below.
I have used the image i created for the cover in the lower left corner to create some continuity but also to display the dish. Im not sure if this is effective.
In Photoshop this document is more purple, probably down to differences in web/print colour formats? However, I would like to make the purple less intense and more understated and organic/natural to reflect the front cover and also the notion of things being natural and good for you. I personally relate bright colours with "added colours" and E-numbers, so i imagine other parents would as well, which may put them off allowing children to cook the recipe. It doesn't reflect the rich and yet healthy nature of the cooked product either.

Here I've made a couple of changes, the image that was in lower left corner is now enlarged and raised, and I have also lowered the opacity in order to use it as a background for text. I have popped a drop shadow in under the title text in order to make it stand out better which i feel it does now.

Mock up

A quick mock up:

Here is what the designs I have played with so far could look like on digital devices. I am aware that this would not necessarily be what you would choose to display but I was more interested in how colour communicated in this format. I like the flat green of the cover design on the macbook air template however i am not keen on the background mock up, my concerns have been solidified through this exploration and I will most likely move on completely from this design for spread 1.

Main brief: Thoughts so far

My thoughts so far, and what I would like to do next:

Thinking back to the session where we studied extra features in books and the way in which they were laid out, I remember being particularly drawn to a book which was really quite random inside with no real generic concept running throughout. I am quite tempted to try this style out as I feel a bit bored of repeating the same style from the cover.
Some ideas on this:

• Chopping board backgrounds, could be different shades or have a logo on the board for different seasons.
• page backgrounds being coloured depending on season
• tags and secret books to add tweaks to recipes ( something i had considered previously but would like to pay more attention to)
• embossed text on the inner pages
• More circular motifs and panels
• increasing the page space even more with the flaps
• A "Local food lunches and "Little Green Trees" Apron that comes with the book
• A spoon lock 

One thing i have noticed in my development process is that photographs do not seem to make good backgrounds, the text becomes very hard to read. I am going to take another look at some strong examples of cookery books for the age range for new inspiration. 

Main brief: development

Poster concepts and Initial Ideas:

I am currently playing around with the idea of a seasonal vegetable chart/Poster which would be categorised simply into the four seasons, indicated here by the use of relating colour and accompanying imagery.  I would like to have a go at screen printing this at a later stage... I have other Ideas that I would like to continue with and build on before committing to this design style. I believe the colours are a clear indicator of season and also the way in which the colour surrounds the white central image conveys a sense that this is a take on "the world" or landscape.

Main brief: Development

Spread initial concepts:

With this spread concept I intend on having a step by step instruction and photo, underneath these panels, they could lift up or down. This would make the book more interactive. In addition if this design was taken into a digital format i have played with the idea of these areas being touch responsive. Perhaps a spatula could come in and "flip" the panels to reveal the instructions and images underneath. Or the panel could flip and zoom to make the instructions more legible.
I have also considered the Idea of having a flap on either side of the A3 spread, that effectively closed in and covered the whole thing, like a menu in a restaurant. I could have something more colourful on the exterior.
Things I would like to incorporate or change etc:

• Im not sure if the spread concept is too much of one colour for children. Although the flaps would reveal more colourful photographs.
• Im considering on improving the layout and scale of the panels.
• I think circles would look better as they would reflect the image on the cover as well as the local food lunches logo. Also a circle implies a sense of looking through or into something.

Main Brief: Further Development of cover and back.

Further development:

I am happy with this deign overall, as time goes on during the module I may develop things further but i have made some more changes now that I feel create an attractive cover.

Such as:

• Incorporation of logo
• Corrections in type
• Re-scale of spine type
• Incorporation of green circles on the wheels of tractor, to brake up the white, also this reflects the circle of the image and the local pod lunches logo.

When I was sketching out this design I had the local food lunches logo in mind which is why, initially I started with something circular, however a circle implies something infinite and never ending which conveys the sustainable message. The image over all reminds me of the world and the landscape or environment which is appropriate for the book content also.

Main brief: Development

Further Development:

Here is my first front and back cover design, I have continued on with a few features from the previous stage. Changes I have now made and things i would like to incorporate/develop on:

• I have reversed the tractor from the previous design, so as to convey a sense of the tractor "going into the book" rather than away. This has made a more balanced image and just looks more thought out to me.
• I have come up with a long list of potential titles for the book, but i think i will go with "little green trees" this is from something my little brother used to say as a child about his broccoli. to this day he will not touch a veg other than "little green trees" (broccoli) 
• This title has been played with in a way through the use of the central image's scale. The broccoli florets in fact do look like little trees.
• The text within the image now reads "A family sustainable cook book" as i thought that in the future there may be more in a sort of series, so calling it "the" may create a dead end. If not perhaps "The family sustainable cook books"? Just a thought anyway...
• From this I thought there could be other titles in said series such as "how do you like them apples?" or "peaches and cream" say if one was making a bakery/sweets cook book from sustainable and local food products?
• I have included some type in the lower half of the book which makes it feel more balanced and complete, however the content is not necessarily final. I will work on this further.
• I have begun to consider a back cover, on which i have come up with a sort of synopsis/passage that hopefully would motivate and engage children. In this passage I have played around with common phrases that use veg or food. This lends itself in content to the book.
• I have removed the drop shadow, I feel the image may be strong and legible enough without it. In addition, Lynda mentioned it looks a bit like a screen print, which I found really interesting and this conveys a sort of organic and natural feel.
• In terms of added features, I may stick to something quite simple. I was considering having the front image as a wheel that could turn. But I think now the for a front cover especially it may be best to have as little parts to damage as possible, and also the wipe clean nature would not work as well with "bits" that move.
• Instead I would like to have the Title text and central "sustainable" text raised or embossed, so that the little individual chive like strands stood out, or could be felt. This would be a tactile and sensory effect for children to enjoy yet still remains classy and simple for adults buying the book.
• The green appears to have come up slightly different on my blog than on the original photoshop document but Im sure I can rectify that if needed.
• Begin to consider logo placement
• Shrink font on spine to explore aesthetics etc

The blank section within the lowed image on the back cover could be used for price or a barcode, or even a QR code that could take the user to; a website? such as Local food lunches, an app or game, It could bring up information on local farms or if possible come up with the ingredients that are in season locally and give you directions and food miles?

Main brief: Development

Some initial Digital Mock-ups:

This is my first attempt at a digital rendering of a sketch made previously for my front cover. I feel that the image I created in the centre (aside from any text) is quite strong as it is clear, simple and illustrates the notion of sustainability and healthy foods etc through the use of farm related animals and a tractor, in addition to some drawings of vegetables. The cover over-all is simple and I have used a flat colour intentionally as I am aware this is currently popular in the digital market in terms of apps etc. I have used a simple, "foody" typeface which is called PWFicelles. I chose the font as it is incredibly similar to the style I had hand drawn previously inspired by chives from the eggy bread recipe. It is clear and legible from a distance without being too bold which i feel creates a classier appearance that would appeal to an adult buying the book. 

Playing around with the typeface within my central image, and also with colour. I personally really like the deep blue however I feel this makes the book look a little too grown up for children of the selected age range and also makes it feel less fun. Perhaps this is through dark blue being quite a business like colour.

This flat yet rich orange stands out and makes the cover feel warn and inviting. The white stands out nicely in the foreground. I have played around again with the typeface but i am not convinced this looks great. I have applied a fish eye effect to the central body of text which was intended to create a more dimensional appearance which i do not feel has been effective. 

Going back to the original typeface here, I have incorporated a drop shadow which now seems in keeping with the overall feel of the cover. It makes the simple body of central text more legible and it now jumps out more. This is more effective and yet does not take away from the clean and simple overall feel. I really like this colour but i am not sure if it would appeal to children without being a little brighter, and also at that age i feel little boys may be less keen to buy something with a pink tone. Perhaps the greens and oranges are more unisex.

I have gone back to a deeper green that I intend on playing around with further as i feel it seems a bit dull now. But on the right track I think. The central text now black, is more prominent and Iintend on running this design past a few 8+ children and their parents to see what they make of it.

I have added in a couple of birds on the central image to fill up a little more space, also I have been exploring the idea of the image being a turning wheel so these birds would remain stationary if the circle was to turn. In addition to this i have put a drop shadow in on the above text as well but I am undecided whether to take this forward. I prefer the cover without however have been told the text is more legible with, so i will user test the image for a decision.

• The front cover will be (in any design case) wipe clean. So will have a semi-shiny appearance.
• considering the "wheel" movement on central image and the notion of a clear window showing a variety of changing images or text behind.
• I am thinking about having a magnetic lock system that would flip round the edge of the book, this would keep the inner pages better protected from fluids and create a more sleek look. 
• This "locking" system could work into something which could prop the book up in the kitchen.
• Would make the cover more interactive. 
• I would repeat the image on the rear cover in order to have a base for smaller text.

Main brief: Development

Session 7: E-books, blog task etc

Patrick Carman: TED Video

E-Books blog task:

1. Find three new examples of "interactive E-books/or E-learning games"
2. l
3. ll
4. l
5. l
6. l

• Producer/Publisher: Lucas Zanotto
• 5 and under, teaches the alphabet in a fun and interactive manner and incorporates drawing. this would be too young for older children however as adults we found it very entertaining!
• It is both a linear and interactive product as the layout runs through the alphabet in stages etc. however the way in which the app encourages drawing to "finish" the image of the creature on the page is highly interactive. Also, when we touch the animal it changes expression etc.
• The methods used to engage children are the interactive drawing, the touch/reaction animals etc.
• Yes I believe the methods used are effective and fun, as the product is very engaging even for an adult. The layout is simple and easy to navigate.
• No I feel the product is really efficient and interesting.

• National Geographic society
• 9-11, fun and educational, based around facts and unusual truths. 
• Linear
• Bright colours, simple icons, interesting and strange facts that hey feel proud to know as its "different" etc
• We felt when using the product that the product may be better if when given the fact, we could "find out more" and learn further. May be too shallow as a product overall yet fun and educational.

• Judith Kerr, collins children's books
• 6-8, basic content with simple illustrations, clear narrative.
• Linear
• Because the narrator is timed with the images and animations shown it in a sense forces the understanding of narrative in comparison to the image. a child can't flip through ignoring the narrative just looking at the images etc.
•  I think this ebook would efficiently "tell a story" and also accompany that with appropriate imagery therefore educating children. however all you really do is press play and thats it, it would be more fun and engaging if perhaps the images reacted to touch.

Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson says NO to the E-book:

Guardian: Julia Donaldson Vetoes E-book

• She thinks interactive E-books for children are a bad idea
• doesn't feel we have to be controlled by technology
• isn't a fan of just jumping on the band wagon in terms of technological development
• fears that digital market could take over