Collaborative Design Practice / Task 2: Brainstorming to ideate a solution for the problem statement

14/05/2024 - 28/05/2024 / (Week 4 - Week 6)
Derin / 0354969 / Design in Creative Media
GCD 62204 / COLLABORATIVE DESIGN PRACTICE
Task 2: Brainstorming to ideate a solution for the problem statement



INSTRUCTIONS

   

Task 2: Brainstorming to ideate a solution for the problem statement - Group (30%)
You will next use the defined human-centered problem statement to "think outside the box" in identifying new solutions to the problem statement that you’ve created and to start looking for alternative ways of viewing the problem. Choose an Ideation techniques such as Brainstorm, Brainwrite, Worst Possible Idea, and SCAMPER to stimulate free thinking and to expand the problem space. From the concluded ideation result, present the findings to the selected expert for review.

Deadline:
Week 6


TASK 2

Art Direction

For our art direction, we first delegated tasks based on our specializations. I was responsible for art direction alongside Adifa and Glen, as well as storyboard creation with Sejin. Takuto and Konomi handled the application and microsite development, while Sejin also worked on the logo.

In defining the art direction, we gathered various references to guide our approach. The client's preference for a minimalistic style, aimed at enhancing user navigation, guided our research into minimalistic design and color schemes. The client specified main colors of orange, beige, and peach, which we explored further to ensure user engagement.

Fig 1.0 App References

Fig 1.1 App Features References

Fig 1.2 Color Palette and Icons

While we have the references ready, we simultaneously began refining the information architecture in accordance with the client's proposal. This step is crucial as it helps us solidify our understanding and visualize how the design elements and user interface will integrate to meet the client's requirements effectively.


Pitch Video

Mood board

Our initial direction in making our pitch video is to make it simple type like an Alan Becker's stick-man animation and TED-Ed. This is due to the time constraint we have for this project. Though, after much consideration, we decided to go with the two videos below for the animation direction for the pitch video. Both videos has simple yet engaging vibe that could capture the viewer’s interest.


Fig 2.0 Video #1


Fig 2.1 Video #2


Sypnosis Draft

Intro
A homeowner is brushing his teeth when suddenly, the toilet bowl breaks and splashes water. Unable to find a technician, he leaves the toilet bowl as is. Later, while working, the light bulb above his keyboard starts blinking several times before going out completely, distracting him and causing him to facepalm in frustration.
Meanwhile, a contractor looks at a wall of different advertisements and realizes that his own advertisement is not appealing. He is worried because he has no money and is unable to get any work from clients.

Conflict
The homeowner tries to search for different contractors online but encounters low reviews and high prices, making it difficult to find suitable services. In the end, his computer crashes, and he hits the table in frustration.

Climax
A hand appears, showing the app "QuantoCube," which solves the problems faced by both the contractor and the homeowner.

Ending
The contractor and homeowner connect through the app, arrange a meeting, and eventually shake hands. The homeowner can now focus on his work, and the contractor finds employment opportunities.

 

Sypnosis Draft

Are your household appliances causing you headaches? Whether it's a leaking toilet or a flickering light bulb?
Are you struggling to find and hire good contractors without worrying the risks?

Or perhaps, you're a contractor looking to find clients effectively?

Don't worry! QuantoCube got you covered.

By using QuantoCube, you significantly reduce efforts for both customers and service providers as the platform connects contractors to homeowners seamlessly. We streamline the entire experience, ensuring transparency in pricing and service quality. Say goodbye to uncertainty and hello to reliable, affordable solutions!

Contacting for homeowners and contractors has never been easier! What are you waiting for? Join QuantoCube today! Highest Value, Highest Convenience. Improve your lifestyle with us today!


Storyboard

I was responsible for creating the storyboard from the contractor's point of view, covering everything from the beginning to the end (excluding the app showcase).



Fig 2.2 Storyboard 1

Fig 2.3 Storyboard 2

Fig 2.4 Storyboard 3


Character Design

We aimed to develop two distinct characters for the pitch video, ensuring that their silhouettes are easily recognizable. Our direction for our character style is to go for a blocky-cartoonish style character as it would ease us when we animate our pitch video. Blocky characters simplify the illustration of construction processes, tools, and machinery.

Fig 2.5 Character References

However, there were difficulties in designing the homeowner to make it look like they have the same art style as each other.

Fig 2.6 Initial Character Design Draft


Fig 2.7 Finalized Character Design

After getting feedback with Ms. Lilian, we made changes to the design for the homeowner. She suggests to follow schnitzel's body shape. 


Final Storyboard

The following is the finalized storyboard for the pitch video!


Fig 2.8 Final Storyboard for the Pitch Video

 

Final Outcome

Presentation Slides


Fig 3.0 Presentation Slides

 

Project Document


Fig 3.1 Project Document



FEEDBACK

General Feedback
Please ensure the presentation shows the progress made leading to this stage and includes clear comparisons between homeowner and contractor perspectives. Each slide should effectively communicate its ideas, with only one logo per app. Aim to complete the prototype by week 9 and simplify the storyboard if needed. Consider using "Freeman" as a subheading for added personality. Ensure slides are tidy and well-organized, and apply the app's color palette consistently throughout the video.

Specific Feedback
Fig 2.6 Initial Character Design Draft:
Consider aligning the homeowner's body structure more closely with the character from "Schnitzel," using the contractor's art style. Additionally, experimenting with a lighter blue color for the skin tone could be beneficial.

Feedback for Fig 2.7 Finalized Character Design:
Looks good! 👍🏻 I really like the color choices 😉 Proceed with these characters 💪🏻


REFLECTION

Initially, grasping the art direction was challenging for me, as I had a general understanding but wasn't sure what specifics to focus on. It was only after consulting with Ms. Lilian that I understood the need to consider elements like color palette, visual style, typography, and graphic elements. Regarding the color palette, there were several changes, such as the client's preference for orange, peach, and beige, which initially clashed. We adjusted these preferences to create a cohesive color palette suitable for the application.

In terms of storyboard and character design, I found it manageable due to my specialization. However, I did encounter difficulties with the character design initially; the designs appeared inconsistent, and the two characters didn't seem cohesive. It was only after further discussion with Ms. Lilian that I successfully developed a cohesive homeowner character design. Overall, this project has been a valuable learning experience, especially in collaborating effectively within a team.