Evaluation - Object

The design meets the design proposal, as although the final outcome doesn't necessarily use braille within the design or would necessarily be accessible or readable to them, the finished design that has been produced has come from a process that has used 3D images and braille, therefore the concept behind the design is therefore stronger and brings more meaning into the design. Also the abstract look of the illustrations of the faces, actually follows on from this concept, showing deteriorating images referencing sight, and also the fact that everyone sees differently, and everyone can make of the drawings what they see themselves and they have the ability to create different images depending on who is looking at the publication. The design also has a strong purpose, as a collective piece of memorabilia, and to some people it will emit feelings of nostalgia and to other sit will educate the on what the speaking clock was, it's history and how it is still used now in the present day. It also exists as a piece of artwork in itself, as it is not an explicit image or publication to look at, people can make of it what they will. However the use of textured paper and letterpress actually enhances the concept of the idea that the speaking clock was used initially by the visually impaired. Therefore adding texture and using analogue techniques that can be physically felt and touched compensates for the lack of 3D imaging and braille within the piece itself. These ideas have been influenced by MGMT's design process within the Infographics book, that most of the design should be taken away in order for a more intriguing message to be understood and also to play around with ideas and experiment with different materials and processes.
  I think the design decision to use letterpress and bookbinding within the final outcome, was again to play on the concept, therefore every aspect of the book needed to be felt and physically produced. These techniques are also quite nostalgic, therefore it coincides with the nostalgia that the publication will produce for some of the older audiences. The paper was also a design decision, as the paper is ridged and can therefore be felt and touched as it has texture to it. However I think more textured paper, or to develop the project further, the pages should've included or been made out of braille which would show the information on, with text over the top, therefore it would be suitable for both the intended audience and others. Feedback from the final design included both successes and critique of the final design, that the illustrations were extremley abstract however this was preferred as it gave the piece something unique. The letterpress was thought to be successful has it added another handmade dimension, so the publication felt personal and more engaging as a physical piece to hold. Critique of the final outcome, was again to include braille, as this was the original intended purpose, however this wasn't conceivable at the time as the object needed to be printed, also the parts of braille that can still be constructed within the images themselves shows that that was part of the design process. Another critique was to include more text or information, which is a fair comment, as the piece itself it quite abstract and doesn't hold much information for the audience. However, on the other hand, the intended purpose was for the publication to act as a piece of artwork and collector's memorabilia, a form of nostalgia, not necessarily an informative document.
  In conclusion if this project were to be developed further, then the idea of braille and producing a piece of work that is intended for the visually impaired would be explored further as to how to make this possible. However the final outcome has been created from a huge amount of process and concept, which makes the project have more integrity and meaning and is therefore a successful piece of design, which is useful and effective for it's intended purpose.