Assessment 1; Stage 1, Case Study Design Development.

In the development of this case study over the coming weeks, I’ll be looking to implement a number of accepted design principles while detailing the role that design can have within the Public Relations industry. I’ve considered my options with regards to the medium that I feel will best represent the design direction I’m looking to take, and have decided that the appropriate format is most likely a newsletter. This has been chosen for initial exploration as I feel it will allow me to express the content and aesthetic design in an uncomplicated and thoughtful manner.

Past examples have shown that the idea of clean, minimalist design can be very effective in this industry. M&C Saatchi are an established advertising and PR agency. Their use of bold, confident design on the webpage interface creates a sense of sophistication and a discernment for the intricacies of the trade. Given that at the heart of Public Relations, it is essentially ‘public perception’, the aforementioned qualities exude a powerful message to any potential client.

 

This style follows some very important design protocols. It’s straightforward and eschews anything ornate such as a serif font to align itself with the concept of ‘form follows function’. It’s simplicity also allows it to be easily implemented across a broad range of mediums, from print to web. Furthermore, the use of a monochrome scheme may lack a certain degree of vibrancy, but it paves the way for subtle uses of colour to add extreme emphasis. I’ve attached a very rough draft of a possible direction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References:

M&C Saatchi n.d, Brutal Simplicity of Thought, M&C Saatchi, viewed 15 November 2015 <http://mcsaatchi.com/principles/brutal-simplicity-thought>

Lidwell, W, Holden, K & Butler, J 2010, Universal Principles of Design, Revised and Updated : 125 Ways to Enhance Usability, Influence Perception, Increase Appeal, Make Better Design Decisions, Rockport Publishers, Massachusetts USA.