Title: Step 3: Research Your Project
Course: Basic Graphic Design (TEMPLATE) > Section: Competency Modules

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Research Your Project

Research “Filling the Bucket” – Broad research is a key element. Designers who seek information from the greatest range of reference are those who successfully communicate with people of all ages, professions, and lifestyles and who properly contextualize their designs.

The book speaks about four research methods, Factual (primary/secondary) and Visual (primary/secondary) sources, with several subcategories under each of these.

Below is a list of a few of these research methods, which you will be working with in addition to any of the above-mentioned methods. These are meant to be a starting point, but in no way should you limit yourself to only these methods.

Based on the Creative Brief on this company you want to start gathering research material, which are in order of the product or service. Later we will use this material to assist us in generating design solutions.  To prepare the items for your Mood Board production, complete the research areas listed below:

a. Pictorial research – find 12 images that are exactly the same product or service or images that are related in some matter to the service or product.

b. Industry research – find 12 logos, publications or ads that are similar to the business, which you are designing for, to study the current trend.

c. Design inspiration research – find 12 type styles, type treatments or use of type elements, the type of company does not matter.

d. Typeface exploration research – explore various typeface that you might want to consider using in this design then select 9 that you will apply to the Mood Board.