[collin] phase 1

Forty Woods is just a tiny, corrugated metal shed in Blue Springs, Missouri… a bait shop. From the outside, it would seem unremarkable; even a bit of an eyesore. Step inside, and honestly your impressions may not change. The first thing you'll notice is the remarkable stench. For nearly forty years, worms, crickets, minnows, crawdads, and innumerable other creatures have inhabited it's walls. Signage is worn, and the floors are stained with countless muddied-boot tracks…

But there's something remarkable about it. The wear and tear of so many years of traffic tells a story of its own. It says that this business, this bait shop, has held true to its roots; unchanging and unmovable. In a community that has seen it's great outdoors shrink to merely a minor outdoors, it speaks to a commitment to something more than just financial security. It says that this metal shed stands to support a lifestyle of adventure, exploration, and tradition.

This is why I've chosen to work with Forty Woods. I believe it speaks to an integrity in business that we rarely find in our fast-paced world. It's a reminder to a community about what it once held dear, and that it will continue in the same manner till the walls cave in. It's this time-worn tradition and authenticity I hope to preserve and accentuate when I approach this project.

Rausch_DesignSystems_Phase1_FortyWoods

[Matthew] phase 1

Meat Markets have quickly been overtaken

Phase 1 Design Systems

[jessica] Phase 1

The toy & miniature museum currently sits next door the UMKC campus and houses a large collection of toys and fine scale miniatures. It has antique doll houses from the late 1800's, paper dolls, marbles, and can even take you through evolution of barbie. 

While this place is filled with fine craftsman ship, toys, and cute little models, it is hardly a place where you play. Inside of the museum you will find display cases filled with plenty to look at, however it lacks a level of engagement and relatability. 

I am hoping to implement a solution to this by creating a more engaging identity and goal. These little toys and miniatures are a tangible model for life. While these miniatures can exist in their own environment of its' corresponding scale, I would like to explore what happens when these little objects are intertwined with our environment. I would like to use this as an opportunity to introduce (or re-introduce) wonder into our everyday lives. 

Take4

[ashley] phase 1

music therapy center // branding. phase 1.



all of our lives, music has been effecting us in the most powerful ways. it has the ability to set our moods and to direct our emotions. a single song can so easily immerse us with feelings of happiness, sorrow, pity, anger, romance, etc. so why not use this powerful tool that's already so much a part of our lives to help those who have problems controlling emotions or coping with problems?

that's exactly what i've decided to do by creating a hypothetical music therapy center for troubled youth. this particular music therapy center would focus on adolescents who suffer from mood disorders, social problems, and other personal problems. a variation of musical exploration possibilities will serve as tools to their troubled minds and help them to gain self-confidence and to express themselves. they will be doing so in a very comfortable, homey atmosphere to help them better feel free and relaxed.

when developing this brand, i must consider that not only should this appeal to a younger audience, but also health professionals and doctors so that they can view the organization as reliable, friendly and worth recommending to patients. with this done successfully, music actually act as a medecine for troubled adolescents.

[ivan] phase 1

A haircut for men doesn't have to be a quick in and out experience. Back in the day, each town had their own shop. Every neighborhood in a large city had their local barber. Men knew their barber and their barber knew them. It was a gentleman's place. It was a place men didn't mind hang out in, and it was a place they felt comfortable in. Barbers gained respect by giving quality cuts and listening to whatever gentlemen had to say.

For whatever reason, in some respects that mentality has been lost over all. Of course a few places have embraced it, but not one in kansas city. This should be a place that men of all ages that align with our same beliefs in quality and relationship can come to.

This barbershop should bring back the close knit relationship between the barber and the client, the client and client, and the barber and barber. It'll start to feel like a little community in ways. In addition the brand is clean, unreserved, modern, personable, and timeless. Unsurpassed standards of quality and respect for beauty in its aesthetic. The Barbershop Phase One Presentation_notes

[mckenzie] phase 1

When was the last time we sat down, had a good conversation, and drank healthy fresh tea? Tea Houses are becoming a popular trend here in the states. With the idea of afternoon and high tea coming from the English– this tea house will withhold a new American idea of high tea.

The usual thought of a tea house is female and frilly. Creating a gender neutral atmosphere is a crucial part in this design system. Not to say a direction can not be inspired by the traditional tea packaging, the esthetic will embody a simplicity. Using the traditional methods in a modern setting and capitalizing on a restaurant style experience.

People should want to take time in a comfortable space with a friend, family member, loved one and their cup of tea. Customers will feel a sense of comfort and sophistication. Making the most of small details to create a complete system to make a cohesive experience.

 

 

[mckenzie] phase 1

[eli] phase 1

For many years now Google has been the dominate search engine. Its two closest and long standing competitors Yahoo and Bing/MSN have been working hard to compete with Google through innovation and joining forces in way that Bing powers all of Yahoo search as well. Google search with its many offerings and services lacks some of the features that Yahoo and Bing have been capitalizing on such as Hotel and Airfare searches. Two wildly popular and rich advertising key words subjects. Yahoo and Bing also allow for greater customization of the homepage. For the first time in the last 7 years Google was not #1 in search engine market share growth casting a shadow on the future of the company if it cannot comete in the long run. 

Fortunately Google a company known for its breath throughs and risk taking innovations can easily remedy this disturbing trend of competitor growth. Google can take their #1 rule "Focus on the user and all else will follow" and make it a design factor. Google does search and they do it well. But what its missing is your input and hand in your own search experience. 

I propose that we rebrand Google by allowing the individual user to create their own brand. Their own mark. Their own Google. Through tailored web+mobile apps, and links the user only sees the links and apps that matter most to them. The imagery, texture, typography, color, and more. This can be done through data mining the user's existing google account or they can customize in the real time.

Google Redesign

[jessi w] phase 1

kansas city's a great town for food, drink, and music, and the recordbar is a great pick for all three. with delicious food, easy drinks, and live shows every night of the week, it's hard to go wrong. the iconic decor is classic: it's cool without being trendy, and fits the mood of the place; and the crowds aren't there for social posturing: they're there for a good time.

there's only one problem: you'd never know from the outside.

the recordbar is in the retail corner of westport, 43rd, and southwest trafficway. it neighbors are first watch, dollar tree, ace hardware, and half price books. from that bubbly blue and gold typographic logo, you'd never know that it wasn't a store. everyone online says the same thing: "i never would have guessed."

the recordbar shouldn't stay a secret. you should be able to tell what they do, and how well. they deserve it.

Recordbar Research and Strategy

[erika] phase 1

Technology is evolving at a very rapid pace. Luckily, humans are able to adapt to this change because we drive it forward. We use technology to enhance our lives and we improve what it can do for us. This symbiotic relationship between us and our tools is becoming very interesting. It is paving the way for innovations that we've never thought possible before. We are starting to merge with our machines.

There's a middle ground between reality and digital space, where more and more of our lives are starting to take place. This happy medium is a blurred, amorphous realm with infinite possibilities. At the moment, one of the greatest uses of this realm is augmented reality, where reality is overlaid with supplementary content and information to enhance the user's experience. This window into the "middle ground" is a vital step forward in innovation.

With technology being an ever-changing medium, nothing stays the same for very long. A dynamic environment calls for an adaptive brand, focused on technology-enhanced humanity and blurring what it means to be "real."

Design Systems: Phase 1

so, you've got a couple of marks that "say" the same thing and you can't decide which one is the, uh...best? swell. here's an idea: incorporate them all into a pattern. this is taken from designer matt lehman's studio—you may view more about it here.

[sam] phase 1

Back in the day soda fountains were THE social hot spot! People of all ages would gather around this bubbly beverage for a taste of community and joy. Soda itself was considered an art form. Different fountains had signature drinks and often attempted to outdo each other with new and unique flavors. 

The art of soda, unfortunately, has fallen off the map for some time. Yet today, there are a handful of people bringing back this nostalgic practice. The landscape of this resurgence, however, lacks a medium for social interaction, focus on a diverse audience, and a well-designed experience.

My plan is to develop a brand and experience that embodies the qualities of soda: Energetic, Sophisticated, Creative, and Fun. By embodying these attributes I hope to attract a younger more diverse audience and create a medium that will foster community, creativity, and joy. 

Soda has a long history and flavors that are timeless yet it shouldn’t be taken too seriously, it’s soda!

[sam] phase 1

let the cavalcade begin: project 2 aka: phase 2 information is here and also in the sidebar...over there. btw: no one got this last year.

project 1 deliverables

please use this naming convention for the up-and-coming-end-o-project blog post—[first name] phase 1

example: [brandon] phase 1

and:
please use the label "phase 1 final"

please:
include a scribd version of your keynote® presentation—with notes—in addition to the other blog post requirements. your presentation will be graded. no blog post = nothing to grade and a failing grade for the project.

also remember:

• that the post must be made on the course blog and not your personal blog—or it will not be graded;
• that the blog post must be made prior to the beginning of class;
• the scribd presentation must include the notes/narrative from your keynote presentation;
• save your scrbd presentation to show as single slides rather than "scroll."

one more from the road

here it is...another "student's smart rebrand" of a very familiar face. check it here. what brand attributes do you think the designer is trying to visualize?

"hyper cool?"

so, who designed the original identity for 'merican airlines? anyone, anyone? check the entire article here.

Eye Magazine | Blog | Smoke bomb

"Last week I woke to the news that cigarette packaging is to be ‘un-designed’ as a result of a landmark ruling by the highest court in Australia, writes Alex Cameron.

As a result, from December, all fag packets will be olive green, and dominated by large graphic health warnings, with the manufacturers' names printed in a small generic font."

Eye Magazine

presentation considerations

some things to think about as you work towards starting, refining and finishing your presentations:

1. use the required content as an outline for the presentation
2. include all the required content—refer to the appropriate section of the project sheet
3. evaluate your brand attributes: test them by envisioning a graphic identity that would embody the attribute(s)
4. use images (photographs, drawing, diagrams) to reinforce and clarify the presentation of brand attributes
5. offer commentary or conclusions on competitors/comparables in addition to listing them
6. annotate (aka: title) slides to reinforce and help confirm content
7. consider, then state the importance or relevance of the brand/organization to the target audience (and personas)
8. a brand "essence" is a concise statement and often reflects a consumer need—eg: hallmark = enriching lives; volvo = safety...expect more. pay less?
9. a brand schematic is a concise overview—and it's a diagram
10. lower price is not a competitive advantage
11. practice reading your notes (while giving your presentation) to a friend, pet, non-living object, or street sign
12. try to create as many slides as possible—yes, make it a contest
13. use images
14. use good images
15. use appropriate compelling images

[collin] live bait

Forty Woods is a home grown live bait shop on the western border of Blue Springs along 40 Highwa
Forty Woods is a home grown live bait shop on the western border of Blue Springs along 40 Highway. I grew up around there.  Blue Springs would like to consider itself as the last bastion of civilization going east from Kansas City. Problem is, it can't shake its redneck roots. Forty Woods is a perfect example of those roots. It's been in that same spot since the 70s, selling nightcrawlers, crickets, lures, guns, and everything else a country-boy could possibly dream of. The storefront is burned in my mind from countless drives past its white corr

y. I grew up around there.  Blue Springs would like to consider itself as the last bastion of civilization going east from Kansas City. Problem is, it can't shake its redneck roots. Forty Woods is a perfect example of those roots. It's been in that same spot since the 70s, selling nightcrawlers, crickets, lures, guns, and everything else a country-boy could possibly dream of. The storefront is burned in my mind from countless drives past its white corr

ugated metal walls.

[jessica] toys & minnies!

I've decided to rebrand KC's own toy and miniature museum. After a visit to the museum I found it to be a place full of wonder and whim, that could use a little help in establishing its identity. The idea of toys and really tiny things is all about being playful and emphasizing contrast, a landscape for many, many possibilities that I am excited to explore.

[Ivan Alonso] FRESH CUT

I've decided to brand a hypothetical barbershop that is of personal entrepreneurial interest. Why? I think that a barbershop is more than just a place to get your hair cut. The best shops or should I say the most memorable are the ones that have an enjoyable experience that frame the actual cut. Combining old school values and contemporary aesthetics, I want to create a shop that appeals to men and women that embrace a lifestyle of Quality & Style.