design methodologies
Design Methods form a broad area which focuses on 5 separate areas which come together to form a whole. It is concerned in defining how and when events happen by creating order in an innovative and problem-solving manner. Standard conceptual tools or frameworks such as flowcharts and guidelines are not currently present, and still variables are most common. As a whole it is the convergence of science with design: recognizing how the mind works, finding methods how to think differently in order to come out with more original and innovative design solutions and applying every effort as elements in an artwork/design.
Divergence, Transformation, Convergence, Sustainability and Articulation.
DIVERGENCE:
Through quantitative and qualitative research one explores the opportunities/possibilities and limitations of the situation at hand in a critical manner in order to create new understanding towards solving the problem/make the design better in an original and creative manner.
TRANSFORMATION: Once there is a solution - or several - to the problem, one must transform those findings into a successful outcome by outlining specifications in order to get a response from all design areas if possible, enhancing innovation and compatibility.
CONVERGENCE: Creating prototype scenarios so that one places himself in the situation and better recognizes the best solution that would improve the present situation or design project.
SUSTAINABILITY: The solution must be timeless and sustainable; this means that it can retain its original form conceptually while being redefined and updated, making it contemporary and manageable over time.
ARTICULATION: The joining of parts to create a whole. However different may one part be from another, that significant joint created through articulation defines the connection between those parts and high articulation leads to highly defined work due to the emphasis on each separate part. This creates an outcome which is not continuous, yet the independence of each element creates harmony to the eye.
Currently, one can say that design methods have been interchanged and rewritten and redescribed a million times, however still the concepts remain and the bond between science of the human mind and behaviour and art is growing stronger as we progress. This is due to new technologies which are based on integrating the user as fully as possible and also nature and other elements and disciplines which the individual considers as something elementary in his/her life. Some of the contemporary design methods are as follows:
Emphasis on the user: EXPERIENCE & INTEGRATION
Validating convictions with researched facts
Breaking the system: enough with the norm, go against the current, brainstorm BIG
Collaborate with other disciplines and applicable elements to enhance the outcome & increase compatibility
Divergence, Transformation, Convergence, Sustainability and Articulation.
DIVERGENCE:
Through quantitative and qualitative research one explores the opportunities/possibilities and limitations of the situation at hand in a critical manner in order to create new understanding towards solving the problem/make the design better in an original and creative manner.
TRANSFORMATION: Once there is a solution - or several - to the problem, one must transform those findings into a successful outcome by outlining specifications in order to get a response from all design areas if possible, enhancing innovation and compatibility.
CONVERGENCE: Creating prototype scenarios so that one places himself in the situation and better recognizes the best solution that would improve the present situation or design project.
SUSTAINABILITY: The solution must be timeless and sustainable; this means that it can retain its original form conceptually while being redefined and updated, making it contemporary and manageable over time.
ARTICULATION: The joining of parts to create a whole. However different may one part be from another, that significant joint created through articulation defines the connection between those parts and high articulation leads to highly defined work due to the emphasis on each separate part. This creates an outcome which is not continuous, yet the independence of each element creates harmony to the eye.
Currently, one can say that design methods have been interchanged and rewritten and redescribed a million times, however still the concepts remain and the bond between science of the human mind and behaviour and art is growing stronger as we progress. This is due to new technologies which are based on integrating the user as fully as possible and also nature and other elements and disciplines which the individual considers as something elementary in his/her life. Some of the contemporary design methods are as follows:
Emphasis on the user: EXPERIENCE & INTEGRATION
Validating convictions with researched facts
Breaking the system: enough with the norm, go against the current, brainstorm BIG
Collaborate with other disciplines and applicable elements to enhance the outcome & increase compatibility
creativity techniques
Creativity techniques encourage creative actions and utilize design methods as well in the sense that the train of thought is based on the same guidelines, however this time it is to make them beautiful in an innovative way. Unlike design methods, these techniques include word games, improvisation exercises, problem solving and other exercises which place the individual in a prototyped situation which must either be solved or enhanced and the IDEA (the concept) which defines the final outcome is accessed, rather than the method in itself (how one carried out the concept).
Among others there are ALEATORY techniques, which integrate chance into the artwork in order to create randomness: one cannot read chance, therefore the result may be outstanding with effect; of course if used with sense. It is a very innovative and unbiased method to introduce new elements/thoughts/ideas into a creative process. IMPROVISATION is also an excelelnt manner how one can truly test his imagination and creativity in solving/enhancing situations on the go without prior preparation. This brings out the true nature of the individual in what regards how the inspirations and creative thought process were affected by the situation at hand, the production of new and more efficient design methods and problem solving and the usage of environmental elements/inspirations and tools available at that moment without prior hesitation.
Among others there are ALEATORY techniques, which integrate chance into the artwork in order to create randomness: one cannot read chance, therefore the result may be outstanding with effect; of course if used with sense. It is a very innovative and unbiased method to introduce new elements/thoughts/ideas into a creative process. IMPROVISATION is also an excelelnt manner how one can truly test his imagination and creativity in solving/enhancing situations on the go without prior preparation. This brings out the true nature of the individual in what regards how the inspirations and creative thought process were affected by the situation at hand, the production of new and more efficient design methods and problem solving and the usage of environmental elements/inspirations and tools available at that moment without prior hesitation.
narrative
One may not list stories, fables and film - or any type of storyline - into design, however there is a very aesthetic approach to create an interesting and captivating narrative. These include:
Narrative Structure: Identifiable beginnings, middles and ends, in more exact words: exposition > development > climax > denouement, with added climaxes and a strong focus on temporality, which sheds light on the past (maybe to gather information useful for present/future happenings), emphasizes actions in the present and creates anticipation for the possible future (famous sequels!). Furthermore, each event, however different it may be, must have a connection with the one preceding or following it in order to create a flow in the narrative that can be followed without losing interest halfway.
Attention to characters: According to D. Lodge, the characterization is the most important single part of every plot. This is because the readers/viewers always search someone or something which has personality enough for them to relate with, and this is also enhanced when the characters have a motivation.
Audience: Every piece of art has an audience, especially one which has a story to tell. The audience must be recognized in order for the story to be effective since not all elements are applicable to every kind of audience. Audience includes the different cultures, beliefs, languages and also environments.
Outline: the script at the end must be outlined so one can know if all the essential elements which make the story interesting, flowing and effective were applied and correctly in order.
Storyboard: A storyboard is the essential tool in creating a prototype of how the scene will be like. It may be rough sketches, pasted related images or digital work. Its job is to relate the story and create the intended atmosphere without words needed since it is portraying what the audience is going to experience; an audience which has never looked at the written narrative.
Narrative Structure: Identifiable beginnings, middles and ends, in more exact words: exposition > development > climax > denouement, with added climaxes and a strong focus on temporality, which sheds light on the past (maybe to gather information useful for present/future happenings), emphasizes actions in the present and creates anticipation for the possible future (famous sequels!). Furthermore, each event, however different it may be, must have a connection with the one preceding or following it in order to create a flow in the narrative that can be followed without losing interest halfway.
Attention to characters: According to D. Lodge, the characterization is the most important single part of every plot. This is because the readers/viewers always search someone or something which has personality enough for them to relate with, and this is also enhanced when the characters have a motivation.
Audience: Every piece of art has an audience, especially one which has a story to tell. The audience must be recognized in order for the story to be effective since not all elements are applicable to every kind of audience. Audience includes the different cultures, beliefs, languages and also environments.
Outline: the script at the end must be outlined so one can know if all the essential elements which make the story interesting, flowing and effective were applied and correctly in order.
Storyboard: A storyboard is the essential tool in creating a prototype of how the scene will be like. It may be rough sketches, pasted related images or digital work. Its job is to relate the story and create the intended atmosphere without words needed since it is portraying what the audience is going to experience; an audience which has never looked at the written narrative.
how must these methods be applied to the projection?
The main research done in what regards the nature of the projection mapping was going there and experiencing the Grandmaster's palace: what it consists of and its structure. So much is hidden behind its walls! Loads of photos were taken from different angles in order to discover different perspectives of the palace. From that point onwards, we explored the possible amazing opportunities that this place offered, such as its important part in the history of Malta, its relationship with the Knights of St Johns Cavalier and the Baroque style with which it was built. We also discovered certain limitations, such as the fact that it is not on level ground, but with quite a tilt since the ground has a gradient, and also the many windows which are not of the same size and the balconies. Many measurements were taken in order to create a precise architectural mapping of the facade and one by one we began solving problems. Common Christmas traditions, Maltese traditions at this time of year and meaningful symbols, colour schemes of the season and events were thoroughly researched and uploaded as further inspiration. At first as groups we came up with several storyboards of possible interesting narratives for the projection and when the actual script from V18 was printed, we analyzed it and unfortunately we found it was not the best we had seen and with their approval we ended up changing it all with the help of our tutors. We applied narrative techniques to the script, taking care to outline the characters well, add climaxes and suspense moments plus highly traditional and moments of Xmas spirit and also took the audience in consideration first: this appears clearly in the falling gift tags in different languages. Afterwards it was outlined by the tutor to define exactly what events were going to happen and at what time and the actual story, meanings, and moments of high impact. Many ideas came up when using some of the creativity techniques I mentioned above, such as concepts for Santa's factory, the Maltese luzzu instead of the stereotyped sleigh and the use of the Maltese aqueduct as the structure of Santa's factory by creating rough inspirational sketches during the discussions and sketching down instant ideas pf which many were implemented.
... And to what effect?
These decisions and methodologies must be adopted to have a successful output, since they collect all the elements of design as one and help the user implement them in the correct order. I think that the effect created was that of an amalgamation of contemporary ideas and customs with those integrated deep in the fabric of Maltese culture. It is very apparent when one watches the final product that thorough study was made of the majority of Xmas popular traditions and customs and Maltese history because it shines even through the nature of the characters, what they are wearing, the colour schemes and the architecture and symbols used to further define the amazing historical timeline of the Maltese islands. From the number of people that gathered one can guess that it attracted a wide spectrum of audience, which was one of our initial aims and it created a strong, cheery Christmas spirit with even children gathering and shouting for more.