Research Method
RESEARCH DESIGN
The research for this project will be conducted in two stages of review and analysis; the literature review and case studies.
The literature review concerns its self with the study of graphic design and branding as they both contribute to the development of broadcast design. This review will also extend to cover sources describing broadcast design and aesthetics. The aim of this research is to describe the context of the study and identify theories of design and branding. These theories will form the criteria for analysis of the last three objectives.
The second stage of research will investigate and analyse a series of examples with a focus on the development of network or channel identities. Some studies in the visual identity of other entities will augment the information gathered. For example, television show packaging and advertisement campaigns will also form subjects for study.
STRATEGY AND FRAMEWORK
The investigation will begin in January 2012 continuing until the submission of the dissertation in May 2012. This will initially involve a more thorough look into the subjects of the first objective. Further literature on the historical context of symbols moving into branding and graphic design will be explored. Motion graphics and aesthetics will also be studied in order to establish applicable criteria for assessment of visual identity.
This collection of literature will give a firm context within which the case studies can be considered with more depth and appreciation. The methods of development employed by each example will be discussed and analysed allowing an informed selection of the most relevant to be taken forward into the Honours Project. The analysis, through media testing, of the processes should critically asses their practicality in further application. This practice based research will inform both the final piece and the dissertation.
The dissertation will continue with a discussion of the processes used in creating a visual identity and propose some potential methodologies for successful design.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Precedence will be given to books and journals as research sources due to the more exacting constraints of their publishers. Data will also be taken from less reputable sources such as personal web sites and non peer reviewed articles as these may prove to be a source of valuable insight of personal experiences in design. It is important that while reviewing these sources the researcher remains objective. The specific data required concerns design and its ability to convey a message or meaning. Topics including branding, broadcast design, graphic design and motion graphics will form the main focus as they are the most relevant to the subject. The data relating to the case studies in the second objective will be made up, where available, of published interviews, reviews and material archived by the subjects.
The collection and review of this data will inform the analysis of visual identity development. This analysis will be furthered through practice based research in the form of media tests which will in turn be reviewed and analysed based on findings in the literature. These methods of collection and analysis were selected as they were deemed to most appropriate in contributing to the successful resolution of this project.
I Need Nothing - a nearly useless odyssey from Cãoceito on Vimeo.