For one of my recent projects I had to supervise graphic design work. This was the first of its kind of experience. My whole career was UI/Interaction design centric. Frankly it was a different world all together. Here is what i felt differently
When I make a UI, I use the design scenarios to test its usability with users. So the user walks through it, while I watch him using the interface. Its like water flowing. As a rock comes by, it obstructs the flow and one can notice it and correct it. But when it comes to graphics, what the hell do I test and how?? What do I say.. do you like it? Why don't you like it?? (don't you know how much time we have spent in coming up with this 'not seen before' graphics and you don't have the taste to appreciate it??)
Well unlike UI there is nothing to learn here.. You can make the user learn something but you cannot make him like something!! This is a big challenge. I cannot say that "oh sure he will like it over a period of time". If he doesn't like, he doesn't like it. Simple. Get on with work and make more alternatives..phew!!
Another challenge is how does one decide what is best for the user. This is tricky because even if you ask him if you like this and he says yes and then ask him why do you like it and the user is shut up. He never seems to know why he likes or doesn't like something. It's a feeling, how does he explain it?? Well, to get over this problem we researched on how coke and pepsi are tested with end users. We then designed a test to efficiently and indirectly test the graphics with the users. It gave us the user's needs, wants and desires that he wants fulfilled. Something that gives him what he wants to feel about it.
This experience was certainly an eye-opener towards visual design and how hard it is to get it right. I can now appreciate the rigour of what graphic designers go through.
3 comments:
I did not know Kern did graphic design work. I would like to see what you came up with.
Well Kern is not primarily into graphic design, but this was an exceptional case(more like a favor for the client). The graphics were a follow up of interaction design exercise.
However, the graphics were to be the very high end.
Cannot show it as the product is not out in the market.
i guess GD is a very intuitive process. Close to a decade back RK Swamy BBDO, one of the leading agencies in India placed an ad in all the leading tabloids looking for creative people. One of the requirements apart from a design degree and experience as a designer, was to have the time of your life going for u!!!
Post a Comment