Forced Connection Project
Project Brief
The Forced Connection Project consisted of using visual connections and applying gestalt principles to make forced connections between symbols. The main challenge of this project was to have a symbol that successfully communicated the intended message. Several challenges had to be overcomed while doing this project. Research was a significant challenge in this project because it is essential for brainstorming ideas. Stylization was also a challenge because it is important for the process of choosing a style to convey the message. Deciding which symbols were going to be digitalized and adding type to transform them into logos was a challenge. Finally, choosing a final design was a challenge because each one of the designs was unique in their own way.
Concept Brief
My concept consists of using gestalt principles to force the connection between sea animals and sports/fitness. My concept required research on the connections I had to make and research that supported my design decisions. I had different goals for this project. I aimed to design a symbol that successfully communicated a clear message. I had the goal of using stylization to give essence to the design. Finally, I had the goal of making the best type decision to create a unique logo. The outcome of this project was creating a final design that had forced connections applying gestalt principles.
Topical Research
I used these images for topical research and I sketched over them to brainstorm ways of integrating forced connections.
Inspirational Research
I used these images for inspirational research. The geometrical shapes, gestalt principles applied, and simplicity inspired me on the creative process of designing the forced connection logo.
Design Process
I started by sketching all of the different sea animals and sports/fitness I could think of and made a word list to generate more ideas (See Figure 1.1). Started developing forced connections and applying gestalt principles (See Figure 1.2). Chose ten ideas, refined the sketches, and added more gestalt principles to them (See Figure 1.3). Stylized the ten forced connections (See Figure 1.4).
Then, I proceeded on to chose four symbols and refined them (See Figure 1.5). Converted my symbols to digital format, added type and tried many diffefrent variations, and chose the best one (See Figure 1.6).
Final Presentation
Conclusion
In conclusion, I feel proud and happy with the final results of this project. I consider that I learned many new things. First, I learned that research was an important aspect of designing this project. Second, I learned to keep pursuing an idea and keep exploring new designs. Third, I learned that it is good to have many different variations to choose from. Finally, I practiced applying gestalt principles and stylization. I believe this project made me grow and learn as a designer. This project was definitely a challenge for me and pulled me out of my comfort zone.