Leeds research...

For the new module i had to research Leeds, i have made a collection 100. This collection consists of 20 photos, 20 opinions, 20 facts, 20 statistics and 20 words.

  

  

Primary research:

Primary research is something that you collect and source yourself. It is first hand and is not an existing piece of information. For example if you went out and took your own photos or you interviewed someone, that is primary research, as you did it.

Secondary research:

Secondary research is something that already exists, you can find secondary sources in books, journals or the internet, it is something that you did not initially source yourself but its the work/research of someone else.

My Primary research:

Primary research that i have gathered about Leeds includes the opinions i collected about Leeds, as i asked people. The photos i took of Leeds are primary source material and the words that described Leeds with were primary source material.

With the photos that i took i tried to collect a variety of different genres of Leeds in a visual way, i have photos from the annual German market, The river Aire, modern architecture, the backstreets and historical monuments showing the glory and not so glorious sides of the city. I decided to do my photos in black and white as i felt it would focus more on the detail and essence of the city rather than the vibrant colours, i also think that black and white has more emotion to it.

The opinions i have collected show examples of good and bad things about Leeds so i have a wider idea of peoples views on the city.

My Secondary research:

Secondary source material that i collected includes facts and statistics about Leeds, i found these on the Leeds government website and the Leeds city council webpage.

The statistics and facts that i found about Leeds are quite broad and are about Leeds as a city, a community and a place in general, i didnt want to focus on one aspect of Leeds as i would be restricting further research adventures.

When you start to research something you begin to find out things you didnt know that maybe some people think is obvious and it can be quite exciting to find out more and more. You become curious and inspired.

My quantitative research:

Quantitative research is research that includes no numerical information, for example quantitative research i have gathered includes my photographs, the 20 words, and peoples opinions. 

My qualitative research:

Qualitative research is research that contains numerical information such as statistics and facts, qualitative research i have gathered includes, my facts and statistics about Leeds. This includes the history of Leeds timeline as it has the year which is a number.

Sequence through space...

I have looked into some examples of sequence through space, the first one that came to mind was the channel 4 ident adverts..

Channel 4 ident adverts

It's really clever how they create these moving image sequences, the seperate sections of the number 4 are set at different plains and the image slowly moves round, as it gets to the centre the '4' appears, it then carries on to show the seperate parts from the opposite angle. This technique has been used in a variety of different settings.

A stage set is another example of how a sequence through space is made of layers. Each scene or section of the stage has it's own plain, these can be moved according to the story scene of a theatre show. The layers help to make the stage look more realistic and 3D, rather than just having a background that constantly changes. It makes you feel more involved.

Pop up's

Pop up cards and books are well known, fun examples of Sequences through space. Each section of the pop up is set on a plain, once the card or page has been opened it forces the plains to pull together and form the 3D pop up. Books and cards made in this way are exciting and more engaging.

Visual Literacy...

Visual synecdoche:

A visual synecdoche is when you use an image or symbol that is universally recognised and understood,as a substitute for a main subject rather than it taken at face value for its literal meanings. This is a device designers use to interact and communicate with their audience using a very clean and simple way.


Visual metaphor:

A visual metaphor is used to transfer the meaning of one image to another. Although the images may have no close relationship, a metaphor conveys an impression about something relatively unfamiliar by drawing a comparison between it and something familiar.

Visual metonym:

A visual metonym is a symbolic image tat is used to make a reference to something with a more literal meaning. For example, a cross might be used to signify the church. By way of association the viewer makes a connection between the image and the intended subject.Unlike a visual synecdoche, the images bear a close relationship, but they are not intrinsically linked. And unlike visual metaphors, metonyms do not transfer the characteristics of one image to the other.

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I found this poster against racism in football, it is a great example of how a designer has used well known images or symbolism to communicate their message to an audience. The football is an obvious symbol that is universally recognized, but with the figure that appears to be kicking the ball, is also a hidden symbol so powerful and certainly recognisable. The swastika is universally known from the war, Hitler used it as the symbol for the Nazi party, and it became known as a symbol of hatred, death, murder and violence.

The Nazi's were a racist group of German nationalists who were all for a 'pure' race. It is clever how the designer has played on this symbol within this poster. When i first saw it, it did take me a minute to see the hidden symbol, but i think its genious.

Its amazing to see how people recognise an image or object and know what it means, for example a pumpkin, the majority of people know that a pumpkin is associated with halloween. The same with logo's, the golden arches, also known as the mcdonalds 'M' is instantly recognised.