Expectations:
The entire foundation and methodology of graphic design is based primarily upon the relationship between the work and the viewer. The intention of the work, how the work will effect the viewer and vice versa, and the environment and culture of the viewer, are all important factors in creating an effective design that maximizes the impact of the relationship between the viewer and the piece. Unfortunately, all these factors are based on the assumption that the viewer of the piece is actually able to interact visually with it. This assignment challenges the designer to create a piece not intended for a viewing public, rather, to design a piece that allows for interaction without visual cues.
The student is to create a broadside for a fictional event called, “Third Eye Guided.” The event will be a celebration of visually impaired artists and musicians and will promote the advancement of the creative arts for the blind. Because the piece is intended to be experienced without the aid of visual stimulus, the student is invited to consider additional elements, such as texture, form, space, and sound to best communicate with the target audience, the visually impaired.
Concept:
Creating a poster for the visually impaired forces the designer to think about the interactivity through means other than visuals. Though visuals are the most often utilized means of communication, other ways of interaction are available to the hand of the designer. Individuals who can't see to interact with a broadside must use their ability to touch, hear, or smell the design, and the use of touch is the most easily controllable factor within these options.
With my broadside texture and temperature are the most important aspects of communicating ideas. The use of cool metal and warm lights can give the person interacting with this format a sense of hierarchy and further identification than would be achievable through texture alone. Heat can indicate a higher level of importance and allow the visually impaired the ability to understand the event that is taking place.
