Test Your Fate: Mechanism Test

In order to identify how best to build each mechanism involved, cardboard tests have been conducted based on tutorials identified during the research stage of this brief. To help determine the size of each mechanism, specifically the plunger, a piece of card the same width as the machine has been used to help visualise the size ratio of the mechanisms compared to the machine. This was helpful however more precise tests need to be conducted using wood to determine durability and be explored in relation to the machine itself as the initial tests are too small. Furthermore it's difficult to gauge how fluid the movements of each mechanism will be as cardboard is lighter and more maneuverable than wood therefor the mechanisms could be stiff or jerky rather than smooth, however this will be explored with more accurate testing. Overall I think the designs of each mechanism will work, however further tests need to be completed to identify which wood/mdf is most appropriate. These experiments where very primitive, as I wanted to test the design roughly before conducting tests with wood.

Test Your Fate: Manual Development

In order to develop the simplified manual design further, I've explored how different routes/job roles can be incorporated within the holes of the machine. Due to the varying size/length of the different options, repeating the word to fill the space surrounding the whole worked best as simply making the text larger looked unrefined and messy (see figure 1). Furthermore throughout these experiements, GT Pressura Pro M has been used due to its height x-height giving it a more scientific/instructional aesthetic. Two approaches to the machine have been taken as previously discussed, looking at the idea of repeating the game so it's only over once you've reached success and highlighting the different job roles/routes people can take after graduation. In relation to making the game end once you've achieved success different layout options have been explored see identify where best to have the 'success' hole so that the player doesn't achieve success without failing first (see figure 2-3). In relation to exploring the use of different job roles, I felt this was slightly more interesting as I can show the options available to graduates as not everyone who graduates wants to be a traditional designer, some want to go travelling, become teachers and go into different areas such as interiors and set design, as identified during earlier research. Furthermore I wanted to incorporate an element that showcased that it's okay to not have a fully thought out plan or not know what you want do (see figures 2 and 4). Therefore I incorporated a hole for no plan and also created an easter egg within the design using the flippers. Underneath each flipper there is a message, different messages where explored however I felt 'wing it' under each was most appropriate due to its light-hearted and reassuring nature. (see figures 5-7). 

Upon reflection of the design, I felt the holes where too close together due to the incorporation of the name of the game etc on the board which isn't necessary as these would normally be featured on the backglass above (see figure 8). Therefore the manual inspired design was moved onto a separate board, representing the back glass to allow for more space on the board itself (see figures 9-11). This allowed more elements to be incorporated such as obstacles and guides that the ball can bounce off and run down, this stops the ball falling in the first hole, prolonging the game (see figure 11). The main issue faced when adding additional elements was how to centre the design, as if the design is centered to the board some elements would get cut off by the plunger/runner, therefore the elements have been centered to the main playing area rather than the board itself to allow the holes to be positioned evenly (see figure 11). Although balck and white works well and references traditional manuals, colour will be explored in order to make the design stand out more. 

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 4

Figure 3

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Adonis Specimen: Cover Re-do

Using the new plate created at the correct width of the specimen, further embossing/debossing could be conducted. This process was much simpler than before as I had previous experiments to base the positioning of the plate in the press on meaning the cover could be created quickly (see figures 1-2). Placing the plate on the left allows the correct outcome to be present on the front of the cover rather than the back which was a common problem during the first set of experiments (see figures 1-2). Each piece of paper was soaked for 1 minute and immediately put through the press to avoid drying out as in previous experiments if the paper was allowed to dry slightly the printing process wouldn't be as clean. As a result of this multiple clean prints where created allowing for spare covers if the binding process goes wrong (see figures 3-5). 

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Test Your Fate: Manual Idea

Based on initial visual research exploring pinball machine manuals and design manuals, I've explored how this aesthetic could be transferred to a pinball machine. Initially, I treated the machine base as an editorial cover exploring the idea that instructions are not included for like as things will/can go wrong as well as the multiple job roles available to design graduates (see figure 1).  The main element inspired by manuals was the title (see figure 2) featuring a potential name for the game alongside all the common questions new graduates get asked, these questions act as an easter egg within the game as you have to look closely to understand. Developing the multiple job roles idea, I wanted to highlight the overwhelming feeling of having to pick just one of these options as a graduate which lead overlapping bold text that 'shouts' pick one to show the urgency and panic felt by some graduates (see figures 3-4). Furthermore I also explored how this would work alongside one of the most common questions ask 'what's your plan' (see figure 5). However upon relfection I felt the use of so much text was too overpowering and wouldn't work once the holes were incorporated as certain job roles/characters would get cut off. Therefore I've explored how a more simple typographic approach that works around the holes (see figure 6-7), however these initial ideas are limited and need to be developed further as the text is too simple. In relation to the main focus of the manual a more simplified approach has been taken, featuring the title only which would allow the holes to be incorporated whilst still referencing the 'no manual to life' origin (see figure 8). This idea needs to be further developed to see how type can interact with the holes themselves. Throughout these experiments black and white has been used as a base to help refine the idea with colour developments needing to be conducted. Furthermore Helvetica has been used due to its common use within design manuals, specifically those aimed towards a more minimal, swiss style.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7 

Figure 8

Adonis Specimen: Layout Update

 Based on reviewing the initial printed specimen, I've edited the white section further making the columns of text thinner and longer and reducing the point size of the text to more effectively represent what those affected by the Adonis complex see in the mirror (see figures 1-7). Furthermore, I've explored the use of a silver cover using embossing and debossing to print the type, which makes the cover more engaging and dynamic. Some of the pixelation issues have been amended with higher quality images being sourced, however when printed the colours have printed darker which is unavoidable despite a high-quality printer being used (see figure 4). The overlapping text has also bee removed allowing the split image representing two sides to be the main focus and the text feature on the next page, creating a cleaner layout (see figure 8). In addition, the cover from the first print has been moved to the first page as this represent the story of the specimen more successfully than having the thin version of the type introduce the publication (see figures 9-10). Further tests need to be conducted using the pearlescent paper to create a full wrap around cover, which once complete will allow the book to be perfect bound.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8 

Figure 9

Figure 10 

Adonis Specimen: Mock-up Review

Upon printing and binding the first specimen I felt there where areas that could be improved, specifically the white half of the publication. The concept of this section is centred around what those affected by the Adonis complex see in the mirror, however the text was too large and the columns could have been slimmer (see figures 1-2). Furthermore, some of the images where quite pixelated, making the overlapping text difficult to read (see figure 3-4). The white ink section has worked really well, registering with the black ink perfectly meaning this section doesn't need to altered (see figures 5-8). The stock within the white section is slightly thinner than the black further enhancing the separation between the two as the reader is can only see the full typeface once they have reached the centre where you can see both perspectives next to each other. In addition, the cover (see figure 9)lacked impacted as originally the front cover was going to be white and the back cover was going to be black with the book being contained within a silver box inspired by the concept of the 'man box'. Opening the box and revealing the specimen would act as a representation of breaking the elements that make up the man box which are linked to muscle dysmorphia such as the stereotype that men have to be strong and tough. The box would be made out of silver/pearlescent paper represents a mirror as the reader can reflect on The Adonis Complex throughout the specimen. However as the cover lacks impact I plan to incorporate this paper within the cover itself, embossing/debossing the type to represent the two perspectives within the cover. Therefore I plan to make the box out of black card, similar to the black section of the book to represent the man box with the silver paper acting as mirror/ element of reflection as you open the book and start to read about the different elements of the Adonis complex and muscle dysmorphia.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6 

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9 

Test Your Fate: Visual Research Design Manuals

Upon researching pinball machine manuals I've explored design publications and manuals to identify a more considered approach to the layout and communication of information targeted towards a design based audience. Many follow a simple grid system allowing for a minimalistic design, centring the focus on the information. The use of colour plays an important role as it allows the publications to stand out, giving them character compared to those simply using black and white. This grid/structured approach would be interesting to implement within a pinball machine to see if the minimalistic aesthetic would work within an energetic and playful setting. This implementation of structure may help with the implementation of the holes and information that will be featured alongside such as job role or obstacle.