Student Set Project: Tutorial with David

I had my first group tutorial today with David to discuss which brief I have decided to work on. I had a lot of notes scribbled down over many pages as I have had a lot of motivation towards this project as it is my final chance to show off my ability. I gave a run down of what my brief was, what I wanted to produce and what user functionality that included. David seemed pleased with my progress and gave me great advice and suggestions. For next Thursday, I should consider how I can make my concept app & physical content different from its competitors and of that already on the market. I had already done small research on this and found many online/ mobile apps are mortgage calculators and none appear to have the same concept as mine giving this project originality which I think will be a great advantage if I can submit it as part of the HSBC competition.

Next I was made aware of the narrative of this project, the brief clearly asks for a warm underlying humanistic feel and UX. This will be created through soft-toned personal messages and I have now considered animation or illustrations between completed checklists/ sections of the mobile application. This will engage and intrigue the user of its friendly, supportive content, making the app a real winner in contrast to the disconnected, low-quality mortgage calculators already on the market. To further research into app narrative I was suggested to look at other apps that specialise in Fashion for instance, another example could be mobile games and how they engage the user through the story. I will also research into typefaces to portray a modern, smart – yet friendly typeface.

As I have already jumped the gun and started sketching out and designing layout mockups on illustrator, I will now continue a more thorough research into how the app will be interacted and its functionality. By understanding and creating a strong connection between each of my concept ideas I will be able to create a more simple, responsive and beautiful user interface. I will also research into text hierarchy which is one of my favourite parts about typography. I am also considering about implementing sound into the app to reinforce completed decisions made by the user, these could be coins clinking, a locking mechanism or a simple swoosh to bring abstractionism and imagery of the users end result from using this application and process.

In regards to the time period I have to complete this project as best to my ability, I feel I can sufficiently create smart, efficient mockups ready for a presumed final presentation. I will keep a research and development file along side my progress to reflect on my decisions and final journey.

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