MODE, Archive of Visible Signs, is an online graphic design archive focusing on logos investigating the relationship between design and culture. The website provides an extraordinary way of storing logo designs through which the users are expected to examine the archived works by using specific filters and relations. While the users are given an immense amount of data, filtering through historical, formal, and semantic qualities of design works helps them identify and compare how graphic design has accompanied meaning throughout history. It aims at how the message (semantic attributes) of a logo is visually formed based on location, date, and formal values.
Users of MODE are able to;
- List graphic design works,
- Filter them by using historical, formal and semantic data attached to each design work,
- Upload new logo designs that are published by relevant graphic design organizations to expand the archive,
- Use this website as a research tool,
- Moderate design and culture related presentations for educational purposes as a student or educator,
- Be part of a community where you can share your knowledge and learn from others through discussions.
RESEARCH
This website was a part of my MFA thesis. For further information, click here.
PROTOTYPE
The low-fidelity prototype built with paper and markers was created to test user scenarios and various attributes of the overall idea. The paper prototype also profoundly inspired the final prototype.
WORKSHOP
After building the initial prototype, it was essential to test this online experience concerning the usability of the design and to collect feedback regarding the overall experience of the participants. A workshop was designated to accomplish these goals.
In the first part, the participants were asked to use the website without being given any instructions. Based on individual conversations and observations, the participants were able to use the website, charts, and filters without experiencing usability problems.
In the second part, the participants were asked to find a previously published logo and upload it to the system by using their username and password. In this part, they had to not only find relevant information about the historical context of the logo that they uploaded but also had to make their subjective evaluations.
The third part started with making a group of two amongst the participants. Then they were asked to open the logo uploaded by the group friend and re-evaluate the values by discussing and make necessary changes.
In the final part, the participants were asked to log out and perform the first part again. Most importantly, their task was to find the logo they uploaded by trying different filters. Since the website does not allow the users to find a logo by just typing its name, they had to use a filter to narrow down their search. This allowed them to compare the work they uploaded with the other ones that shared similar historical, formal, and semantic values.
FINAL OUTCOME
The website is accessible on modearchive.com.
FURTHER RESEARCH
I am currently developing a Ph.D. thesis research plan to address various problems arising throughout the research and incorporate new theories and methods.
Special Thanks to:
Joseph DiGioia, Committee Chair
Rihab Bagnole, Committee Member
Trudy Abadie-Mendia, Committee Member
SCAD GDVX 789, 791, 792