Design Exploration / Project 2 : Design Expansion


09.10.2023 - 08.12.2023 / Week 7 - Week 15
Yung Siew Weng / 0339847
Design Exploration / 
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Project 2 / Design Expansion



Project 2

MODULE INFORMATION


Design Exploration - Project 2 : 
Design Expansion

INSTRUCTION
Expand the design developed for the competition by emerging the context with creative technology to expressplayfulness” at the heart of the experience. Think of designs that reflect a playful experience for the audience to encounter through your output / artwork / prototype.

EXPLORATION
After the exploration from Design Exploration / Project 1 : HONOR Talents Global Design Awards 2023, I continued to progress with my created artwork "Eternal Season". While my initial intention was to expand it into a comic-based art form, I considered the opportunity to explore it in the UI/UX industry, recognising the value it could add to my portfolio. However, given the constraints of time and the schedule for this semester, it became clear that creating something relevant to my specialisation in UI/UX was a challenge. Ultimately, I decided to let go of that idea and focused on developing a comic, but in a comic book format.

Fig 1.1 Design Expansion, Proposal Idea

Feedback @ Week 10 / 01.11.2023 
Great exploration! However, considering the tight timeline of just 4 weeks to complete the full project, it's advisable to create 4 chapters instead of 7. Combining each season into 1 chapter will significantly reduce the time required for the project's development.

After considering the feedback, I reworked the storyline to condense it into four chapters: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.

Fig 1.2 Nuttie's Eternal Season, Refined Ideation

Continuing with the refined ideation, I embarked on reconstructing the portrayal of the character "Nuttie" to ensure it would be more malleable and adaptable for construction and modifications while crafting the comic :

Fig 1.3 Development, Character Construction

Fig 1.4 Nuttie, 3-side View

After making many changes and building up the character, I realized that "Nuttie" has qualities of a bear, a human, and a squirrel. This combination makes my character really different and special in its own way.

With a clearer vision of my creation and its execution, I began crafting the storyboard for "Nuttie's Eternal Season" :

Fig 1.5 Nuttie's Eternal Season, Storyboard

Once I had a storyboard as a base, I initiated the construction process using Adobe Illustrator (Ai) :

CHAPTER 1 : SPRING WONDERS / 春日疑问 🐿️

Before diving into the story, I focused on constructing the initial layout page to introduce the audience to Nuttie's world :

Fig 1.6 Spring Wonder, Layout Development

After experimenting with versions, the left one lacked emphasis on key elements, appearing random. Consequently, I crafted an alternative layout (on the right), delving deeper into the serene shores of an island and showcasing the magical world within.

Fig 1.7 Spring Wonder, 1st Scene

Fig 1.8 Spring Wonder, 2nd Scene

Fig 1.9 Spring Wonder, Compilation

In the primary scene of "#Spring Wonder," two settings implement the same idea: Baby Nuttie's innocent curiosity sparking questions about his world's peculiarities. The first scene unfolds outdoors on the island, with Mama reading while Nuttie plays with his teddy, suddenly pondering: "Why can't the teddy bear talk? Why don't frogs fall?" 

The second scene shifts to the living room. Mama knits as Nuttie engages with his iPad. Upon seeing something on the screen, Nuttie questions: "What is Eternal?" Mama responds, explaining that "eternal is something that never ends, like the love between us." Both scenes encapsulate childhood wonder, embodying innocence and curiosity's essence. They capture the idea that in childhood, curiosity about the world is boundless.

CHAPTER 2 : SUMMER ADVENTURE / 夏日大冒险 🌷

Fig 1.10 Summer Adventure, 1st Scene

Fig 1.11 Summer Adventure, 2nd Scene

Fig 1.12 Summer Adventure, 3rd Scene

Fig 1.13 Summer Adventure, 4th Scene

Fig 1.14 Summer Adventure, Compilation

In "#Summer Adventure," Nuttie encounters Chike, the sole friend showcased in this comic book, adding humor to the plot to emphasize playfulness. Nuttie's query to Chike, "Why don't you eat the bait?" reflects his youthful curiosity and eagerness for exploration, symbolizing boundless aspirations.

Upon reaching the "hidden place," Nuttie and Chike are entranced by nature's beauty, spending their time playing and reveling in the surroundings. The story's setting, laying on the ground from day to night, conveys the notion that sometimes, doing nothing is a great idea. It reminds the audience that amidst chasing dreams, it's important to pause and appreciate the scenery above and below, capturing the essence of taking a moment to admire the world around us.

CHAPTER 3 : AUTUMN HARVEST / 秋天的丰收 🌰

Fig 1.15 Autumn Harvest, 1st Scene

Fig 1.16 Autumn Harvest, 2nd Scene

Fig 1.17 Autumn Harvest, 3rd Scene

Fig 1.18 Autumn Harvest, 4th Scene

Fig 1.19 Autumn Harvest, Compilation

In "#Autumn Harvest," the central theme revolves around Nuttie's action of shaking the tree to make nuts fall, a reflection of the primary concept in project 1. To add depth to the setting, I structured the scene to be more interconnected and cozy. At the outset, Papa and Mama are busy collecting nuts for the winter, indicated by Papa returning with nuts while Mama unpacks them. Meanwhile, Nuttie, feeling bored setting, reflects my childhood memory of lying on the floor when bored, then seeking comfort by expressing to my parents, "I'm bored," adding a humorous touch and a self-portrait element.

In Nuttie's world, a humorous interaction unfolds when Mama offers nuts, and Nuttie devises some "nut-things". He grabs nuts, stuffs them into the tree, and pretends to shake it to retrieve them, portraying the innocence of a child—a reminder for everyone, even adults, to embrace innocence. The storyline progresses as Papa returns to the island and finds Nuttie playing with nuts, questioning his actions due to the childhood lesson of "not playing with food." Nuttie's reaction, kicking the nuts and feeling restrained inside, reflects youthful defiance and suppressed emotions. However, it circles back as Nuttie expresses his desire to enjoy the autumn harvest too. Papa, touched by Nuttie's gesture, acknowledges Nuttie's growth, saying, "My Nuttie has grown up!"

This chapter encapsulates themes of rebellion, innocence, family, nature, bravery, and the desire to help despite limitations. It reflects the yearning to contribute and grow up, showcasing the eagerness to assist, even if abilities might fall short.

CHAPTER 4 : WINTER DELIGHT / 冬季欢乐 ❄️ 

Fig 1.20 Winter Delight, 1st Scene

Fig 1.21 Winter Delight, 2nd Scene

Fig 1.22 Winter Delight, 3rd Scene

Fig 1.23 Winter Delight : Snowflakes Development

Fig 1.24 Winter Delight, 4th Scene

Fig 1.25 Winter Delight, 5th Scene

Fig 1.26 Winter Delight, Compilation

In the concluding chapter, "#Winter Delight," the cozy winter setting of Christmas and snowmen serves as a comforting backdrop for the storyline. As I visualize this chapter, it gives a clearer impression of how to shape the narrative. Overall, this chapter encapsulates the joy of embracing the present moment and cherishing the companionship of loved ones, echoing the comfort and warmth found in shared experiences.

At the story's outset, Nuttie and Chike are engrossed in decorating their toy Christmas tree. However, realizing the star is too small for the toy, a magical moment occurs. Nuttie utters some enchanting words, transforming the toy into a real tree. Despite the tree growing big and realistic, Nuttie eagerly encourages Chike to decorate it by playfully pushing it down for easier access. An illustration humorously portrays their attempt to place the star, which fails. Both pretend nothing happened, reflecting the desire to avoid certain situations at times.

The story then shifts to the winter environment on the island. Nuttie and Chike ponder the uniqueness of snowflakes, construct a snowman, and relish the season's joys. This signifies finding happiness in togetherness despite earlier setbacks. The comic culminates as Papa joins the children, assisting them in taking pictures, symbolising eternal memories captured in photographs, fostering the idea that cherished moments last forever. 

<! -- End of Development of Storyline -->

After completing the content and illustrations, I transitioned to Adobe InDesign with the idea of crafting a comic book, not just a typical Powtoon-style creation but a fully designed publication. I embarked on structuring the chapter layouts, crafting the table of contents, designing the book cover, and more.

Fig 1.27 "Pre-boarding" Stage, Book Cover

Fig 1.28 "Pre-boarding" Stage, Table of Contents

Following this "pre-boarding stage," I'm delighted to announce the successful completion of my project, "Nuttie's Eternal Season." Below, I'll share the final outcome of this creation!

Fig 1.29 Nuttie's Eternal Season, Docs Compilation

Fig 1.30 Nuttie's Eternal Season, Full compilation PDF

Fig 1.31 Nuttie's Eternal Season, FlipHTML5


PROJECT RATIONALE 🐿️

The motivation behind creating this project, "Nuttie's Eternal Season," stems from a deep personal inclination towards tangible expressions of joy and achievement shared with loved ones. As someone who cherishes the tactile experience of sharing moments on paper with family and friends, the decision to embark on creating a comic book format over a digital presentation like Powtoon was intentional. This endeavour represents more than just an exploration into the world of comics; it's a heartfelt tribute to preserve my “campus life” in a form that feels profoundly portable and shareable.


The storyline of "Nuttie's Eternal Season" embodies the essence of childhood innocence, curiosity, and the joys of exploration. Each chapter reflects distinct themes and moments—spring encapsulates the boundless wonder and questioning nature of childhood; summer evokes the importance of appreciating nature's beauty and taking moments to pause amidst life's pursuits; autumn symbolises rebellion, innocence, familial ties, and the desire to contribute despite limitations; and finally, winter captures the comfort of togetherness and cherishing present moments with loved ones.


The chapters are crafted to not only entertain but also to impart essential life lessons—embracing innocence, valuing relationships, appreciating nature, and finding joy in simplicity. Each scene, whether it's Nuttie's innocent queries about the world or his playful adventures with friends, reflects universal experiences that resonate with readers of all ages. For example, “Spring Wonder" unfolds with Baby Nuttie's innocent curiosity about the world, portraying the unbounded wonder of youth. In "Summer Adventure," Nuttie's playful interaction with Chike reflects the boundless enthusiasm for exploration, underscores the significance of pausing to appreciate nature's wonders. "Autumn Harvest" embodies Nuttie's playful antics with nuts, revealing innocence, youthful rebellion, and the desire to contribute despite limitations. Finally, in "Winter Delight," the Christmas scene symbolises togetherness and tradition, culminating in Nuttie's imaginative transformation of a toy into a real tree, emphasising the importance of cherishing shared moments with loved ones. Each chapter intricately weaves themes of innocence, curiosity, growth, and the joy found in the simplicity of childhood experiences.


This project rationale underscores the desire to immortalise cherished memories in a format that transcends time. It's a testament to the enduring nature of familial bonds, the curious spirit of childhood, and the importance of treasuring the present moments shared with loved ones. Through this comic book, I aspire to capture not just a story but emotions and memories that resonate deeply, offering a portable treasure trove of joy and nostalgia.



FEEDBACK

Week 10 / 01.11.2023 @ Design Expansion Proposal
Great exploration! However, considering the tight timeline of just 4 weeks to complete the full project, it's advisable to create 4 chapters instead of 7. Combining each season into 1 chapter will significantly reduce the time required for the project's development.


REFLECTION

Embarking on the design expansion of Nuttie's world stretched me beyond my comfort zone, considering my expertise lies more in drawing rather than in creating a full-fledged narrative in a limited timeframe, unlike my proficiency in website or application design within UI/UX. Juggling numerous ideas, I faced the challenge of compromising certain aspects to meet deadlines, a process that taught me valuable lessons. Yet, amidst these constraints, completing another book in my campus journey brings immense satisfaction. Preferring tangible records over digital, akin to a "baby boomer" collecting memories in books or papers, my immediate inclination towards a comic book, rather than a digital Powtoon, stemmed from this preference. Creating something akin to a playful "Jacqueline style" became my guiding vision.

Reflecting on the final outcome, evident strides from my earlier work in the first year underscored notable improvements. "Nuttie's Eternal Season" embodied more of my own style, reflecting a year of growth and exploration in the design realm. Acknowledging progress made while acknowledging the need for ongoing improvement sets the tone for future endeavors. The module provided invaluable insights and learning opportunities, nurturing my creative process and refining my skills. This project will undoubtedly hold a special place in my heart, a nostalgic reminder of the growth and passion poured into its creation, and perhaps, a testament to future aspirations.

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