OUGD601 - Practical Research 1

Beginning the research for the practical investigation will mean looking at the different subjects covered in the essay and how they may be interpreted in a way that can be applied to graphic design. One theme that is currently recurring in the investigation is the relation between masculinity and gym culture. Another focus of the essay would be the different types of men that exist in society and why they choose to pursue fitness in their lives. Other themes that surround this subject include, body image, products for men and gender roles/interests.

The aims of the practical investigation:

• Looking at the relation between masculinity and muscularity
• Identifying whether evolution or social constructs are the reason for people to pursue a muscular body type.
• Understand how design is used to display masculinity. What are the immediate design approaches/decisions/styles used?
• To find out what influences the audience and could the practical offer an alternative approach?
• Find out whether the audience are willing to buy something in order to conform to a role
• Could feminine products be interpreted differently for masculine audiences?

Products

• Grooming Products - beard grooming / hair products / straight razors / 1900s style approach / wild west style approach
• Powerlifting / bodybuilding products - protein shakes

Joe.co.uk article - 21 really fucking manly products that let anyone know you are a man

• M.I. 5 o'clock shadow candles
• yoga for bros
• dude wipes
• Lenthric: The Man Masculin extreme 
• Manmosa cocktail
• Man Chocolate
• Men's Cooking - Owners kitchen Manual
• Powerful Yoghurt
• Men's Bread 
• Man's Comb
• Hero Clean Detergent  

Buzzfeed.com article - 16 very manly products that aren't at all a symptom of toxic masculinity, no sir

• Manly wine cans - ManCan 
• Boy's Bible - The Ultimate Manual
• The Bronut (donut)
• Kleenex Man Sized
• THEY hate pimples - manly concealer in 3 beer flavour shades
• Banana Boat For Men (sunscreen)

Indy 100 article - 13 of the absolute manliest products that only men can buy

• Broga mats (yoga)
• Axe shower scrubber
• Meggings (man leggings)
• Adidas 'For Men' body wash range with protein
• Spa Lavish - For Him (dog shampoo)

Most of the products listed are playing on stereotypes and using humour to appeal to their target audience. They take everyday products and add a 'manly' twist to them, in a way that would make most products seem more masculine.