OUGD601 - Practical Research plan

After further discussions with tutors, some ideas for the practical could be suggested. Narrowing the ideas down into alternative possibilities makes the content of the essay easier to establish in the practical outcome. The aim will be to cover as much content from the essay as possible in the production of the practical.

Ideas

• wire framing for a competitive fitness app
• create a brand identity which is more inclusive
• a fitness based product which has no real physical benefit (placebo affect)
• mental health support website for fitness addicts
• monthly subscription box
• no physical approach

Out of these suggestions, the most relevant to the essay would be to design a subscription box or to make something non-physical or gender neutral. This will link to the essay in the way that it explains how constructed societal roles play a part in the marketing of products and services.

Considerations

• If the outcome will be a subscription box, it would be worth looking at Loot Crate, as it has several examples of packaging design and ways to attract an audience. It will also inspire the design of a subscription box and how the design can appeal to more than one audience. With this in mind, the aim may be to make the design more neutral so that it can avoid gender stereotypes based on imagery or colours that are typically associated with particular genders.
• Designing a subscription box, may also mean designing content for that box. In which case, the content could be a skincare brand which is aimed at men, but may also appeal to others. One thing that may be useful in this design would be to look at how existing skin care brands market themselves and what designs they use to appeal to that audience. E.g. The skincare brand Bulldog is aimed at all men in general, with a cruelty free policy which allows it to stand out and appeal to others, including vegans. 
• If the design is to be neutral, then there could instead be subtle hints to masculinity, in order to make clear that the practical is intended for male audiences. This might include packaging design similar to 1900s design or methods of the time. It could also be certain binding or decoration which will make the design more subtle in its approach to masculine design. This could possibly be done by embossing a cover design, for example.