Team Project

Expression of ideas, change, and adaptability. The above display is the product of a 7-week process. In the end, we decided to keep the display generic so that it can be used to bring awareness to the multiple or single topics of distracted, drowsy, and alcohol-impaired driving.

Complexity

We discussed the trend toward digital displays. If we added a motion graphic or video would this bring a dimension to the table display that would increase interest and appeal?

We experimented with a table layout that included a foldout visual, laptop, monitor, and T-shirts. To keep the display portable, we decided to limit the elements to a printed foldout, 1-2 signature/message items, and the T-shirt samples.

Each display viewer that wishes to receive one of the T-shirts will be asked to fill out a short feedback form about display design, T-shirt design, and traffic safety messages.

Materials and Process

While our group had great display ideas, budget and supplies quickly became a consideration. We looked at what we had available to us at no cost, what we could purchase for a few dollars, and what design elements to spend the most dollars on to "draw" in the audience.

Display Planning

Initially, we worked individually to create some core concepts for the display. However, we worked as a group to elaborate on the core ideas by creating sketches, small models, and other visuals. While the group did create some great ideas for the display individually, it was beneficial for everyone to talk through the concepts and make improvements or eliminations as a group. Sometimes when we were at a standstill, one person would take the lead and make an executive decision to get us on track again.

Message Promotion

Our design team goal is to get students interested and involved in the importance of transportation safety with the hope that they share the information with others. We decided to create a unique display with concise messages that will encourage our peers to think about safety when driving, riding, and walking.

You Lost the Game

This design illustrates the awake, alert, and sober message by placing words and phrases in a grid. This is a twist on "the game." If people are too tired, constantly distracted by technology, or have been drinking and think about driving under those conditions, they've lost the game. It's a time for awake, alert, and sober friends to take the keys and determine a safe ride home.

Seeing Double? Seize the Keys.

The design concept of "Seeing Double? Seize the Keys" brings attention to alcohol-impaired driving. The image on the T-shirt front of a blurry eye chart relates to what an alcohol-impaired person might see. The text on the T-shirt back "Seize the Keys" is the main message which promotes taking away a friend's keys after they have been drinking.

Less Texting. More Driving.

As more people use electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle, this message encourages a shift in behavior to put away the cell phone and focus on the road.

Outside the Car

The "think outside the car" message reminds drivers to be aware of their surroundings and watch for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles. The goal is to encourage drivers to stay focused on the road by driving awake, driving alert, and driving sober.

Choices

The T-shirt sketches were critiqued, design elements placed in grids, and graphics sized according to guidelines determined earlier in the project. T-shirt colors were chosen based on perceived audience preferences.

Shifting Gears

AWAKE.  ALERT.  SOBER.

These words symbolize a shift in driving practices as the Get A Grip Program works to bring attention to drowsy, distracted, and alcohol-impaired driving.

Creativity and Collaboration

The summer 2011 project is about brainstorming and learning how to collaborate as a group. As designers, we are never at a loss for ideas. We began the design phase with a collection of phrases/slogans that relate to traffic safety that were inspired by our research. Over the last two days we developed 70 phrases. Through the process of elimination and discussion, we narrowed down the choices to four slogans. The weekend task is for each team member to generate at least three sketches for each slogan.

Caught Taking a Nap

This play on words and graphics is a wake-up call to anyone who has ever operated a vehicle while feeling drowsy! According to the National Sleep Foundation's 2011 Sleep in America® poll, 50% of 19-29 year olds surveyed said they drove while drowsy at least once in the past month. About one in ten, (12%) say they drive drowsy once or twice a week.

Iowa Data

• During 2000-2009, over 4,600 16-24 year olds were seriously injured in Iowa traffic crashes.
• Iowa currently averages over 500 traffic-related pedestrian injuries each year.
• Over 450 bicyclists are injured annually as a result of Iowa traffic crashes.
• Drivers age 16-24 typically represent over 30% of all Iowa drinking/impaired drivers in fatal and serious injury crashes. 
• Iowa data shows that since 2001, a total of 5,129 motor vehicle crashes involved the use of cellular telephones by one or more operators.

Iowa GTSB Young Driver Fact Sheet - Feb 2010 pdf

Iowa GTSB Pedestrian/Bicycle Fact Sheet - Feb 2010 pdf

Iowa GTSB Distracted Driving Fact Sheet - Jun 2010 pdf

Research Data

Distracted Driving
Using a cell phone while driving, whether it's hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08. (source: distraction.gov stats )

Drowsy Driving
Studies show that being awake for more than 20 hours results in an impairment equal to a blood alcohol concentration of .08. (source: drowsydriving.org pdf)

Keep Moving

Today, college-aged students face enormous pressure to do well in school, find a job to make a living, keep up with social commitments, and countless other activities. As a result, traffic safety doesn't seem to be a top priority, despite how important it is. We are used to being on the go and finding ways to keep going that sometimes pushes us past our limits. We may ride when it's convenient, drive when we shouldn't, and  walk without focus.

The Drive

In Iowa we do a lot of driving. Cell phones, texting, and music are a few distractions that we face daily. With more people on the road than ever before, we as drivers must stay alert to what is going on around us. This is hard for many people as cars come equipped with dash distractions.

As college students we often feel overworked and stressed. This becomes an issue when we hit the road. To stay focused a goal could be to get at least 7 hours of rest a night to keep from driving drowsy.

Another issue college students face is knowing when they shouldn't be driving home after a night out with friends. With other transportation choices, such as a taxi, bus or designated driver, why would you risk driving drunk?

Do you remember...

Our generation has grown up with information at their fingertips. We are used to being plugged in and can't remember a time before the internet or cell phones. There is no need to memorize information, we can set up our technology to search and save it for us. This has made our generation very selective in the things we choose to remember.

We understand it is a challenge to grab the attention of our audience. We are bombarded with so many messages and told not to do so many things that most of it is tuned out. Our Drive-Ride and Walk Portfolio Exchange goal for summer 2011 is to take a different perspective that might stand out and be heard.

Surveying the masses

We have already talked to some extent about the fact that graphics are extremely important in communication, and that the process of designing graphics is more extensive than we could have ever imagined!

However, one thing I think it is important to touch on is the way that graphics speak to an audience. The graphic above, for example, was created for a workshop. It is very specific to programming, and the 'Clear and Focused' refers to making wise decisions in the face of alcohol and driving.

This graphic is an example of one that is most effective after going through the programming that the graphic was designed around. According to those surveyed, people may not necessarily understand the graphic on its own without additional information. This is so important to understand, in order again to best communicate with our audience.

Riding with a driver

Intoxicate- 1. To stupefy or excite by the action of a chemical substance such as alcohol.

This word is thrown around, but what does it mean exactly. Definition-style. As a self-proclaimed word-smith, I enjoy breaking down words into their meanings. When words get used over and over again, I think sometimes we get numbed to them.

So basically, when you get in the car with an intoxicated driver, you are in 4000 pound vehicle, moving at a speed between 25 and 65 mph, this person is literally 'stupefied'.

Something to think about? Methinks yes ...

Gold star for you!

I must congratulate you. No, really, this is not a trick.

You, my fellow Iowans, are a whopping 9 percent above the average! If you remember from throughout middle school and high school, being above the average is looked upon fondly.

Check out this safety fact sheet (pdf). If you look closely, you will see that in 2009, the national average for those who wore seatbelts was at 84 percent, whereas an average of 93 percent of Iowans take care to snap that belt. That is the highest use rate in the history of the state!

93 percent! In grade terms, this is an A-. Not too shabby guys. However, wearing your seatbelt is the number one prevention method you have, and a simple way to ensure protection. That fashion forward polyester-nylon blend strap keeps your body and head in place. We know we are above average, but is it too starry-eyed to ask for more? An A or even A+? Methinks not, I believe we can do it.

Design Dilemmas

I have way more respect now for the process that goes into design.

I'm the kind of person that either likes or dislikes something. If I want to buy a shirt, I try on 7, and immediately know which one I want.

You would think that the design process would be similar, right? Ooh, lets just pick a pretty color, slap some pretty lettering on it, and botta boom botta bang, we have ourselves the coolest shirt ever.

Close, but no cigar.

There is font, and color, and shade. There is the placing of the imprint, the imprint itself, the ulterior unintended messages that could accidentally happen, oh my!

The end result, of course, is fantastic. However, who would have guessed that six color choices for background, ink choices, paying attention to gender considerations . . .

It makes me tired just thinking about it. So, when you take this shirt after it's printed, wear it with pride. A lot went into its creation. Mwahahaha.

The miracle of a designer!

texting while driving

see past the illusion

face 2 face is the solution

The process - We have gained a designer to our group who has created the wonderful image on the back of the T-shirt. Our job was to come up with a slogan, T-shirt color, imprint color, and think about cost and shipping. After a plethora of discussions we decided on the slogan "texting and driving, see past the illusion, face 2 face is the solution." We chose this slogan because it is catchy and ties our message and image together (stop texting and driving and have that conversation face 2 face).

The next step was the color choice. We decided to choose navy because the white image really popped out. Also, navy is a fairly gender neutral color.

The next problem to tackle was cost. The price of the shirt varies and is dependent on the color, the number of shirts ordered, the number of colors on the shirt, and whether an image is on both the front and back. Production (plus shipping) usually takes 10 days.

Interview with 'The Designer'

Who are you, 'The Designer'?
I am a graphic design student. I like design because for me personally, I am a very creative person. I like all sorts of design. Even designing clever phrases, creating things in your mind. I have a lot of ideas, and I feel like design is the way that I show them. It is the way I communicate.

I think that design is universal, it is up to your own interpretation-- you don't learn it, you look at it and it means something to you. You want people to see what you see in the end. You draw them in with 'this isn't so scary, it's familiar.'

What part of the challenge of designing messages interests you?
I think with any design you want to have big ideas, but you have to simplify your ideas in order for people to understand. You have to understand your audience in order to be able to communicate with them.

What do you think you can contribute to our team?
I think I can contribute unique designs. I like to push the envelope, start off crazy and calm down.

Great, any last words for us?
Nope, that's it!