Project Development Process


		Project Development & Design Process Instructor: George Legrady

Definition		The final project consists in the conceptualization, planning, and visualization of a proposal that addresses some topics of interest related to the intersections of culture, perception, multimedia, and technology - within the context of digital visual/spatial media arts. The project and its components are featured in this case as a web document. Presentations of such proposals are similar in nature to architectural project concepts or any other proposals that integrate multimedia components.

Components		1) Defining the concept through a brief description 2) Provide details of how the project is to be realized 3) The presentation requires a visual identity that is to some degree determined by the project content, situation, and audience 4) Details as to what the technological components may be, and other information necessary to convey the value of the project to potential funding sources. This could include: budget breakdown, production specialist overview, and work schedules 5) Some prototype examples may be include: sound bytes, video, etc. 6) SItuating the project in relation to others for instance describin how the project is similar and different to project x,y,z Because of the competitive nature of these projects, the presentation and aesthetics of the proposal itself requires innovation, surprise, challenge, conviction, seduction and information.

Goal		Project should be innovative, and somehow reveal a synthesis of the participants' knowledge fields. The project is a proposal: looking to the future, but potentially realizable.

Brainstorm		Brainstorming is a group creativity technique designed to generate a large number of ideas for the solution to a problem. Focus is on quantity, and the free flow of information exchange. Unusual ideas are welcome, and existing ideas are taken apart and expanded. Eventually a set of points are decided upon and then individuals go off to work on them, periodically returning to test, articulate, and identify directions worth pursuing.

Research		Once a direction(s) is determined, next step involves research of other similar projects to create a reference bibliography, to define the state of the field, and to finetune topic areas to pursue. Once a project direction is determined, a brief description is written that defines the project's nature, goals, and outcome.

Project Development		Next step involves project development. Creating a workplan, structural breakdown of the production, identifying tasks, and sub-tasks, and work schedule. Through the project development process, the project may change, certain aspects may become more dominant over others. Teamwork is explicitly determined. Who does what, and when? Clarity of concept, innovative concepts, and innovative methods of description and narrative are key components.

Visual Communication		What will the project look like? A visual identity is given that determines the overall style of the project's look and feel. The visual identity consists of determinig how the screen space will be used. This will require a template that each page will use. Visiual identity also includes font choices, color relationships, and other stylistic elements.

Design Process		Concepts development requires iterative rethinking, reformulation The first concept will hopefully lead to a better one: Concepts can lead to other unexpected concepts Allow for free form of exploration: Let the ideas, materials, chance circumstances lead to unexpected results But also exercise focus, and restrain to rechannel when necessary Be aware of the limits of your resources: time, money, information, knowledge Know your audience or evaluative jury: Be aware of what they expect

Media Elements		How will images function in relation to the text, to the screen space? Will there be videos, sounds, links, etc.?

Project Presentation		The presentation of a project also requires some planning. If the project is presented by individuals, how will this take place? How much time? Through what media? What narrative form?

Evaluation		Innovative concept, or new approach to an existing situation, challenging (surprise may be an important strategic approach) Credibility through information: Solid details provide credibility Coherent formal design and visual identity Prototype demos a bonus Clear communication and delivery Well illustrated, referenced