Research Task: Example Project Books
The research task was to search on a specific website for interior design student project presentation books, portfolios and reports that show a range of different visual images, sketches, texts, photographs and technical drawings, displayed together.
I found a few examples to compare the differences between them. I made notes of what I liked and disliked about each one.
The first project that caught my eye was by DMU Creative, published 9.6.22. This is the front page. My initial thoughts were that I liked the background mint green colour and the 3D effect of the open cubes, this immediately tells me there is a story of students within the De Montfort University of Leicester. I open the pages and read a few paragraphs from the programme leader, who talks about the students and how proud she is of their achievements, the next page is a list of the students names and who has contributed to the book. The students work then follows with each a double spread. At the end is an image of each tutor and their names.
My initial thoughts are;
- I like the use of colour and graphics on the front page.
- I’m impressed with the students individual design and their personal write up about their experience at the Uni and what their favourite moments were.
- The information is clear and concise and also contains their Instagram name and Linked In name, a great way to introduce themselves as graduates.
Not only do they display their work, they also talk about it and their personal experiences during their time studying Interior Design. Each student’s work is quite different, they have all designed an interior space that is important to them, for which they give a short description of. Every single piece of work is inspiring and a great read. Towards the end of the book is a list of tutors, so I guess this book is also a good way of advertising the University.
The booklet overall is a great way of introducing the student’s work. There is a beginning with the introduction from the programme leader. I was hoping to see an ending, a written piece to sum up the student’s work and their time studying the course, that’s my only disappointment.
The second project that I liked the look of was an Interior Design Undergraduate Portfolio by Reilly Kortus. My initial thoughts were how cool the front page graphics are, here initials RK but mirrored so the R is in reverse, a very simple font in a clever design. It was published 13th January 2021. Upon opening the pages I find an introduction from Reilly with her Resume and education details. The next page is a content page of her design work, a small paragraph about each design. The next pages are so impressive, she introduces the design and showcases her work through technical drawings, 3D images, presentations of her design choices. This encourages me to carry on reading. Her vision and ethos are very similar to my own, her presentation skills are beautifully presented.
My initial thoughts are;
- I like the use of graphics on the front page.
- Her introduction and contents page are very interesting and want me to read on further.
- Her visual presentations skills are just wonderful, I’m impressed by the level of information and visuals in each double page spread.
After reading the first project and being disheartened by the ending I’m pleased to find a page that sums up her work. Her last page has her graphic initials, the same as the first page, but it says Thank you and then a quote ‘What we think, we become’. I very much believe this is the case, I’m very much inspired by another student’s work.
The third project I was also intrigued by was by Kim St-Hilaire, one was published 3 years ago and another 6 months ago. Both portfolio’s are brilliant but the latest is very different to the oldest. The 3 year old portfolio is definitely more student based, the latest is very professional and her presentations and text are beautiful and polished. It talks you through her profile and skills gained, which then goes on to concept and structural designs before diving into commercial, residential and furniture design. There are lots of really thought through sketches and diagrams that complete her portfolio.
My initial thoughts are;
- The graphics and colours stand out to me.
- There is a simplicity in the chosen font, putting emphasis on the written information.
- Her presentations are clear, professional and thorough.
The idea of this exercise was to find project books that show a different range of information types, all three I have chosen display clear and elegant formats, which is something I aspire to do in my own presentations. All three have a story to tell, the only presentation I was a little disheartened by was the Uni students ending, I would have liked to see some text to wrap up the whole year group. I was looking for clear and elegant work and one that tells a story pulled together with great graphic and presentation techniques, most importantly communicating the full extent of the project intention and the most successful for me was the Interior Design Undergraduate Portfolio by Reilly Kortus published 13th January 2021. Her portfolio feels really personable, I feel that right from the beginning of her booklet that I’m getting to know her by reading her profile, her honesty in the detail inspires me to read further. I also particularly like the way she closes the booklet, with a personal message, I do think a personal touch is important.
I have chosen the most successful and added a link to the Interior Design Project Book Research Padlet.
Images
Fig. 1 – De Montfort University Leicester Interior Design presentation book published in 2022 https://issuu.com/dmuaad/docs/degree_show_book_2022-online (accessed 19.11.22)
Fig. 2 – Interior Design Undergraduate Portfolio by Reilly Kortus published 13th January 2021 https://issuu.com/reilly-kortus/docs/internship_interior_design_portfolio (accessed 19.11.22)
Fig. 3 – Interior Architecture & Interior Design Portfolio by Kim St-Hilaire, published 30/5/22 https://issuu.com/kimsthilaire/docs/copia_de_portfolio_may_1_-comprimido (accessed 20.11.22)
my Interior Design Journey 