Design Exploration - Design Expansion , Rationale & Reflection

13/10/2023 - 30/11/2023
Week 8 -Week 14
Tan Pei Yun / 0345386
Design Exploration /Bachelor of Design in Creative Media
Design Expansion



Instructions 


Final Task :  Design Expansion

Week 10 (26/10/2023)

Week 10 : Proposed 3 Ideas

Having 3 ideas that proposed to Ms Anis, she liked and agreed to the second idea of virtual pet exhibition. Where using the same concept of "healing" to expand into this task. Before proposed the idea, I have tried to do the "intro" scene roughly to showcase what's the idea i am wanted to go for , as you know sometimes human imagination didn't work (expectation vs reality) , therefore so I find it most effective to draft my ideas before presenting them.


#1 Idea : Pet Filters 

Idea 1 : Pet Filters


Concept:

"Pet & Pal Filters" is a  filter designed for both pets and their owners to use together, creating playful and shareable moments. The project encourages shared experiences and playful interactions between pets and their human pals.


  • Design a range of filters that cater to pets, allowing owners to add playful elements to their pet's appearance, such as accessories, virtual toys, or funny costumes.

  • Create a complementary set of filters for pet owners that include themed overlays, frames, and captions to enhance their photos or videos when sharing moments with their pets.



#2 Idea (Chosen) : Pet Theme Virtual Exhibition

Idea 2 : Pet Theme Virtual 
Exhibition


“Healing Hearts & Paws:  Pet Virtual Exhibition”

  • Showcase the stories of rescued pets. 

  • Each rescue pet's journey will be presented separately in the virtual exhibit.

  • Offer a resource section with information about pet adoption, responsible ownership, and how to support animal welfare organizations.

  • Share real-life stories of rescued pets and their journeys to finding loving homes. Include before-and-after photos and narratives that highlight the impact of pet rescue.



#3 Idea : Scrapbook Collage Animation

Idea 3 : Scrapbook Collage Animation

Concept:

Scrapbook Collage Animation idea is to :

  • Aims to transform ordinary memories into extraordinary animated tales, fostering a deeper appreciation for the unique bonds shared with the pets.

  • Fresh and engaging way to tell stories, ensuring a memorable and interactive experience

  • Create an emotional connection by capturing the authenticity of pet-owner relationships.


 

 3 Ideas In Design Expansion in Docs


Logo Progress

Progress : Logo in Illustrator 

Progress : Close-up Logo


 
The evolution of the logo drew inspiration from browsing Pinterest and observing how others incorporated animal elements into letters. For example, I transformed the letter 'P' into a charming puppy, added a paw atop the 'i,' and infused feline features into the 'N'. Choosing the colours , I decided to go with yellow as it really caught the attention in the first sight and blend wells with the theme of "warm" m soft" and "dreamy" looking.


Progress in Nomad 

Progress in Nomad Sculpt 

Progress  : Did you see the paw ? : >

Returning to using Nomad again this semester was a mix of bittersweet feelings. I had completely forgotten how to navigate Nomad and had to quickly refresh myself with some of the functions. As I am not really a professional in 3D modelling , I haven't taken any formal 3D course modules before (except during the foundation, where we explored ZBrush). So, most of the time, I relied on videos and tutorials to acquire basic 3D modeling skills. Of course not all of the elements are my own 3D model , where I also use Sketchfab to help me out. 

Week 10 : Proposed Virtual Exhibition Ideas #1

Through this, I learned how crucial texture and lighting are in the 3D. The initial design is certainly not aligned with the style I have in mind. Everything from colour and lighting to the angle , misses the mark and is a definite no no. 


Week 10 : Proposed Virtual Exhibition Ideas (New) 

Week 10 : Final Healing Paws Cozy Little House Exterior Look

Therefore , I reconsidered the concept, cleared the previous lighting settings, adjusted the angle, and reacquainted myself with using Nomad on my iPad. After a day and a half of experimentation, I finally achieved the desired look and feel that I was aiming for. It was a gradual but satisfying process.

It feels like there's always some power in it "whenever there's gradient , there (at least) will be possibly work for this design" quotes by Pei Yun T.T

And Yes , Let's go with this design and colour tone.


Week 11 (2/11/2023)

This Week To-do :

More Research 

  • Collect Data & Research  - videos , images and article  

  • More thinking required : 3D / 2D space / mix (to decide which one to go for)


Pet Adoption Platforms 

Original Source : https://thegracecat.com/pet-adoption-in-malaysia-cat-dog/

Browsing several articles on pet adoption, I've conceived the notion of incorporating a section dedicated to offering pets a second chance at finding a loving home. Out of the myriad adoption articles, I have selected 3 specific pet adoption and organisation as I delve into their backgrounds. The challenges they've faced in sustaining themselves until today are truly admire. These pet adoption organisation which will be targeted and to use inside the virtual exhibition and also will be credit to them. 



Quora :

Quora - Read about our other's thoughts 

- Collect many information of stories from Quora , Instagram , Tiktok , from nearby friends 

Is been tired and busy collecting stories from Quora, Instagram, TikTok, and friends nearby. I tried my best to get as many stories as possible. I have checked out TikTok, Quora, Facebook, and some other useful websites to read through lots of stories. As  really get through with their personal stories , I immersed myself in them, I found myself empathizing deeply with the emotions conveyed. The diverse narratives resonated with me, forging a connection through shared sentiments. Each story became a poignant testament to the rich tapestry of human experiences with pets. Which is why I find so special to have this project , more motivation to move forward !


My Supportive 10 years best friends :,)

Get some helps from my cat mom friend 

Moreover, it is so nice to have a friend who loves cat and dogs like I do. I told my best friend where I need some stories and content that able to suit this project, she was really kind enough told me some of her cats rescue stories which of course I really wanted to include into this project. 


Week 12 (9/11/2023)

Just like in my previous project about Honor,  I find it most effective to track my progress using a board. I paste my updates week by week, and this time, I've grown to appreciate it even more. It allows me to see everything at once and significantly assists my sometimes forgetful memory ( gold fish brain).

Canva board : Progress & Moodboard 



Week 13 - 14 (23/11/2023 to 7/12/2023)

As you may have noticed, I initiated this project around weeks 13 to 14 (Please don't learn from me like this :( ) Upon returning to it, I encountered a considerable stagnation—ideas seemed elusive, and the overall flow was disrupted. I found myself revisiting my initial plans and reorganizing them to restore consistency. To ensure steady progress, I established a daily plan, outlining specific tasks for each day


Loading Scene

Progress : Loading Screen

Progress : Loading Screen Outcome 


This loading scene is actually just an warm up for me to refresh myself about this design expansion project. I decided to add loading screen because why not ? to make it a little bit extra first and moving on to the little house scene hehe.


Pet Adoption Poster + QR
Pet Adoption Poster Progress

Pet Adoption Poster Progress :  Add QR Code


This include their own personal QR code, where if you're really interested getting and adopt them , you able to scan the QR code and direct look through their information and contact them. I hope this way would really helps the pet at least a second chance to find a new home :(( so emotional while doing this , where you see their expression and eyes , haih ... my poor heart


Planning : Exhibition Interior Section



Exhibition Interior Ideas 

This is just a part of screen grab, there's actually more where I saved it inside my pinterest board. But these are the few that gave me ideas the most. 

Layout of Exhibition in Nomad  


I started to plan with using a rectangle shape as a floor plan where seems abit empty which I worried there might be not much content to include more, I feel like a smaller gaves a much more "heart-warming" feels and it will be much more consistent compare to the intro scene of the previous mini house of healing paws. The second changes was made to a square shape instead which looks much better.


Final Layout of Exhibition in Nomad  

And there is it much better and consistent again after adding the flat rounded shape at the bottom.



More Planning And Messy Sketch
Super Messy Sketches & Plan

Whenever started to have the "kick" of idea , I think super fast and write super fast therefore tend to have ugly writing but still I know what I wrote, no worries. I have to check time to time , where's my planning is it working and how to interact to do the prototype in figma plus I am plan to do both 3D and 2D vector ways thefore more things to covered :,) 

Of course, I do find some limitations when doing in figma, for instance there's no option like view it as 360 and can't add any music or ambience to it , so it was hard to achieve the healing part that I want.



SUDDEN HEART ATTACKED ! </3

can you feel me ? :(

There's always a sudden heart attacked in every semester , my ipad seems to be not function (all my 3D nomad files are inside) and figma started to bully me , i am not sure why is this design exploration file only the one having problem and lagging , while others did not. I hope I can finish on time !

Nah you see la "manage memory" notification poped up

I found out the reason why .  as there's too many 3D file been exported inside this file , therefore I have try my best to reduce as many scene as possible (hopefully)


Pet Transformation 
Pet Transformation ( Before And After)
Progress :  Layout of Pet Transformation Section

How it works in Figma (Scrolling + Mouse Hover)

I began by designing a layout resembling the inside of an exhibition. It features a full flat wall where users can scroll and click (with a hover effect) to witness the transformation of pets from black and white (before) to their colorful and loved selves (after)

Pet Stories
Progress : Pet Stories Section in Nomad 

Example of How it works in Figma :D

All these narratives are grounded in the real-life experiences of individuals who have welcomed rescued pets into their lives, detailing the transformative journeys these animals undergo in their new homes.


Adoption Stories Wall
Progress :  Pet Adoption 
Stories Wall in Nomad

A wall adorned with posters of pets available for adoption. Each poster should include details about the pet's story, personality, and adoption information. Incorporate QR codes for easy access to adoption applications.


Random Post Card
Is been really hard for me what to include for the playing experience, especially I'm using Figma and how to interact and include the "playfulness" is quite challenging. I am a person who loves purchase postcard in every country I visit and also a lowkey fan of purchasing blind box figures hehe. So why not combine it both and make it inside this virtual exhibition.
How it works in Figma : Post Card from strangers 
Using colour pencil effect to create the post card


Original Source : https://www.pexels.com/

This is just an prototype but this allows user in a heartwarming experience by clicking to receive a random postcard. Each postcard is a heartfelt message from strangers sharing their deep love and connection with their pets. Everyone deserve to enjoy the warmth of diverse pet stories from around the world. : D


Last Step : Final Interaction in Figma 

Total Components Used in Figma
 

Final Design Expansion : Healing Paws : Virtual Exhibition


Final Design Expansion : Healing Paws : Virtual Exhibition Video Demo 

 Final Design Expansion : Healing Paws : Virtual Exhibition Prototype 

 Final Design Expansion : Healing Paws : Virtual Exhibition Design Tab


Rationale 
In the tapestry of life, woven with threads of compassion and shared moments, 'Healing Hearts & Paws' stands as a testament to the profound connection between humans and their pets. As we open the doors of this virtual exhibition, let the echoes of heartwarming stories, the joy of shared experiences, and the hope for a brighter future for every paw print linger in your hearts. 

Pets often become a source of comfort, joy, and inspiration. Pets transcend their roles to become profound healers. Their presence is a balm for the soul, a comforting embrace that mends wounds unseen. These creatures bring a unique and irreplaceable energy into our homes.

" Nothing compares to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion. The unconditional love of a pet can do more than keep you company. "

Together, we have celebrated the healing power that pets bring into our lives, beacons of love, strength, and unwavering companionship. As you explore healing paws, do immerse yourself in the joy of shared experiences with 'Pet from neglected to a new life transformation stories,' discover heartwarming tales on the 'Adoption Stories Wall,' and receive a touch of love from across the globe with 'Random Postcards from Lovely Souls. 

This is where I hope that this exhibition be a reminder, in the vast tapestry of existence, the gentle touch of a paw can mend the soul, and the unconditional love of a pet can illuminate even the darkest corners. As we part ways, carrying the warmth of these shared moments, let's sow seeds of kindness that blossom into a world where every pet finds a loving home, and every heart finds solace. 

May this exhibition be a lingering reminder that, in the vast tapestry of existence and the memories created here continue to inspire kindness, compassion, and a deeper understanding of the unique bond shared by all our four-legged friends.

Thank you for joining me on this heartwarming journey. Until we meet again, may your hearts and paws be forever intertwined in love and healing.🐾



Reflection

To reflect about this module is incredibly free, and I'm not sure if that's a good thing. Sometimes, my peers give me feedback that I tend to work much faster in this module. I'm not exactly sure why, but it might be because we can handle everything on our own side and in regards to the Design Expansion Module,  this module offers quite amount of freedom-ness to it, where all the creative , wilds ideas able to do it as long as you want to achieve , is all about yours. 

Reflecting on my personal journey with this project, it does pushed me beyond my comfort zone, encouraging exploration beyond the using Figma but also discover more about "3D world" It was a liberating experience for me and personally I enjoyed it a lot. During researching stage, I must admit, there were moments when my heart felt heavy, and tears seemed imminent. Watching videos depicting pet rescue or abuse is emotionally taxing. But anyways, yet, this is precisely the narrative I want to convey about the healing theme virtual exhibition for everyone who owns a pet along with their journey.

Sharing my opinions and ideas with my lecturer, friends, and family brought a sense of fulfillment. Their willingness to offer support and their reactions to the prototype made every challenge worthwhile.

In the grand scheme, I commend myself for venturing into a meaningful project. My hope is that I hope others resonate with it and experience the same emotions I poured into it. Thanks again if you read it till the end.

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