Synthesis

Synthesis

Through this dissertation research I have found multiple findings, the key ones being the following; people prefer print to digitalized media, the reasons for this is because they find that print, is relaxing, they enjoy holding a physical object in their hands, and they enjoy the personal feel which comes with printed design as it gives a luxury feel, creating a memorable experience. Traditional print incorporates all five senses helping influence that personal touch to print that digital can’t. Not only have the findings proven people, prefer the personal touch to print, neuroscience has confirmed that people’s brains showed an emotional attachment to printed design’s also. Statistics have shown that people feel less stressed and drained having a publication in their hands.

Before researching into this dissertation, from personal opinions the thought of traditional print being a more popular medium was unlikely, however since researching into traditional the findings have presented otherwise, ultimately leaving a question for thought, ‘ Traditional print is becoming more successful everyday due to young talent, graduates, students and a technology which is placid in terms of the limit to experiment with ideas for this reason does it mean that, digital design is the dying art rather than traditional? Or have both mediums Juxtaposed?

Overall, in order to keep up with the digital age we do need to take part of this digitisation process due to its vicious fast approaching technology, however it’s important that we combine traditional prints unique quality’s also, it is there for this reason why I choose to create a traditionally printed zine using both mediums.

The zine which I created used recycled paper, and the methods used were, screen printing, watercolour painting and collage. Each one of these methods are sustainable due to the materials being under control by my own hand, in my essay it was outlined by Generation print that designs should be sustainable and economical, by using these methods it’s cheaper, cost effective and helps global warming.

In my essay, it was also discussed and found that people found print media, more relaxing, and enjoyed the tactical feel of print, one person said they like having a physical copy as they can then keep it as an artefact. Further into my essay it was discussed that the five senses are involved in print making also, all these findings connect to my outcomes, due to the media used in the zine, there’s textures in which you can glide your hands over and appreciate, this zine is also not reproducible so it makes it an artefact in a sense also. Also discussed was the unique quality print gives, due to the way it’s manufactured. The zine which I created, is unique due it being about my own enjoyments in the mixed media industry. I also created a website as i want to continue my research into print vs digital, it communcates with in my summery due to the conclusion that both medias should be mixed to preduce successfull design. 

Overall my essay and practical work together well due to the connection of the 5 senses, the sustainability, unique quality and personal attributes. In summary, I’m pleased with my outcomes of my website and zine as they all link to each other through emotions, unique qualities.

If I were to do this again I would, watch my time management and take more time and care to produce something with more context and visual pleasure.

Survey Monkey - Primary Research

In order to understand how the public and industry felt about print in the 21st Centuary I carried out  survey posting it on social media the answers i was given was as follows: 

To further research into this more, I decided to carry out a survey which was then posted on social media. The investigation was carried out to gain knowledge of different age groups thoughts and opinions of traditional print vs. the digital age. From analysing the results, the results found that most people did not think that print was dead, they bought magazines, books, and found these products easier to read when printed. One respondent, which answered the question: Is traditional print dead? If so why do you think so? Said, "No - it's a very niche market. Some may think that it is because of the capabilities of technology. However, I think that this makes traditional print even more valuable.". This opinion has opened up a new light as it juxtaposes the idea of technology ruling out traditional print and instead has contrasted by explaining that the capabilities of technology in design have made traditional print more unique and "valuable" therefor print is not such a dying art.

Continuing further into the survey, the survey results found that more than seven respondents had commented a similar answer to the following question; Do you find print media more relaxing to read? The response from one of the respondents is as follows – "yes, due to its portability, you can sit and relax anywhere with printed media. If it were digital you'd need a device to view it on which is sometimes less relaxing as it is what you have with you every day...typically." another comment similar to this one follows, "Yes, it's a nice escape as most media is online, so it's a nice change to read things offline". Both of these comments have said how, they find printed material more "relaxing" and find it an "escape" in comparison to digital reading, this show another unique quality to printed designs. 

Another question from the survey: Do you prefer a printed magazine or digital if so why? This particular respondent used the word "artefacts" to describe how she feels when buying a printed magazine, "printed - you get to engage with the content more. I like to be able to keep magazines as artefacts and share them with friends/family.". This is particularly interesting as when we think of the word artefact’s we think of objects which are unique and historical. From previous research into this subject in , I did not find this answer surprising due to, the statistics showing how people preferred looking at print documents rather than digitized.

Following from the previous question, the survey then moves and asks: Do you prefer the look and feel of printed magazines & books to digital designs? The respondent emphasizing how they appreciated the tactical feel of printed design and enjoys the idea of being able to get their hands involved, "I like to feel the quality of the stock in my hand and rip out any articles I like or photographs I want to keep.". This is the leading quality that traditional print has that digital doesn't, precisely one of the reasons it makes traditional print luxurious and unique. 

If i were to carry out Primary research out again I would contact artists and design studios asking them spercific questions to get a wider range of asnwers.