First Presentation:

So first session back. Kicking things off with a presentation to remind each other what we’ve been up to.

I included this image of some puzzles I bought from the pub over summer.

I was interested by them because of course, they are quite similar to the Type Cube. The one at the back is a Rubiks Snake and the one in front is a sort of Rectangle shape.

The sphere and rectangle puzzle actually feature some gaps inside which is kind of cheating.

Either way, they are fun and actually pretty difficult. I needed the help of YouTube to solve every single one.

I also learnt that I think the design of the Type Cube should be done with an easy piece to add/remove to start the puzzle. I also worry that maybe its impossible to rake the pieces out. Hmm.

Feedback/input from classmates and tutors and my own notes:

• Magnetic strips to keep cubes in place.

• You might be able to 3d print in different colours [find out].

• The ‘lonelygirl15’ social experiment was mentioned (this looks interesting): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahV_05vJp5o

• I also really liked these Mark Gigilo doll’s that were referenced in someone else presentation (Sarahs I think, not sure):

• I made a note to look again at the compendium on the module resources list

• What’s my methodolgy?

• ‘Homes for Heroes’, Tonys final publication

• Make 10 cubes if you can. Test materials.

• Basda (Barry) also suggested checking out the mould for this classic lemon squeezer as a source of inspiration for the Type Cube:

Post-presentation:

I acted with haste and booked a one to one with Andy who’s part of the Fabrications department to seek support for building the cube.

Seminar/Research Question Support (the following week):

I attended this class to seek support in properly identifying my research question. At this point, it was:

“Experiment with methods of type practice that engage two or more senses”

Given the criteria was for the question to be clear, focused, concise, complex and arguable. I think this only meets a couple of them so I need to narrow it down. It was also suggested early on, that I change it to this…

“Experiment with methods of type design practice that engage two or more senses”

Which does make it clearer. Here are the pointers in more detail:

Some things I need to think about:

• What am I testing? Trying to work out or question? I need to start a discussion.

• What’s the purpose of my type work (the Type Cube specifically).

• ‘How far can you push something before it becomes completely unrecognisable’. Or *push type design or *completely meaningless.

• Think about the itv project, which explored the use of cubes in a more commercial context.

Research Plans:

• Read ‘Transforming Type’ by B.B (from the reading list) for some prompts.

• Read book suggestions from Orla and also the publications she emailed too.

We were also asked to consider our outcomes:

(This I found much easier as I already have a clear idea of what I want to do).

1. Produce the Type Cube

2. Hopefully

3. This is what I need to think in more depth about. I need to tie in much more closely my subject area of ‘type design’.

4. It will translate into exhibition format for the degree show as a stand alone 3d piece.

Notes/suggestions from classmates etc. (from the Seminar):

• Could I show blue prints/sketches at the degree show?

• Consider motion work

• Could the cube spell something out at the exhibit?