
First Presentation and Seminar
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?