An important consideration for the usability and desirability of Apps is the visual aesthetics (Airey, 2009). These may potentially convince new users to use the app based on their interests coinciding with the image presented with (Pittard et al., 2007). Literature and market research was conducted, and certain resources were deemed useful in the creation of designs for web apps, this can be found in the Design Theory post. The literature is listed in the references below. The media resource on web design for mobile applications can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3sDuuWC6-Y, and designing tips for cross-platform apps here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oS-tvCUbBs

Based on these we have decided to make a range of designs for the app logo that summarise the features of the app while presenting a ‘travel friendly’ vibe. They also take into consideration design decisions that literature suggests is important for apps: this includes having a clear message, using neutral colours, having easy to read text, having a well laid out image, and having a logo that an individual will remember easily(Adams et al., 2006; Airey, 2009). The final designs are listed below:

Design number 1.

Design number 1 corresponds with the success criteria of good market design stipulated by Airey (2009) and Pittard et al., (2007) as it features neutral colours that apply to both genders, it projects an image of travel which reflects one of the primary uses of the app, it presents a friendly image which users may trust and feel safe using, the image also uses neutral colours which presents a colour theme, the image is surrounded by negative space which draws the eye to the simple image, and finally it is clearly laid out with a spaced title and no other text.

Design number 2.

Following on from design number 1 above, design number 2 (right) is a slight variation of the design success criteria previously stated. This design features a number of colours which lend the user to think that travelling is exciting and diverse (Airey, 2009), the image shows a suitcase which strongly represents the notion of travel which is a primary use for the app, the suitcase has surrounding objects such as a map that further illustrate travel, the bold white title draws the eye as the image has may different colours, the title is clearly laid out with no other text.

Design number 3. (image rights stock photo www.dreamstime.com)

Following on from design number 1 above, design number 3 (left) is a slight variation of the design success criteria previously stated. This design is very simplistic and minimalist which allows the image to represent that app rather than allowing colour or image to takeaway from its message. In this design the image highlights the presence of safety while using the app, that it can be trusted easily, and that the design is no-fuss and so the app should be no-fuss. In addition it has a clear and laid out title which indicates the app name, featuring no other text.

Design number 4. (image rights stock photo to www.dreamstime.com)

Following on from design number 1 above, design number 4 (right) is a slight variation of the design success criteria previously stated. The design is extremely clear and simplistic and only features a title, which ensures that the user knows exactly which app they are using. The design features no images, and minimal colour to highlight the title which keeps user attention of the name of the app. This is effectively cutting out image association with an object or service, and instead encourages the user to learn the app name directly (Adams et al., 2006).

Design number 5.

Following on from design number 1 above, design number 5 (left) is a slight variation of the design success criteria previously stated. In this an image of the world in shown held in a pair of hands, indicating that travel it within the users own hands. Although the colours are fairly vibrant, they are limited which creates a colour theme. The title is clear and spaced which draws the eye as it is framed by the image behind it. No other text is featured making it easy to read. However despite the global imagery there is no other indication that the app can be used for other travel purposes such as transportation services or route generation.

To decide which design to pick we have held a vote with all group members in which each may choose a favourite. The result of this was that design number 1 embodied all design choices stipulated by literature, and was liked the best by the group. In addition to this these five logos have been presented to the experts interviewed regarding the app features. The expert opinions will serve to better guide our decision as to which design to choose as our final app logo. The expert guidance and opinion post will follow shortly.

Written by Briony.

This post represents that the group has chosen appropriate economic and social Contextual Factors that directly link to the marking criteria, and are vital to understanding what requirements app design has. This is based on market analysis, evaluation, and expert opinions. There is evidence that research has been chosen intelligently (by reference to literature and analysis) to produce a conclusion of professional quality, leading to a successful product. 

This post additionally represents Engineering and Design decisions. These are based on the Contextual Factors and literature review which the group have tailored the product to incorporate. This means that the app design has considerable research, fluent design and well planned steps to achieve this. This post illustrates how and why the product has been influenced in its design, and shows how engineering this app feature will solve problems, and how the product will further incorporate design decisions. 

In addition, this post illustrates considerable use of media, innovation and creativity. This is apparent through applying Contextual Research, Design steps and engineering guidelines to produce logo designs which contribute to the product, summarise what the product does, and provides visualisations that align with the target market. 

References

Adams, S., Morioka, N., & Stone, T. L. (2006). Logo design workbook: a hands-on guide to creating logos. Rockport Publishers.

Airey, D. (2009). Logo design love: A guide to creating iconic brand identities. New Riders.

Pittard, N., Ewing, M., & Jevons, C. (2007). Aesthetic theory and logo design: Examining consumer response to proportion across cultures. International Marketing Review, 24(4), 457-473.