Module 8 – Search, Logo Design & Flowcharting

I'm a little perplexed as to why these things were lumped together but there you have it.

I've specifically decided not to have a general search function on the site. Users will be able to search for hotels, things to do, directions etc. but these will all be specific tasks in specific locations. I thought that it would probably be confusing to users. Also, none of the other sites which I reviewed had a general search function (except Google – but they're, well – Google). The searches on Trip Takers will return just what the user asked for and be filtered in a certain location.

Logo Design

Ok – so I'm the first to admit that design is not my strong point. Here are the items from the tutorial about logo design, and how I tried to incorporate them into my design.

• A logo must be easily recognizable; it has to be simple and memorable.
  
  • The one negative comment I received about the logo was that the pictures were memorable, but not the name. I enlarged the name a bit – but I think it needs a bit more tweaking to make the name stand out.
    
• The purpose of the logo should influence its form.
  
  • I wanted to convey that it's fun, you'll see beautiful things, and there will be memories. I also wanted it to seem a bit like a scrapbook. By using the pictures in the tilted manner with the frames I hope I conveyed that
    
• There must be contrast and tension.
  
  • The colors and offsetting of the images creates tension and contrast
    
• Interior space and spaces between shapes carry as much weight as the shapes themselves, and all the graphic elements have to form a unit.
  
  • I hope I achieved this.
    
• A logo should be more than a conglomeration of unrelated elements that are held together by a border.
  
  • I didn't want to use a traditional 'border' as it's been done and done again. I like that there is movement from left to right, up and down which corresponds somewhat to the road movement in the right hand picture
    
• Most graphic forms of advertisement are based on or include the logo of the subject
  
• The logo usually appears on letterheads, brochures, labels, packaging, and delivery vans. It may be necessary to render it in varied materials, such as cardboard, plaster, glass, metal, fabric, or even neon.
  

Logo Design Objectives...

• Design Clear & Legible Type
  
  • I believe the text is legible, but maybe not memorable
    
• Create a Distinctive Look
  
  • I think this is distinctive – it's different from any of the other sites – but somehow has that road trip feel to it
    
• Differentiate from Competition
  
• Appropriate for the Business
  
  • It's a fun site, about planning a road trip so I wanted the logo to reflect that
    
• Express Client's Personality
  
  • I'm the client – so that was easy
    
• Aesthetic & Graphic Impact
  
  • Graphically it works very well – I've had lots of compliments on it – people find it striking and engaging
    
• Balance & Unity
  
  • By using three images with the two outer ones being similar in visual weight I believe I've achieved this
    
• Use Positive / Negative Space
  
• Make it Memorable
  
  • The images are memorable – might need to work on the text
    
• Suitable for Color Reproduction
  as well as Black & White
  
  • Well – this just isn't the case with this logo. I would probably do some interpretation of the Trip Takers text for print
    
• Suitable for Small & Large Reproduction
  
• Logos are Subject to Fashion
  

Flowcharting

The flow chart for Trip Takers is actually quite simple. Because the navigation remains the same, and there are a finite number of tasks that can be undertaken there isn't much in the way of involved navigation.