Month: October 2014

Lexicon #4

– Judgment:

This is the capacity of an individual to take a reasonable decision about a particular issue. In the context of designing, is very important to have good judgment, since it would be the judgment of the designer, which will create the adequate or inadequate design for the task.

–  Participatory:

This word to me describes the attempt to involve others in a particular event. In the concept of our class, the word can be taken in many different ways, always implying the fact that two or more elements are interacting with each other.

– Atmosphere:

In the context of our class, to me this word refers to the immediate mood surrounding a place or an individual. It can be positive or negative, always setting and affecting the quality of the physical or perceptual place one is interacting with.

– Character:

To me this word represents primarily the traits that make an individual who he/she is, although, in the context of the class, it represents much more. Character can be the feeling the presentation of a logo, or a collateral might have, and it also can refer to symbols and letters in a text.

Lexicon #1

Process:

Steps to take, or that were taken to achieve a goal. Everything and everyone with a good operative system around us are subjected to a certain process in order to function correctly. If the process is interrupted or discontinued in any of the elements mentioned above, then humans or things are considered unable to “process” information, which means that “it” is broken, obsolete, diseased, or dead. This fact makes the word very powerful, since is a word that describes a map, which better is know how to follow, since our society works in a process based system. if we or it are unable to process information or to follow certain procedures, then we or it, are not good for out society.

Environment:

The immediate surroundings of a living organism, or thing; usually it refers to the space, physical and conceptual, surrounding the element being discussed. Environment, depending in the context in which is being used, can take different significances or shapes. It can refer to the social culture in which and individual or a thing was raised or created; as well as it can mean the physical landscape in which that certain element is at. In our days, the word has taken a significance almost immediately related to natural elements, like the weather or the natural landscapes surrounding our location.

Technology:

Technology is a new God on earth (Google), and the main reason for human existence in the 21st Century. How many times anyone has heard somebody else make the comment, especially in Oregon: what do you do all day without Internet? How do you communicate without a cell phone? I am bored; do you have Wi-Fi? All of which besides being annoying, is the proof that electronic advances especially in computers, have become an essential part of our lives. But technological advances are not just does related to electronic devices or satellite communications. Mostly everyone, everyday, wake up with an alarm, turn on a light, flush the toilet, take a shower, get dress, prepare breakfast, get in their cars, drive on a highway, and spent 10 hours in front of a computer, just to do the same actions backwards; I’m doing it right now, and you too. Without technology, none of the actions mentioned above, and all of those in between, would be possible. Technology is the element that makes humans’ lives easier, and also, what show the level of development of a society.

Lexicon #3

Convergence:

This is a word, which to me represent uniformity, where two different elements come together, or appear to do so. In the context of our studies, it can be define as the merging point where different entities or ideas start working in unison. Good examples can be Facebook, which is a social converging point for different people, organizations, services, entertainments, media, etc.

Connections: 

Besides the simple definition of this word, which is: the link that brings together two or more different elements or ideas, the word connection has taken a broad range of interpretations. In the context of our class, I interpreted the word “connections” as the resulting actions between different converging elements.

Identity:

Elements that make anything unique. Individual features or traits of a person or thing that distinguish them from another person or thing. In the marketing business, identity is what makes a product or service unique, recognizable, and stand above competitors. The identity can be defined by the type of service an organization provides, the quality of that service, the quality of the product being offered, location, and/or even by the logo of the establishment.

Lexicon #2

System: To me a system is a group of different elements working together in unison.

Transparency: Depending of the context of the word it can mean an element to which is possible see through, like a glass window or a food storage bag (Ziploc). In the context of morality, it means a honest and truthful person.

Quality: Is the standard by which we compare a thing to another. A good quality product or service tends to be better than the average, while a low quality product or service is usually the norm.

 

Organization Questions

1- What is your organization or company. Give background history including who, when, and why it was founded.

My Organization’s name is Oregon Salud Services. This is a new organization, which will help to provide a more comprehensive health service to the Hispanic community living in Oregon. The reason why this organization was founded is the necessity of having a wide range of health services to the Hispanic community; not only targeting the health issues related to physical pain, but also focusing on the mental and cultural issues Hispanics might confront in Oregon.

2- What do they do or make – describe the products and services and what makes them unique.

The Hispanic population of Oregon, and of America in general, has a different health culture than the features health services provide in America. For this reason, it was a necessity to create an organization in the area, focused on the entire range of necessities of Hispanic patients in search of medicinal assistance. The Hispanic population in search of health services in Oregon, not only has to deal with physical issues his/her particular situation brings with it, but also has to deal with the problems the situation creates for the doctor in charge, which makes the issue reciprocal. In addition, the Hispanic population confronts cultural problems (language – location – unknown diseases – etc) and many mental issues, especially those tied to traumatic events, like relocation, lack of proper communication skills, cultural differences, and lack of education.

3- Describe the culture of the organization or company. What is the work environment like – the atmosphere? What is the building like – exterior/interior,  architecture, fittings and furniture? How do the employees work together? What are the jobs and roles of individuals? How are they treated by management?

The organization was constructed around the efforts of a local group of medical interpreters and the coordination of local health organizations and their MD’s. The staff includes a CEO, Community Outreach Director, and a Volunteer coordinator; also, we count with a number of local medical staff members volunteering to make the project work. All of the members have an interest in connecting with the Hispanic population of Central Oregon, and helping them with their particular struggles. We aim to be located in Madras, and have a clinic that specializes in the Hispanic population. The fact that this is a non-profit organization, based mostly on volunteer time, makes everyone involved in the process to work with the best of attitudes. Probably the most rewarding element from this process, is the fact that everyone (organizational members and patients) learns something new and positive, which not only helps to provide a better service, but also enriches lives of individuals participating with or through the organization.

4- Who is the targeted audience? What are their demographics?

The targeted population of this organization is the Hispanic communities in Central Oregon, especially those located in Jefferson County. The population of this county is highly Hispanic, most of which work in hard occupations out on the fields. These populations have no direct access to quality medicine; instead, they have to travel from 1 to 2 hours to get any kind of medical attention. When the health services are finally provided, these are not directed to the correct audience, which creates even further separation and resentment between the Hispanic population and Medical Organizations. We are the bridge that connects these two separate elements into a more cohesive medical system.

5- What is the organization or company mission statement?

To provide a comprehensive health-care services to the Hispanic population of Oregon.

Logo Assignment

starbucks logo 

 

For my first logo, I decided to review the very famous and recognizable logo of Starbucks coffee. The reason why I selected this Logo is because it is as mysterious and seductive as their symbol, a smiling and inviting mermaid. Visually, the logo is very simple, consisting of a green design over a white background; despite the simplicity of colors, the design is very busy with vertical and horizontal wavy lines, which create the form of the mermaid’s long hair and her “two tails”. The mermaid has a crown with a star on her head, which is the only connection I could find between product – logo – and name of company (the star from “Star”-bucks).  To me, the attraction of this logo comes primarily from the subliminal sexual reference/invitation the mermaid is making to the customers. After taking a closer look to the mermaid, one can realize that the happy and inviting face of the lady is not inviting us to have just coffee, but something else; with her two tinny white arms, the mermaid is clearly spreading apart her “two tails”, making this a very inappropriate, but effective logo. The Starbucks logo is one of the mot popular and recognizable in history, despite the fact that has no clear connection to the product it represents, demonstrating that a good product can make a logo important.

A&E logo 

For my second logo, I selected the Arts and Entertainment television channel logo; the main reason, how simple and clear it is. The symbol is a black capitalized A and E divided by the over-imposed ampersand “&”. The logo is attractive to the view, is balanced, it posses modern fonts, and is representative of the name of the company. Also, this logo has a very classical touch, by having three of its edges on right angles, one of the main elements on any classical composition; despite its rigidness, the logo is softened by the waves the ampersand creates inside the logo, uniting both main letters, and giving this logo a balanced and harmonious composition. In addition, the logo is very easy and cheap to produce, because of its simplicity in shape and color, and despite the fact that is not clear on what it represents at first view, it has become widely recognized and represents the company very well, at least in the U.S.

red cross logo

Finally, I selected the logo of the international recognized American Red Cross, which is an ancient logo with a lot of history. Originally, it was used during the dark ages by the Knight Templars, later on the three ships Columbus was leading when he discovered the Americas, many centuries later it became a very popular symbol to mark hospitals and school buildings during the biggest wars, and its power today is still very powerful, since it means humanitarian relief of some form is being provided in that area. In fact, the Red Cross currently is a relief agency, which provides humanitarian help, disaster relief, and education services to people all over the world. Its logo is very simple but probably one of the most powerful symbols in our subconscious, just a red cross over a white background; this logo is probably as symbolic as a white flag or the skull and bones, and everyone in the world knows that wherever this symbol is present, the area which is marked should be left undisturbed, since is usually a humanitarian relief area, making this symbol almost universal. Visually, the red attracts immediate attention to the eyes, especially when is placed in contrast to a white background, which makes this logo very hard to miss, and gives it so much power and recognition. The cross, which is a powerful symbol on itself, posses its four arms of the same length, taking away the religious meaning of the cross, but still retaining the importance of the symbol; the fact that the cross is red, gives the already powerful symbol f the cross a more intense look, almost impossible to miss, making this probably one of the most powerful logos in history.

Student Survey

  1. Where did you move from to attend the UO? And, briefly describe how you landed on the UO AAD program. Any interesting, funny, anecdotal stories/details are welcome.

I am from Bend, OR, and I travel to Eugene twice a week to attend to classes; so technically I have not moved to get my degree. I am planning to move to Eugene during my second year as a student.

 

2- Area of concentration in AAD?

I was initially interested in Museum Studies, although, life has brought some changes and opportunities, which make the concentration of Media Management a better fit for me.

 

3- Describe your knowledge and use of technology systems. Responses should include the following:

Computer platform you use (Mac, PC, Linux, other)

Smart phones, tablets, other hand held/smart devices

Digital Cameras, Video, Audio devices

Peripherals – printers, scanners, other necessary and/or cool gadgets.

My platform is Mac; I know how to use laptops and desktops, smart phones, and tablets. I also have experience with digital cameras, video cameras, and audio devices. Finally, I have regular experience with scanners, printers, and other minor gadgets as external hard-drives and storage units.

 

4- What software do you commonly use? Briefly describe purpose/application for software on your list.

The software I usually use is Words, also Power Point, etc. all the basics programs, which I usually use for school and work purposes. I also use a lot of music software, garage-band, Krystal, Audacity, mostly to edit my music and make songs.

I have some experience as well with Final Cut Pro X, where I have been making subtitles for a documentary.

 

5- Do you have any graphic design or media production/management experience? Have you taken any graphic design or media production courses?

As I mentioned before, I have experience with music production, as well as film. I am also a editor/writer for a local magazine.

I have not taken any graphic design or media production classes.

 

6- Know anything about typography?

No, I don’t know enough.

 

7- Do you use Web 2.0 apps? Name those that you use or are familiar with.

I haven’t.

 

8- Do you use Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Vine, Yelp, etc.)? Name those that you engage in.

No, I do not use social media; just search engines.

 

9- Tell me something unique about yourself.

I play the guitar like a mother f#!@ing riot! (Sublime Lyrics)

 

10. Anything else?

Have a great day

Nathan's AAD EPortfolio Lady Bluntt