Field Journal #1 - Initial Reactions

My original plan was to purchase a hard copy of the book, which for many, including myself, is the traditional way to use a text book. However, with this being a Graphic Design course, and technology is the foundation for the future, I went ahead and purchased the eBook on my iPad.

Here are some conclusions I have so far in regards to using the eBook:

•   Pictures are not "placed strategically" in within the content; rather there is a hyper link that takes you to the end of the chapter where the photos are grouped together. Though this is more an annoyance than a true issue, the constant jumping back and forth does take away from reading comprehension.

•    The ability to quickly save and zoom in on photos and images is a plus. Carefully inspecting design and detail is much easier when an image is zoomed 3X it's normal size.

•    The ease of highlighting, marking, and noting information in an eBook helps in form thoughts and making connections 

As for my emotional response to the images in the eBook:

•    Design is reflective and influenced by the era and the technology available (early images of cave paintings vs. print and digital design)

•    Creativity is innate and not limited by technology; though technology does make creativity more efficient, and reproducible 

•    Empty space is just as powerful at conveying a message as filled space is  (Image 9-44 by Timothy O'Sullivan)

•    Color can evoke more emotion than images (Image 17-8 by Lester Beall)

•    A picture is worth more than a thousand words, even when the picture is a picture of words

•    Repetitive patterns is can not only capture the imagination, but also direct it accordingly (Image 9-49 by Owen Jones)

•    Basic shapes and colors can convey more than just basic thoughts and feelings (Image 17-22 by Joseph Binder)

In conclusion, a part of myself does regret paying for the eBook version. Images, whether printed into paper, or digitized into a screen, will convey the same basic, foundation emotions. However, digital images can allow for more investigation, which can sometimes lead to deeper feelings and connection, or, in some cases, completely distract from what the original artist intended.