Assignment 4

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Research the key elements to good storytelling and discuss how it can be applied to portfolio design.

Problem and Solution:
There has to be a definite question and answer to each of a portfolio’s projects, and it has to be able to be viewed and understood at high speed. It seems like a simple element of storytelling, but it has to come across throughout projects.

Imagery:
Since portfolios do get browsed through at high speed, the level of explanation that has to be able to be expressed through the images is key. Product breakdowns, functional descriptions and in-use shots are part of the problem solution, but really can only be expressed in pictures.

Presentation:
The flow of the entire story (something that I struggle with) is also vital in explaining to someone quickly what you mean and where you’re coming from. Tying the problem, process, and solution together is just as important as any of the pieces.

Personality:
The problem, product, and solution all have to be conveyed in portfolio pieces, but additionally the personality of the designer has to come through also. The vibe of who is behind the work is important in separating someone’s work from all the rest.


Cited product portfolios:
I think these guys have some of the best examples of not only presenting stories with their projects, but also presenting their own personality.

http://www.coroflot.com/public/individual_details.asp?individual_id=190005
http://xchosun1x.cgsociety.org/gallery/681092/
http://www.coroflot.com/public/individual_details.asp?individual_id=161155