Week 1 of this module involved discussing how we can enhance our content by storytelling, with the use of art direction/pacing/narrative all controlling the flow.

• Art direction is about evoking the right emotion, it's about creating that connection to what you're seeing and experiencing.
• Pacing is the speed at which a story is told—not necessarily the speed at which the story takes place. ... The pace is determined by the length of the scenes, how fast the action moves, and how quickly the reader is provided with information.
• Narrative turns story into information, or better, into knowledge for the recipient (the audience or reader). Each story event is a unit of knowledge the audience requires.

One company that tells a story with each product release is Apple. Breaking down each element of each product and telling the story of why everyone needs it, the story is laid out in an aesthetically pleasing way and allows the user to walk through the process. They use animation, various layouts, excellent typography, imagery and interactive elements allowing users attention to stay on the screen. Normally, they involve a continuous scroll with elements on each screen providing further information based on the seamless navigation. The advertisement for Apple products lives up to the standard and pricing of their products and reminds users that everything they produce is an experience rather than just a product. Overall the design and storytelling Apple use is an example for us all to refer back to throughout this project.

After briefly discussing the impacts of storytelling we moved on to discuss expectations and the module deliverables. The first deliverable is an immersive prototype with consideration for micro and macro level interactions, while the second deliverable is a RWD website or publication (ebook) which includes a good use of typography. All while recording our research and progress so it is easy to see the process behind the final product.

To begin with we have been tasked with creating mood boards surrounding colour, themes, imagery, typography and anything else deemed relevant so we can build a visual idea of how our Sherlock Holmes themed work should look. For this I plan to watch Sherlock Holmes TV programmes and movies, as well as researching old film posters and real world examples such as books or items in the Sherlock Holmes museum. All of these sources will allow me to get a well rounded idea of how my project should look and what components should be included.

Next post:

Notes and Reflecting on "Thinking like a Storyteller" - Cindy Chastain

Main Project page:

IXD304 - Storytelling and Narrative