For my prototype I designed a journal that people (my friends/family/classmates) can print out and keep on their bedside table. Each morning when they wake up, they can take the journal out and write what they are grateful for, people they will call, things they need to get done etc. After talking to so many of my friends about how they feel “bleh” and unproductive I thought this journal could meet a need of our “consumers” or my friends. Although I have never been much of a journalist myself, I thought this was the perfect time to start. It was still comfortable for me since it was similar enough to my typical “to do” list but still uncomfortable enough for me to feel like I was trying something new. I thought this would be a positive way for people to start their mornings when it is so easy to get down with everything happening in the world. As I made this and named it “Quarantine Time” I struggled with the idea of handling how seriously this is impacting some people’s lives. I wanted the design and lay out to respect that but also be uplifting. I think the title is something I will continue to consider and might change moving forward. Although this is such a serious time, I also wanted the journal to bring light into my own and others lives.
In terms of design I knew I wanted to start from scratch and come up with my own layout. Fortunately, I was able to use my concept board for a lot of my inspiration. I wanted to mimic the relaxing/outdoor vibe with this journal since so many of us feel so pent up indoors. In terms of functionality I was hoping people would be able to print this out, two per page, double sided and then staple or hole punch the sides together. Although most people have a printer at home, ink is hard to come by, so I decided to make the background white, and use as little color on the pages as I could. Since things are not easily shipped and store fronts are not open, products such as journals are not readily available. Hopefully this journal will help me feel more positive/ productive over the next few months and can help a few others out as well.
Leave a Reply