https://oedesigns.uk oe designs Wed, 16 Jul 2025 10:55:24 +0000 https://oedesigns.uk en https://oedesigns.uk/Home Tue, 21 May 2024 13:19:10 +0000 oe designs https://oedesigns.uk/Home https://oedesigns.uk/Portfolio Tue, 21 May 2024 13:19:10 +0000 oe designs https://oedesigns.uk/Portfolio Portfolio https://oedesigns.uk/About Tue, 21 May 2024 13:19:11 +0000 oe designs https://oedesigns.uk/About <img width="4000" height="5455" width_o="4000" height_o="5455" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e1a1c17fba505dee45dd5e84ab56c033604ea0fb5115cff4a2d033e8c2cf4bcd/Orla-leo-2.jpg" data-mid="234689369" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e1a1c17fba505dee45dd5e84ab56c033604ea0fb5115cff4a2d033e8c2cf4bcd/Orla-leo-2.jpg" /><img width="700" height="800" width_o="700" height_o="800" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2c08f615002dd0831aa3d3d32a2c8d89387345238506fd210a7d30ba1527079b/about-me-photo.jpg" data-mid="211362028" border="0" data-scale="100" data-no-zoom src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/700/i/2c08f615002dd0831aa3d3d32a2c8d89387345238506fd210a7d30ba1527079b/about-me-photo.jpg" /><img width="3632" height="3632" width_o="3632" height_o="3632" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2cfeb9d86add7e96c0e11e9f58f8b93a28736fe15b4bb8641007a03adfaeef65/Orla-camera-beach.jpg" data-mid="234689332" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2cfeb9d86add7e96c0e11e9f58f8b93a28736fe15b4bb8641007a03adfaeef65/Orla-camera-beach.jpg" /> About me: I am a 24 year old freelance graphic designer based in Oxfordshire, with a passion for sustainable and nature-related design. I graduated from Oxford Brookes in 2023 with a first class with Honours degree in Graphic Design. During my degree, I discovered an interest in accessibility, which I have continued to strive for in my freelance work. I strongly believe in designing with purpose, I want to design in a way that has a positive impact on our world, whether that be for animals, the environment or people.In my free time I love to spend time outdoors in nature, visiting my local nature reserves, painting and crafting. This, paired with my love for animals, fuels my inspiration for design. I am confident using InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as After Effects, Premiere Pro and Figma. I have a strong knowledge of visual accessibility, and understanding of colour theory and designing for print. My services: ︎︎︎ Visual identity package: cohesive logo designs, accessible colour scheme, brand guidelines, additional brand assets eg icons, illustrations or photography ︎︎︎ Social media design + strategy︎︎︎ Print designs: business cards, banners, posters, brochures ︎︎︎ Illustration ︎︎︎ 2D animation︎︎︎ Photography I design my projects in a thorough and collaborative process. When working together on your project, I want to discuss your idea, ask questions to get an understanding of what is needed, see visual examples of what you would like, and conduct some relevant research before beginning the design process. Once I have started on the development of the design, I will ask for your feedback before going ahead with the best possible route. Contact me! &nbsp;Book in a free consultation call&nbsp; I would love to help your business or collaborate with you!If you have any questions about working with me or what I can do for you, please send me a message. Contact me by email with any enquiries, or message me on LinkedIn or Instagram: &nbsp;︎ Email&nbsp; &nbsp;︎ Instagram&nbsp; &nbsp;︎ LinkedIn&nbsp; https://oedesigns.uk/Brookes-Creative Tue, 21 May 2024 13:19:13 +0000 oe designs https://oedesigns.uk/Brookes-Creative Brookes Creative Visual identityPresentation design Social media design Printed material <img width="1800" height="1200" width_o="1800" height_o="1200" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6fc356a810bab6fadecb8de4e8aef103495d76dcb5b28339fc18e0f8ca2ee345/Brookes-Creative-Instagram-1.jpg" data-mid="211362050" border="0" alt="Screenshot of Brookes Creative first Instagram posts, 'CREATE'" data-caption="Screenshot of Brookes Creative first Instagram posts, 'CREATE'" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6fc356a810bab6fadecb8de4e8aef103495d76dcb5b28339fc18e0f8ca2ee345/Brookes-Creative-Instagram-1.jpg" /> Overview: Brookes Creative is a student-led project for the School of Arts at Oxford Brookes University. I joined as a Student Assisstant at the beginning of the project in 2021, at the start of my 2nd year. Working at Brookes Creative has been an incredible opportunity to collaborate with students in other disciplines, working on a variety of important creative projects for the University. Visual identity: For the first few months of the project I was working on the visual identity alongside another Graphic Design student. I experimented with different creative avenues, sketching lots of different logos to find one that fit the project. The first few weeks of experimentation were varied in style, before we ultimately decided to go with something cleaner and more similar to Oxford Brookes’ identity. Once the logo had been checked and finalised, we worked on making an accessible colour palette, which had to use Brookes’ colours. I created many different possible colour palettes, with accessibility help from my colleague, and we conducted a vote with the rest of the team. This led to the choice of a pink and gold colour palette. I then needed to make complimentary icons to use in the website. <img width="1080" height="1080" width_o="1080" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2833f640ab98bc0324abdd9863e082440bd27459fcef7b45f83c17b16fffce7e/BC-logo-regular.jpg" data-mid="211362052" border="0" alt="Brookes Creative logo" data-caption="Brookes Creative logo" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2833f640ab98bc0324abdd9863e082440bd27459fcef7b45f83c17b16fffce7e/BC-logo-regular.jpg" /> <img width="1858" height="1078" width_o="1858" height_o="1078" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/84351adaf5a28c25045a7851cd05f4a8ae52a8fe44bf23ba59e0c0a11257edff/BC-logo-colours.jpg" data-mid="211362058" border="0" alt="Brookes Creative logo gradient" data-caption="Brookes Creative logo gradient" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/84351adaf5a28c25045a7851cd05f4a8ae52a8fe44bf23ba59e0c0a11257edff/BC-logo-colours.jpg" /> <img width="986" height="872" width_o="986" height_o="872" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/42420672985307c3dec2ea6ffc9e2adde9dbc3ed4e16e853c76d51a81ef2dcf6/BC-accessible-colour-interactions.jpg" data-mid="211362059" border="0" alt="Brookes Creative accessible text colour guidelines" data-caption="Brookes Creative accessible text colour guidelines" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/986/i/42420672985307c3dec2ea6ffc9e2adde9dbc3ed4e16e853c76d51a81ef2dcf6/BC-accessible-colour-interactions.jpg" /> <img width="1366" height="768" width_o="1366" height_o="768" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/72863cba429d172abab062d989ccf550482312be5cf00fbf1efc33f86615bf4b/BC-icons.jpg" data-mid="211362057" border="0" alt="Brookes Creative website icons" data-caption="Brookes Creative website icons" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/72863cba429d172abab062d989ccf550482312be5cf00fbf1efc33f86615bf4b/BC-icons.jpg" /> Social media: At the start of my 2nd year working in Brookes Creative, I worked on the Instagram for the promotion of the project. For the first 2 weeks I posted most days, keeping to a weekly content schedule so that the grid was consistent and visually interesting. Another student designed the regular templates for our posts, however I updated them to make sure they were consistent, and tweaked them as needed for irregular posts such as advertising an event.Link to Brookes Creative Instagram <img width="1800" height="1200" width_o="1800" height_o="1200" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6fc356a810bab6fadecb8de4e8aef103495d76dcb5b28339fc18e0f8ca2ee345/Brookes-Creative-Instagram-1.jpg" data-mid="211362050" border="0" alt="First 6 posts on Brookes Creative Instagram, using brand colours and explaining the project's manifesto" data-caption="First 6 posts on Brookes Creative Instagram, using brand colours and explaining the project's manifesto" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6fc356a810bab6fadecb8de4e8aef103495d76dcb5b28339fc18e0f8ca2ee345/Brookes-Creative-Instagram-1.jpg" /> <img width="1770" height="1180" width_o="1770" height_o="1180" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/133fdb681cd4e082ef7148aa23deafee2bfba062dd1176083ab70549ab64807b/Brookes-Creative-Instagram-2.jpg" data-mid="211362051" border="0" alt="Second week of Instagram posts, using and tweaking another student's template designs to look consistent in the grid" data-caption="Second week of Instagram posts, using and tweaking another student's template designs to look consistent in the grid" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/133fdb681cd4e082ef7148aa23deafee2bfba062dd1176083ab70549ab64807b/Brookes-Creative-Instagram-2.jpg" /> Printed designs: Leading up to our first Open Day, I was in charge of designing a banner and small posters to be used around the Brookes Creative help desk. I used our chosen brand colours, logo and icons, and was provided with the dimensions to design some eye-catching printed assets. The banner by the help desk has an overview of Brookes Creative’s aims: helping students to find placements or work experience, posting helpful articles, and a regularly updated job board on the website. There is also a list of the project’s social media and a QR code linking to the website.For our second event, I designed a small banner to promote our new employability opportunity for students in the School of Arts. <img width="1002" height="1108" width_o="1002" height_o="1108" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7f934f32fd3130fea663c397f537832677a9ff3bf9c0cc9c2465a833b8115ba9/Desk---banner-photo.jpg" data-mid="211362062" border="0" alt="Orla and another Brookes Creative student sit at the desk, surrounded by colourful posters and a banner" data-caption="Orla and another Brookes Creative student sit at the desk, surrounded by colourful posters and a banner" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/7f934f32fd3130fea663c397f537832677a9ff3bf9c0cc9c2465a833b8115ba9/Desk---banner-photo.jpg" /> <img width="2710" height="3526" width_o="2710" height_o="3526" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a4fcbf77888b04ce37293d0e14d15c801376822ec4f2565cd8b3403973943521/IMG_9555.jpg" data-mid="211362063" border="0" alt="A small, colourful banner promoting a student employability opportunity" data-caption="A small, colourful banner promoting a student employability opportunity" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a4fcbf77888b04ce37293d0e14d15c801376822ec4f2565cd8b3403973943521/IMG_9555.jpg" /> Employability video project: A small team of 5 Brookes Creative students were asked to film and edit 4 short videos explaining employability projects throughout the different faculties. As the graphic designer of the team, I designed the title slides used at the beginning of the videos. I also helped out with the filming of the videos, and learnt from another student in the team about how to edit videos in Avid. I was also featured in the Brookes Creative video as a student talking about my experience working in the project.Link to Brookes Creative Youtube <img width="2778" height="1480" width_o="2778" height_o="1480" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a52e761eaad044b358f92412b819cfabb92dbc009ec2db5d91a15097fea27360/Brookes-Creative-interview.jpg" data-mid="211362053" border="0" alt="Screenshot of me talking about Brookes Creative in the employability video" data-caption="Screenshot of me talking about Brookes Creative in the employability video" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a52e761eaad044b358f92412b819cfabb92dbc009ec2db5d91a15097fea27360/Brookes-Creative-interview.jpg" /> <img width="8001" height="4501" width_o="8001" height_o="4501" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/91e42ffe22914755c270512b913230c38d9244e4e9004178f28d1953e435e808/TDE-video-title-slide-Brookes-Creative.png" data-mid="211362054" border="0" alt="Title slide designed for Brookes Creative employability video" data-caption="Title slide designed for Brookes Creative employability video" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/91e42ffe22914755c270512b913230c38d9244e4e9004178f28d1953e435e808/TDE-video-title-slide-Brookes-Creative.png" /> Presentation design: A very different project during my time working for Brookes Creative was to collaborate with my fellow Graphic Designer Farzaneh Heidari to make an illustrated end of year review presentation to be shown at a meeting in front of over 50 senior members of staff. Based on the same typeface and colour scheme used in the brand identity, I illustrated some eye-catching and colourful numbers to show our year’s highlights. This was one of my favourite projects as I had a great time collaborating, and the university stakeholders loved our presentation design. <img width="8000" height="4500" width_o="8000" height_o="4500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/675884e4197a5fcf0bc228df801ab4900dc8f7f84d89bb688f3bbcf5686e541e/Impact-report-infographics.jpg" data-mid="211362061" border="0" alt="Infographic page from Brookes Creative's end of year review presentation" data-caption="Infographic page from Brookes Creative's end of year review presentation" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/675884e4197a5fcf0bc228df801ab4900dc8f7f84d89bb688f3bbcf5686e541e/Impact-report-infographics.jpg" /> https://oedesigns.uk/Blenheim-Palace-Oxford-Brookes-brochure Wed, 16 Jul 2025 10:53:54 +0000 oe designs https://oedesigns.uk/Blenheim-Palace-Oxford-Brookes-brochure Blenheim Palace / Oxford Brookes brochure Brochure design Print design <img width="2800" height="2400" width_o="2800" height_o="2400" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c6bc9ec06e1e111fb7dc4b0f21e58bfd7a85d9aeaf1432836c02bc200fd38ac9/Blenheim-Brookes-3.jpg" data-mid="236539963" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c6bc9ec06e1e111fb7dc4b0f21e58bfd7a85d9aeaf1432836c02bc200fd38ac9/Blenheim-Brookes-3.jpg" /> Overview: Oxford Brookes University’s Business School approached myself and fellow freelancer&nbsp;Farzaneh Heidari to create a brochure about the research project between Blenheim Palace and Oxford Brookes. We were provided with the images and text for the brochure, and Fari and I worked on the layout of the brochure between us.We referred to Blenheim Palace’s brand guidelines, and created a professional yet visually engaging brochure that could be shared digitally as well as printed.We finished up by preparing the document for print. The final brochure was received very well. <img width="3939" height="2553" width_o="3939" height_o="2553" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0e7a8d6ba3d54e21dc54bde178607e7555ed98d795de0385de7caf8bfc7a3134/1.png" data-mid="236539589" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0e7a8d6ba3d54e21dc54bde178607e7555ed98d795de0385de7caf8bfc7a3134/1.png" /> <img width="1500" height="1080" width_o="1500" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fb220edd0602bbf4047ea8ab2009ff782f3e8bdb7ef08be276fd80b2a33a6b1c/Blenheim-Brookes.png" data-mid="236539636" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/fb220edd0602bbf4047ea8ab2009ff782f3e8bdb7ef08be276fd80b2a33a6b1c/Blenheim-Brookes.png" /> <img width="1500" height="1080" width_o="1500" height_o="1080" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a0c1caca9b7db471ec388380c351a50c27fb50fe250017cfb652cdcedc9a822a/Blenheim-Brookes-2.png" data-mid="236539672" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a0c1caca9b7db471ec388380c351a50c27fb50fe250017cfb652cdcedc9a822a/Blenheim-Brookes-2.png" /> <img width="6000" height="4000" width_o="6000" height_o="4000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/64a5b91fcb7d3aeb661aed832c96f61aa3672dcce43053d0b4bc96059727214d/IMG_2597.JPG" data-mid="236539674" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/64a5b91fcb7d3aeb661aed832c96f61aa3672dcce43053d0b4bc96059727214d/IMG_2597.JPG" /> https://oedesigns.uk/IDEAS-Visual-Identity Wed, 16 Jul 2025 10:55:24 +0000 oe designs https://oedesigns.uk/IDEAS-Visual-Identity IDEAS Visual Identity Visual identity Colour accessibilityIcon design Print &amp; digital templates <img width="1921" height="576" width_o="1921" height_o="576" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a9e30f97e992e7cd497d3cd77f0226b69349c26085fb66b0831ab056f27a5828/IDEAS-icons---black-outline.jpg" data-mid="236538936" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a9e30f97e992e7cd497d3cd77f0226b69349c26085fb66b0831ab056f27a5828/IDEAS-icons---black-outline.jpg" /> “Working with Orla was an absolute pleasure. She took the time to truly understand what we were trying to achieve with a visual identity, asked insightful questions, and put it all into practice.She created a complete visual identity on time, on budget and on brief! But also went above and beyond to create comprehensive guidelines and user-friendly templates. These have been so helpful for members of the team with less digital confidence, making it easy for us to apply the brand consistently whilst keeping everything accessible.Thanks to Orla, we now have a cohesive and impactful visual identity that embodies the spirit of IDEAS. I'd highly recommend Orla to anyone looking for a designer who is creative, collaborative and professional.”Nicola Beer, Oxford Brookes University Overview: &nbsp;The OCAED team at Oxford Brookes University wanted a visual identity for their upcoming project, a curriculum model designed for staff and students.Important aspects of the brief included accessibility and inclusivity - as this project aims to improve inclusion within course curriculum, it was necessary for the visual identity to be accessible.The final identity needed to fit within Oxford Brookes’ brand guidelines, but the team also wanted it to be recognisable on its own. As I had experience working with Brookes’ brand guidelines before, this was a welcome challenge.I worked on this project with my fellow freelancer Farzaneh, who’s website is linked here. Strategy: I started the project by mindmapping all of my ideas, including keywords and sketches to do with the brief.While Fari worked on the logo design and illustrations, I focused on the icons and accessibility. We collaborated on this project very successfully, as our skills matched nicely and we had many meetings to discuss our progress and give eachother feedback. <img width="8000" height="4500" width_o="8000" height_o="4500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d15fc4ac5b8899501be8fa8fbac7f2d94dd7d291e36b6a6c0adee069f74c7a7e/IDEAS-mindmaps.jpg" data-mid="236668382" border="0" alt="5 mindmaps and sketch pages showing keywords and associations that helped develop the IDEAS icons" data-caption="5 mindmaps and sketch pages showing keywords and associations that helped develop the IDEAS icons" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d15fc4ac5b8899501be8fa8fbac7f2d94dd7d291e36b6a6c0adee069f74c7a7e/IDEAS-mindmaps.jpg" /> <img width="1024" height="768" width_o="1024" height_o="768" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f5bc71aae1a15b358437657633a496ef05b41d6c703f0d500694866e924c4f03/att.gCSZqvL0pTlpmtZFjsHFFR_7h6ej-qxXhygDZjHir8c.jpg" data-mid="236668371" border="0" alt="Initial sketches of IDEAS icons in pencil, showing the other ideas we came up with before finalising" data-caption="Initial sketches of IDEAS icons in pencil, showing the other ideas we came up with before finalising" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f5bc71aae1a15b358437657633a496ef05b41d6c703f0d500694866e924c4f03/att.gCSZqvL0pTlpmtZFjsHFFR_7h6ej-qxXhygDZjHir8c.jpg" /> Development:After lots of research into the project aims, as well as several meetings with the team, we finalised the icons that would represent the 5 elements of the IDEAS model.We made sure that they worked in black and white first, so that they could be used in any context.Next, we experimented with the colours. Using only colours from Brookes’ brand guidelines, we decided on 5 colours, each recognisable and distinct from eachother.I used the WebAIM colour contrast checker to make sure that all of the colours had an acceptable contrast ratio. It was also important at this stage to check that the colours were distinguishable to people with colour vision deficiency.Once the team were happy with the icons and colour scheme, Fari started working on the illustrations for the Personas, and I started working on the editable templates.We created templates for both print and digital, including exercises and presentations. <img width="1921" height="576" width_o="1921" height_o="576" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a9e30f97e992e7cd497d3cd77f0226b69349c26085fb66b0831ab056f27a5828/IDEAS-icons---black-outline.jpg" data-mid="236538936" border="0" alt="Final 5 IDEAS icons in the shapes of the letters they represent, in 5 different Brookes colours, blue, green, yellow, pink and orange. Each icon is distinctly creative and unique, making it accessible." data-caption="Final 5 IDEAS icons in the shapes of the letters they represent, in 5 different Brookes colours, blue, green, yellow, pink and orange. Each icon is distinctly creative and unique, making it accessible." src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a9e30f97e992e7cd497d3cd77f0226b69349c26085fb66b0831ab056f27a5828/IDEAS-icons---black-outline.jpg" /> <img width="4500" height="3000" width_o="4500" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e31241866ac8913ccbc0337896d69fad03b97165ff83d8b456c469b16966210d/IDEAS-PersonaPresentation-mockup.jpg" data-mid="236538931" border="0" alt="4 persona presentation slides showing the 5 IDEAS icons, vibrant patterns, and hand-illustrated personas" data-caption="4 persona presentation slides showing the 5 IDEAS icons, vibrant patterns, and hand-illustrated personas" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e31241866ac8913ccbc0337896d69fad03b97165ff83d8b456c469b16966210d/IDEAS-PersonaPresentation-mockup.jpg" /> <img width="4500" height="3000" width_o="4500" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/56d04ed5cb9dfc3f4ecae5158409e775be52e170fe58681b554590df80ba1685/IDEAS-Presentation-mockup.jpg" data-mid="236538932" border="0" alt="4 presentation slides in IDEAS brand style, featuring bright pink and yellow backgrounds, colourful patterns, and bold text" data-caption="4 presentation slides in IDEAS brand style, featuring bright pink and yellow backgrounds, colourful patterns, and bold text" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/56d04ed5cb9dfc3f4ecae5158409e775be52e170fe58681b554590df80ba1685/IDEAS-Presentation-mockup.jpg" /> <img width="3508" height="2480" width_o="3508" height_o="2480" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/fcc75b874c41b4b66ad38eea1f7a60dd4fb3827c1eb586a5ce1e2127f169edcc/IDEAS-visual-identity---accessible-colours.jpg" data-mid="236539190" border="0" alt="Colour palette brand guidelines page, showing the colour scheme and accessible colour combinations" data-caption="Colour palette brand guidelines page, showing the colour scheme and accessible colour combinations" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/fcc75b874c41b4b66ad38eea1f7a60dd4fb3827c1eb586a5ce1e2127f169edcc/IDEAS-visual-identity---accessible-colours.jpg" /> <img width="3508" height="2480" width_o="3508" height_o="2480" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e57f5902489dd5505526323bbca1fbbffe903bf3961b3749d15c1609537b855c/IDEAS-visual-identity---icons.jpg" data-mid="236539196" border="0" alt="Icon page from IDEAS brand guidelines, showing the 5 icons in black with keywords" data-caption="Icon page from IDEAS brand guidelines, showing the 5 icons in black with keywords" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e57f5902489dd5505526323bbca1fbbffe903bf3961b3749d15c1609537b855c/IDEAS-visual-identity---icons.jpg" /> https://oedesigns.uk/Bonny-Dogs-Grooming-Academy Tue, 21 May 2024 13:19:15 +0000 oe designs https://oedesigns.uk/Bonny-Dogs-Grooming-Academy Bonny Dogs Grooming Academy Social media strategy &amp; design Print designIllustrations &amp; animationsPhotography <img width="1080" height="700" width_o="1080" height_o="700" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/0e03441661e635133984bf5cf1846f81bca580c0656d7978c940b1de16a0bf58/Bonny-Dogs-illustrations-cropped.jpg" data-mid="236669097" border="0" alt="Illustrations of a French Bulldog and Cocker Spaniel for Bonny Dogs Grooming Academy, using their turquoise colour scheme and bold outlines" data-caption="Illustrations of a French Bulldog and Cocker Spaniel for Bonny Dogs Grooming Academy, using their turquoise colour scheme and bold outlines" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/0e03441661e635133984bf5cf1846f81bca580c0656d7978c940b1de16a0bf58/Bonny-Dogs-illustrations-cropped.jpg" /> “I've been absolutely delighted with the social media support I've received from Orla. The service has been consistently professional, tailored exactly to my needs, and incredibly effective. Orla is always so helpful, approachable, and full of fresh ideas that have really made a difference to my online presence. She takes the time to understand my goals and brings creative, strategic input every step of the way. I couldn’t recommend her more highly!”Paula Thompson, Bonny Dogs Grooming Services &amp; Academy Overview: Bonny Dogs Grooming Academy is a small business in Hereford that offers dog grooming courses to people of all levels, from beginner to professional.I was hired to design materials to promote the dog grooming courses. Since July 2023 I have designed digital content including social media templates, icons, illustrations, reels and animations. I also designed a printed banner to catch attention at career events, and a poster to encourage reviews. To see my work in action: https://www.instagram.com/bonnydogsgroomingacademy/ Printed materials: After learning about the nuances of print design while working in a print shop, I put my skills to the test by designing a banner and poster to be used by the Academy.I produced a striking banner design that conveyed all of the necessary points while maintatining the business’s visual identity. The banner was printed in great quality, and stood out at the career event. I also designed a poster to be shown in the reception area of the salon, encouraging both regular clients and course students to leave a review. <img width="3000" height="3000" width_o="3000" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/dca0aef844a84cf5e5ca0b914a470659e6041a954b69a64bf5f4af75d83f1b1d/Google-review-link-poster-mockup.jpg" data-mid="211362066" border="0" alt="Dog Grooming Academy poster with cute colourful illustrations of dogs, bone and paw print icons, and QR code" data-caption="Dog Grooming Academy poster with cute colourful illustrations of dogs, bone and paw print icons, and QR code" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/dca0aef844a84cf5e5ca0b914a470659e6041a954b69a64bf5f4af75d83f1b1d/Google-review-link-poster-mockup.jpg" /> <img width="828" height="1104" width_o="828" height_o="1104" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5798f96e796c6c2ad567743c6b236159d71a4e8f14fde18015d648b0117dc438/IMG_8484.JPG" data-mid="211362074" border="0" alt="Dog Grooming Academy large banner with turquoise background, picture of a cute chihuahua and dog-related icons" data-caption="Dog Grooming Academy large banner with turquoise background, picture of a cute chihuahua and dog-related icons" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/828/i/5798f96e796c6c2ad567743c6b236159d71a4e8f14fde18015d648b0117dc438/IMG_8484.JPG" /> Social media:I started working on the social media by expanding on the designs that the client’s previous social media manager had created. I created a strategy outlining the aims, target audience, content pillars and hashtags. I embellished the template designs of the previous social media manager for Instagram and Facebook, focusing on accessibility and establishing a welcoming but professional style. I created bespoke icons and illustrations, and updated the colours used for text and background to make it accessible for people with visual impairments.I visited the salon in-person to take professional photographs to be used on social media. This was great as I got to see the business for myself, learn about the dog grooming process, take great photos and videos of the students and tutor in action, as well as being in the company of many adorable dogs! <img width="4000" height="6000" width_o="4000" height_o="6000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/68d6807b77b7032cb098cb081a2e1ad8ac3a7fffb74b9b51c470c99620fae9be/IMG_3572.JPG" data-mid="236668835" border="0" alt="A black toy poodle sits in a duck-patterned towel to dry off after his bath" data-caption="A black toy poodle sits in a duck-patterned towel to dry off after his bath" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/68d6807b77b7032cb098cb081a2e1ad8ac3a7fffb74b9b51c470c99620fae9be/IMG_3572.JPG" /> <img width="6000" height="4000" width_o="6000" height_o="4000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/f7dc370d1bc1ef54f40d41064ed31145361193bd063601610cc7146601273dfb/IMG_2955.JPG" data-mid="236668672" border="0" alt="Dog grooming tutor holds a light grey Bedlington terrier's paw, showing the pads which have just had hair trimmed around them" data-caption="Dog grooming tutor holds a light grey Bedlington terrier's paw, showing the pads which have just had hair trimmed around them" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/f7dc370d1bc1ef54f40d41064ed31145361193bd063601610cc7146601273dfb/IMG_2955.JPG" /> <img width="6000" height="4000" width_o="6000" height_o="4000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/514d4974343baed71e580f6d9c55b63466add5dcc90fdd41793aaea8c59b6e9a/IMG_2999.JPG" data-mid="236668675" border="0" alt="A golden toy poodle relaxes it's head on a grey pillow while being dried in the salon" data-caption="A golden toy poodle relaxes it's head on a grey pillow while being dried in the salon" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/514d4974343baed71e580f6d9c55b63466add5dcc90fdd41793aaea8c59b6e9a/IMG_2999.JPG" /> <img width="3648" height="2736" width_o="3648" height_o="2736" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/485aacb40736e4ef3ab949a4f2b86b7b54f11651835258d52a72489a5e086758/DSCF3366.JPG" data-mid="211362071" border="0" alt="A white West Highland terrier enjoys a facial massage in the bath" data-caption="A white West Highland terrier enjoys a facial massage in the bath" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/485aacb40736e4ef3ab949a4f2b86b7b54f11651835258d52a72489a5e086758/DSCF3366.JPG" /> <img width="6000" height="4000" width_o="6000" height_o="4000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/a6dfe9c1d1c04bd3544d4cc52055fae9fe988f3a7ac647f518f13b7fdaf0244e/IMG_3475.JPG" data-mid="236668838" border="0" alt="A cream Cockerpoo sits while having it's ear hair trimmed with scissors" data-caption="A cream Cockerpoo sits while having it's ear hair trimmed with scissors" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/a6dfe9c1d1c04bd3544d4cc52055fae9fe988f3a7ac647f518f13b7fdaf0244e/IMG_3475.JPG" /> <img width="828" height="1529" width_o="828" height_o="1529" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/31aa44bbb9b4dc7727d4cfb531dc6a535a809019a611d2de8042837b8802088d/IMG_9625.PNG" data-mid="211362076" border="0" alt="Screenshot of Bonny Dogs Grooming Academy Instagram page, showing branded template posts, reels and photographs" data-caption="Screenshot of Bonny Dogs Grooming Academy Instagram page, showing branded template posts, reels and photographs" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/828/i/31aa44bbb9b4dc7727d4cfb531dc6a535a809019a611d2de8042837b8802088d/IMG_9625.PNG" /> <img width="1080" height="1920" width_o="1080" height_o="1920" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/bdcd68d17a99c4a85ab29b81eff25e3a296862a93fca6f82c2eb695da3617adf/Bonny-Dogs-Day-in-the-life-reel.gif" data-mid="238784495" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/bdcd68d17a99c4a85ab29b81eff25e3a296862a93fca6f82c2eb695da3617adf/Bonny-Dogs-Day-in-the-life-reel.gif" /> <img width="1334" height="1332" width_o="1334" height_o="1332" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c77be1cffd61b050c7c0398a4d49b10a616d4eb82f6743beac1badaa9e46b4c0/Bonny-Dogs-post-with-icons.jpg" data-mid="211362069" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c77be1cffd61b050c7c0398a4d49b10a616d4eb82f6743beac1badaa9e46b4c0/Bonny-Dogs-post-with-icons.jpg" /> Results:Students have mentioned that the social media presence helped them decide to learn with a Bonny Dogs course. This is due to the professional graphics and consistent posting, which tells potential clients that the Academy is accepting new students and shows the value of a Bonny Dogs Grooming Academy course, as well as cute behind-the-scenes clips.The Academy is often booked months in advance, with new enquiries frequently getting in touch. https://oedesigns.uk/Children-s-Book-Illustrations Wed, 16 Jul 2025 10:52:46 +0000 oe designs https://oedesigns.uk/Children-s-Book-Illustrations Children’s Book Illustrations Illustration <img width="2000" height="2000" width_o="2000" height_o="2000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/49e1c11c0f0868d9eda2fe6fa5157ee5ce802ab02f5fe898218d382beaab5b5f/Bunny-book-cover.jpg" data-mid="236540174" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/49e1c11c0f0868d9eda2fe6fa5157ee5ce802ab02f5fe898218d382beaab5b5f/Bunny-book-cover.jpg" /> Overview:I was approached by a student at Oxford Brookes University to create illustrations for her children’s book, which aimed to spread awareness for pet rabbit care with young children.I love animals and illustration so I was thrilled to work on this project. Process: I started the project by sketching the main character, Honey the rabbit, in a few different styles until I found a style that I felt fit the story and target audience. I did sketches on paper first, then continued in Procreate where it was easier to make changes.With feedback from the client I refined this until we were both happy.After the sketches were complete, I did some value studies to help me decide on which colours to use. We chose quite bright colours as it’s aimed at young children. I then brought my sketches into Procreate to digitise and add colour, texture and lineart. This was very satisfying as the illustrations started to come to life.After completing the 40 illustrations, I sent them to the client, who assembled the book layout with the story, and got them printed.I also created some bookmarks using the finished illustrations, to be given to the author and anyone who receives the book.I was able to receive a copy of the finished book, which I gave to a young family member, and I’m very happy to say that it’s their favourite book! <img width="2953" height="3248" width_o="2953" height_o="3248" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/e81c6d2c74160e75cf3ab7c753a00481554e9be47eaa3856646b9a9be79334a8/Page_5.3.jpg" data-mid="236542865" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/e81c6d2c74160e75cf3ab7c753a00481554e9be47eaa3856646b9a9be79334a8/Page_5.3.jpg" /> <img width="2953" height="3248" width_o="2953" height_o="3248" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/6b8f4c46edef8c9ccc504f62f511fbc830f0f9e81f4e4333a87f94c16f944555/Page_5.4.jpg" data-mid="236542866" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/6b8f4c46edef8c9ccc504f62f511fbc830f0f9e81f4e4333a87f94c16f944555/Page_5.4.jpg" /> <img width="2953" height="3248" width_o="2953" height_o="3248" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/d0e7f3c68964d8eff3d8d9264235bb2d4e7186fac20e3935fbbd150ada8f566c/Page_10.2.jpg" data-mid="236542992" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/d0e7f3c68964d8eff3d8d9264235bb2d4e7186fac20e3935fbbd150ada8f566c/Page_10.2.jpg" /> Final illustrations: <img width="3000" height="1600" width_o="3000" height_o="1600" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4f69bd7be6c6cbdd2d51217c3ae353f3ecb9db427ba1c531d789bfffbf32b967/Bunny-book-page.png" data-mid="236542858" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4f69bd7be6c6cbdd2d51217c3ae353f3ecb9db427ba1c531d789bfffbf32b967/Bunny-book-page.png" /> <img width="1500" height="1500" width_o="1500" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/aa8fad5d202d64870bce7b7560f0eaba986f8fd020b193af74ae7fd6fe6bec87/Bunny-book-illustration.png" data-mid="236542853" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/aa8fad5d202d64870bce7b7560f0eaba986f8fd020b193af74ae7fd6fe6bec87/Bunny-book-illustration.png" /> <img width="1500" height="1500" width_o="1500" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/45c654f68e3ef6451c144ee460047cc9430d703e70a8bcf1fc9509d8645d323b/Bunny-book-illustration-3.png" data-mid="236542856" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/45c654f68e3ef6451c144ee460047cc9430d703e70a8bcf1fc9509d8645d323b/Bunny-book-illustration-3.png" /> <img width="1500" height="1500" width_o="1500" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/5abae64998165b0b83f56d20874fb39f77f679879685be3e519412bbe2c673d9/Bunny-book-illustration-2.png" data-mid="236542855" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/5abae64998165b0b83f56d20874fb39f77f679879685be3e519412bbe2c673d9/Bunny-book-illustration-2.png" /> <img width="1500" height="1500" width_o="1500" height_o="1500" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3bbbd6327734e915f01a88158f191ff61a7ad83aaa78e2def7ab71220741db0b/Bunny-book-illustration-4.png" data-mid="236542854" border="0" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3bbbd6327734e915f01a88158f191ff61a7ad83aaa78e2def7ab71220741db0b/Bunny-book-illustration-4.png" /> https://oedesigns.uk/Eat-Ancient-app Tue, 21 May 2024 13:19:16 +0000 oe designs https://oedesigns.uk/Eat-Ancient-app Eat Ancient User Interface UI &amp; UX design Accessibility Animation <img width="5000" height="3000" width_o="5000" height_o="3000" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c02e66255c82d4dcb78a76653a7e09e5e9db6d0a2a8755c357e31db1632606a2/App-screen-mockup.jpg" data-mid="211362079" border="0" alt="Eat Ancient app mockup, showing plans, grains, settings and about pages" data-caption="Eat Ancient app mockup, showing plans, grains, settings and about pages" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c02e66255c82d4dcb78a76653a7e09e5e9db6d0a2a8755c357e31db1632606a2/App-screen-mockup.jpg" /> Overview: This project was for the RSA student design awards brief ‘Tomorrow’s Menu’, where I worked in a pair. We identified an issue in the food system which needs more attention: modern grains are being over-cultivated, farmed with strong chemical pesticides which lower soil and harvest quality. The solution: to encourage the younger adult generation to try ancient grains, which have more health benefits and will re-diversify our diets. We decided to design an app that teaches 18-28 year olds about the benefits of ancient grains, as well as selling and delivering ancient grain products to their door, and providing recipes with the ingredients. <img width="2302" height="1384" width_o="2302" height_o="1384" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/03490683d4f0df110ab23cd1fb233265025f976670d6be17ab0eba879f031b2c/Brief-8.jpg" data-mid="211362081" border="0" alt="FigJam mind map of RSA brief 'Tomorrow's Menu', detailing problems in the food industry and possible solutions" data-caption="FigJam mind map of RSA brief 'Tomorrow's Menu', detailing problems in the food industry and possible solutions" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/03490683d4f0df110ab23cd1fb233265025f976670d6be17ab0eba879f031b2c/Brief-8.jpg" /> Strategy: We both conducted research into food delivery brands and packaging, and in-depth research into brands working on reducing food waste. We then conducted a survey on our target audience, asking about their food habits and grain consumption, and recipes they would want to try with ancient grains. This survey provided us with useful data about what our target audience would want in our app. <img width="1686" height="946" width_o="1686" height_o="946" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/17d3f4e57e630a08a0c5811a09b4a3e941954148866426bcd58242d1dd1785ed/EatAncient-survey-graphs.jpg" data-mid="211362078" border="0" alt="Survey results infographic showing target audience grain consumption and opinions on ancient grains" data-caption="Survey results infographic showing target audience grain consumption and opinions on ancient grains" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/17d3f4e57e630a08a0c5811a09b4a3e941954148866426bcd58242d1dd1785ed/EatAncient-survey-graphs.jpg" /> We wanted to make sure that our work load was equal, so my partner designed the branding and packaging of the products, and I worked on the app and animation. I came up with a persona to summarise the target audience and help me focus the app’s design toward them. I find this is a necessary step as it means we can imagine the user’s habits and needs, and focus on these in the design stage. <img width="1138" height="1336" width_o="1138" height_o="1336" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/ff37e6598e1e1f19279be8bb349c897abfa1ccbbdb9e69ea86c568e6ebbc5eb0/Eat-Ancient-persona.jpg" data-mid="211362082" border="0" data-scale="70" alt="Imaginary persona card for Sarah, showing her patterns and habits" data-caption="Imaginary persona card for Sarah, showing her patterns and habits" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/ff37e6598e1e1f19279be8bb349c897abfa1ccbbdb9e69ea86c568e6ebbc5eb0/Eat-Ancient-persona.jpg" /> Development: As a designer with a passion for accessibility, I took it upon myself to check the colour palettes we were experimenting with had enough contrast. Using WebAIM’s colour contrast checker, I found certain colour combinations which had AAA and AA contrast ratio, and developed these into our brand’s colour scheme. We wanted our brand colours to be a limited colour palette so that it’s bold and stands out, but it also needed to be warm/neutral tones to reflect the colours of the ancient grains. The final colour scheme was designed to be accessible for people with visual impairments, while still being warm and neutral. The development of the app began with a basic wireframe in Figma, leading to multiple rounds of user feedback to make sure it was meeting the needs of the target users. This is a crucial stage in my design process, as it helps me stay focused on the target users’ requirements and make improvements that they would want. As my partner was finalising the logo design and packaging of the ancient grains, I finished the app design and made 2 animations of loading screens. <img width="986" height="1264" width_o="986" height_o="1264" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/217932de47f7c21939a3b980e011beae87bd5b4b3e624b50f0c25f58045df1f0/EatAncient-colour-testing.jpg" data-mid="211362084" border="0" alt="Colour scheme accessibility testing, featuring greens, browns and pinks" data-caption="Colour scheme accessibility testing, featuring greens, browns and pinks" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/986/i/217932de47f7c21939a3b980e011beae87bd5b4b3e624b50f0c25f58045df1f0/EatAncient-colour-testing.jpg" /> <img width="2160" height="1264" width_o="2160" height_o="1264" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1c523cb51cd02f5de08384299b60d6ebca16bf6113f66e5bc060435882b6c45f/EatAncient-final-colour-palette.jpg" data-mid="211362086" border="0" alt="Final colour scheme, featuring a dark purple, pinky-red, sandy brown and off-white" data-caption="Final colour scheme, featuring a dark purple, pinky-red, sandy brown and off-white" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/1c523cb51cd02f5de08384299b60d6ebca16bf6113f66e5bc060435882b6c45f/EatAncient-final-colour-palette.jpg" /> Deliverables: The final deliverables were the app prototype, animations and ancient grain packaging. The project was a great experience to collaborate with another passionate student on a project we both felt was meaningful. <img width="1434" height="1062" width_o="1434" height_o="1062" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/3adb93d1f255c441c02d671928d5799c9eacf2b6f3b87cde0939eff72103bd28/EA-logo-lockups.jpg" data-mid="211362092" border="0" alt="Anna's finalised logo and illustration design" data-caption="Anna's finalised logo and illustration design" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/3adb93d1f255c441c02d671928d5799c9eacf2b6f3b87cde0939eff72103bd28/EA-logo-lockups.jpg" /> <img width="754" height="1348" width_o="754" height_o="1348" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7933c58aec81d7b649831c2730e028fa18a9928ad9c1c3ae1c8372c963a622f6/Onboarding.jpg" data-mid="211362088" border="0" alt="Eat Ancient onboarding screen, with Anna's logo design" data-caption="Eat Ancient onboarding screen, with Anna's logo design" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/754/i/7933c58aec81d7b649831c2730e028fa18a9928ad9c1c3ae1c8372c963a622f6/Onboarding.jpg" /> <img width="754" height="1348" width_o="754" height_o="1348" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/7fba2a42a706ec8503101c8678eb511c327e27812cfbd3a81331240dfe88aeb0/Plans.jpg" data-mid="211362089" border="0" alt="App landing screen, showing Anna's grain packaging and available plans for delivery" data-caption="App landing screen, showing Anna's grain packaging and available plans for delivery" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/754/i/7fba2a42a706ec8503101c8678eb511c327e27812cfbd3a81331240dfe88aeb0/Plans.jpg" /> <img width="754" height="1348" width_o="754" height_o="1348" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/90dfb118db4974b7e8732f3712d2261f2070de5b864c2fab61d6216356b46dc5/About-2.jpg" data-mid="211362090" border="0" alt="App 'about' page, detailing benefits of ancient grains and giving information on the food system" data-caption="App 'about' page, detailing benefits of ancient grains and giving information on the food system" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/754/i/90dfb118db4974b7e8732f3712d2261f2070de5b864c2fab61d6216356b46dc5/About-2.jpg" /> <img width="1080" height="1920" width_o="1080" height_o="1920" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b7434603fed6d9b88ca85b9282bbb1e3729136cb579b81a76417a7f59781e408/Order-processing-gif-min.gif" data-mid="211362085" border="0" alt="Confirmation of order animation, with grains filling up the screen" data-caption="Confirmation of order animation, with grains filling up the screen" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/b7434603fed6d9b88ca85b9282bbb1e3729136cb579b81a76417a7f59781e408/Order-processing-gif-min.gif" /> <img width="1080" height="1920" width_o="1080" height_o="1920" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/203c7a16fcd93961e53fb1108659f949f55f041ed7995ce268c15a52c03a02ab/Logo-loading-min.gif" data-mid="211362094" border="0" alt="Loading animation showing Eat Ancient logo rotating clockwise" data-caption="Loading animation showing Eat Ancient logo rotating clockwise" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/203c7a16fcd93961e53fb1108659f949f55f041ed7995ce268c15a52c03a02ab/Logo-loading-min.gif" /> https://oedesigns.uk/Preserve-app Tue, 21 May 2024 13:19:18 +0000 oe designs https://oedesigns.uk/Preserve-app Preserve UI &amp; UX design Visual Identity Accessibility Illustration <img width="5000" height="3333" width_o="5000" height_o="3333" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2c828dafdf1d2af2433ca59760ee0db75271b694ff3ebc483fc61151c0dd4dc3/Orla-Evans-5006-app-mockup-3.jpg" data-mid="211362096" border="0" data-scale="100" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2c828dafdf1d2af2433ca59760ee0db75271b694ff3ebc483fc61151c0dd4dc3/Orla-Evans-5006-app-mockup-3.jpg" /> Overview: Preserve is a project I created independently, &nbsp;inspired by my love for nature reserves and animals. As someone who only recently began visiting nature reserves as a place to relax during stressful times in university, I wanted to design an app that could encourage other students to visit them too. The app gives directions to local nature reserves, information about activities and accessibility features to the nature reserves, identification of wildlife, and collectible digital stickers for achievements in the app. Strategy: Just before starting this project I had discovered User Experience and User Interface design; I had been reading a lot of books and articles about UX. I wanted to incorporate some of the UX process into this project so that I could better understand the user needs, improve my design skills and make something that could be realistically useful. At the beginning of the project, I conducted a lot of research into nature reserves, gamification of apps, and UI/UX design. I also conducted some primary research, visiting all of the nature reserves in the area and photographing the wildlife and signage. Unfortunately, people had been fly-tipping at one of the nature reserves I visited. I wanted the app to also encourage people to volunteer and help out with the maintenance of the wildlife. <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/4fe88ad1fb8f59159d260508249788a58490f3ef1d89c750bbf552aa53642066/IMG_2082.jpg" data-mid="211362099" border="0" alt="Photograph of Lye Valley nature reserve's boardwalk on a cloudy but bright day" data-caption="Photograph of Lye Valley nature reserve's boardwalk on a cloudy but bright day" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/4fe88ad1fb8f59159d260508249788a58490f3ef1d89c750bbf552aa53642066/IMG_2082.jpg" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/26612cc89404abce49f169eed13b5f538b0d934d24271ce1760073b6ca4705bb/IMG_2099.jpg" data-mid="211362100" border="0" alt="Photograph of Lye Valley nature reserve's boardwalk with the sunset shining onto the ponds" data-caption="Photograph of Lye Valley nature reserve's boardwalk with the sunset shining onto the ponds" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/26612cc89404abce49f169eed13b5f538b0d934d24271ce1760073b6ca4705bb/IMG_2099.jpg" /> <img width="4032" height="3024" width_o="4032" height_o="3024" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/570bc1a0396e8d833781d8913c7f7366143e542c829d7a63ed5889ae405b8826/IMG_2670.jpg" data-mid="211362101" border="0" alt="Photograph of C.S. Lewis nature reserve showing the trees around the lake" data-caption="Photograph of C.S. Lewis nature reserve showing the trees around the lake" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/570bc1a0396e8d833781d8913c7f7366143e542c829d7a63ed5889ae405b8826/IMG_2670.jpg" /> Next, I conducted a survey on some target users in order to understand what they would want from a nature app. I found that most of the participants were interested in learning about the environment and visiting nature reserves. The target users also suggested some features that they would find useful, such as animal identification and directions to the nature reserves, which helped me to determine the features and flow of the app. From this, I came up with imaginary personas to represent the users of my app concept, and to help picture an easy user experience of the app. These were all steps I hadn’t tried before, but found very useful and ended up adopting these techniques as a regular stage in my design process. Here is the moodboard I created after I had defined my project’s aims and target audience. I selected type, icons, UI, illustration and my own photography that were inspiration for my app’s design <img width="5000" height="4961" width_o="5000" height_o="4961" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2879af928270236dcdbea317cbe959c287ec76be1d5e3b1c264fd53b88650f8c/Preserve-mood-board.jpg" data-mid="211362103" border="0" alt="Mood board of the visual aesthetic of the app, featuring a fun bubbly typeface, photographs of the ducks and nature reserve, and nature apps and icons" data-caption="Mood board of the visual aesthetic of the app, featuring a fun bubbly typeface, photographs of the ducks and nature reserve, and nature apps and icons" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2879af928270236dcdbea317cbe959c287ec76be1d5e3b1c264fd53b88650f8c/Preserve-mood-board.jpg" /> Development: Once the flow of the app had been explored, I started designing a wireframe in Adobe XD. At this stage, only basic rectangles show where the content will go. <img width="1726" height="1116" width_o="1726" height_o="1116" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/696b5d728092c1774120d17346b94895901a46c443b7b4a8f7e4f7bbe8057e4b/Preserve-wireframe-sketch.jpg" data-mid="211362104" border="0" alt="Sketch of Preserve app wireframe, showing home, profile, identification and nature reserve features" data-caption="Sketch of Preserve app wireframe, showing home, profile, identification and nature reserve features" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/696b5d728092c1774120d17346b94895901a46c443b7b4a8f7e4f7bbe8057e4b/Preserve-wireframe-sketch.jpg" /> At the same time, I was designing the brand identity for the project, which needed to fit my target audience of students. I took inspiration from apps such as Pokemon Go, which also included a game aspect and illustrations. After I had started adding the content, I conducted some user feedback with potential target users of the app. This was incredibly helpful for understanding the positives and negatives of the design, and it was necessary to ask them questions about what changes they would like to see. Deliverables: After several rounds of user feedback I finalised my app UI design, along with illustrative sticker designs to promote the project. It was a fun project to work on, especially since it was an app that I would want to use. <img width="5000" height="3333" width_o="5000" height_o="3333" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/2c828dafdf1d2af2433ca59760ee0db75271b694ff3ebc483fc61151c0dd4dc3/Orla-Evans-5006-app-mockup-3.jpg" data-mid="211362096" border="0" alt="Final app design on a mobile phone mockup, showing map, stickers, identify and nature reserve pages" data-caption="Final app design on a mobile phone mockup, showing map, stickers, identify and nature reserve pages" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/2c828dafdf1d2af2433ca59760ee0db75271b694ff3ebc483fc61151c0dd4dc3/Orla-Evans-5006-app-mockup-3.jpg" /> <img width="4608" height="2592" width_o="4608" height_o="2592" data-src="https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/c448262ee7ed152607881eb8db26dfd3cacf8bda9d0e827abeaab237a7d84a44/Orla-Evans-5006-sticker-mockup.jpg" data-mid="211362097" border="0" alt="Collectible sticker illustrations on a sticker mockup" data-caption="Collectible sticker illustrations on a sticker mockup" src="https://freight.cargo.site/w/1000/i/c448262ee7ed152607881eb8db26dfd3cacf8bda9d0e827abeaab237a7d84a44/Orla-Evans-5006-sticker-mockup.jpg" />