crit

We had a useful crit with fred about our ideas for the big kahuna. What I got from the session was:

• need to get in touch with children's book illustrators/writers - ask to meet up with them or send them questions about designing kids books. What is needed, what language to use, what age group is appropriate etc. 
• project idea needs to be commercially viable (doesn't mean stickers, posters etc.) think about how it can exist in the world - sets, formats (e.g. look at formats flying eye books use, that way it is easier for colours may vary to see it existing in their shop)
• if it is educational then think about how it can digitally exist - e-books, animated, interactive
• look at the national curriculum and how dinosaurs can relate and aid learning. For example; maths - counting with dinosaurs, cooking - dinosaur cookies, english - dinosaur themed word searches/crosswords. This can then be translated onto wall-charts, activity books etc. 
• look at design council, they have pdf case study publications about how designers solve public sector problems
• if it relates to natural history museum, don't just make it a book they buy at the end - dictate the book around an exhibition, make it interactive with flyers, a quiz around the exhibition, fun facts to collect etc. 
• make the book more relevant by including the new mega dinosaurs being discovered, and the feathered dinosaurs - make it unique

This was a really helpful crit as it helped me think about the project on a wider scale than just a book about dinosaurs, and how to focus on the educational aspect as a driving force. I am aiming the book at 7-11 year olds but the imagery can be used for all ages, and used for varying uses. 

Using dinosaurs for learning would be aimed at a younger audience as it makes things like maths more appealing. There could be an activity book which comes along with the book with colouring pages, word searches, puzzles, quizzes, maths games, spelling, science (plants, bones, food chains), map work, drawing tasks (e.g. imagining own dinosaur), designing own survival guide for living in prehistoric times etc.

And then there can be wallpaper, wall charts, bed sheets, curtains, mobiles, pencil cases, t-shirts etc. which can appeal to varying ages. 

This has made me more excited about the project as there is a bit more of a focus - I should maybe not make the book too complicated as it won't be the only factor I need to consider and design.