Visual Storytelling: Activity 4 Design Matrix
Overview
The Visual Storytelling lesson plan is a series of four learning ladder activities designed around mobile/digital technology for use by intermediate art and design students. It is a framework for concept ideation, visual design planning, and production. Activity 4: Design Matrix introduces students to production planning for multiple types of media.
Design Matrix Summary
National Core Arts Standards
- VA: Cr3.1, Pr4.1, Pr5.1, Pr6.1
Instructor Step by Step:
- Provide lecture notes and/or video.
- Provide customized instructions as needed.
- Publish an example ‘design matrix’.
- Technology Support: Include relevant links for tech tutorials as needed.
- App Limitations: Include instructional parameters for image resolution and file size based on forum limitations as needed.
Additions:
Extend this lesson by assigning students to groups. Each group collaboratively creates a visual Kanban board with multiple examples of how production process works behind the scenes to support a visual arts project.
Video Resource: Kanban for Artists: Supercharge Your Productivity by Evergray Media
Prompts:
How many different types of media could be used in visual storytelling?
What types of equipment would be needed for producing an art project?
Highlight the differences between exhibiting and interaction.
How can viewers experience and/or engage with the story?
Students will use the Design Matrix to manage a production plan for every asset needed to achieve their storytelling outcomes. They will take into account the types of media used, what equipment is required to produce that media, the order of each item, how final art assets will be published and shared with viewers, and any ongoing interaction or follow-up that might be required.
STUDENT OBJECTIVES
Student Goals
- Compose a plan for developing story content.
- Describe the different modes of delivering content.
- Create a design matrix spreadsheet. *final artifact
SUGGESTED TECHNOLOGY
Primary: Any table and text editing app or spreadsheet tool. (Word) (Google Docs) (Google Sheets)
Alternate: Students can utilize a Kanban style organizer app to list items by cards, which allows for multiple arrangement osf options. (Trello)
Design Matrix Read & Watch
Creative development incorporates visual design elements with an order and method for how the audience will view them. This process takes engagement into consideration before, during, and after production.
Suggested Presentation
Suggested Content: Create a walk-through example of using the design matrix spreadsheet. Highlight the hurdles of creative project planning and production. The video below is a great example which discusses how preparation, procrastination and lack of priority can cause huge issues.
Video: The ART of the START (Beginning a Creative Project Successfully)
Angrymikko
https://youtu.be/nodH462nQaI
Suggested Video Content & Prompts
Video: How to Make a TV Show Bible [with Template and Examples]
by StudioBinder
Video: Introduction to Transmedia Storytelling by The Future of Storytelling StoryMOOC
Video: How to come up with Artwork Ideas and Original Art [My Creative Process]
by ImportAutumn
https://youtu.be/pCZARwBFtI0
Design Matrix Activity
Student Step by Step:
This project builds on the previous Framework activities which covered the following:
- Exploring visual design elements
- brainstorming story ideas
- selecting a theme and related message(s)
- creating a visual style storyboard
PART 1
Using the Design Matrix template as an example, create a spreadsheet or text table file. This will be your production plan outline. Breakdown each step of what will be required to produce and publish your visual storytelling project.
Suggested production steps:
- Scene artwork
- Mediums used for each scene
- Equipment needed for production
- Media Output file type
- Location of final published artwork
- Delivery / Display instructions
- Followup Maintenance or Pickup instructions
PART 2
Create a list of potential problems for each item that might cause a delay or change in production plans.