After deliberating about our ideas as a group, the graphics team have decided to pitch an 80's theme for the exhibition. The reasoning behind this is that in general, a lot of students who will be exhibiting work were born in the 80's (although I'm not one of them!) and that it is a whole decade of design and trends.
The original idea came from Stephen Davidson, and after talking with him, it seems his group (exhibition) will not be pitching the 80's idea. However, myself and my other members of my group saw this as a good idea, and superior to our own so we would like to give it a chance.
A bit of research reveals the colours, designs, fashions, etc. that were popular in that era. I made a mood board of these things to get inspiration.
Gaming was on the rise to being a major industry, colours were bright and eye-catching, there are many recognisable products and past-times and most importantly, a wide variety of this was part of the lives of many students that will be exhibiting which makes it a bit more personal (not to mention the nostalgia factor for the visitors!). Even though I was born in 1991, the 80's was the inspiration and beginnings of many things that I grew up with.
The designs will be attractive and bright and can be updated while still retaining the original 80's feel. Some of the fads such as the Rubik's cube can be implemented into the exhibition by having some lying around that visitors can play around with, keeping them engaged and interested. Perhaps even one or two gameboys could be obtained for visitors to play with. This all ties together with the work being displayed as many of us will be showing work such as 3D models and digital art.
Although the 80's was known as a relatively characterless decade for food, there are some products that could be used as snacks. Skittles did start being manufactured in 1974, so perhaps for the sake of accuracy they should be left, but the colours fit in well and they were most definitely popular through the 80's and even today. Although originating from the Middle Ages, it seems that Blancmange became a very popular food in the 80's which is not so common now.
Looking at this invitation below that is in the mood board also inspires me for design ideas.
The design is distinctly 80's, but has been made with modern technology which shines through, which is what we would be doing. The simplicity of the bright curved lines could be used as a way of unifying our display boards and the triangles, circles and zigzags could be dotted around the place.
