DESIGN, DISCIPLINE & PROFESSIONAL PROBLEM SOLVING

Each year, as a new DAAPworks exhibition approaches and quickly passes, I can’t help but reflect on my own capstone experience and how it prepared me for a career in Graphic Design. It seems like just yesterday I was stressing out over designing, printing, and building my project. The blood, sweat, and tears that go into every senior’s thesis are really evident in the final product.

Grania Frueh capstone image

The Capstone Process

Capstone is invaluable to DAAP seniors. In so many other school and co-op projects you are given a problem, and then supplemented with a set of rules and a time frame for solving that problem. With Capstone you must begin by creating your own problem, followed by taking a 360 degree view of it; positioning yourself as the designer, critic, client and user. This is difficult as you can’t simply pick a logo you want to design or a company you wish to start. For capstone, you have to find a reason for such a thing to exist and a need for it in today’s society.

Once your topic is chosen, you begin developing the details and “how”s and “why”s for your idea. You have not even begun to think about design at this point. Like a professional presenting an idea to his/her superiors, you must have an airtight case for your Capstone subject.

Grania Frueh capstone image

Once your case is made, you begin conducting market research relating to your subject. It is at this point that many people decide to switch topics or rework their idea. As student designers, you aren’t used to having to observe market trends or conduct surveys for a design project. The research portion of capstone increases your awareness of how design can improve a person, a specific group, or society as a whole.

Finally, the design process begins. Capstone design is a delicate balance between treading one step at a time, and trying not to jump too far ahead too soon, and continually progressing, so as not to overthink every detail. This is a core skill in design both at the student and professional level.

Grania Frueh capstone image

Discipline and critical thinking in a creative arena

How often do we, as professional designers, think about all the pieces that make up the big picture? Do we thrive in a creative world that encourages pushing boundaries, without taking the practical business side into account? Capstone critical thinking exercises can provide valuable insight and intelligence that can make or break any project, idea or initiative. How often do you research, develop & get approval on an airtight case before moving forward? How often do you evaluate an idea from conception to fruition? This “big picture” thinking is the purpose for the Capstone blood, sweat & tears – a real life application to instill critical thinking in the mind of creative designers.

Capstone is an exercise in breaking conventions, pushing the limits, and discovering who you are as a designer. Each year, DAAPworks displays the incredible imaginations and ability of the senior class, not just as designers, but as critical thinkers. That is what design is all about.

There is no design without discipline. There is no discipline without intelligence.

–Massimo Vignelli

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PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2024 IN CORPORATE OFFICE INTERIOR DESIGN

By Jeff Klump • 20 Dec, 2023

In the dynamic world of corporate office interiors, staying ahead of design trends is crucial to creating spaces that not only inspire productivity but also reflect the latest aesthetic sensibilities. As a firm specializing in corporate office design, K4 embraces Pantone's Color of the Year for 2024 - Peach Fuzz. This warm and inviting hue offers a fresh perspective on creating contemporary workspaces that balance sophistication and comfort and an opportunity to infuse sophistication, and a touch of modernity into the corporate design landscape. Peach Fuzz, a delicate and nuanced shade blending peach and blush, brings a sense of tranquility and optimism to any space. When incorporated into corporate office interiors, this color has the power to redefine the atmosphere, promoting a positive and collaborative environment. K4 is committed to enhancing the workplace experience, and we recognize the significance of color in influencing mood and productivity.

FACILITY DESIGN FOR RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION

By Jeff Klump • 07 Nov, 2023

In the dynamic landscape of community banking, where the strength of relationships is paramount, the role of design extends beyond aesthetics—it becomes a strategic catalyst for talent acquisition and retention. In an era where attracting and retaining top talent is pivotal for organizational success, the significance of an intentionally designed workspace cannot be overstated. In this article, we delve into how strategic design decisions can not only enhance the physical environment but also foster a culture of engagement, innovation, and long-term commitment among employees, contributing to relationship building and the overall prosperity of community banks. Join K4 on this journey through the intersection of design and community banking, where the blueprint for success lies in the spaces we create for those who make our banks the heart of the community.

THE JOURNEY TO BRAND CONSISTENCY: PART II UNIFYING PHYSICAL & DIGITAL MARKETING ASSETS IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY

By Nicole DeRogatis • 07 Nov, 2023

In the previously published Journey to Brand Consistency: Part I, K4 addressed Facilities, Marketing & People as the three pieces that comprise the Financial Success Puzzle for community banks. This article examines one level deeper in unifying physical and digital marketing assets within the Financial Success Puzzle, and the importance of creating a harmonious and powerful brand identity across all platforms. In the fast-paced and ever-evolving community banking industry, maintaining a strong and recognizable brand presence is vital for success. As a full-service design and branding firm working closely with community banks, we have witnessed the transformative power of consistent marketing assets in bridging the gap between the physical and digital realms. By solidifying the customer experience across all touchpoints, banking institutions can establish a stronger emotional connection with their customers and create a lasting impact on their success. Investing in brand consistency is not only a strategic move but also a reflection of a bank's commitment to their own stability and future growth.

THE JOURNEY TO BRAND CONSISTENCY: HOW FACILITIES, MARKETING & PEOPLE CREATE THE FINANCIAL SUCCESS PUZZLE

By Jeff Klump • 07 Nov, 2023

Now more than ever, brand consistency is of utmost importance to financial institutions. Creating brand consistency goes a long way in building brand trust, increasing customer/employee/community loyalty, and impacting your bottom line. Why is there so much brand inconsistency in the community banking landscape? Because being brand consistent requires change and commitment, and it can be tedious and expensive. Taking the first step is often overwhelming. Where do you start? What do you update first? These are excellent questions, but there are other important questions to consider. What is the cost of NOT getting brand consistent or what is the cost or potential loss of creating brand confusion? Inconsistencies are costing your bank time and money. Not practicing brand consistency will cost you significant consequences to customer experience, brand reputation, and overall loss of trust – all of which can impact your bottom line. Conflicting brand usage accounts for a damage to brand credibility, making it harder to compete in the market. As K4 gets ready to hit the road in 2023, presenting at various community banking conferences on this topic, we thought it was important to preamble this timely subject of the Financial Success Puzzle. At K4, we define the Financial Success Puzzle as a 3-piece formula to creating and maintaining brand consistency for community banks. This formula is simply the act of connecting people to place and connecting brand identity to place. Many retailers have capitalized on this concept for years. Your branch facilities, marketing & people MUST work together to create stability and not only that…they must be triplets, not just siblings. They can’t just resemble one another; they need to be nearly identical in their delivery.

MAKING ROOM FOR THE COMMUNITY

By Jeff Klump • 08 Dec, 2022

For decades, small town business districts across America have featured a strong physical presence from a local bank perspective. Near the courthouse or city hall, these buildings are often identified by their traditional columns and prominent facades of brick or stone. Not only do these structures help establish the fabric of the streetscape; they often contribute to defining the social framework of the residing individuals and neighborhoods, supporting the hopes and dreams of generations. Community banks need to continue to reinforce their presence and values to those individuals and businesses in the geographic areas they serve. Making your bank’s physical appearance memorable, builds brand awareness and offers an opportunity to reinforce the benefits of banking locally which includes working with trusted friends and neighbors. Many community banks are exploring ways to create community space by revitalizing main offices and branch experiences while positioning themselves as a valuable and integral local resource.

SAME RETAIL BRANCH, DIFFERENT CUP OF JOE? THINK AGAIN!

By Jeff Klump • 07 Nov, 2022

Let’s first explore how the definition of the coffee shop has evolved…from simply being a beverage offered at a restaurant to an actual stand-alone destination, service and experience that provides and encourages co-working space, meeting opportunities, and community gathering.