OUGD406: License to Print Money - Idea Feedback / Development

Change of Plan

I took what I currently had into a crit session to try and get an idea off people whether they liked the concept I was building and if my designs reflected that. It was clear everyone loved the concept I had built up being a student/local currency which not only keeps money in our local economy but is encouraging students to get their work done to the highest standard to boost their playtime even more. 
However, the crit was very tough on the designs I had produced in response to this suggesting it was swaying away from this playful approach I wanted to try and build up. They said I was not using enough colour to communicate the idea and the modern/simplistic style I would usually go for was not appropriate for this. This encouraged me to scrap the emoji designs and go back to the innovative and charismatic inspiration examples I had found. I went to my gathered inspirations and looked at the different ways in which I could strip back and communicate the student bank note. I could immediately see the pastel-y, modern/simplistic approach appeared too lifeless for the purpose I need it for, so started to try and use brighter colours and more playful pattern ideas..

My sketches inspired from the above..

These definitely present a new, distinct and more playful approach to currency. One which you would not actually link with currency design! I brought them onto CAD for some finer experimentation..

CAD

Inspired by the grid example above I tried to strip back all the necessary information for a bank note to fit within this physical grid format. It looks effective in my opinion and reflects that of old tickets you would get for the cinema or bus, etc..

The most noticeable feature of the note is the type used to communicate it being a work or play note. It is the same type as used in my earlier note designs (KG Happy) however I have added a more playful linear shadow to it which adds depth and would appear very nice screen-printed! I feel as if it does find the right balance between communicating work and play, but this is where I can play with other characteristics on the note to communicate this difference. In terms of the other typography I used Helvetica just to partner in that familiar consistent sans-serif form, proving very legible. I have also started to incorporate how the background colours will vary to quickly communicate the different note and build into this recognisable note design..
I also tried to consider how I could add in the 'Student Currency' part like originally stated..

The designs feature the diagonally split background which appears effective but doesn't have much context behind it. It is something to consider.. I tried stripping the note back even further to only communicating the amount and if its work or play. Looking at the large 5 in the centre the linear background is spoiled when the white background blends with the white sections of the liner shadow, I aim to refine this and look into how I can include 'The Student Currency' in aswell...