Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
While walking around the city centre of Nottingham, William began to notice the
number of CCTV cameras located in a very small area. On further investigation he
discovered there were very few locations where one was not being watched within
this area, yet people seemed unconcerned - or maybe they were just unaware. Many
people assume that the reason for the cameras is to reduce crime; however, evidence
indicates that CCTV is not effective in reducing or solving crime.
So who is watching us and why? Shouldn't modern citizens feel trusted to go about
their daily lives in a law-abiding manner? Isn't camera surveillance just another form
of spying and an infringement and erosion of our civil liberties?
William decided he should use his skills as a graphic designer to initiate a response
to this issue and create a campaign to stop the expansion of CCTV. He experimented
and explored the best way to communicate this information. After trying and testing
several routes it was clear that using a well-known area within the city as the basis
for his campaign would offer the most effective and compelling content as well as
providing a meaningful context for the final communications. Many people would
have walked, shopped or sat waiting to catch a bus without realizing that their every
move was being watched.
A poster mapping the location of CCTV cameras within the area was created; the
visual language of existing warning posters was utilized and new versions produced
carrying an alternative warning message to the public. Finally, a set of 'opinionated
postcards' were made to reinforce the message of the campaign.
William experimented in his design process to find an appropriate and balanced visual
language and tone to communicate with. Measuring the right tone and selecting the
most effective formats to carry a message or information is a vital part of the over-
all design process. In many instances this can only be established through active ex-
perimentation with materials, media and formats, and testing how these different ap-
proaches communicate with the desired audience.
