So you have your design done! Now it is time to present it to the class and hand-it in for marking.

One of the most crucial parts of the design process is the presentation and the selling of your concept. You have worked on your design process for weeks now and your presentation is where you get to showcase the best aspects, features of your design. You want to make sure you put your design in the ‘ Spot Light‘

TIPS:

1 ) Plain background colours work best.

Use white, grey and on a VERY special occasion black. The content is the focus not the pretty background that you have spent hours perfecting.

A good tip for a background – is to take one of your perspective, parraline drawings and change the opacity/transparency value so that it doesn’t detract from the design.

2) Use ONE FONT! and if you can…max 3 sizes of font to create visual hierarchy

The largest of the fonts should be for the title, the second largest (maximum size 12 font) should be for the text in your paragraphs, and the third should be for referencing key elements of your design images.

3) Structure the content of your boards from most important to least!

This is my list of what I believe is most important to least (note: this will occasionally change)

Informative statement that is concise which tells us about the features and benefit of your design. This statement should sell your design

Perspective or Isometric view that best shows off your design ( This should be the biggest image)

Floor Plan or Site Plan or Orthogonal drawings ( Front + Top + Side views)

Elevations – For architecture it’s important to include at least 2 elevation views – East / West / Top

Hand drawings / renders that shows your design morphing from brainstorming to refinement

Cropped close up views or particular features of your design that you feel it’s important for the viewer to know.

4) Include concept and development sketches.

Even if they aren’t perfect scaled drawings but just a side panel of quick vignettes (a vignette is a small sketch) that show how your idea developed from a blob to the wondrous creation it is now.

5) Text should be in short key sentences.

Your board is your way of showing your design VISUALLY. If you need to explain your design – do it in your oral presentation. Nobody wants to read an essay on your design, and nobody will read it if you put it there. An overload of text is just a waste of space!

6) Don’t forget to put your name.

Do I have to say more…..?

7) Use ICT –

Use the Computer method to layout your presentation board. Use Illustrator or Photoshop to construct your A3 board. If you need to scan any hand drawn images using the photocopier and email them directly to your email.

8) Do not clutter your boards with rubbish (non-related stuff).

Provide some empty space to ‘free’ your boards, Negative white space is good, it allows the viewer to ease into your board and not get overwhelmed You will not get better marks by showing more information – it is the quality not quantity that counts here!

9) DO NOT leave your boards to the last minute!

Plan your design at least a couple of days before hand so that you at least know where you are going to place things! If you rush it, then it will look rushed!

10) Get inspired.

The best way to learn is by looking at others works – preferably other professional or uni students. Look at various examples and write down, drawn the best bits you like. Then by using your creativity and the inspiration you found you should be able to create an amazing striking presentation board.

Presentation Board Examples: