Design Integration Laboratory
Architecture 422/522 & 610
Presentation Approaches
If we try to think of all the different possible approaches we could take
to presenting an architectural design, we realize there are many dimensions
to the choice of a presentation approach. However, we can start with
a fundamental generalization:
All good presentations do at least one thing. They communicate
important ideas and feelings to the audience.
This holds true whether we present with hand-made pencil and paper drawings,
or with digitally composited synthetic and photographic interactive video.
But to start giving some structure to the world of presentation possibilities,
we can define some the key choices:
Audience Size
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Individual --
Portfolio Book,
PC Screen
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Small Group --
Presentation Boards,
Large Hi-Res Monitor
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Large Group --
Projected Images
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Spontaneity vs. Control
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Free Wandering --
Picture Book,
Browsing Interface
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Guided Exploration --
Presentation Boards,
Sequential Interface
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Hard Sequence --
Movie, Slide Show
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Production Values
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Informal --
Freehand Sketches, Straight DW Images
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Moderate --
Hardline Pencil,
PowerCADD
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High Style --
Ink on Mylar,
Adv. Radiance
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Notice that these fundamental issues represent choices to be made
whether we use digital or hand-craft media. Whatever the media,
the presentation can be designed, just like a building.
Tips and Observations
Wall-mount Presentation Boards
These are overall set pieces, and overall composition is on display.
These should normally either read from left to right or from center outward.
Center outward implies a symmetrical composition.
Usually comes to rest with the heavier parts toward the bottom, roofs at the top.
Coordinate the viewers angle of gaze to enhance the sense of whole.
Coordinate a set of small views to balance on large one.
Place drawings in meaningful and coordinated positional relationships.
Balance your content.
Slide Shows
A definitive sequence is defined, so make it a good one.
Observe the power of transitions.
Establish patterns, then interrupt them - with good reason - for emphasis.
Each image stands for a moment as a set piece itself.
Sequences of balance, color, brightness, mood, size, scale, texture ...
Movies and Walkthroughs
Always ask 'what am I showing with motion beyond what I'd show in a still.'
(Or else come across as pretentious.)
Put the viewer THERE -- but --
Don't be too literal about the sequence -- a good film condenses weeks of living
into a couple of hours. Show the highlights, don't just walk everywhere.
Continuity still counts. Establish the context for every view for orientation.
Interactive Multimedia
Here there is neither guarranteed sequence, nor wholistic overview.
Coherence needs to come through the intrinsic connections within the information.
How does the viewer not get lost?
What is the viewer's agenda?
How does the viewer take control?
How does the viewer play?
Define and refine a navigation metaphor.
Plan for Interative Design of Your Presentation
Only an expert can expect to experiment at the last minute and have it work just right!
Technologies
Apple Macintosh Technologies
QuickDraw, QuickDraw GX, PostScript, QuickTime, QuickTime VR, QuickDraw 3D
Macintosh Software
Primary Production -- Photoshop, PowerCADD, DesignWorkshop, Radiance, etc.
3D Animation -- Electric Image, Strata Studio Pro, Infini-D, etc.
'Natural Media' Sketching-- Fractal Painter
Still Compositing -- Photoshop
Layout -- Claris Works, PageMaker, Quark Express
Digital Slide Shows -- JpegView, Powerpoint, Persuasion
Digital Video and Mostion Compositing-- Adobe Premiere, VideoShop
Combinations
Hand --> Digital
Digital --> Hand
Hand & Digital
Synthetic --> Photographic
Photographic --> Synthetic
Foreground, Background, Detail, Overview ...
Course Schedule
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Course Foyer
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Architecture Computing
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Architecture Foyer
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Index
This document is provided for on-line viewing only, except as printed by Author.
© 1996 Kevin Matthews, All Rights Reserved.
http://www.dil.uoregon.edu/courses/a522.w96/a522.w96.presentation.html -
Posted 96.03.05 KMM, rev. 96.03.05