Notebook initial research (a)

Although the YCN brief only states that a cover has to be made, I personally wanted to push my design further a consider the construction of the notebook. In order to gain a greater perspective of this initial research was conducted into styles I felt suiting to that of a younger demographic. 

A basic sadle stitch is an effective way in which to simply bind the book together. This production method is also cheap and thus would appeal to the company as well as the money conscious consumer. 

Ringbinds are a traditional way in which to bind notebooks. Although a strong binding method they often appear cheap and are highly associated with that of younger audiences (11-16 year olds) due to their relationship with school stationary. As a result of this I would suggest that this method would not be an effective way in which to target 18-24 year olds. 

Although saddle stitch is an effective binding mechanism it does have some draw backs, page numbers being a key example. When the page count is excessive the binding method does not work fully. In order to reduce this and to allow for the book to lie flat (for easy note taking) signatures may be used. This in turn promoting a strong, flat lying bind. 

Curved edges are often used in book design in order to express a friendly approach. Although stating this the curved edges appear somewhat 'child friendly' an idea in which the 18-25 year old audience would find somewhat patronising. 

Hard covers allow for a protective casing of the book but also increase the printing prices. The usage of a hard cover also means that the notebook would be harder to recycle, a factor in which the environment conscious audience would not appreciate. 

Curved spines appear friendly and also result in the pages being that of an equal length, therefore if a spine was included it would made far more sense to develop that of a curved spine. 

Perfect bound notebooks are simple yet effective although pages often fall out due to the glue used. The pages also do not lie flat a factor in which limits a notebook.

In this case a sheer sleeve has been used in order to contain information, a factor in which is useful when thinking about the ways in which the product will be stored upon the shelf. If developing  a rang of notebooks this can also be used in order to tie the products together. 

Having a section in which you are able to write your own name upon the front of a notebook is highly common in terms of design. Personally I believe this to appear very child like and thus this approach will not be used within my designs. 

Elastic is sometimes used in order to keep all the sections of the book together. This feature often appears in more expensive book designs in which maintain hard covers. 

From completing this research it is evident that certain design traits appeal to that of the selected demographic more than others. Key features in which were outlined throughout this include that name tags, ringbinds and curved edges all appear very immature in design and thus do not appeal to the 'adult' audience. Sadle stitch was widely discussed in terms of the binding method, with signatures been highlighted as an effective method in which to strongly combine the book. Further primary research will be conducted in order to outline which design factors appeal to that of this demographic.