2nd Year "To Do" List

As part of the Summer Brief, we had to produce a "To- Do" List which would present what we want to get out of 2nd Year.

1. Screen Printing

Throughout first year, I never found a time appropriate to produce some work that was printed physically therefore it meant that the only opportunity I had to do some Screen Printing was in the induction. I feel that it is important that I get some experience in this so that I can gain some confidence working in this manner as well as thoroughly learn a new skill.

2. Software

Through first year, I began working using software like Illustrator and InDesign. Having never used them before, I managed to steadily improve throughout the year so I am at least able to use them in a basic sense. I want to continue improving and developing my skills so it is somewhat more professional and I want to be able to conquer my Photoshop fear and be able to se it in some sort of functional manner.

3. Web Design

A style of design I have yet to look into is Web Design which I think would be important as it would aid any type of Branding work that I would produce. This would also allow me to work in another dimension and add to my skills set.

4. Placement

I think it would be beneficial to be able to get the opportunity to get a placement in some design studios so that I would be able to see what it would be like to work in the industry for real and gain some experience. The trouble is is that I don't think I hold the skills to be able to have my work or ability stand up on its own yet but I am hoping that this year will help me with this.

5. Professionalism in Outcomes

Throughout the first year, I felt that my outcomes for my briefs began to get steadily better in quality, however, I want to improve on this as I go through 2nd year as I do not think that my work is of a high quality yet. I feel as though my work lacks a professionalism in its quality and this is what I want to achieve.

6. Live Briefs

First year gave me a taste of doing a Live Brief yet I think it would be a good idea to do some more. It is different doing a brief for someone other than the tutors so that I continue to gain some experience doing a brief in the real world.

7. Crits

I want to continue to improve on my approach to Crits as I managed to find them quite informative and gave me ideas to work with. I want to continue approaching them as a way of improvement rather than something to be worried about.

8. Presentation

I'd like to be able to get to the end of 2nd year and not feel nervous when it comes to presenting work to people. At the moment, I dread doing presentations as I don't know how well they are going to be received.

9. Self Confidence

Throughout 2nd year and going into 3rd Year, I would like to gain confidence in myself as a designer and my work in itself as I currently find it difficult to have any confidence in my own work, based on my skills or the standard of work that I produce.

10. Speed of Production

I'm quite slow at producing work as I do sometimes get stuck when creating work and I can be quite slow at thinking of things. Plus, I like to do things properly, correct and to a high standard which means I take my time when doing work. I could do with becoming faster as I would be able to produce more work without affecting the quality of the work.

Summer Brief: Research Task- What Interests Me?

For the Summer Brief, we have been given the task for researching into a topic based on either of these 3 elements: Hobbies and Interests, Discovery and Invention and a Person/Place. We had to start looking into one thing from each of these areas before settling on one thing and running with it.

To start with, I decided to brainstorm into these areas, thinking of things that would interest me to look into in these areas.

A2 Sheet for Brainstorming Topics

From this, I settled on these areas:

• Hobbies and Interest: Driving
• Person/Place: Abram Games
• Discovery and Invention: Chocolate

Hobbies and Interest

In regards to Hobbies and Interest, I decided to look into Driving because over the summer, I have started driving lessons so it is my newest personal hobby. I like the fact that I am learning something every time and can see my improvement every week- I'm not great but I can start and stop so thats something!

What links graphic design and driving is information and way-finding concepts with the use of signage, maps and symbols used everywhere in order to direct people in a universal language.

My Copy of Highway Code and Theory Test Books

For my own learning as well as research, I purchased a copy of the Highway Code and a copy of The Official DSATheory Test. Whilst reading them, what I found interesting is how the sign systems work, the reasons behind the different colour choices and how they are put into practise.

"Traffic Signs"

Driving Standards Agency (2013) "The Official Highway Code" 15th ed., UK: The Stationary Office- p106-p113

These pages highlight the extend of the system which encompasses motorways to rural areas, using pictograms which can be understood by experienced and non-experienced road users, pedestrians and even tourists who are unfamiliar with British roads. Circles mean orders, Triangles give warnings and Rectangles give information whereas Blue gives an instruction, Red rings tell you what you cant do and and Brown signs give tourist information. Simple arrows and people/objects also aid in the ease of understanding as they are recognisable everyday things.

"Wayfinding Sans Pro"

Herrmann, R. (2012) "The Design of a Signage Typeface" [Weblog] ilovetypography 19th April Available from http://ilovetypography.com/2012/04/19/the-design-of-a-signage-typeface/ (Accessed 30th September 2013)

Another thing that connects driving to design is the choice of typefaces as they have to be legible and readable at high speeds with the choices of having all capitals or both lower and uppercase depending on the message they are giving across. For instance, a STOP sign would use all capitals to highlight the urgency in the message.

Person and Place:


In regards to person and place, I felt that Abram Games would be a great choice as, not only was he instrumental in leading the way for social commentary within poster designs, but he was imperative into the need for mass public messages through poster design.

His work was heavily influenced by the world around him, particularly during the 2nd World War, where he would produce work for the government in order to give public service announcements and information to the mass market. He eventually became the official war artist. This was to help the war effort by including the whole country within his designs, making it inclusive to encourage everyones participation as well as showing his understanding of the psychology of the nation.

"This Child Found A Blind" (1943) by Abram Games

"Use Spades Not Ships" (1942) by Abram Games

"Talk May Kill" (1942) by Abram GamesArtyfactory (2013) "Abram Games (1914-1996)" [Internet] Available from http://www.artyfactory.com/art_appreciation/graphic_designers/abram_games.htm (Accessed 30th September 2013)

His work was heavily influenced by the world around him, particularly during the 2nd World War, where he would produce work for the government in order to give public service announcements and information to the mass market. He eventually became the official war artist. This was to help the war effort by including the whole country within his designs, making it inclusive to encourage everyones participation as well as showing his understanding of the psychology of the nation.

"Blackpool Tourist Poster" (1952) by Abram Games

"Financial Times Poster" (1955) by Abram Games

"The Times Poster" (1960) by Abram Games
Design Museum "Abram Games" [Internet] Available from http://designmuseum.org/__entry/4444?style=design_image_popup (Accessed 30th September 2013) 

After the war, his work developed into becoming more symbolic and was the main influence into the use of unified imagery within poster designs, making the message paramount. Even then he was influenced by the world around him as he developed this style to be able to have the information direct and to the point in a modern world that needs information fast. 

Discovery and Invention:

For discovery and invention, Chocolate was a no-brainer as this discovery currently makes up half of my dietary requirements to the point where I think I have an addiction. I felt it would be interesting to see where it comes from and the history behind it.

For initial research, I thought I would see how much chocolate I have in my house and the different varieties that there are so that I could see on a small scale just how varied the different types there are.

My Chocolate 

Straight away, you can see how diverse the different types are in regards to flavours, brands, presentation and identity. They are all very strong and are fighting for the attention of the consumer. This shows just how paramount that different packaging and brands are to making a particular chocolate bar a success.

I went onto looking at some info-graphics which would give me some quick information about the way its made and some quick facts about chocolate.

Stills from"Types of CHOCOLATE (Infographic)" (2013) by Pattamon Kanbut
ZAHH7 (2013) "Types of CHOCOLATE (Infographic)" [Youtube] 12th August Available from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvV4tBUCo9A (Accessed 9th September 2013) 

This video goes into detail about the ingredients and the make up of different chocolate types by giving pictograms and percentages of the necessary quantities of ingredients. The video is simple in its presentation yet very smooth and easy to follow. It then goes onto looking at variations of these chocolates types and ways chocolate can be made, such as ganache, and what is included in it.

Stills from "The Infographics Show- Chocolate" (2012) by Andrej Preston 

Preston, A (2012) "The Infographics Show- Chocolate" [Internet] Vimeo Available from http://vimeo.com/40049045 (Accessed 9th September 2013)

This info-graphic video revolved a lot less on imagery and pictograms and more on actual facts and trivia that could be used. These facts made for a less serious yet easily accessible video which would keep the attention of the audience.

"The Delectable Kaleidoscope of Candy Bars" (2011) by Pop Chart Labs

Pavlus, J. (2011) "The Delectable Kaleidoscope of Candy Bars" [Internet] Available from http://www.fastcodesign.com/1665190/infographic-of-the-day-a-visual-taxonomy-of-every-chocolate-candy-ever (Accessed 9th September 2013)

What this infographic does is presents a way of connecting different chocolates together to give them a familiar standing. They are separated firstly by chocolate type and then the contents or flavour of the chocolate, using a colour chart spider diagram to differentiate between the types. The poster is colourful, specialist and would be a great gift for chocolate fans.

Following on from the beginning of this research, during the summer, I went on a day out with my family to York and ended up going to the 'York Chocolate Story' Museum/Attraction. Not only am I a huge chocolate fan but I felt that this would be able to act as a great piece of inspiration and a productive way of getting some research for this project.

The York Chocolate Story Attraction

The attraction is based around telling the story of how chocolate came to York, the founding families and the businesses that came from it and the products that they developed. We were shown how chocolate is made, where it originated from and had a look at some adverts and packaging development. We had the chance to try and taste different chocolate, given a demonstration of how its made by chocolatiers for customers and even had the opportunity to make our own.

Own Made Chocolate Lolly

Even though photography was prohibited inside the attraction, I took notes from the information that they gave to us as I found it fascinating.

My Notes from the Trip

As well I got a copy of the Publication that co-exists alongside the exhibit so that I could use it for reference when doing my own research at home.

Leaflet and Publication from York Chocolate Story

I found it a really fun experience and found it very interesting, particularly having the opportunity to look at old poster advertisements and how packaging has developed over the years. Not only that but I noticed how you could see the different personalities from the brand identities that they had attached to each bar.

Focused Research Topic

From this, I decided to develop this experience to make it my research topic by focusing on Rowntree's and possibly Nestle chocolate products as they've worked in partnership together since 1988.

List of Information

I made a list of things that would be relevant to try and look into when going into depth about my research topic of Chocolate. I don't think that I would be able to get into every aspect of the topic but I think it would be good to try and get a broad amount of information on the topic and see where it takes me.

Origins and History:

The first piece of evidence in regards to the use and discovery of chocolate has been found in Honduras, South America where scientists discovered faint traces of cocoa within pottery dating back from 1150BC.

Pottery Bowls with trace Chocolate extracts
Watson, T (2013) "Earliest Evidence of Chocolate in North America" [Internet] Available from http://news.sciencemag.org/2013/01/earliest-evidence-chocolate-north-america (Accessed Monday 9th September 2013) 

This suggests that people had begun to consume chocolate for its nutritional value rather than for the need to do it for ritual. Despite this being the main piece of evidence, it is believed that that first consumers of chocolate are the Olmec tribe in New Mexico from around 1200BC.

The Olmec tribe used the cocoa beans for rituals, believing that they had a mystical healing power. It is understood that the Olmec tribe also came up with the first name for the chocolate beans, describing them as 'Kakawa' which translates as 'Food of the Gods'.

Around 600AD, the Mayans began to cultivate the cocoa trees, producing organised plantations of the trees so that they could have the produce for themselves. Despite this, another tribe, the Toltecs, attempted to take over the Mayan territory to control the cocoa plantations for themselves.

"Aztec Holding Cocoa Bean"

Rafael, A. (1997) "Latin American Studies- Aztec Figures" [Internet] Available from http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/aztec-figures.htm (Accessed 12th September 2013)

Eventually, these tribes were overtaken by the Aztecs, who used chocolate as a method of currency by using it for trade, bartering or for gifts, taking control over civilisations by dominating using an economy they based on the currency of cocoa beans, showing the wealth behind the food.

It was only in the early 15th century that chocolate managed to make its way to Europe, where it soon went from being insignificant to being of great luxury. It was first introduced in 1544 in a spanish court by church friars who had been on a trip to Yucatan and had visited a Mayan tribe.

Stills from "The Infographics Show- Chocolate" (2012) by Andrej Preston 

Preston, A (2012) "The Infographics Show- Chocolate" [Internet] Vimeo Available from http://vimeo.com/40049045 (Accessed 30th September 2013)

The infographics video I had previously watched re-iterates these points, discussing the use of cocoa as currency and the way that it was used as a food source.

Founding Families:

The main founding families of chocolate in the UK were Quaker families who, due to their beliefs, could not indulge in alcohol and wanted to find something that they would be able to indulge in for themselves. Even though the main families were in competition for business, they still wanted each other to succeed- the main families being the Cadbury's, Fry's and the York Tukes' and Rowntree's.

In regard to Rowntrees of York, the business came into being when a woman named Mary Tuke took the step of opening her own grocery business. Her nephew, William, joined the business as an apprentice and, when Mary died, began to control what produce to sell, specialising in manufacturing cocoa and tea.

The Tuke family were friends with the Rowntree family and it was decided that the youngest son, Henry Issac Rowntree, would work for the Tukes. After 3 years of working for the Tukes, Henry Issac took over the cocoa division.

Henry Issac Rowntree

Joseph Rowntree

Henry Issac created his first factory out of buildings within a community, such as cottages and pubs, however the business began to struggle financially therefore Joseph Rowntree, Henry's brother, stepped in, going into partnership with his brother and turning the fortune of the company around.

Joseph introduced his son, Seebohm to the family business in 1889 after the death of Henry Issac in 1883 where they introduced welfare reforms for the workers for Rowntree's factories.

Factory Logo

Factory at the turn of the century

York Factory in the 1950's
Gavaghan, J. (2012) "From Pastilles To Present" [Internet] Daily Mail 25th June Available from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2164365/A-sweet-feast-eye-The-workers-sugary-treats-Rowntree-factory-factthat-feast-eye.html (Accessed 30th September 2013)

The main aim of the Rowntree's company was to provide a stable place of work and income to families around the York area as well as around the world. They also introduced professional standards in the business industry showing a real care for their workforce by providing sick pay, clean working conditions, company pension scheme and on-site healthcare by a doctor and dentist.

Rowntree's was bought by Nestle in 1988 but the company is still very active in making its own chocolate in York. So much so that Nestle has moved its product technology centre to York.

Ingredients, Production & Distribution:

I managed to find a Youtube video on a short documentary depicting the humble beginnings of chocolates development from being a drink to a solid to the bar we are used to these days.

   Chocolate Production 

Sogol, J (2006) "Chocolate Production" [Youtube] Available from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tez9RZZIwC8 (Accessed 30th August 2013)

This instructional video discusses, not only the history of chocolate in regards to its origins and discovery but the production of chocolate. The main ingredients of Chocolate is Cocoa Beans, Milk and Sugar which come together to make the sweet bars.

Cocoa Beans still on the Tree
Simon Fraser University (2003) "The Production of Chocolate" [Internet] The World Atlas of Chocolate Available from http://www.sfu.ca/geog351fall03/groups-webpages/gp8/prod/prod.html (Accessed 30th August 2013)

The process begins with the growth and harvesting of the cocoa beans within the Central and Southern America, Asia or Africa forests. They are huge beans which have  around 50 cocoa pods inside them and when they have ripened, the beans are cut down from the trees and have their pods taken out to be fermented and then dried out.

Cocoa Pods being Roasted
Simon Fraser University (2003) "The Production of Chocolate" [Internet] The World Atlas of Chocolate Available from http://www.sfu.ca/geog351fall03/groups-webpages/gp8/prod/prod.html (Accessed 30th August 2013)

Once the pods have been dried out, they will have shrunk to half their original size. From this, they will be sent overseas to the factories where they will begin the manufacturing process. The pods will first be roasted as heating up the pods allows for them to create the flavour and scent that we all know and love. The outer shell is then removed after roasting and the inner is then broken up into smaller bits called 'nibs'. The nibs are strained in a process called winnowing which sorts them out in size. I got the opportunity to taste the nibs themselves at this stage when at York Chocolate Story and they taste very gritty and gravelly- not too appealing.

Grinding the Cocoa Nibs
Simon Fraser University (2003) "The Production of Chocolate" [Internet] The World Atlas of Chocolate Available from http://www.sfu.ca/geog351fall03/groups-webpages/gp8/prod/prod.html (Accessed 30th August 2013)

The nibs are then ground up into a fine liquid which is the unsweetened cocoa mass. The cocoa fat which comes out of the nibs due to the heat is then separated to become cocoa butter. The liquor left over is then mixed with sugar and either powdered or fresh milk to create a sweetened milk chocolate. This is refined so that the particles become minute and any extra flavourings that are wanted, such as fruits, to achieve the necessary fineness.

Refining the Chocolate
Simon Fraser University (2003) "The Production of Chocolate" [Internet] The World Atlas of Chocolate Available from http://www.sfu.ca/geog351fall03/groups-webpages/gp8/prod/prod.html (Accessed 30th August 2013)

When it has been refined, it can then be added to a mould where it is cooled and becomes hardened in the desired shape that is needed.

In a factory, the chocolates would have been put onto a conveyer belt where the factory workers would check the quality control and put the chocolates into the correct packaging where they would then be distributed.

Edwards, A (2012) "Behind the Scenes at the Real Life Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory!" [Internet] 12th September Available from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2202052/Behind-scenes-real-life-Willy-Wonka-chocolate-factory-Never-seen-photos-reveal-life-like-19th-century-Rowntrees-workers.html (Accessed 23rd August 2013)

The production line was the heart of the chocolate factory and the photographs show a snapshot of the work that the workers put in. They show team work and enjoyment within the workplace as well as the co-ordination and organisation on a huge scale, going from production to packing and then delivery.

From the production line, the chocolate is then distributed in transport like aeroplanes, train, trucks and by cargo boat. They are usually put into refrigerated containers so that they are kept solid during transportation.

A great resource giving great detail into transportation and packaging handling of chocolate can be found here:  http://www.tis-gdv.de/tis_e/ware/lebensmi/schoko/schoko.htm (Accessed 23rd August 2013)

Graphic Design and Chocolate:

In order to make my topic relevant, I wanted to look at Graphic Design within the area of Chocolate.

Advertising is a huge market within the Chocolate market as this is what encourages new custom to the brands.

One type of chocolate that is very distinctive in its brand identity through its advertisements is Rowntree's Black Magic boxes of chocolates.

"Now That's Magic"(193-1980's)

McDermott, K (2013) "Now That's Magic: The adverts that helped Black Magic chocolates bring luxury to the Masses" [Internet] The Daily Mail 20th August Available from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2397937/Now-thats-magic-The-adverts-helped-Black-Magic-chocolates-SAVE-Rowntrees-brought-luxury-masses--just-14p-box.html (Accessed 25th September 2013)

"Black Magic Television Advertisement"
TGMMVI "Black Magic" [Youtube] Available from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHhTxN9KSog (Accessed 27th September 2013)

The main feature point of the Black Magic early advertisements is a young, fashionable female who appears strong and independent oozing glamour and sex appeal. This gives the product appeal to a female target audience who would see what the woman has and would want to achieve that status and lifestyle for themselves, associating the product with this female power. Not just this but the glamour of the advertisements gave the impression of the Black Magic chocolate being posh and of high quality, being reserved for a special occasion. Even as the years went on and a model wasn't included, the way that the chocolates were presented alluded to luxury, femininity and, as the years went on, nostalgia.

Another chocolate that was distinctive through advertisements is Rowntree's Aero where they had a full advertising series dedicatedly aimed at women.

Rowntree's Aero Advert (1951)

Rowntree's Aero Advert (1953)

Rowntree's Aero Advert (1955)

Rowntree's Aero Advert (1956)Vintage Advert (2011) "Rowntree's Aero Adverts" [Internet] Available from http://www.vintage-adverts.com/1956-Rowntrees-Aero-Chocolate-Advert (Accessed 30th September 2013)

These 50's adverts revolved around portraits of women encouraging other women to purchase the bar. These women on the posters became known as the Aero Girls as they epitomised natural, normal working women. These adverts were different in the fact that they did not just focus on the chocolate bar product itself and used other means to market the product, making Rowntree's different to its competitors as they tapped into the desires of the consumers.

One thing that has always been prevalent is the need for packaging. I wanted to see how it has developed over the years.

"KitKat Evolution"

Pasternak, R (2013) "KitKat Evolution" [Weblog] Visual Chew 28th February Available from http://www.visualchew.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/kit-kat-evolution.html (Accessed 17th September 2013)

As clearly shown, Nestle's KitKat has gone through some brand identity changes throughout its lifespan which is highlighted by the packaging transformation. The original design was red and named 'Chocolate Crisp' but changed to blue during the war effort due to the fact that it was in dark chocolate due to sugar rationing as well as being patriotic. It was changed to red after the war when sugar and milk were no longer being rationed allowing for the original milk recipe to be adhered to. The original wrapper is thin paper which also uses a coating of foil to house the chocolate in whereas this developed into crisp wrapped plastic wrapper for hygiene as well as freshness.

"Aero Evolution"

Pasternak, R (2011) "Aero Evolution" [Weblog] Visual Chew 24th October Available from http://www.visualchew.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/aero-evolution.html (Accessed 17th September 2013)

"Aero" (2012) by Martin Widdowfield

Martin Widdowfield (2012) "Aero" [Internet] Available from http://www.creativeshowoff.co.uk/Aero (Accessed 17th September 2013)

"Aero Bubbles" by Coley Porter Bell
Coley Porter Bell "Aero Bubbles" [Internet] Available from http://www.cpb.co.uk/aero-bubbles/ (Accessed 17th September 2013)

There has been a clear development in Aero's presentation from 1987 to 2013 which shows how it has changed based on the needs of the audience. Originally, the packaging was quite plain and slightly rugged, based more on the name of the chocolate without giving it an identity therefore being purposeful in its intentions- function over form. Over time, the design has become more digital focused, with a strong identity and a sleek plastic, resealable packaging which adheres to the wants of the modern consumer.

From this, I went onto looking at contemporary Graphic Design in regards to the product of chocolate. I felt it would be a good idea to see how it has moved on in regards to the presentation of the product, how chocolate can be branded and how innovative design has become to produce for a mass produced product.

"Olive & Sinclair Chocolate" (2013) by Joel AndersonAnderson, J. (2013) "Olive & Sinclair Chocolate" [Internet] Available from https://www.andersondesigngroupstore.com/portfolio-packaging-design.html (Accessed 23rd August 2013)

This chocolate packaging is homage to the traditional, vintage style that use to be prevalent, particularly with the extra added detail of the moulding of the brand name in the cubes. The typographical aspect of the paper wrapper is decorative and eye catching yet would appeal more to an audience of an older generation of chocolate eaters, acting as a nostalgic reference to their childhood.

Berkeley London (2012) by Construct
Construct (2012) "Berkeley London" [Internet] Available from http://constructlondon.com/projects/the-berkeley (Accessed 23rd August 2013) 

This chocolate design is part of a wider-ranging branding exercise for the Berkeley hotel yet Construct put their own surprising design elements into the product, including the chocolate packaging. The attitudinal language replicates that of someone who is trying to justify eating the chocolate bar, giving the product a tone of voice which is quite humorous and identifiable with the target audience. It is like the consumer is facing their inner thoughts, not just on the wrapper but the way it has been moulded onto the chocolate bar itself, making the audience eat their words.

"Chocolate Books ( LAPP AND FAO)" (2012) by Nils Zimmermann 

Zimmermann, N (2012) "Chocolate Books (LAPP AND FAO)" [Internet] Available from http://www.nilszimmermann.com/data/m_project.php (Accessed 23rd August 2013) 

These quaint chocolate books could be bought individually, as a set or as a gift, showing how the designs would work on an individual as well as an integrated group basis. The use of the illustrations of  cute yet wholesome creatures gives a family friendly aesthetic whereas the fact that they are black and white pencil drawings gives a middle class feel to the chocolate. The use of different colours for the binding sides makes it easier to identify the different flavours of chocolate and the names of the flavours gives more of a fantastical feel to the overall brand.

"Abracadabra Chocolate" (2011) by Pedro Lopes

Lopes, P (2011) "Abracadabra Chocolate" [Internet] Available from http://pedromiguellopes.prosite.com/82065/748284/gallery/abracadabra-chocolate (Accessed 23rd August 2013) 

This modern and contemporary brand for a chocolate works on the idea of the audiences emotional connection with chocolate, with the use of different characters displayed in an emoticon style for the audience to interact with in regards to choosing what would be appropriate to them. The approach to packaging is sophisticated, particularly with the folding out origami style box packaging for chocolate squares. 

"100% Chocolate Cafe" (2004) by Groovisions

Groovisions (2004) "100% Chocolate Cafe" [Internet] Available from http://groovisions.com/works/100chocolatecafe/?category=top (Accessed 24th August 2013)

The identity as well as the retail design of the cafe itself is all inclusive, sticking to a solid identity throughout. The wall of chocolate bars gives the cafe a strong feature which makes it memorable as well as being visually stunning. The chocolate squares themselves are conservative yet playful when arranged in a stimulating and creative manner and the simple design of the packaging itself allows for the chocolate to speak for itself.

"Cocoville- Handmade Fine Chocolates" (2013) by Isabela Rodrigues

Rodrigues, I (2013) "Cocoville- Handmade Fine Chocolates" [Internet] The Behance Network 3rd July Available from http://www.behance.net/gallery/Cocoville-Handmade-Fine-Chocolates/9642971 (Accessed 17th September 2013) 

The retail design for this potential chocolate shop gives quite a homely and cosy appeal to possible clientele with the use of pastel shades and muted neutrals which makes it come across as inoffensive and quaint. The pattern designs of the take out packaging gives a natural texture and authenticity to the overall retail design which adds to the upper class feel of the overall original shop. 

"Food Chocolate Design" (2013) by Multiple Owners

Multiple Owners (2013) "Food Chocolate Design" [Internet] The Behance Network 17th June Available from http://www.behance.net/gallery/FOOD-CHOCOLATE-DESIGN/8294167 (Accessed 17th September 2013)

This publication is a collaboration amongst designers and cooks to produce design based around the food of chocolate for an event. The way that the occasion has been interpreted is interesting as there is the use of posters but also the development of a typeface which is unique to the project. The embossed front cover is printed to appear moulded into the cover- like the way a chocolate bar would have its brand moulded into it.

"Chocolates With Attitude 2012" (2012) by Bassermachen Design Studio

Bessermachen Design Studio (2012) "Chocolates With Attitude 2012" [Internet] The Behance Network 21st December Available from http://www.behance.net/gallery/Chocolates-with-attitude-2012/6398997 (Accessed 17th September 2013)

The way that these luxury chocolates are packaged provides a high quality product for a chocolate connoisseur. The mixture of info-graphics and different font choices gives the products different characteristics and personalities, with the use of muted colour shades giving the packaging definition without being too overwhelming.

"Chocolates With Attitudes 2011" (2011) by Bassermachen Design Studio

Bassermachen Design Studio (2011) "Chocolates With Attitude 2011" [Internet] Available from http://www.bessermachen.com/CHOCOLATES-WITH-ATTITUDE-2011 (Accessed 17th September 2013) 

Conveying chocolates as pin-up girls gives the chocolates personalities which makes the set more memorable. The use of tins to keep the separate chocolates in is a lovely touch so it is in keeping with the fifties style. The inclusion of a calendar series which has the depictions of the pin-up girls is an added touch as it gives more to the set which would work well as a gift for someone.

"Chocolates With Attitude 2010" (2010) by Bassermachen Design Studio

Bessermachen Design Studio (2010) "Chocolates With Attitude 2010"[Internet] Available from http://www.bessermachen.com/CHOCOLATES-WITH-ATTITUDE-2010 (Accessed 17th September 2013)

Personifying the different flavours allows for the audience to identify with the chocolate bars, packaging them in different patterns and imagery which makes them appear very separate from each other. As a group, the bars appear very disjointed and mismatched, however, this gives a kitsch quality to the chocolate packaging.

Presentation:

From the research and information gathered, I then had to produce a presentation that would last about 5 minutes long that would discuss my topic of choice.

It is mainly just an image or a couple of images on a page as I would use them as visual stimulation to hold the audiences attention while I talk about the subject matters themselves. It would also mean that I would be able to show the information that I have learned myself rather than having numerous slides of writing and having myself read off the slides.

From this, we then had to get into groups in order to present our research topics to a range of our peers. I was in Group 5.

After presenting my research and gathered information, I was then given a range of feedback on post-it notes from the people who were in my Group.

Post It Note Feedback from Group 5

From the comments on the post-it notes, we had to arrange some of the points into 4 categories:

• Specific/ Helpful Feedback?
• With more feedback, what could be useful?
• What Feedback do you want to here?
• What Feedback is Bad?

Specific/ Helpful Feedback:

• Maybe some more examples of packaging
• Include Branding, eg. Purple Cadburys
• Look at more Contemporary Branding
• Broad and Focused range of research exploring both historical and graphical themes
• Use of personal views

With more feedback, what could be useful?

• Strange range of research

What Feedback do you want to here?

• Very enthusiastic about Chocolate
• Great contextual information and knowledge

What Feedback is Bad?

• Chocolate Overload
• Too Long
• Interesting

From this, we then had to set 3 objectives from the feedback list we got in order to improve our summer brief: 

1. Look at more Contemporary Branding alongside the Historical, older branding

I should look at more contemporary branding examples alongside the historical older brands to create a comparison as well as see how the company have moved on.

2. More examples of packaging

I need to look at more packaging ranges that are currently being used by chocolate companies as well as more design inspirations to get a wide range of different media, approaches and concepts so I am more informed when it comes to my own practical work.

3. Collection of more statistics, facts and numerical data

This is more on a personal note that within my research, I haven't collected a lot of data which is numerical or statistical data or fact. I feel that by adding it in, I would be able to give more of a well rounded and broader range of research that could be used on a grander scale.

It was only after this that we found out that this research will be the basis and act as content of our Design For Web Brief.