I do’s and I don’ts

Introduction

Research Question: My research question was, “How might I assist newly engaged couples in minimizing stress on their special day and navigating significant decisions with ease such as colors, venues, dresses, locations, flowers, and more?”

Project Summary: For my BFA final capstone project, I created a wedding magazine tailored to newly engaged couples to make their wedding planning process smoother and less stressful.

Explanation of Role: I served as the designer and researcher for this project, responsible for all aspects of the magazine's creation from concept to final design.

The Problem

Problem Statement: The problem I was trying to solve was the stress and overwhelm that many newly engaged couples experience when planning their weddings. My goal was to provide a comprehensive guide that would help them navigate this process with ease and enjoyment.

Approach

Process: My process began with extensive research into wedding trends, planning tips, and budgeting advice. I conducted interviews with wedding planners and couples who had recently gotten married to gather insights. I then used this research to inform the content and design of the magazine, creating wireframes, sketches, and mockups to visualize the layout and structure.

Data Collection: Research: I conducted extensive research for this project, which included creating mood boards to explore different design directions and aesthetics. These mood boards helped me refine the visual style of the magazine and ensure that it resonated with my target audience.

Interviews: I conducted interviews with both engaged couples and married couples to gain insights into their experiences and pain points during the wedding planning process. These interviews provided valuable firsthand perspectives that informed the content and tone of the magazine.

Secondary Research: In addition to interviews, I also conducted secondary research to gather information on current wedding trends, budgeting tips, and other relevant topics. This secondary research helped me ensure that the magazine was comprehensive and up-to-date with the latest industry developments.

Triangulation: I triangulated my data by cross-referencing information from different sources to ensure its accuracy and reliability.

Research Insights: My research revealed common pain points for couples, such as budgeting and decision-making, which drove my design strategy to focus on providing practical advice and inspiration in these areas.

Documentation: I documented my research process through photos, sketches, and early drafts, highlighting what worked well and areas for improvement.

Challenges: I faced challenges in balancing the aesthetic appeal of the magazine with its usability, ensuring that it was both visually appealing and easy to navigate for readers.

Learnings: Through this project, I learned the importance of user-centered design and the value of thorough research in informing design decisions.

Final Deliverables

The final deliverable is the wedding magazine, which includes a range of topics such as tips and tricks, budgeting advice, suggestions on how to make weddings more special, and a highlight of the top 2024 trends in the wedding industry. The magazine features an elegant and clean layout, reflecting the sophistication of the occasion.

Conclusion

Impact: My project aimed to make a positive impact by providing a valuable resource for couples entering this significant phase of their lives. It aimed to help them create the wedding of their dreams while minimizing stress and maximizing enjoyment.

Next Steps: The next steps for this project could include expanding the magazine into a digital format or creating a website to accompany it, providing additional resources and interactive tools for couples.

Improvements: With more time and resources, I would improve the magazine's distribution strategy to reach a wider audience and gather more feedback for future iterations.

Project Potential: This project has the potential to evolve into a comprehensive wedding planning platform, offering a range of tools and resources for couples at every stage of their planning process.

Personal Growth: Completing this project has changed me as a designer by deepening my understanding of user needs and the importance of research in informing design decisions. It has also strengthened my skills in layout and graphic design, as well as my ability to communicate complex information effectively.