Interpretive Sign Design by Dan Bowdoin

Goal• Combine the skill of critical thinking and practicing math into a fun

game that involves students working in groups.

Audience• 6th grade middle school math students.

Message• To convey the steps on how to play the fraction multiplication game

through a series of images that represent each task. Provide ideas for student reflection during and/or after the game.

First Design

Intermediate Designs

Key Changes

1) I switched from using PowerPoint to Paint Shop Pro. Using the photo editing program allowed me to manipulate and control many additional features.

2) The entire layout was changed, real pictures used, a relevant title created, and body text was added (instead of just a series of questions).

Key Changes

1) In an attempt to make the pictures stand out more, I increased the size and made them a focal point of the design.

2) Placed the captions within the pictures, to treat them as secondary information on the game directions.

3) Developed a two column approach for my text body. This was dumped for a bit, but then brought back in later designs.

Key Changes

1) Contrast and Style were major focuses of this design. The style was meant to be more fun and game like (eventually I thought it was too hard to read).

2) In this design, only two font types are used.

3) Focused on bringing attention to my catch phrase.

Final Design

Key Changes

1) Simplified text choice for ease of reading.

2) Added lines to strengthen the alignment that the pictures had in relation to the text. Lines also connect with the fraction concept.

3) Moved pictures down, and also moved the title so that it was smashed against the top.

4) Changed color of caption text to stand by itself.