Ideas

I started off with two main ideas of doing something with clarifying CPR instructions and also trying to break the language barrier with instructions for a peak flow meter. However through my research, developing my ideas further and advice given in our seminars I have decided to forget about the peak flow meter instruction booklet. This is solely due to the fact a paramedic already has enough things to carry about and I don't reallt want to add another for them.

I've decided instead to try and take the language barrier and apply this thought to the CPR instructions. I thought that, if possible, creating a two part poster campaign:
1. Just clear TEXT instructions &
2. Just IMAGES showing exactly what to do
This could create a simply yet effective idea while aiming to reach all members of the population no matter what language they spoke.

My research into leaflets for the 3 types of CPR (Adult, Child & Infant) was also not in vain as I had an idea to simply focus on teaching child CPR to children. This involved looking at childrens books, the language used and also the illustrations to get a feel for what I could create.

My ideas involved incorporating some kind of character for the children to relate to and perhaps developing the idea into a class lesson with activities and CPR dummies etc. to try and make the process fun, enjoyable as well as educational for the children.

Research

I've been researching current CPR instructions on the internet and the vast majority of them are very detailed. Current and previous posters and leaflets are all very cluttered and seem to me that they would be in know way helpful if someone actually needed the procedure.

I think a clear, precise instruction poster or leaflet would be very useful at home or in the work place. Furthermore there seems to be different procedures for young children and infants so there is definitely scope to incorporate this element into the design process.

For my other idea I have noticed there are hundreds of different Peak Flow Meter designs out there but thankfully they all seem to work in the same way. Therefore when producing graphics for the poster design, the mouth piece and guage will be shown in detail.

Instructions on how to use them are minimal and precise which is ideal for the purpose of my idea. However I now need to work out which languages the instructions would be most useful in, if printed for response patients.

The Beginning

Had my 1st lecture for DES511 today. Really enjoyed the Paramedic presentation, can't believe how much equipment they have to carry everywhere. I think I'm going to head down the graphic design route for the 1st project as this is where I have the most experience.

Definitely uncovered a few good ideas during the presentation and think I'm going to create either a leaflet or poster to help:

(1. Simplify CPR Procedure for normal people in the home OR
(2. The correct usage of a Peak Flow Meter for patients.
Different languages could also be explored.

Off now to research and buy an A3 sketch pad to get my ideas down.