The logo task is not dead, it's just been 3D printed...

 
Designing a logo has long been a favourite of the Technology teacher, be it for Technology (Mandatory), Design & Technology, Graphics, Technical Drawing (need I go on?) classes from 7 to 12. I know I have used it often as a part of the curriculum or as a fall back plan when I can't get into a practical room.
 
I also know that this has been around for a long time, as I had to develop several logos and redraw pictograms as a student of Technical Drawing myself. So ask yourself this question: Is the logo task dead?
 
I think not, if your evolving the task and not sticking with the classic 1980's formula where you redraw the Bankcard logo first!


http://images.all-free-download.com/images/graphiclarge/bankcard_75995.jpg
 
Many of my students are not engaged with the satisfaction of creating a logo on paper that meets the identified need given to them as a task.
 

So here is how I now approach it.... 

1. As per normal, students are given a design brief. We investigate some graphic skills like the use of lines and colour, research existing ideas and analyse them, then generate a range of ideas to narrow down into a final logo.
2. Then the evolution begins: We review the logo in only two colours, modify if required and then create a sticker using our Roland GX-24E vinyl cutter.
3. And evolve some more: We review the logo and the sticker, import it into SketchUp and create a three dimensional version to be used as a key ring and 3D print it on our UP!Plus.

This has given us two tangible end products that gives the students a real application to evaluate function and aesthetics against.  With that I've noticed a greater depth of understanding and application of the final evaluation process. They also love seeing the link between their CAD drawing and their printed logo key ring in temperature colour changing ABS plastic. 

So what's next...?

I guess its all about what technology you have available to you to enhance this classic student task. A laser cutter could be used to make an engraved business card in acrylic, a CNC mill could be used to cut an alternative key ring from hardwood or ply or making t-shirts using flocking and vinyl in the Roland cutter. I'd love to hear what other Technology educators are doing to engage their students when generating logos!