THE PROJECT
I have successfully illustrated characters that reflect the Indian context for COVID regulations E-Books, created for the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and their psychology counterpart agencies in various countries. Additionally, I adapted layouts to accommodate regional languages as translations were completed. Each e-book was carefully parsed and customized to align with the traditional clothing and cultural nuances of the language into which it was translated.
CUSTOMISATION STRATEGY
The design process for the e-books involved careful strategic planning to determine which characters required modification and which religious garments should be accurately represented.
The goal was to authentically include the rich tapestry of India's diverse cultures and traditions. This emphasis on representation guided the illustrations, ensuring that the e-books would resonate with a wide audience and reflect the country's vibrant heritage.
DESIGN PROCESS
01
Information Architechture
Developed a meticulously structured schedule outlining the tentative timelines for the publication of books, considering the necessity for multiple translations for each title. This process involved thoroughly analysing the project requirements and ensuring all translations were completed on time to meet publication deadlines and balanced the intricate demands of incorporating high-quality illustrations while adhering to tight timelines. Innovative solutions - enhance existing illustrations rather than starting from scratch. This approach not only saved valuable time but also preserved the artistic integrity of the original artworks.
02
Iterations
The e-book design process involved multiple iterations, particularly focusing on illustrations and translations. Ensuring accurate and contextually relevant translations required thorough reviews and input from cultural consultants to align with Indian norms and values.
Each translation was crafted to resonate with the target audience, considering regional nuances and hierarchical communication styles. This careful approach extended the timeline, as revisions in translations prompted changes in layout and illustrations, ultimately enhancing the project's cultural relevance and overall quality.
03
Inclusivity
Religious garments played a pivotal role in this project in a diverse and secular country like India. Including individuals from various age groups, regions, and sects was essential to genuinely representing the rich tapestry of Indian culture. This commitment to inclusivity helped create diverse illustrations for the e-books. It ensured that the content resonated with a broad audience, reflecting the multiplicity of beliefs and practices nationwide. By weaving together these elements, the project aimed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultural and religious diversity inherent in Indian society.
04
Layout Structuring
The initial layout designs had to consider the Devanagari script. However, as each script (for example, Bengali) was introduced, a different layout process was required because the characters in these scripts did not align in the same way as those in Devanagari.
This discrepancy presented new challenges regarding text alignment with illustrations tailored explicitly for specific paragraphs within various spreads. Maintaining contextual integrity between the words and the corresponding visuals became a significant concern during the layout process.