Evaluation of Final Print

Evaluation

Due to the type of printer used to print the handbook (laser printer) there are inconsistencies with the print. Through speaking to the print technician, it has been highlighted that these issues cannot be adjusted as it purely down to how the printer feeds the paper through each time. As the booklet is a double sided print, these errors are highly common and cannot be adjusted. Unfortunately this has resulted in the final print having subtle layout errors. Due to the main error of each page having the print centralized slightly differently, when folding each page there are incosistancys with the positioning of the fold. 

To aid the evaluation process, the handbook was presented to a number of students (the target audience) who were asked the following questions:

1. If you saw the handbook in the student union area, would you be draw to pick it up? why/why not?

- Yes, the minimal design on the front reflects the minimal knowledge that I have on the area. Information on the town is then provided as you continue reading through the book

- Yes, the simple design makes the handbook look of a high quality. The simple use of the wayfinding shape also informs me as a reader that it is a guide to Tynemouth

- The wayfinding shape is typically related to google maps therefore I am informed of the purpose of the handbook from the front cover. This makes me want to pick the publication up and read more

- The stock isn't that exciting but suits the purpose and cost of the handbook. It also provides a blank canvas for the illustration which is eye catching and would draw me in as a reader

- I previously said that more detail was needed however using the capitalised text for the name of the handbook gives the front cover more definition



2. What do you think to the design of the double pages? (Does it read well? Is it consistent?)

- I previously said that as a student I would need enough text to know whether this is a place that I would want to visit. You have succeeded with the appropriate amount of text without over informing the audience. 

- Aesthetically pleasing 

- The alteration of the design from full bleed to images on set pages keeps the handbook interesting to read

- There is a consistancy to the pages even though they are not the same design one after the other

- The grid works well for each page and ensures that there is a design consistancy which helps as a reader as your eyes are drawn to the same places on each page



3. What is your opinion of the overall finish to the student handbook? (As it is free, low cost printing and stock have been used)

- The stock feels like a mixture between magazine and newspaper stock which is appropriate to the handbook 

- The size of the handbook is an appropriate choice as it keeps production cost to a minimum. It is also easy to hold 

- Using a thicker stock for the outer page of the handbook gives it more definition and makes it appear of a higher quality than that of say a newspaper




4. Are there any suggestions on how the book could be improved?

- A more durable paper may be more effective especially if it is going to be distributed in metro stations and used outdoors. It would be need to be stronger against the wind and rain