Overview

For my capstone project, I will be using Adobe InDesign version 18.0 to create my final deliverable – a magazine. I will be using this version of InDesign as it is the one I currently have downloaded onto my laptop and I am most familiar with the features in this version. Since I will also be using Illustrator to create visual designs to add to my final product, this version of InDesign works perfectly. This version allows users to efficiently copy and paste media from one Adobe product to the other, a useful tool for my project. This version also allows me to upload HEIC, HEIF, WEBP, and JP2K files, which are the only types of files I will need to upload into my final design, so a newer version would not be necessary.  

Mastering InDesign

What features of the technology/material do you need to master in order to create a professional-level project?

Dimensions

For this project, it is important that I know the dimensions of not only the final print of the magazine (which I will need to get in contact with the printing company regarding), but also the graphics I include need to be measured properly. Any designs that I intend on pasting in from a different platform to InDesign, I will need to make sure that the length and width will allow the features to fit into the final design. I will do this by making “blueprints” of the page layout before I actually make the graphics. 

Correctly saving file

Ensuring that I am correctly saving my InDesign file will be the most important component of my project. After every change, I will need to make sure I am correctly saving my files. I will make two other duplicate copies as back-ups to secure this. 

Uploading media

It is important that any of the media I upload to my final InDesign file has a good quality and the photos/graphics are not grainy. I will first download my files to a google drive to make sure they are saved to my laptop (and can then be accessed from anywhere) and keep them organized so when it comes time to uploading media, the quality can be my main focus.  

InDesign as “Social”

How is this technology/material social? What design features enable each example of sociability? How has the technology/material changed and/or enhanced human behavior?

InDesign is a visual communication platform. It allows the audience to see designs in a visual way, whether it be through a magazine like I am creating, or other forms of media. While there will be text incorporated throughout, the main thing InDesign hones in on are the visual aspects and

InDesign has easy accessibility for users. While there is a price restraint, the software itself allows users to easily upload external media to this platform, through the efficient copy and paste feature. The tools bars at the top and along the left side also provides alt text for users when hovering over the tool– explaining what the tool can be used for. 

InDesign can be used to create social media banners, as well as other designs that then can be shared on various platforms for a wider audience to see. This allows InDesign to be the connecting point between creating your own visual designs and sharing it to a larger audience. 

InDesign as “Cultural Values”

How does the technology/material reflect cultural values? 

InDesign is used for creating flyers, brochures, magazines, newspapers, and books. All of these forms of media are used to communicate with outside communities/audiences, emphasizing the mission, beliefs, ideas or advocacy of whoever the producer of the media is. It serves as the medium. 

For my specific project, InDesign allows me to use the platform to have conversations regarding Immersion Programs and the impact they have on a larger community outside of St. Joseph’s University. InDesign provides the opportunity to showcase these conversations. 

InDesign also allows users to insert their own files (including photographs) throughout. Depending on the topic of the project and design, it gives users the option to have visual representation– which is important for showcasing cultural values and overall representation. 

Affordances from InDesign

How will the technology/material afford your actions when you’re using it for your project? 

Can access from different locations where InDesign is downloaded. Once you save an InDesign file and upload it to a google drive folder, it then becomes “mobile.” You can open that file on any desktop or laptop that has InDesign downloaded.  

There are various tools included in the side and upper bar to help with the visual design aspect to this project. It allows users to copy, cut, draw and insert different images throughout. 

Image and object enhancement allows images (and different media uploaded to the file) to come out in a higher resolution for the final print. Even if an image looks grainy when first inserted to the file, going to “object→ display performance→ high quality display” will help the resolution of an image. 

Constraints from InDesign

How will the technology/material constrain your actions when you’re using it for your project? 

Content can get cut off if it is not placed within the barriers provided on InDesigns. For first time users who may not know this, when a paper or booklet goes to print, if content is overflowing into these restricted areas it runs the risk of being cut off. 

Files do not automatically save so it is important to make sure you save your file (with an appropriate name and in an appropriate location) as you make changes. 

InDesigns files can only be downloaded onto devices that already have InDesign installed, so it only becomes a “mobile” project when using a device with the same features.