YSP University Project

Design: Final tshirt and Sketchbook Designs

2010-03-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

Design: Final Point of sales display

2010-03-11T14:19:00.000-08:00

Design: Sketchbook

2010-03-11T11:52:00.001-08:00

Final sketch book cover, screen printed design

Design: Final Point of sales

2010-03-11T07:15:00.000-08:00

Design: Prouct Prices

2010-03-11T02:33:00.000-08:00

Tableware: £35
Phone Covers: £15 each
Posters: £10 each
Birdhouses: £25 each
T-Shirts: £20 each
Cushions: £12 each
Wellies: £20

Design: Point of Sales

2010-03-11T02:24:00.001-08:00

First Idea

Design: Flyer

2010-03-10T14:13:00.001-08:00

Final Design boards

2010-03-09T13:11:00.000-08:00

Link: I make my case

2010-03-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

Reading computer arts mag and came across this site, I Make My Case.com I looked at what material there cases were made of and the processes they go through to add the artwork to the case. This can give us some ideas of what would be the best materials to use for our products.

I found that the case was made from a material called Lexan, a much stronger, lighter and more flexible plastic than what other phone cases are made from.

link below:

http://imakemycase.case-mate.com/

Design: Female t-shirt idea

2010-03-08T08:28:00.001-08:00

Design: Banners

2010-03-07T04:24:00.000-08:00

!21st Dating Experience has come to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park!

click here for more information to secure and guarantee your place at the ysp's dating experience

Design: posters

2010-03-06T18:05:00.000-08:00

Design: sketchbook cover

2010-03-06T17:52:00.000-08:00

Apply to books via screen printing

Design: ideas for bird house

2010-03-04T14:50:00.000-08:00

Designs for the birdhouse and text on product will read "love is complicated but colourfull"

Design: Poster

2010-03-04T14:29:00.000-08:00

This image is to be screen printed as a poster and maybe also as the sketchbook cover.

Design: Tableware

2010-03-04T09:42:00.000-08:00

Source of tableware: http://www.danishporcelainonline.com/non_frame_pages/rc/rc_4allseasons_blue_list.htm

Design: Banners

2010-03-04T06:42:00.000-08:00

Just a mock up of an advertising Banner........This design needs to link to other work, everything looks differnt the text and the colour scheme ! to lovey !

Research: Point of Sales Display

2010-03-04T05:52:00.000-08:00

A point-of-sale display (POS) is a specialized form of sales promotion that is found near, on, or next to a checkout counter (the "point of sale"). They are intended to draw the customers' attention to products, which may be new products, or on special offer, and are also used to promote special events, e.g. seasonal or holiday-time sales. POS displays can include shelf edging, dummy packs, display packs, display stands, mobiles,posters, and banners.

Design: Ipod cover

2010-03-03T14:41:00.000-08:00

Designs for iphone cases/sleves

Design: Flew the coup tee

2010-03-02T09:44:00.000-08:00

Male T shirt design by Thomas

Research: Online retailing

2010-03-02T06:40:00.000-08:00

We have chosen to research and use Etsy as part of our online retailing devise as it looks professional, its simple and easy to use and sells similar products to ours. Therefore we feel this would be the perfect online retailer for our products. From researching similar handmade products with similar designs this has helped us to decided upon a price for each of our items!

Creating an account is very simple to set up which means we can quickly upload our products and get on with selling them asap. All of our products suit this type of online retailing website and would appeal to the people regularly checking out handmade products on it.

We did research other online retailers such as Folksy and Big Cartel but we just felt that the products sold on these site were targeted more at a younger age range than the one we were targeting (especially Big Cartel).

After researching similar products to ours, we collected varied prices for each:

Cushions = £4.68 to £100

Phone Covers = £5.70 to £45

T-shirts = £6.34 to £500

Tableware = £9.36 to £200

Birdhouse = £2.67 to £40

Posters and prints = £40 to £800

We couldn't find any wellies on Etsy but they were being sold elsewhere on http://www.wellieart.co.uk/

This is a similar website but selling only wellies. Prices range from £20 - £100+. Some well known designers on this website are Cath Kitson and Tamara Henriques who produce fabulous unique designs.

Event: Press Release

2010-03-02T05:58:00.000-08:00

Contact: Nicola Stanley, Vicky Tennant,

Thomas Holmes and Kevin Nicholas

Tel: 07961601188

Email: U0954146@hud.ac.uk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

21st CENTURY DATING EXPERIENCE...

At the Yorkshire Sculpture Park!

Speed dating joins together with the YSP to target singles waiting to find love again!

One of Britain’s most treasured parks is changing the face of dull and traditional dating by turning it on its head and holding its own unique dating experience launching this summer 2010!

This means singles from around the country will be given the chance to meet potential partners face to face in a friendly atmosphere and have a truly amazing experience!

Studies have shown that speed dating allows you to bond with the person in front of you and connect in just 50 seconds, so 3 minutes is plenty of time to discuss interests and ‘a bit about you’. When the perfect partner is found its time to begin with the events!

Singles attending the speed dating and events are URGED to bring along a friend to enjoy and share the experience with, after all the more the merrier!. Not only will they benefit from it, YSP will also bloom from the increased numbers in the friendship scheme. Costing just £20 for the whole year to join and become a friend means its well worth investing in, and also means that the Park, a registered charity, gets support for its activities and events too!

Some of the events taking place include mini sculpture making with a special end of month exhibition to showcase final work, wine tasting, themed restaurant night (Spanish, Italian, Greek and French etc), music events, outdoor cinema showings, laser questing (yes you read it right!) and tree carving all designed to help along conversation and romance! Aside from the events it also means there is time to take advantage of the parks beautiful surroundings. The indoor shop also offers a wide range of fantastic products with a brand new line of exclusive products to new friends of the sculpture park including cushions, wellies, t-shirts, tableware, birdhouses and one-off designed prints all with a 10 % discount which is awarded to all friends on the scheme!

Becoming a friend and taking part in this once in a lifetime experience is simple, join online or visit the park today, Hurry!

For more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Nicola, Vicky, Tom and Kevin, please contact 07961601188.

Design: T-shirt design idea

2010-03-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

Design: Cushion Design

2010-03-01T14:44:00.001-08:00

Design: Cushion Designs

2010-02-25T03:47:00.000-08:00

Design: Pattern

2010-02-24T05:58:00.000-08:00

Created on illustrator, this could be a sketch book cover or patter for wellies

Vicky

Design: Wellies Designs

2010-02-24T05:05:00.001-08:00

By making a clipping mask on illustrator i designed these wellies using previous patterns I created.

Vicky

Design: Wellington Template

2010-02-24T04:32:00.000-08:00

Design: Proposal for Materials

2010-02-23T01:11:00.000-08:00

Dear Brent Hardy-Smith

In concern with the products for conceptual design we have come up with our proposal. The products in which we will me designing are as follows:

Bird House
A cushion
Plate set design
Wellingtons
A female and male t-shirt

From doing our research into each of the products here is our cost proposal:

Bird House -£5 - £10 (Shelley Garden Centre)
Female and Male white cotton t-shirt -£4 (Primark)
Plain cream Cotton cushion £4 (Matalan)
Tableware set plain white- £20 - £30 (Matalan, House of fraser, sainsburys)

Thanks Team 6

Nicola Stanley

Thomas Holmes

Vicky Tennant

Kevin Nicholas

Research: Press release example from YSP website

2010-02-16T13:12:00.000-08:00

Artist Rob Ryan will be transforming the Visitor Centre at Yorkshire

Sculpture Park this winter as his imaginative paper cuts and screen prints

go on display from 11 November. Famed for his detailed hand-cutting of

delicate papers into intricate patterns, often revealing whimsical stories or

poetic phrases, Ryan will be decorating the four metre-long shop window

at YSP with a huge paper cut panel. Framed one-off paper cuts and

limited edition screen prints, exclusive to YSP, will be on display

throughout the Centre.

Decorated vinyl panels by Ryan will also adorn the concourse windows in

the Visitor Centre, and a hardback 64 page book featuring in-situ

photography, an essay by Clare Dwyer Hogg and an interview with Ryan

will accompany the exhibition. A range of items bearing Ryan's inimitable

handiwork will be available in the YSP Shop, including an exclusive laser

cut Christmas card.

Ryan has worked on a diverse array of commissions and collaborations

with names such as Paul Smith, Tatty Devine, Earnest Sewn, Vogue and

Elle. He has produced Easter egg packaging for Fortnum and Mason

and designed a shop window display for Liberty. His creations are also on

homewares sold at his East London shop, Ryantown. He has illustrated

book jackets for authors including Louis De Bernieres and Jackie Kay

and is currently working on a children’s book with Poet Laureate Carol

Ann Duffy. His own illustrated book, This Is for You, was published in

2007.

The YSP Shop continually sources innovative contemporary craft and

design items, for home and garden, and high quality gifts and jewellery,

providing a unique alternative to high street shopping. Arts Council

England's Own Art Interest Free Scheme is available for purchases from

£100 to £2000. All framed works are for sale. For enquiries, please

contact Amanda Peach on 01924 832527 or amanda.peach@ysp.co.uk

MADE 2009

Also on display at this time is MADE, YSP’s annual Christmas

contemporary craft show, which this year plays host to four recent

graduates who are showing 2D and 3D work in a mixture of materials

including found objects, ceramics, textiles and paper. Using innovative

techniques, these graduates have produced highly covetable pieces of

contemporary art. The exhibition also features exciting work by 30

jewellers, using materials such as, paper, textiles, silver, gold, acrylic,

copper, tin, semi-precious stones, aluminium and wood adornment. To

compliment the MADE exhibition, there will be work by new jewellers and

graduates on sale in the YSP Shop.

Media release

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

July 2009. For immediate release

You Can Still Do A Lot With A Small Brain

Rob Ryan at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Visitor Centre | Shop | Upper Space | 11 November 2009 - 21 February 2010

For further press enquiries:

Anna Neville Eleanor Bryson

t. 01924 832633 t. 01924 832642

anna.neville@ysp.co.uk eleanor.bryson@ysp.co.uk

Events and Workshops

Ryantown's Cut and Sew with Clothkits

14 Nov / 10.00-11.00 / 11.30-12.30 / 1.30 - 2.30 / 3.00 - 4.00

£25.00 per session / £20.00 concession

Booking essential 01924 830579 / please state which session you would like upon booking

YSP is holding four workshops in conjunction with Clothkits to celebrate Rob Ryan’s

exhibition. Each participant will produce and take away either a bag or a cushion exclusively

skills are required as guidance is given throughout the day.

YSP Late: Art After Hours

11 Dec / Open until 8.00 / FREE parking after 5.00 Enjoy late night shopping with a

difference at YSP with innovative gifts, great food and art after dark.

John Moore - Paper Mask workshop

20 Feb / 10.00 - 3.30

£40 / £35.00 concessions

Booking essential 01924 830579

Lunch included / please state upon booking if vegetarian/vegan or gluten free

Jeweller John Moore talks about the functions and history of paper masks. Create your

own animal/monster paper mask/headdress to take home and decorate.

Editor’s notes

As an independent art gallery, accredited museum and registered charity (number 1067908),

YSP's core work is made possible by investment from Arts Council England, Wakefield

Council, The Henry Moore Foundation and West Yorkshire Grants. www.ysp.co.uk

http://www.ysp.co.uk/files/ysp/Rob%20Ryan%20at%20YSP%20PR.pdf

Designs: Sketchbook

2010-02-16T09:41:00.000-08:00

Combining the photograph and the floral pattern i designed this, it could be used as a sketchbook cover

Research: Bird House Template

2010-02-16T06:46:00.000-08:00

Bird house net measurements to be decided

Research: Materials

2010-02-16T06:37:00.000-08:00

Material Prices

http://www.johnlewis.com/230859946/Product.aspx?source=22567

John Lewis Plain Cream Cotton Cushion.

£3.00

£3.50 Delivery service

White cotton t-shirt Primark

2 Male = £4.00
2 Female = £3.00

Felt
£5.00 from Queens gate Market for mobile phone covers

MDF Sheet

MDF Board (L)2440 x (W)1220 x (T)9mm

B&Q £11.49

Design: Photography

2010-02-16T05:03:00.000-08:00

These are photos taken in High Hoyland and Darton on the way home from university! Could be used for a Silhouette Idea for products. :-D

Research: Idea for P.O.S.D

2010-02-16T04:59:00.000-08:00

I Went into the shelley garden centre today and saw this! I thought it was ideal for what we are doing, maybe a point of sales display

This is another idea for our p.o.s where we hang the sketchbooks from the pegs. The line could attatch to the ceiling of the shop and have the sketchbooks dangling so customers can interact and pick off which one they want.

Design: Floral Patterns

2010-02-14T10:35:00.000-08:00

*I Created these by pencil drawing and photoshopped with the colour balance*

Pattern for wellies mugs or playes etc

Vicky :D

Design: Floral Pattern

2010-02-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

I designed a basic floral pattern that could be used for the wellington design or for the cushions

Vicky

Research: T-shirt Transfers

2010-02-11T08:05:00.000-08:00

Step 1: Spread shirt out on waxed paper or newspaper-covered work surface. (You may want to work outside or in the garage.) Place waxed paper between front and back of the shirt and inside the sleeves.

Step 2: Cut fern fronds and arrange on front of the shirt. If desired, lightly touch a glue stick to any leaves that are sticking up. This isn't necessary, but it helps make a clearer image when painted.

Step 3: Shake brown paint well. Spray in a diagonal area at bottom right of shirt. Repeat with green paint, slightly overlapping paint colors and continuing up in a diagonal direction.

Continue pattern with blue paint. If necessary, use brown again to fill in extra space at the top left corner of the shirt.

Step 4: Carefully remove fern fronds and let shirt dry. You can paint the back of the shirt in the same way, with or without the fern fronds.

This technique could be used on other products.

Source: http://home.howstuffworks.com/decorate-kids-t-shirts7.htm

Research: Mobile Phone Sleeves

2010-02-10T07:57:00.000-08:00

Here is a few sleeve designs for laptops and phones.

Image 1: http://www.surf-life.co.uk/2008/03/08/roxy-laptop-sleeves-roxy-lap-dog-sleeve-brown/

Image 2: http://www.infinitelives.net/2009/07/06/felted-game-boy-case-for-your-mobile-phone/

Image 3: http://www.builtny.com/girard-phone-sleeve-prod.html

Image 4: http://www.artofthesteal.com/?cat=600

Research: Sketchbook ideas

2010-02-10T07:53:00.000-08:00

These could be done screen printed or put on illustrator and maybe laser cut and placed on top of the sketchbook or we could try to engrave the design onto the book.

Images: http://www.behance.net/Gallery/Label-Ink-sketchbook-cover/47202

Research: Practical Printmaking by Colin Gale

2010-02-10T07:27:00.000-08:00

Research: Transfers

2010-02-10T07:16:00.000-08:00

Mike Perry's IRON ON book and then the T-shirt Graffiti pens shirt, thinking of incorporating something like this into a sketch book design.

Image: http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/Graffiti-Pens-For-Fabric/invt/5552400311236&bklist

Research: Sketch book

2010-02-10T06:42:00.000-08:00

Ideas for covers from Urban Outfitters, really like the idea of producing an iron on book of art works based on our designs. Something for the target audience to interact with.

Images: http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/Books/Art+Design/icat/artdesignbooks&bklist=icat,6,shop,home,homecategories,books,artdesignbooks

Research: Sketch Research

2010-02-10T05:50:00.001-08:00

Research: Floral pattern ideas

2010-02-10T05:44:00.000-08:00

Image 1: http://qvectors.net/nature/flower-decoration-vector/

Image 2: http://www.justskins.com/design/free-vector-flower-art/332

Image 3: http://www.downturk.info/65500-30-colorful-flower-designs-vector-by-dragonart.html

I was thinking we could use vector type colours maybe for the pillows, we could screen print or make stencils of flowers and spray them on and this way we can create layers of colour and patterns.

Research: Christopher Wool

2010-02-10T04:52:00.000-08:00

A Few images looking at floral screen prints

Research: Bird House Design

2010-02-09T15:01:00.000-08:00

http://www.dtpcentral.com/GardenGate/BirdHouses/images/29313BirdHouse.jpg

http://www.buyallgifts.com/images/29599.jpg

https://www.buyugifts.us/giftsandcollectibles/images/29634.jpg

http://www.birdvillas.com/shop/images/boat-house-bird-house.jpg

http://www.party902.com/images/Bird_House_10090.jpg

http://www.gardendecorinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/wooden-bird-house.jpg

http://kci.ky.gov/Products/CustWood/BIRD-HOUSE.jpg

http://www.treehugger.com/Rasmussen-birdhouse.jpg

Research: Bird House Design

2010-02-09T14:33:00.001-08:00

Research: The Pattern Source Book

2010-02-09T14:23:00.000-08:00

The Pattern Source Book , lauren ceking(October 2009) Research - Patterns [University of Huddersfield Library] [Accessed -13/November/2010]

Research: Neasden Control Centre

2010-02-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

Design: Colour Scheme

2010-02-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Each of the selected colours will be incorporated into our design along with the basic colours of black and white!

Research: Patterns, images, products

2010-02-09T03:57:00.000-08:00

http://www.computerarts.co.uk/__data/assets/image/1022337/varieties/7.jpg

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/images/uploads/11-28-woods.jpg

http://www.housetohome.co.uk/imageBank/cache/c/Cson.corallo.wpaper.jpg_e_9c53654d7f7c9c72667efde1daba6b35.jpg

http://www.katyelliott.com/blog/uploaded_images/cmw492-710283.jpg

Design: Final Products

2010-02-09T02:16:00.000-08:00

As a group we have decided to design and make the following products as part of our brief:

Wellies
Cushion Cover
Bird House
T-Shirt and Design
Mobile Phone Cover
Tableware
Prints

With the products we have chosen, we feel that there is a variety of choice to suit the age range and gender of our target market.

Research: Wellington Design

2010-02-09T02:11:00.001-08:00

Research: Fabrics and Patterns

2010-02-07T12:55:00.000-08:00

Here are some material ideas for some of our products:

Research: Inspirations

2010-02-07T12:44:00.000-08:00

Rob Ryan - http://rob-ryan.blogspot.com/

Mike Perry - http://www.mikeperrystudio.com/

David Carson - http://www.davidcarsondesign.com/

Paul Rand - http://www.paul-rand.com/index.php/site/gallery/

Research: Statistics

2010-02-07T12:17:00.001-08:00

Over 30 per cent of the adult population are single.
More than half the adult population (50.9 per cent) is married or re-married.
Over 10 per cent of adults are separated or divorced.
Widows and widowers make up over 8 per cent of the population.
Nearly 30 per cent of the adult population have no qualifications.
Nearly 20 per cent of the adult population have a degree or higher qualification.

http://www.statistics.gov.uk/census2001/profiles/commentaries/people.asp

According to the increasing numbers of people using dating services, most single men and women worldwide are interested in finding someone special and broadening their resources to make it happen. The recent dating statistics shows that online dating services how help over 7 million registered users a year. 48% of men and 53% of American women have used services of various dating agencies.

http://www.syl.com/singles/datingstatistics.html

Latest Divorce Statistics

Divorce Statistics show that in spite of the popular opinion that Divorce Rates are RISING - this is a MYTH!!

Rates in the UK and the USA are dropping consistently year on year.

In the UK alone, Divorce rates are right now at their lowest since 1984. In fact in 2006 there were 12.2 divorcing people per 1,000 married population

In the United Kingdom

In the UK alone, Divorce rates are right now at their lowest since 1984. In fact in 2006 there were 12.2 divorcing people per 1,000 married population which reflects a drop of 7% overall.

Men & Women Under 40

It is in this category that figures fell the most steeply - by 10% and by 9% respectively when comparing to 2005 figures. In 2006, for men aged under 40 the divorce rate of23.4 divorcing men per 1,000 married men aged 16 to 39 is the lowest since 1984.

Statistics show that not since 1987 has the divorce rate forwomen aged under 40 been as low as in 2006:23.3 divorcing women per 1,000 married women aged 16 to 39.

Average Divorce Age in the UK

In England and Wales over the last 10 years, Statistics show that the average age at divorce has actually risen from 39.8 to 43.4 years for men and from 37.3 to 40.9 years for women

This partly reflects the rise in age at marriage.

Furthermore, 20% of men and women who divorced in 2006 had already experienced a previous marriage which had ended in divorce.

This proportion has doubled in 25 years.

This compares to figures in 1981 where just over 10% of all men and women divorcing had a previous marriage ending in divorce.

For 69% of divorces in 2006, the wife was granted the divorce.

For all divorces granted, behaviour was the most common fact proven.

2006 Divorce Numbers

England & Wales 132,562 (fall of 6.5%)
Scotland 13,014 (increase by 19%)
Northern Ireland 2,565 (increase by 9%)

http://www.free-divorce-advice.com/divorce-statistics.html

Research: Handmade Products on Etsy

2010-02-07T09:15:00.000-08:00

Looking at the online shop to find products to influence our own!.. "ipod" cases.

Research: Cinema Numbers

2010-02-07T08:47:00.001-08:00

Research: Grindhouse

2010-02-07T08:38:00.000-08:00

A style of film, we can look at the rough appearance to help influence our products and generate ideas. Links well with the out door cinema event !

Research: Powerpoint Presentation and Target market clarification

2010-02-06T12:25:00.000-08:00

We decided to target singles ages 30-50 year olds after much debate. We chose this because its a large upcoming market in which there are lots of possible events that could be held at the the park that cater for this niche target market. The target markets user needs would be to find a love or a soul mate via the datign service but continue to use the park as a place to meet each week or month by having events going on. The target markets, product needs would consist of buying products for each other as well as personal use. The target markets geographic location is fairly local, therefore in all areas of yorkshire, people travel far and wide on dating websites. The target markets demographic and lifestyles are single, widow or divorced, may have a family or not it would depend on the circumstances in which they are single, socialising with friends, working, going to the gym and much more. would be local to all areas of yorkshire

Nowadays dating is online on such websites as http://uk.match.com/, and http://www.eharmony.co.uk/. We feel this is less personal, by bringing dating to the the yorkshire sculpture park we feel it can make a difference to people and they can finally meet their match in person and the 21st century dating experience.

Taken from Blackboard

Group D: Ties of Community

Type D25: Town Centre Refuge

Sociology and Environment

Summary

Town Centre Refuge contains young unattached people who live in small flats above shops or in the less prestigious side streets bordering the centres of small market towns and declining seaside resorts.

Demography

Whereas the central areas of larger cities are mostly surrounded by rows of Victorian terraces or council flats, the areas separating the commercial districts of smaller towns and seaside resorts are more likely to consist of small rented flats and big old houses many of which have fallen into multiple occupation. Particularly in declining seaside resorts, Town Centre Refuge is comprised of young adults on low incomes and divorced people, with significant minorities living in hostels and in shared accommodation. Though many of these people were born in the town, such neighbourhoods are likely to accommodate people from surrounding middle class communities who, for one reason or another, can’t or prefer not to engage in mainstream consumerist lifestyles. Town Centre Refuge is in certain locations, accommodation of last resort attracting an aimless population many of whom drift in and out of employment. Particularly where they are located by the coast (though not in inland market towns) such neighbourhoods are also often selected as locations for accommodating asylum seekers and may acquire a reputation among local residents for drugs and prostitution, despite the fact that many of them border on areas of good quality housing. Transient lifestyles lead to higher levels of crime than in the more suburban areas of smaller towns and many perpetrators are petty criminals living locally. It is in these areas that noise is often cited as a source of environmental nuisance. The population of Town Centre Refuge is mostly made up of young single people, a large number of whom are still in their late teens and many more in their twenties, most in partnerships of varying degrees of durability. There are fewer people in older working groups but often a substantial number of very elderly people accommodated in the larger houses that have been converted by local authorities to provide sheltered accommodation for those on lower incomes. Catering for the needs of weekenders and summer tourists is the major source of employment in seaside resorts whilst in inland centres many young people serve in local shops. Levels of unemployment are well above the national average and relatively few people own a car.

Environment

Town Centre Refuge neighbourhoods consist mostly of older buildings on the edge of commercial areas, mostly tall terraces with three or more storeys, many with shops or commercial premises on the ground floor. Some big old houses might once have accommodated families staying by the seaside. Few houses have gardens, and streets are cluttered with cars parked by shoppers and commuters. In between the houses there are small car parks where local business people park their cars during office hours or small yards used for delivering merchandise to local shops. In many cases local councils have pulled down the more dilapidated properties and replaced them with small blocks of social housing suitable for people without families. Most of the accommodation takes the form of small, rented flats few of which have been improved and some of which may have difficulty meeting the modern fire safety requirements. Front doors tend to lead directly onto pavements that are often in need of repair, which lead quickly to major thoroughfares and to the shops, offices and hotels that occupy the town centre. Whilst many of these areas are in poor repair, there are instances where, as a result of some interesting features, local councils have taken decisions to invest in comprehensive regeneration. An increasing number of these neighbourhoods are now scoring sufficiently highly on central government indicators of deprivation to attract funds for neighbourhood renewal.

Economy

Town Centre Refuge, whilst occurring in small towns throughout the country, tends to be particularly concentrated in towns such as Hastings, Torquay and Rhyl, which have suffered from the drop in day and summer visitors and where the decline at the lower end of the tourist market has not been compensated for, by growing numbers of retirees. Many of these towns now suffer from serious levels of unemployment and from low wage levels and a distinctive feature of these neighbourhoods is the large number of people, many of them young, who are in poor health. However catering for visitors and the retired population provides many opportunities for the self-employed.

Consumer Values

Town Centre Refuge accommodates a varied population with many different values. Nevertheless there is a significant minority who do not engage with mainstream social values. Many of these are people with no particular sense of direction whilst others live in these neighbourhoods because of their tolerance of counter cultural attitudes. Constituencies with large numbers of these neighbourhoods have recorded particularly high swings away from the Conservatives at recent general elections.

Consumption Patterns

Town Centre Refuge represents a relatively unattractive market to most products traded in the formal economy. The single people in small flats purchase groceries locally in small pack sizes and spend significant amounts of their low incomes on alcohol and cigarettes, on video rentals, music and at clubs and bars.

Change

In an increasingly fragmented society, where more and more people live on their own, these neighbourhoods will continue to play an important role in accommodating people who, for whatever reason, have difficulty fitting into conventional lifestyle stereotypes. Outside large cities there are relatively few other locations in which people of this sort can settle and feel accepted.

Group F: Welfare Borderline

Type F38: Tower Block Living

Sociology and Environment

Summary

Tower Block Living contains areas where the majority of the population live in high rise flats and suffer from very high levels of social and economic deprivation.

Demography

More than half of Tower Block Living live in high rise flats. These are particularly deprived neighbourhoods, with large numbers of people suffering form long term sickness and/or unemployment. Very few have any formal qualifications and only a small minority are able to afford a car. Most people are council tenants, mostly living in run down city neighbourhoods which in previous times gave employment to large numbers of artisans in factories, foundries and engineering works.

Tower Block Living is especially common in the poorer parts of Glasgow and is also common in the centres of large provincial English cities such as Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Liverpool and Nottingham, where councils have been particularly vigorous in rebuilding inner city neighbourhoods. By contrast, London has few Tower Block Living neighbourhoods. Many of these tower blocks may at one time have accommodated families with children but today these blocks have mostly be turned over to people without children. Many young people between the ages of 18 and 30 have been given tenancies in these blocks. Most of these young people do not have children but, once children do arrive, families are typically moved out once the children reach school age or are joined by younger siblings. These flats are also occupied by large numbers of older single people who have been divorced.

Many suffer from various types of deprivation and for many, this type of housing provides something akin to sheltered accommodation. Many of the young people are likely to be involved with drugs or to have been in trouble with the law. Few are capable to maintaining long term relationships whether with partners or with employers.

The decline in manual employment in local workshops and small factories is a major difficulty for these people, few of whom have the skills to work in occupations which require tactful dealings with private customers. Many drift in and out of employment in low wage, fringe jobs in hotels and catering. Unlike inner London council estates, these tower blocks mostly accommodate poor whites. However, in some there is an increasing minority of residents of Caribbean descent.

Environment

Neighbourhoods of Tower Block Living are often characterised by mass production ‘system’ built architecture which was intended to allow high rise estates to be erected more rapidly and at lower cost. Though these promises were mostly met, many of these towers have subsequently suffered from unanticipated problems of damp and decaying concrete which have often involved councils in major investments in refurbishment. The interior arrangements often left much to be desired and many resident groups have successfully campaigned for improvements in security that leave common areas more secure against unauthorised access than before. In some areas the towers add welcome relief to low rise architecture whilst in others they have been erected in a series which creates an impersonal environment which is seldom adequately compensated for by effective landscaping. Often there is conflict between the objective of softening the concrete towers through the planting of bushes, security, which favours clear visibility, the interests of local children for areas in which to play ball games and the interests of older residents for common areas not to be used as children’s playgrounds. Unfortunately many of these estates lack residents with the energy to mobilise residents’ opinions which makes it difficult for local housing managers to build effective dialogues with local people. Overall the environment is one in which it is difficult for residents to keep secure any property that they can not lock up within their cramped homes and this seriously limits the range of leisure activities that they can engage in.

Particularly in the larger estates, low incomes and vandalism make it difficult for local retailers to survive which results in residents relying on infrequent buses to reach shops selling a wider variety of merchandise than everyday essentials.

Economy

Neighbourhoods of Tower Block Living often have very low levels of engagement with their local economies. A key feature of these areas is the very low proportion of people who own their own businesses.

Consumer Values

Tower Block Living constitutes a population at the lowest rung of the Maslow hierarchy for whom day to day survival is a challenge in its own right and where little consideration is given to purchases other than basic necessities. People spend much of their time watching commercial television but lead lives which are largely unaffected by the adverts that they see.

Consumption Patterns

Tower Block Living provides a poor market for virtually all products traded in the formal economy. These are particularly poor markets for financial services organisations since most people have no savings nor do they have the security against which to borrow. It is only pawnbrokers and sellers of second hand furniture and televisions who appear to thrive in these areas.

Change

Some of these neighbourhoods are likely to be improved as a result of refurbishment. Others are likely to be demolished to make way for more individual, low rise accommodation.

Research: Concerning the Market

2010-02-02T13:32:00.001-08:00

Changing lifestyles and social attitudes during the last two decades - including the trend for delaying marriage, greater acceptance of single parenthood, and a higher incidence of divorce and separation - have meant that the number of single adults has been rising steadily.
The last Mintel Special Report to focus on the Singles Market, published in 2003, looked specifically at younger one person households (in the 20-54 age range); prior to that, the 2001 Marketing to Singles report concentrated on the 'free and single' - unmarried people aged between 15 and 54 with no children living with them.
Other recent changes in society have included the phenomenon of 'extended adolescence', with many young people being dependent on their parents, to a greater or lesser degree, until they are well into their twenties (see Mintel's 2003Special Report Selling to, and Profiting from, the under 25s. At the other end of the age range, those in their 50s and 60s are staying 'younger longer' [as discussed in the 2004 Special Report on Selling to, and Profiting from, the Over 50s.]. It is for these reasons that this report looks at a slightly older single population, in the 25-70 age range. 'Singles' are defined by living arrangements rather than legal marital status, encompassing all who are neither married nor living with a partner - including those living on their own; in single-parent households; with their parents; or in shared accommodation with friends or other unrelated adults.
The report is based largely on specially-commissioned consumer research undertaken by NOP in November-December 2004, among a sample of 5,161 adults aged over 18, including 1,039 who are neither married nor cohabiting, and are in the 25-70 age range. In addition there is extensive re-analysis of findings from BMRB's Target Group Index Survey (TGI) for 2004, also focusing on singles in this age group, with comparisons made with married or cohabiting adults in the same age group.

http://www.marketresearch.com/product/display.asp?productid=1090085

’m a singleton get me out of here! is the latest dating experience tempting young single urban professionals with another great way to meet other single people. I’m a singleton brings a breath of fresh air to the UK dating market which has become saturated with speed dating events. Forget the 3 minute speed dating mayhem, and think fun, adventure, challenges, team work and getting away from the rat race all rolled into one truly unforgettable dating weekend.

What is I’m a Singleton?

Following in the footsteps the reality TV show, I’m a Celebrity, I’m a singletonbrings together 20 single professionals, 10 single guys, and 10 single girls for a weekend of fun and adventure. Staying in a log cabin over the course of a weekend, the group is faced with a number of challenging, fun and unique activities, ranging from the cerebral to the physical, that are specifically designed to bring out the best of all participants. They guarantee you don’t have to be a first class athlete to take part! Singletons have the opportunity to get to know all members of the group through various challenges and activities over the weekend, guaranteeing that by the end of it you will know everyone very well, and at the very least, leave with lots of friends, and who knows what else!

Where is it?

I’m a singleton organizes weekends in various parts of the UK for single girls and guys all over the country. One of their locations, is a log cabin nestled in the heart of the Forest of Dean by the England / Wales border on the edge of the River Wye, which consists of male and female sleeping areas, showers, a kitchen and a large communal lounge.

Sneak Preview

Without giving too much away and taking out the fun and surprise of the weekend, we will give you a brief overview of what happens on the weekend.
Friday Evening – Single girls and guys meet up, and are given a quick brief of the weekend activities around a log fire with a glass of wine. Brief tutorial on map reading and navigation session, followed by the first activity to get the singles familiar with each other.
Saturday - Early start and gentle walk to the first activity. There are seven activities on the Saturday to be completed that will test you mentally and physically. These range from abseiling to mental quizzes. The activities are all done with a slight twist for fun and are spread throughout the day. Evening team activity, followed by evening meal and ‘Awards Ceremony’.
Sunday – Three more activities for the day before departing the log cabin around 4pm.

How Much Does it Cost?

The weekend costs just under £200 and includes…… EVERYTHING, from transport to and from the cabin, wine on arrival, accommodation, evening meals, cooked breakfast, lunch, coffee and tea, use of all equipment on weekend, Saturday evening meal in local pub (including first drink). So all you have to do is turn up leave the rest to them!
The cost also includes a month’s FREE full membership to Urbansocial.com.

Urbansocial Discounts

Fully upgraded Urbansocial members are eligible to a price discount on the I’m a singleton get me out of here! weekends.
All participants on I’m a singleton weekends also receive a FREE months membership to Urbansocial, the stylish dating service for young urban professionals in the UK (also applicable to current Urbansocial members)

Available at: http://www.urbansocial.com/0009_I_am_a_singleton.asp

Forum: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091115214945AABLpij

Research: Carved Tree

2010-02-02T13:10:00.001-08:00

Event: Ideas for Dating Experience

2010-02-01T15:48:00.000-08:00

Laser Questing

Outdoor cinema

Music Festival

Sculpture Carving

Speed Dating

Theme Restaurant

Research: Ideas for Events

2010-02-01T13:58:00.000-08:00

Research: Product Ideas

2010-02-01T13:38:00.001-08:00

The images below show a number of products sold in the YSP shop at the moment, by looking at them we can generate new ideas for products we wish to sell to our tarket audience.

Product ideas:

PICTURE FRAMES
POSTERS
LAMPS
ILLUSTRATED MUGS
CANDLES
SOAPS
WALLETS/PURSES
WELLIES
NAME BLOCKS
MESSAGED ARROWS
TEA TOWLS
JEWELLERY
CLOTHING
MESSAGED CARDS

Research:The Yorkshire Sculpture Park Shop

2010-02-01T12:40:00.000-08:00