Studio Brief 02 - Ootje Oxenaar's Note design

Ootje Oxenaar's note design for the Dutch Central Bank is an example of how a grid system effectively structures the information and visual elements of a banknote. By identifying the grid, it is visually clear that the note is broken up into roughly 5 by 3 squares. The use of a grid keeps each note design structurally consistent with the next which creates a unified and easily recognisable identity for the note.
The use of a grid system also creates a clear hierarchy for the different visual elements. This allows for the readers eyes to flow easily from left to right of the bank note which is highlighted through the use of colour.

In this example, there is a clear saturation gradient across the note. By using using similar tones and variations of a single colour, the visual identity becomes cohesive across a specific note and allows for the user to associate the value of the note to the colour used. 
The white space along the side of the note creates a neutral area where the value of the note can be easily read and seen. The bold impactful type used as well helps communicate this ease. This white space extends to create a border around the note that centralises the main design. 


Oxenaar's design also demonstrates the kind of imagery used for each side of the banknote. It is clear through his designs that there is a front and back side to the note. The front is identified through the use of large, saturated central image that dominates the overall visual look whilst the back of the note is characterised by smaller imagery that relates to the image on the front. For example on the front of one of the designs, we see a large sunflower, whilst on the back are the images of sunflower fields. 

In terms of my note design, the use of a grid will be essential to create a visually structured design that will allow the reader to view all elements easily across the note. For colour however, Oxenaar's practice may not be utilised. Since the overall theme is about getting people more aware of the impact of man made environmental destruction, to save ink, the note maybe be done in a singular tone and how people differentiate between them is through the different grades of recycled paper. Despite this on one note there still can variations in tone to help create depth and visual hierarchy.