Out of the various programs and platforms accessible to library staff and students, one of the most commonly used is PowerPoint for its various tools and features that allow for simple manipulations and interesting designs. In addition to this, PowerPoint is one of the easier to use programs for basic designs, and a similar version of the Microsoft edition is available for free through Google Slides.

During an activity experimenting with different types of technology, I was tasked with redesigning the poster by focusing on only one of the events featured in the previous activity Using Word for Design. In a similar format to its predecessor, this activity would restrict the use of any images or logos, however, I would be able to use background colours to give more depth and creativity to the design.

In my initial design, I used the colour palette associated with African Heritage Month as I had with the project in Word and incorporated it into the background as well as the focal points of the text. Additionally, I chose to focus on the Opening Night Celebration, as it served as the initial launch party of the larger month-long event, including references to the original design in the description.

While I made good use of the concepts of alignment, contrast, and use of colour throughout this redesigned poster, I was unhappy with the final product and it was noted that there could be a larger distinction made between the two focal points or titles. As a result, I chose to recreate and remaster it in Photoshop, using the tools and techniques provided by the program to better differentiate the focal point from the background, and provide a stronger overall design.

In thinking about design programs that can be easily used by library staff, Canva is one that often goes unused and forgotten about, yet it has more tools and capabilities than other manipulation and basic design programs. While it does not have the complex workings of programs like Photoshop, it does give the user access to adjustments and filters that can be easily used to change the entire design.

During one of my favourite activities of the course, I was tasked with using Canva to create a poster, and while I already had created a background in Photoshop months previous for a personal project, I had yet to create anything with it. For my initial design, I had created a rich purple background with accents of varying shades and opacities of purple and blue, creating something that is complex in design, but not too busy to take away from anything to be added.

When I moved this design into Canva and begin playing with the various adjusters and sliders, I found a way to change not only the colour of my design, but the feel. By taking the calming and deep purples and blues and changing it to be more heavily focused on the dark blue side, it made the design look more pronounced and intriguing.

Additionally, by using the design concepts of contrast between the background and border and again in the focal point it made the design more appealing. As of now, it serves as the official logo for the Nightingale Private Library.