I have now produced two prototypes of different bookbinding processes: one with saddle stitching with thread, and another in the format of an accordion.
Both were really strong prototypes and worked well so I thought that the easiest way to make my decision is to point out the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
Saddle Stitch
The whole processes of threading the book together creates a more 'personal' touch because this is impossible to do via computer or any other mass-produced means. This ties strongly with the overall message that I want to produce with my design and emphasises the hand-made aspect. Whenever I think of saddle stitched books with thread I think of those old ones in old libraries where only a few copies exist and are treasured. People wouldn't take their time to thread books by hand, especially if they were to be massed-produced, so those that are bound with thread are made up of a lesser amount and therefore each copy is more valuable.
This matches the elegance of the literary festival and the beautiful university buildings where it takes place. It only happens once a year and so it is, in some way, "special" as not everyone can attend the special as there is only a certain amount of seats available. People could still visit the festival but there is a limited amount for those who want to attend the talks.
However there is that problem with being printed double-sided. I can't possibly print off at the university as it clearly shows that it's off-centre, and although there is a definite improvement in the Staples printer there is still that small gap with the Dr. Seuss design. I think that if I do choose this method I would have to do another prototype and then bind it tightly to see if that improves it.
The saddle stitch method has an overall neat and traditional appearance as it looks like a "normal" book. There isn't anything to be confused with in terms of flicking through the pages.
Accordion
The accordion format definitely solves the issue with it being printed double-sided and it is also a conventional way of displaying a book. There are only a small amount of books that I have personally seen done in such a way, so it will stand out from the leaflets that are stacked with it. It is in a way unique because some people wouldn't think that this would be necessarily called a book but more like something to be displayed.
This then brings more of a focus to the book and people would perhaps display it in their homes rather than stash it away as it could be stood upright for all to see the designs within.
However, this "conventional" way of displaying a book could mean that it doesn't necessarily fit with the overall feel that the festival produces. It's hosted in one of the top universities in the country and so people would expect it to have more of a traditional appearance. There is also that problem of keeping the book shut; would I tie string around it, or would it have a clasp? Both notions would only be fiddly to work with and so there is that possibility that people wouldn't really want to open it because it's a hassle to flick through. The only way to view the designs is to open it fully or look at each one by pulling it out slowly, and both might be difficult to use.
Overall
Due to the usability of both versions I would say that the saddle stitch method is more appropriate as not only does it retain that traditional appearance of a book but it'll be so much easier to read. Of course there is that double-sided printing issue so I would have to carry out more tests - and therefore spend more money - in having them printed until I get it right.
My next step is to go back and tweak my designs so that they are finalised. Once this is done I can fully concentrate on producing the final design.
Learning Outcomes:
[1] Developed their awareness of the needs and requirements of professional practice, manifested in the ability to produce practical graphic design work of high technical quality.
[3] Developed written and oral skills of critical self-evaluation in relation to their design practice.
[6] Developed skills of critical thinking, analysis and evaluation.
[9] Developed their ability to work with complex material, analyse problems and identify appropriate solutions.
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