Graphic Design student uses Augmented Reality to create conceptual NTU Mascot

As part of a final year project in BA (Hons) Graphic Design, Grace aimed to promote respect between students at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and to help students to understand boundaries within the University behaviour code. Grace wanted to help make the university feel like a safe space for students of any background to be able to ask for help quickly and easily if needed.

After completing some market research, Grace decided to make a mascot named Res to represent ‘Respect at NTU’. Speaking about her project, Grace said: “I wanted to create something that students would remember, something that was neutral and pleasant and was non-threatening so that everyone could get involved. Mascots are one of the faces of universities, one that students see and will want photos with and merchandise of, to remember their time at University.”

Grace started the project on Adobe Photoshop, and discussed her work with technicians Dan Billings and Jonathan Gillie, who suggested Augmented Reality (AR) and Cinema4D software. She was able to produce two versions of her Respect mascot, learning complex technology virtually with the support of the technicians. She was also supported to use an AR app to impose her 3D mascot onto images of the NTU City Campus and Nottingham Trent Student Union shop.

“I have learnt to use four new software packages just from this project, and I am hoping to learn a lot more in future,” Grace said.

“I want to work in the field of Graphic Design so I will most likely use this software again in future. I have appreciated all the help I've been able to get when I requested it, as I have learnt so much. I think if you ask for help at NTU you're always going to get it.”

Find out more about studying BA (Hons) Graphic Design at NTU.