Final Narrative Critique – Presentation Guide

On Wednesday, November 19th and Monday, November 24th you will present the completed design of your Narrative Project, both mediums.

These two class sessions are your final opportunity to receive concentrated feedback on the design of your Narrative Project before we shift focus to Capstone research and ideation.

You must be present and participate on both critique days.
Unexcused absences (without documented medical reason) receive a 1 – “unacceptable” in your evaluation.
We will be providing an Evaluation / Grade for this critique.

Groups are as follows (flipping those who went first when we had a critique over a weekend the first time):

Group 1 (11/19): Matt, Theo, Anthony, Helen, Ek ,Kamara, Estrelita, Melanie, Liam, Daniela, Hajra,
Rufi, Cezar

Group 2 (11/24): Giselle, Kevyncia, Jeff, Miuni, Emily, Narielles, Nakayla, David, Maegan, Jourdy, Afnan, Yumna, Miranda

Where to Find Examples + Upload Work

+ See last year’s Final Narrative Critique examples
+ Upload your Final Crit Deliverables here
Upload before the start of class on your assigned day.
Use naming convention: FirstInitialLast_NarrativeFinalCritique
(Example: JBernstein_NarrativeFinalCritique.pdf)

Important Note About Prototypes

You are not expected to present:
+ fully functioning interactive prototypes
+ printed/bound full-color publications
+ final 3D-printed objects
These are due for the Cross-Media Exam on Dec 17 (3–6 pm).

However:
If one of your mediums is print-based, object-based, or installation-based, you must bring actual-sized, physical samples (dummy, prototype, paper mockup, etc.) so we can review scale, typography, and physical experience. These can be printed in black-and-white, if preferred.

1. Critique Criteria

Each medium must be:
+ A distinct interpretation of your story
+ Designed using the affordances of that medium
+ Intentional in audience, goal, and form
+ Supported by any required elements—bibliography, image credits, sourced content, colophon, etc.
See Colophon Examples here.

Be ready to explain why the medium matters to your concept and how its affordances shape the meaning of your story.

2. Presentation Format

All work will be presented:
+ On-screen as high-res PDFs
+ Using mockups as appropriate (devices, environments, objects)
+ With physical samples for print/object/installation mediums
(No printing/cutting/binding once class begins.)

3. Uploading + Presenting

+ Upload a single PDF for your presentation. (See link at top of this post.)
+ Additional files (videos, publication spreads, etc.) should also go in the folder.
+ Work must be ready at the start of class.

4. PDF Presentation Outline

Page 1: Title page (Project Title, Your Name, Professors’ Names, Fall 2025)
Page 2: Refined Narrative Abstract
Include:

+ Description of both mediums
+ Audience + goal for each
+ How you use affordances of each medium as part of your design solution

Pages 3–XX: Medium 1 + Medium 2
Include:

+ Completed designs
+ Mockups showing intended production or site (if applicable)
+ Any additional media (video, audio, interaction frames, spreads, flat files)

Mockup resources: free decent mockups (are.na) free mockup zone, graphic pear, mockup tree, mockup world, pexels, adobe stock

5. Guidelines by Medium

+ All mediums share the same expectation: full-color, fully designed solutions that demonstrate concept, visual language, and how the medium itself structures the story.
+ In every category, be ready to briefly explain: medium affordances → why they matter → audience → project goals.

A. Websites / Apps / Interactive Experience

Present:

+ Static screens showing the full design
+ “Before/after” screens to demonstrate interaction, motion, sound
+ Designs placed in a clean device mockup (no busy scenes)
+ Screens displayed large enough to see details
+ File export included in your PDF

No working prototypes required, but interaction must be shown clearly.

B. Time-Based Media (Video / Animation / Motion + Sound)

Present:

+ A full-motion, full-color, audio-integrated video file
(either separate from PDF or linked to Vimeo/YouTube)
+ Key stills or sequences may also appear in the PDF if needed

C. Publications (Books, Editorials, Zines, Printed Matter)

Present:

+ Full PDF exported as spreads
(Include a thin gutter line to ensure correct composition on-screen)
+ Cover as a separate PDF
+ A 100% scale black-and-white dummy (trimmed and taped spreads)
+ Any paper samples or binding materials you plan to use

You are NOT expected to bring final full-color or final binding.

D. Poster Series (2–3 Posters)

Present:

+ Full-color PDFs of each poster
+ One slide showing the series together
+ Individual slides for each poster
+ A 100% scale black-and-white print of each poster (tiled + taped is fine)

E. Objects or Artifacts

Present:

+ Digital mockups showing intended production and siting
+ Any 3D test sketches
+ A 100% scale paper mockup of the object
+ Clear demonstration of scale, form, and typography

No final 3D print required.

F. Installation / Environmental Design

Present:

+ Flat digital design
+ Mockup showing siting and scale
+ A 100% scale printed section (tiled + taped is fine) to review typography and visibility

Final Reminder

This critique is your last full review before Capstone.
Please read these directions carefully and reach out if you have questions.