Evaluation (Question 6): What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

Technologies that are used throughout the magazine industry are mainly InDesign and Photoshop, both produced by Adobe. This software is used to edit and manipulate front covers and pages of magazines to create the ideal outcome that will lead to a successful product.

Photoshop- a graphics editing program with different tool options under categories such as drawing, painting, measuring and navigation, selection, typing and retouching. This is used primarily to edit and change photos to suit the magazines appearance.

InDesign- a desktop publishing software that can be used to create posters, flyers, brochures, magazines, newspapers and books. the software allows the creator to insert text, images, shapes and other elements to create a realistic product.


I have done a SWOT analysis to show the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of using these technologies and how this affected the outcome of my media product.


Photoshop

Strengths:

• Able to manipulate and change images using different tools to suit the theme and look of the magazine
• Professional outcome of editing images as software is high quality 
• Can change colours, layout and overall appearance of an image

Weaknesses:

• Requires some skill as software can be challenging to use and work with
• Costs money to be a member and use the software, as much as £562.56 per annum for the Creative Cloud edition

Opportunities:

• Can change the outcome of a whole magazine as the image used portrays a certain look
• Allows for the image to be made a better quality and more appealing to the target audience, therefore attracting their attention and making them want to purchase and take an interest in the product

Threats:

• If used incorrectly, overall outcome of image may be over-edited and unprofessional looking
• Need original image owners consent as using an already existing image could result in copyright problems
• Always a risk of computer technology failing therefore a threat of losing unsaved work

InDesign

Strengths:

• Able to insert and use functions for almost everything needed to create a professional looking magazine
• Import and export images
• Variety of fonts and colours available
• Can insert different shapes and change the layout of text, images, borders and general appearance

Weaknesses:

• Requires basic IT skills to use the software and functions correctly
• Unable to edit images so photos used in the creating of a product need to be pre-edited
• Takes time and patience to create a professional looking media product

Opportunities:

• Allows creativity and the chance to make a product suitable for the target audience by using different functions 
• Outcome of a professional looking finished piece that will appeal to audience if it is created correctly

Threats:

• Risk of programme failing and losing unsaved work
• If not used correctly, final media product can look unprofessional and tacky, therefore not appealing to target audience

I have used both of these technologies (Photoshop and InDesign) and functions to create my music magazine in a professional way which the layout and overall appearance will appeal to my readership. I used Photoshop to change the quality of my images to fit into InDesign correctly and clearly as the images were pixelated to start with. I used InDesign also to create the whole layout and appearance of my music magazine front cover, contents page and double page spread. I was able to work well with the technology as I had grasped how to use it correctly. The only problem I had with the technology in the creating and development of my product was that when saving the finished creation as a JPEG format, each time I had progressed on my magazine, I saved over the previous copy, therefore replacing the previous and making me unable to post draft copies to my blog, which is why these are not present.

The Importance of Technology to the Publishing Sector

The use of functions and technology in a media product and the decisions made by the creator can change the outcome of the product as a whole. For example, if the software is used poorly, therefore creating an unprofessional looking magazine, the target audience will not be attracted by it as is it will not appeal to their needs. But if a product is created successfully and looks professional, then it will appeal to the target audience.