What skills have you developed through this module an how effectively do you think you have applied them?
From this module I have learnt that being aware of current design practice is very useful, the tasks where we have researched different purposes, functions and applications of design have given me new insight into the possibilities of design. Looking through design blogs when I am starting a new brief has been very helpful as it has inspired me to try new ways of solving a brief rather than sticking to a 2d poster or 'typical' piece of graphic design. I have started a tumblr where I am blogging all design that I find particularly good so that I can look through the archive for inspiration for future projects. I have also been introduced to inDesign in this module which I am getting to grips with but still need more practice with before I can use it fluently.
What approaches to/ methods of design production have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?
Using mind maps and thorough design sheets have been very useful for determining what the most effective and relevant design will be, I have also used and tested with mock-ups in this module to understand what tabs would work best on the self-assembly box I designed for 'Speaking from Experience'. Doing quick digital mock ups are very helpful because I find that a thumbnail or an idea on a design sheet doesn't translate very well digitally, screen-shotting multiple stages and blogging them is a good way of evaluating which parts worked well and which didn't.
What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/ will you capitalise on these?
I am getting better at executing the final product at a more professional level, this is due to doing proper testing and experimenting before settling on a stock/ net/ colour scheme before printing finals. I will carry on doing this and in the second year I will spend more time and money on the final product so that my design solution is seen in the light that I intended it to be.
What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these in the future?
I need to be more thorough with the evaluation of work to make me think about the reasons for liking certain design rather than just for its instant aesthetic qualities. I also need to put more time into presentation/ design boards so that the information and imagery is clear to somebody that isn't familiar with the project. I am going to start using my camera more to document design that I find whilst I am out and about so that my library of good/ bad design will be much larger and I will have much more reference material to use when I am trying to find design to suit a certain function.
Identify 5 things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?
I am going to book print slots on the day of getting a brief and spend more money on making the final product as best I can, this will make my work look much more professional and contribute to a more impressive portfolio. I am going to photograph more design that I like rather than relying on internet research, this will give me a more concise archive of design work that I like/ don't like and will contribute to my design process. I will evaluate more thoroughly the work that I like and don't so I can understand the reasons I like/ don't like work and apply it to my personal design practice.
I will use the library more to get information and relevant research rather than using the internet for the majority of it, this will give me a more informed and educated body of research that will contribute to a more successful design. I am also going to read more design books (graphic design manual, fundamentals of typography etc..) so that I am familiar with terminology, this will allow me to evaluate more thoroughly and professionally.
Attendance: 5
Punctuality: 5
Motivation: 5
Commitment: 5
Quantity: 3
Quality: 3
Contribution to Group: 3
