Module Title: Design Process
Blog Address: http://www.j-warburton1013.blogspot.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them?
Before starting this module, I have never experimented with different book binding methods so this was an insightful workshop which I later incorporated into the Collection 100 brief. Although I could have explored different techniques and processes in more depth, I believe the specific process I used for the Collection 100 outcome worked effectively. I have been able to develop my skills in terms of research by gathering information from multiple sources to ultimately aid and influence my final outcome. Aforementioned, I gained insight into how books are formed through simple techniques and processes but aside from this, the photoshop workshop and especially the moving image workshop allowed me to explore other forms of media outcomes.
2) What approaches to/methods of research have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?
Usually, I would see a project divided into 3 chronological areas: research, development and then final outcome. However, the first two intertwine, as evident in this particular module. Throughout the set time scale, research was ongoing and it was constantly affecting the desired outcome. The extensive research allowed me to look at all aspects of a particular topic or theme instead of focusing on what I believe would be the most successful. These aspects can then be explored in even more depth resulting in even more possible options to expand and develop.
3) What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these?
Adobe Illustrator played a huge role in the Collection 100 brief as I had to create 100 vector illustrations using source imagery as references. My knowledge of the program has expanded massively as I am now more familiar with the tools, techniques and processes. I strive to create a clean, slick and professional outcome which could potentially be seen in the 'real world' which hopefully is evident in my final outcomes.
4) What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these more fully?
Time management is most probably my biggest weakness. For example, in the Collection 100 brief, I set myself a task of creating 100 illustrations which if I managed my time efficiently, could have been printed and bound with time to spare. However, I created the designs as the project progressed rather than deciding on the 100 rules beforehand. I completed the first half of the set well in advance but struggled thinking of the final 50 whilst still getting closer to the deadline. Throughout a given project, I need to devise certain 'to-do' lists so I can understand fully what needs to be completed and for when.
Aside from this, I need to re-read the brief throughout the developmental phase to gain a clear understanding of who my target audience is, what I/we will create and why I will create it.
5) Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?
1) Identify the target audience well in advance - I need to know who I will be designing for as this will affect the final outcome drastically. Instead I design what I believe will be the most effective and avoid focusing on whether it would exist in the 'real world'.
2) Explore possible media outcomes in more depth - rather than focusing on one specific route, I should have multiple options to explore and develop.
3) Blog work throughout the development process instead of having to catch up towards the end.
4) Note down design ideas and explore these on paper. I will then be able to visualise my idea more effectively.
5) Look at various forms of media – whether this be moving image, website design, screen-printing etc, I need to experiment with different outcomes to create a thorough and more diverse body of work.
6) How would you grade yourself on the following areas
Attendance - 4
Punctuality - 4
Motivation - 4
Commitment - 4
Quantity of work produced - 3
Quality of work produced - 4
Contribution to the group - 3
