OUGD101 MODULE EVALUATION

What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them?


Before I began this course I had no clue how to use Illustrator, now I feel I can experiment enough to teach myself what I want to achieve- to a reasonable standard.
My time management skills have increased from what they used to be.  My productivity is more successful because I have a lot more to do in a lot less time- so it has to be.  However I still have room for improvement within this area.  I have improved my organisational skills by refering to my diary every day so i know what's going on and I know what to bring.  I also refer to 'Moodle' daily to keep up to date with deadlines.
I have mainly learned that 'less is more'.  It's difficult to keep it simple, but I think that it is necessary sometimes and I am slowly learning this.


What approaches to/ methods of research have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?


I've realised that primary research is key.  For example if in the 'How to...' brief our target audience was students in our college that do Graphic Design that could go for naps during the day.  We asked people on our course for constant feedback of what they thought, and I think that in the end, the final resolution worked, mainly, because of this.
I have also developed researching throughout a whole brief and not just at the beginning.  Doing this keeps the development informed and overall more successful.  You can't just do it at the beginning- it's got to be a constant to keep it interesting.


What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/ will you capitalise on these?


I found that my strengths are my concepts.  I justify everything I do in relation to the concept I am following so therefore it usually makes sense.  I plan on capitalising this by continuing to inject my ideas into everything I do to keep consistency and depth.  


What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these more fully?


I tend to forget about the specifics within a brief.  I get carried away with the concept I have come up with and forget about certain aspects within the brief.  If I think my idea is good then I tend to carry on with it because It works, but doesn't necessarily answer the brief.  I am also constantly generally unsure about the quality of my work and what decisions to make.  I need to gain confidence in my abilities.  


Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?


-Refer to the brief a lot more.  My final resolutions will answer the brief and be more informed.
-Add more to my context blog.  I need to research more thoroughy what is going on in the world regarding designers work.
-More development work.  My final designs will be successful in communicating a message (something they have been lacking) because of trying and testing.  Learning from mistakes.
-Blog each day rather than in one bulk.  I'll remember everything i've learned by going over it on the same day.
-Create more physical prototypes, rather than doing a sketch and deciding something doesn't work.  Perhaps my ideas could grow into something more successful and interesting because i've developed them further.