What skills have you developed through this module and and how effectively do you think you have applied them?I have found this module extremely interesting, and have enjoyed learning the theory behind the practice. The information that I learned within the lectures and seminars, has expanded my knowledge on certain subjects, and allowed me to delve further into certain areas that I have found particularly fascinating. All of this has informed my current design work, and made me more aware of the factors that contribute to my development process. In particular, Context of Practice has helped me to really improve on my analytical skills, and the way in which I evaluate my own work and that of others. Previously, I found it quite difficult to expand on my vocabulary, however, with the use of certain techniques (DIET), these skills have much improved. As well as this, it has allowed me to find out a lot about myself, the way in which I work, and the type of work that I enjoy, whilst introducing me to knew designers. When it came to writing the essay, although we were given a selection of questions to choose from, I felt that I was able to pick up on what I was most interested in and apply this to certain questions. The analytical skills I had learned during certain sessions then allowed me to effectively discuss my chosen subject, as well as allowing me to apply my research skills, and look into examples of art and design.These new skills also eased me into the concept of Theory into Practice, as I could exercise the skills and theories learned during seminars and lectures, and apply this to the work that I was producing alongside them. Although I struggled at first to grasp the theory side of things, I soon found myself being able to focus on content that really excited me, creating a relevant and exciting mixture of the two.
What approaches to/methods of design production have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?
During the seminars and workshops, the importance of context and analytical skills have really been explored. I have become much more aware of the type of design I enjoy, and the type that I don't, and have been introduced to a wide range of male and female artists, as well as agencies. This is so valuable as it is these aesthetics and skills that will help to inform my work. It is essential to know what type of aesthetic qualities are appropriate and relevant, and you must be aware of contemporary work, in order to make your outcomes applicable. You should therefore approach your design process, with the knowledge and awareness that you need in order to mould your designs and produce the best result. Context of Practice has made me realise how informed your work really needs to be by both design history and present artists, and it has also taught me how I can apply this knowledge to what it is that I am doing. It has allowed me to explore different possibilities, and produce something that has meaning and background, as well as something that is aesthetically pleasing. I am much more acquainted with my likes and dislikes now, as well as being a lot more educated in certain areas, which has all gone on to affect my design process.
What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise these?
In particular, I feel that I am quite a strong writer, and am capable of analysing work in a way that isn't just purely subjective. Although I have my own opinion, I am aware that you must also look at other sources in order to gain a better understanding. The subject of my essay was something that I was aware of, however did not know much about. My research skills would therefore play an important role within it's success. I feel that it was well informed, and looked at a range of different arguments, sources and examples. These skills could then be applied to the content of my publication in order to allow the theory to underpin the practice side of things.
Jo's workshops in particular strengthened my reasonings behind why I like and dislike the things I do, allowing me to settle on relevant and appropriate design ideas for my publication. I feel this really comes across in my publication, and shows off the aesthetics that really interest me. My peers felt that this outcome mirrored me as both a designer and a person, and I am starting to become a lot more positive about the work that I am producing. Hopefully, this will now go on to inform my research and contextual work, allowing me to come up with outcomes that are befitting to their content, but also reflect my own design practice. I will continue to focus on this in the future, building upon my current knowledge.
What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these in the future?
I feel that I could have explored the format of my publication further. It was suggested in my crit feedback that I make the packaging more 'retro' in order to make it relevant to the content. Although 'retro' is something completely different altogether, I feel that I could have looked into other design possibilities that were more appropriate. I need to make sure that I don't just get stuck on a selection of ideas, I need to really push it in order to find the best one. If I like something, I always find myself settling on it. I would have liked to have been more experimental with my cover, and included more interactions within my publication. My weakness here is probably being too comfortable with initial ideas, which could have been researched and examined further.
Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?
1. I will document my red book better. I can see how it could be an extremely helpful reference tool, and therefore I should spend more time making it clearer and more in depth.
2. Make sure I blog my tasks as soon as I get them to get the most out of that session.
3. Always use the analytical skills I have learned and apply them to the work of others.
4. Don't stop until I've got the most out of the brief.
5. Make sure that my lecture notes fully make sense as I'm scribbling them down, in order to save confusion.
Attendance - 5
Punctuality - 5
Motivation - 4
Commitment - 3/4
Quantity of work produced - 3/4
Quality of work produced - 4
Contribution to the group - 3
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