DESIGN PROCESS - MODULE EVALUATION

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

My skills with Photoshop have improved, however, I still need to spend more time experimenting to learn features of the software. Indesign skills have also improved. I started off making the A5 full colour booklet which wasn't very good because I was still learning. The Photoshop booklet turned out okay after experimenting more with the software.
Drawing with Copio or Magic markers has improved. I found it hard at first because you only get one chance with a marker, you can't rub it out. But I am starting to see the benefit of them for quick drawings.
For the 20 A4 research booklet and 100 research brief I experimented practically to see what illustrations I could make made from pieces of rubbish, rubbings, spraypaint and so forth. The inspiration was the 100 research. They turned okay, they look and feel like a forgot city because of the textures and materials.



2. What approaches to/methods of problem solving have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?

My primary research skills and confidence to approach people and ask questions with regards to solving a problem have improved. I have improved my ability to design effective questionnaires. I started making them simple and specific, the people I approached didn't seem to mind filling them out. I evaluated the information to see trends and patterns of preference and used the information to inform the designs. I did this on numerous occasions whenever I was confused over a decision to make.
I have also begun contacting local suppliers for materials that are not available 'off the shelf'. For example, for the book brief I needed a recycled stock so I contacted JMC, a local paper merchant. I received numerous choices which I developed into a questionnaire.
I ask other designers how the designs could be improved whether it be in a crit or just in a studio environment. For example, my A5 bar and pub booklet got a bad review in the evaluation after xmas for not being to the theme of a bar or pub. For the 100 book I took this on board and applied it to the 100 book and it turned out more appropriate. The final crit evaluation for the 100 book proved this because I got a good response for the design.
I use notebooks more efficiently now and sticking to a schedule helps because I can see what is possible in a given time.



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

Organisation - Makes research and work more accessible for me and others.
Research - Keep improving on this and developing new methods.
Appropriate - Keep making interesting and appropriate designs.
Experimentation - Continue experimenting and testing, for example, with illustrations.
Documentation - Keep documenting work processes, research, development, resolutions and so forth.
Variety of Methods i.e. for researching - Keep developing and learning new methods.



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

Drawing with markers and other mediums, need to try and test more to improve this ability. Need to develop more initial concepts and ideas. I will use more worksheets and sketchbooks in future work. I am organised but I need to improve my schedules. They are too ambitious at times and need to be more directed. I will address the problem by setting time aside to make plans and schedules. I also need to improve photographic documentation and I plan to use A3 display folders in future, they are practical and relatively cheap. My software skills need to improve, this applies to all software. Knowledge of layout and type needs to improve. I was looking at a book called 'Getting it right with type', now I have some more spare time I'll read it.



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

1. Use the college facilities more - for example the print workshop and photography. More possibilities and directions.

2. Use a sketchbook more often - improve my visualizing ability.

3. Develop more ideas and concepts - More choice and possibilities.

4. Experiment more with software - more possibilities with effects and directions. Quick generation of ideas!

5. Create realistic schedules and action plans - don't end up stressed or rushing the work.



Are there any things we could have done differently that would have benefitted your progress?

Not really. The tuition has been good throughout the module. If I have any problems I will inform you.



6.How would you grade yourself on the following areas:
(please indicate using an ‘x’)

5= excellent, 4 = very good, 3 = good, 2 = average, 1 = poor

Attendance = 5
Punctuality = 5
Motivation = 4
Commitment = 4
Quantity of work produced = 4
Quality of work produced = 3
Contribution to the group = 4

The evaluation of your work is an important part of the assessment criteria and represents a percentage of the overall grade. It is essential that you give yourself enough time to complete your written evaluation fully and with appropriate depth and level of self-reflection. If you have any questions relating to the self-evaluation process speak to a member of staff as soon as possible.