DESIGN PRACTICE

What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them?
I think the main skills developed from the module were; problem solving, different research methods, considered resolutions and time management. When in a group it was really great to bounce ideas off each other and so was a perfect setting for problem solving. Everyone had a different outlook on situations and so it was interesting to hear different views and was important to have an open mind. I feel that this proved to have really beneficial results. I think this module really changed the way I think about ideas and final resolutions and I really learnt how important and beneficial researching into a subject and your audience is. I have definitely improved my time management skills and feel I pushed myself to used every minute I could, especially in the collection 100 project as I really enjoyed it.
What approaches to/methods of research have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?
I feel like I have really learnt a lot about researching into subjects, what works with different types of subjects and how it doesnt just have to be internet print outs or lots of sheets of writing. The collection 100 brief was really interesting and I really found myself wanting to do more and find more about my subject, parks. After collecting 100 of one thing I had more ideas of collecting another 100 things. I learnt that it is really important to take small steps and not rush into a final idea. The best results seem to come from this as they are so much more considered. More specifically we looked further into qualitive, quantative and primary, secondary research. It is important to get a balance of each method this therefore really boosts your knowledge of the subject and not only do you gain facts you also get to know your audience and what they really think instead of going off your own thoughts.
What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these?
More specifically in the collection 100 project I feel that I really pushed myself to use the time I had as it was up to us to organise our time. This therefore turned out to be very positive as I was pleased with my final product and it wasnt a last minute thought or a first thought. It was a well thought out, considered idea which related directly to my theme and actually had a purpose. As well as time managemnt I feel I really listened to what people had to say about my work, positive or negative and then used this to improve my ideas and in turn the final product. I think these both work alongside research and making sure ideas are really considered and so If i perfect these strengths in the next module I should hopefully be able to exhaust ideas and possibilities for the projects.
What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these more fully?
In 'What if' as it was group work it was sometimes hard to remember to makesure you wrote down everything you talked about as a group. Also gathering the information other people had gathered was easy to forget and so, even though we did the research, it may not seem like it. The best way to deal with this would be to always have a notebook on me and so whatever we discuss can be written down. Another weakness is would be knowing my audience. Once you have started something, it is easy to forget that it has to be aimed at a certain group of people. in the collection 100 project, in my final crit I was told that it wasnt clear who the final product was for. It was just a case of making an information page explaining that it was to be sent to schools and what they were to do with it. I think also I could have explored more visual ways of solving the problems in all projects. Althought the research was done, it is important also to makesure research is done visually. I dont feel I did this extensively. In doing so I would definitely turn out with a better result as there would be more consideration.
Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?
Write down everything we talk about in a group.
Exhaust visual possibilities
Makesure Research methods are balanced in projects
Work more on worksheets as opposed to books.
Always work towards the audience and remember how they would see it, not me.

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 2
Motivation 4
Commitment 4
Quantity of work produced 3
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.

Looked closer at ways of communicating through words. It was like a real English language lesson and I actually learnt something! Really handy to recap on some of the well known terms in English Language and how to use them for my own benefit in Graphic Design. Who would of thought!
NOUN - Jo is jumping on a big TRAMPELINE.
PRO-NOUN- JO is jumping on a big trampeline.
VERB - Jo is JUMPING on a big trampeline.
ADJECTIVE - Jo is jumping on a BIG trampeline.

1st person = I
2nd person = You
3rd person = simgular - He, she, it, one. plural - They

OBJECTIVE PRESONAL PRONOUN
Give the money to Dave/him/ me.

POSSESIVE PERSONAL PRONOUN
This box is MINE.

RELATIVE PRONOUN
Who, Whose, Whom.
To whom would you prefer to speak?

CONDENSING INFORMATION
It is important in Graphic design to make things simple to understand and easy to read as, when faced with a large body of text, people get bored or don't stop to notice.

We produced two examples of this which were taken from extracts in a magazine and reduced to exactly 160 characters.
1. With the city full of new bands, putting on your own gigs lets you see bands for free and meet people on the music scene. Here are some tips on self promotion.

2. Someone once had a pet snake who hadn't eaten for months but still grew and slept, laid out, next to the owner. The vet said this was because it was going to eat her!

3. There are various places to go for cocktail masterclasses in Leeds. Including Mojo, Reform, Alea Casino, Revolution and Boutique. Prices from £16 - £25 p/p.