END OF MODULE EVALUATION:
1. What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them?
I have learnt a lot through out this module, especially time management and organisation skills. These have been valuable lessons since finishing OUGD503, as I have realised balancing your time is vital when trying to balance a variety of briefs when it involves so much independent study. I have learnt to work to important deadlines (within live briefs) this has given me a taste for the industry intensity of various briefs coinciding. As I worked for clients in this module I have learnt the importance of designing to someone else's specific requirements and standards. The most important thing I have learnt from this module is how important the concept behind design and briefs are. The briefs throughout this module have challenged me more than any other to try and come up with successful concepts, which is just as important, if not more important than the visual aspect of design. It allowed me to think a great deal throughout the idea generation/concept stage of briefs to try and create something successful, I found this part of the process surprisingly enjoyable and found my work benefitted from the thought put into the concept (Ted Baker, Hell Fire) Another valuable skill I have taken from this is how to work collaboratively. This was something I hadn't done before and can take a lot from it. Combining ideas and design styles can create successful, strong design and taught me to work to preliminary deadlines.
2. What approaches to methods of design production have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?
The most important method of design production I have learnt is the concept aspect of briefs and how important it is to get that right. The workshops and sessions throughout this module have been very beneficial for me, I understand how important the process of creating a concept is which is something I hadn't focused as heavily on before. I have also screen printed in this module which is something I haven't done that much but would like to pursue in the future.
3. What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these?
I feel this module has improved my blogging as I have annotated and reflected throughout the module on each brief. Another improvement is the use of Photoshop, something I struggle with but had to use in certain briefs to mock up labels onto bottles etc. Creating concepts is a skill I feel has developed the most. I have become increasingly interested in Branding and Identity which I tried properly for the first time in this module, I was happy with some of the results and would like to extend these further. I feel my presentation boards have improved from the last module, I have learnt what specifically needs to be displayed and what is irrelevant, what to write on each and whats important to inform the audience.
4. What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these in the future?
I have said throughout my time on the course that I would like to develop my photoshop skills further, this is something I'm really not confident in but would like to be able to use as I feel this sometimes restricts what I want to create, especially with time limits. Simple things like presenting my work in a professional manner or mocking up concepts on photoshop would benefit the overall quality of my work,due to this lack of skill my work sometimes suffers as a result. I was disappointed that due to my bad time management I didn't print many things for this module, I definitely think some of my work (UK Greetings) would benefit from this. I need to organise my time more effectively so I can get the most out of my final product, I have found in the past that I have not been able to use certain processes or print productions as I have not given myself enough time towards the end.
5. Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?
Time Management - This is the biggest problem I've faced whilst being on the course. With such a demanding work rate and various modules coinciding I sometimes find it hard to keep up to date with all of the tasks at hand. This module in particular, I found difficult for that reason as it was spread over a long period of time with a lot of independent study. I feel the final result of my work would be to a much higher standard if I planned my time more effectively and gave myself my time for production. I also felt in this particular module, due to bad time management, I couldn't print or use any processes/techniques because of this which would of made a difference to my final outcomes in some cases.
Presenting work - Since being on the course I have learnt how important presenting your final product can be. I want to take more care when printing the final piece, i.e taking stock into consideration, leaving enough time for processes and photographing the products professionally. This is something that can really effect the way your work looks online and for your portfolio.
Processes - I feel like I limited myself in this module when it came to different design processes and techniques. Next time I would like to plan my time wisely in order to try things such as laser cutting, embossing, binding etc. I feel this could really add to the overall result of my work and allow me to improve on elements of design production.
Briefs - I think within this module I was happy with most of the briefs I picked however, I do feel like I should of given some more thought about what i could of potentially done. Some briefs when I first read didn't appeal to me but thinking back I would of been able to do certain things within certain briefs that could of worked. Next time I really need to focus on specific areas of a brief and think of all the possible outcomes I could create before selecting.
Design styles - As I progress throughout this course I feel I should make the most out of the chance to try as many different design styles, techniques and processes as possible. I should think about trying things that I'm not as confident in to improve my skills. Things such as photoshop, embossing/foiling, photography and screen print are all things I'm interested in and haven't used enough within design. These are things I definitely need to incorporate in my work before the course has finished.
6. How would you grade yourself in the following areas;-
(5 = excellent, 4=very good, 3 = good, 2 = average, 1 = poor)
Attendance = 4
Punctuality = 4
Motivation = 3
Commitment = 4
Quantity of Work Produced = 3
Quality of work produced = 3
Contribution to the group = 3
