OUGD405 - Module Evaluation

During this module, process has been particularly important in the development of my work. I have found that having restrictions sometimes help me to focus my ideas. By being forced to work in a certain way this has removed that initial decision as to what to do, which I can find difficult. By using a certain restriction, this also leads to a cohesive set of work with a similar aesthetic. Experimenting with a range of processes throughout the module has allowed me to better understand ways of initiating content, quickly and freely. Using techniques such as photocopying and collage can be quicker than digital work, whilst also much less structured in the outcome. Combining these techniques with Apps such as Adobe Capture has allowed me to quickly generate rough digital versions of analogue techniques, which has led to interesting results.

Within this module, I have also found that theories of practice have been useful in the development of my work, which have acted as a guide for creating ideas. Both theoretical and contextual research have played a larger part in my design projects which I think has enabled me to justify and pinpoint reasoning to my decisions.

The importance of defining a problem for my work to solve, has meant that the end outcome has more purpose. Also, stating a rationale for initial concepts has led to more focused experimentation into each idea, whereas in the previous module idea generation was much looser and often focused around one concept. I have also found that by simplifying a design this can lead to more refined work, which is both meaningful and functional.

Using my sketchbook more as a means of documenting my work has allowed me to have an overview of the projects development. Having everything in one place means that the work can be organised in a linear way and my design process and decisions are much clearer for me to follow. When working digitally it is sometimes hard to keep track of what you have done, whereas with a sketchbook it allows you to record your development even in digital work. Making brief notes in the sketchbook has made it easier to write blog posts as the key points are already made. Although I feel I have improved in this way I still feel that I need to become more efficient when blogging. I have found it difficult to balance blogging with the amount of work needed to be produced. Also I need to better designate time in the next module so that I keep up to date with other modules and the work needed for them. This could be done by using the timetable as a way of structuring my working week and working on projects on the day we have them.

During crits the production of quick mock-ups have allowed me to better explain my concept and helped others to visually understand how an idea would work or look. Using crits as a way of knowing what point I should be at in my project has worked effectively in getting the work done. Interim crits have acted as a way of selecting an effective initial idea to develop and final crits have allowed me to evaluate the result.