OUGD504 - Module Evaluation

Module Evaluation 

Within this module the projects have been much more tailored to industry briefs, which has been challenging. In the two briefs it felt like there were far more things to consider than in previous projects. The module has also been more self led, which has highlighted the importance of getting feedback from others and their opinions, as sometimes it can be difficult to see what is working and knowing how to proceed if stuck. Within the projects I have learnt new ways of working both technically and theoretically which has improved my understanding of the process of creating things for print and digital design. In Studio brief 2 I found doing work on something I had an interest in led to the development of some good work and made it more enjoyable. Although the focus on industry briefs is important I still wan to maintain an experimental approach to my work in later projects as I enjoy the process of this kind of design.  

When we begun Studio Brief 1 swapping research was difficult at the beginning of the project, especially being the first project back and meant we only had three weeks to complete it, however it was understood why working to someone else's brief was important. This project was very challenging at times as there were quite a few logistical problems with how the design concept was going to work. Using the lasercutter within my work is a technology I have enjoyed using for Foundation and in my spare time but haven't had the chance within previous projects. I have enjoyed creating a physical product as I like making things and bookbinding is also something I do individually. Overall I am happy with the outcome and think it has been finished to a good standard using a range of technologies, which has been interesting.

At the beginning of Studio Brief 2 I knew very little about the methods behind designing for screen, which was quite daunting. I didn't really know where to start, especially because the project was very much self led, meaning research into this type of design was needed. However within the project I learnt a lot about this type of design and the methods behind it. Looking into UX design was interesting and working out how the site would work I felt suited my methodical approach. Once the design was created I wasn't very sure how an animated version was going to be created. I attended the Photoshop workshop however I found this hard to use and working with this software is something I need to develop and use more to be able to make the most of it. However using Adobe XD was relatively simple despite never using it before, although the preparation of the individual frames was very time consuming for a small video. It was interesting to find out that in order to design for screen you do not need to be able to code and that there are design jobs that don't actually include any 'physical' design, rather the theory behind the design. I managed to create a competent looking mock up of how it would work which brought the design to life and made the work seem more complete.