ACS100 Feedback – “Strive for progress, not perfection.”

I have received my results for the Academic Study Skills module, and I am very pleased. The module is essential for students to demonstrate their ability in researching and referencing material. The research topic being “predicted creative industry trends”. For me, this exercise was natural. I like to search out new information, and then I love to share it; it’s just a little more formal to collect findings and then write a report on a subject than to engage in a casual conversation with a peer or friend.

A glitch-themed mood board that I made. It includes editorial, website, and poster design.

I’m glad that my research and writing was of a “professional standard”; though it was a little out of my comfort zone to research and write about creative industry trends. I need to get into the habit of looking at present visual styles and the predicted aesthetic directions of the future. I was once told that fashion goes through cycles, and that’s not incorrect. It’s just a matter of keeping on top of how quickly styles fall out of favour. I’m unsure in my ability to predict trends, and personally, I’d rather design work that doesn’t adhere to a certain trend. (I may be shooting myself in the foot.)

Considering my solid grade, there was not much commentary (or any critique) from my tutor. I am to continue with implementing the skills that I have demonstrated within this module into my other modules; it will support my theoretical understanding.

UXI100 Feedback – “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.”

Looking back on the “User Experience & Interface Design” module, I’ve learned much. I was challenged by the new subjects that were thrown at me. I found the concept of wireframes most intimidating initially. Coding is something that I’ve only rudimentary skills. Things I doesn’t understand are scarier than they seem, and the more I understood of the new subjects presented, the more comfortable I became.

The central brief was to design a website for a Risograph print service open to both students and the general public; the service being manned by degree students on campus.

Within the year, I’m sure I’ll look back at my website layouts and design and regard them as somewhat embarrassing. I’m not too sure I caught the aesthetics of risograph printing. Definitely, more of the colours could better represent the colours of the ink drums.

Ideation branding was enjoyable. I really liked the names “Button Press” and “Drum Roll”, the latter having a celebratory feel in regards to creating.

A colour logo, made as a demonstration by my tutor.

In a one-on-one session I was shown how to manipulate text and layers in Adobe Illustrator. It’s very simple to make something stylish, even out of stock fonts. I didn’t use the above logo on my website mockups. I learn better though repetition of an act, I also prefer a demonstration to written instruction before taking action.

A tablet mockup displaying the mobile site layout.

All of the text on my site mockups use placeholder text nabbed from other businesses’ websites. Students were not given placeholder text, so each student made due with what they could find. It’s not ideal, as it meant that each student would end up with radically different layouts due to the amount of text being used.

A mockup of the desktop site layout.

A hight point would be the enjoyment of delving into theories of UX and UI; to understand better the thought that is put into everyday tools and objects we interact with everyday. The research helped me to better inform my design choices. When tacked with resolve, I found the creation of wireframes to be very logical and thus straight-forward.

I’d like to revisit coding in the future. Even if technically, I don’t need it myself, it’s valuable knowledge.

Conversely, I don’t feel that I’ve reinforced enough digital skills. So I need to invest in reliable online tutorials, while making more use of the facilities on campus. I want to become more confident using digital programs so I have the best chance of working in the creative industry.

LOD100 feedback – “chase the knowledge, not the grade”

This is a personal post, in reflection of my grades for my first module, Language of Design, which covered concepts, principles, and processes of visual communication.

This is not the place to discuss deeply my grades, but I am pleased with them, and my general feedback. The module was split into two bodies of work; a research journal, and a portfolio. I learned a lot of design terminology in making my journal. I learned some core digital skills when using Adobe Illustrator in creating my first portfolio.

The aims that I have been given are to:

• Experiment further with digital process
• Build upon, and document high level design thinking
• Keep up this level of motivation!

I can’t deny that I’m still shy of the digital skills that I need to work in the creative industry. But I took on the course to acquire those skills. It takes time and patience to master such skills. Good thing I have both the time and patience needed (self-discipline helps too).

I sure do love the design theory that I’ve been exposed to thus far. I will build upon, and document high level design thinking!

I will also do my best to keep my spirits up and stay motivated.

The phrase “chase the knowledge, not the grade” is good to keep in mind when learning something new. I’ve been told that there are students out there who understand the criteria needed to attain a passing grade (or even a distinction) and tick all of the boxes to reach the grade they want, but they are uninterested in bettering themselves and the pursuit of knowledge. It came as a shock to me; I genuinely love learning new things.