OUGD 601 - Evaluation

What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them?

This module has definately seen an improvement in my abilities to gather quantitative and qualitative data related to my subject matter, it has also improved my literature skills, enabling me to triangulate more effectively and with more reason to my points. The structure of my essay has seen an improvement on my last two, when reading through it, I notice that each section leads nicely onto the next and it all ends with a valid point that has been reinforced throughout my study. Because of these skills improving, I was left with a rich body of information that I could draw various ideas from and apply to my practical. I'd say the most obvious skill I've developed is the ability to write a substantial amount of literature, supported by findings, theories and primary research. Without blabbering on and straying from the point of my question. The most obvious skill I've developed in my opinion, is the ability to synthesise my findings into a practical approach. I tried to make sure that every aspect of my practical work, emulated what I'd discovered through my essay findings.

What approaches to/methods of design production have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?

I've developed my skills in extrapolating the right information from experiments and interviews. In the past a lot of my primary research, for example: questionnaires. Wouldn't really give me any solid evidence to support my findings and would sort of act as a signifier that I've undertook primary research, however this time I was provided with relevant answers that impacted on my focus, and thus could be carried through to my practical work, e.g. the branding of C2.

What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these?

My growing knowledge of advertising and psychoanalytic techniques has drastically improved over these past 3 years, and it was during this module that I fully grasped concepts and could talk fluently about my subject matter and also back it up with examples. I'd say a strength in my work, is the aesthetics of my practical, after showing a few peers, they instantly recognised its meaning and thought it was clever that it worked simultaneously as an e-cig. Therefore I think the synthesis between my written and my practical is a strong aspect as I feel that the theory has been applied with success and it is clear to see it in action.

What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these in the future?

I could of more-so improved my essay structure, however I didn't have enough time left, without jeopardising the practical aspect. Therefore my time management is clearly a weakness, which can be improved by planning earlier and working smarter rather than harder. I could of also generated a broader amount of ideas and conceptual strengthening, however I felt my idea for practical was strong, but the fact I didn't generate more means I could of generated a better idea. In the future I need to make sure I exhaust all of my design ideas. A weakness would be that I feel my blogging could of been more broader as I spent a lot more time on the writing and practical side of things.

Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to change from doing these?

1. I could of undertook primary research into the e-cigarette and emailed various companies, bringing up the idea of the tobacco industry impacting on their advertising, this would of given me the opportunity to gain insight into an area that is mostly speculation at this time.

2. Structure my time more effectively - making my ideas too ambitious and trying to do more than possible, resulted in me not being able to produce more final deliverables. 

3. Given more time, or by depleting one of my deliverables, I could of focused my attention to actually coding the website. Doing this would of meant I could of introduced my concept into the real world.

4. Resolved an idea for my practical at an earlier date, so I would of had more time to complete deliverables. I spent far too much time developing my concept and trying to tie in every aspect of my practical.

5. If I'd of had the opportunity, I would've started my dissertation research in the summer, allowing for more time on my practical.

How would you grade yourself in the following areas (5 - excellent to 1 - poor):

•    Attendance: 4

•    Punctuality: 4

•    Motivation: 5

•    Commitment: 5

•    Quantity of work: 4

•    Quality of work: 5

•    Commitment to the group: 4