OUGD504 - Module Evaluation

OUGD504: Module Evaluation

Evaluation 

The design practice module offered the chance to study a range of new specialisms that were not covered on the level 4 curriculum thus developing new skills that would aid the development as a designer allowing one to increase their portfolio and understand more of the critical understanding of the breath within graphic design. These briefs were supported by a good range of visiting professionals that contextualised the briefs applying a live context and added critical insight into the different specialisms.  Relevant and purposeful workshops supported the briefs which uncovered new research topics and information that would have been independently overlooked, This ensured a range of holistic research was collated around each brief which informed the design decisions and resolution of the brief.  

Brief 1 engaged the me as a designer to understand the conventions and purpose of leaflets, a specialism not covered within level 4. This gave opportunity to develop skills in high impact communication and communicating a process to its audience in a visually engaging manner. The commercial considerations of this brief included appropriate production methods as leaflets are typically given out free therefore the design had to be low cost and high impact to ensure its success and commercial viability. The final resolution to the brief used an appropriate tone of voice from a credible study from a legitimate source which removed the subjectivity of creating the content personally. The aesthetic of the resolution supported the content visually communicating the ‘double diamond’ design process in a format that would appeal to the target audience of designers using appropriate finishing techniques to ensure it is engaging and high impact. 

Brief 2 built on previous branding experience taken from level 4, the live context of the brief fully engaged the resolution of the brief from start to finish. Taking a project from kickstarter allowed more freedom to design for a cause that felt worthwhile to the designer and created variation in responses to the brief which was refreshing to critique. Taking the mendala concept from the existing logo allowed the re-design to carry forward any existing brand values established under the old logo. Placing design at the forefront of the product campaign allowed it to stand out against its competitors as design is often treated as secondary within the medical ‘health and well-being’ products. The logo is well balanced and created a strong effective brand identity that received praise from professional critiques. 

Brief 3 allowed in-depth research and development of the resolution due to the extended nature of the brief. It allowed experimentation into publication design analysing different binding methods and ways to communicate the content effectively to a specialist target audience. Commercial considerations were a large part of the brief supported by talks from visiting professionals giving insight into stock and printing considerations. The resolution was extensively developed to ensure a high end resolution to the brief that was informed through varied research and extensive insight into industry production methods to ensure a commercially viable resolution. This effectively communicated the content and used specialist features such as cut outs and stock choice to appeal to the creative target audience. 

Brief 4 engaged in a completely new discipline as this is the first time on the programme that designing for digital has been the primary aspect of a brief. This came with its own set of pre-scribed conventions and required developing new skills such as wire frame generation and critically designing for use within a different platform to standard print resolutions. Talks from industry professionals in web and UX design allowed one to gain a better understanding of designing for digital and allowed a more in-depth research focus that heavily resolved the brief. User experience was a key feature of the design ensuring the website was functional and engaging to the user. Developing an exciting concept that engaged the target audience and used technologies already within their daily lives to increate the adoption rate of the campaign ensured an appropriate resolution that was engaging and effective both to the audience and client. 

This module covered a range of new specialisms and build on experience from level 4 taking them to more refined and critical levels. The main feature I take away from the module is the awareness of commercial considerations.  This is a large part of the design process as materials and production can elevate the resolution to a great piece of design. In future I will design with these elements in mind to ensure the most successful and appropriate responses to a brief are generated and developed. The progress through these briefs have been positive and aspects of the design and evaluation can be seen to develop throughout the progress of the module demonstrating a personal development as a creative.