OUGD406: Self evaluation.

BA (Hons.) GRAPHIC DESIGN	LEVEL	04
Module Code	OUGD406
Module Title	DESIGN PRACTICE 1

END OF MODULE SELF-EVALUATION

NAME

1. What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them?
Through this module I think I have developed the skill that is being patient, normally, or through out other modules, I stress myself out focusing on the time it takes to complete/do things rather than the actual process taking place. This module I think I have been much more patient with design. Going to other workshops such as binding, to complete my board game took a lot of time, as this workshop was very busy, however I was really able to take in the process, and watch how others worked in order to learn new things. I think I have developed a lot more skills in working independently also, when I first came to the university during the first module, I was very dependent on receiving a detailed brief, however completing briefs such as communication is a virus (group task) and speaking from experience has really helped me to get to a place where I can work freely, and to my own briefs. I also think that I have developed improved time keeping skills as I have balanced the workload of this module, which took a lot of input into workshops etc, with other modules such as COP of which the work took time to produce.
2. What approaches to/methods of design production have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?
The most valuable process I think I have learnt took place when I went to the book binding workshop, as going here informed me of ways I could have improved the group project communication is a virus. It would have been better if we had gone to this workshop and considered the methods of binding for the 10,000 steps publication, instead of others jumping ahead and resorting to stapling. I also very much enjoyed learning how to use the letterpress in this module and will prove to be a great design process to know when I am in need of traditional print.
3. What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these?
I think within this module there is a clear sense of organisation and progression from initial ideas to final piece, supported by sketches etc. All work has been well documented on my blog, and there is a clarity between the research that has taken place at the start of a brief to the end result. I have taken the time to ensure my work is well produced for example going to the binding workshop to produce a authentic looking board game. It is also clear in my design process especially for the speaking from experience brief that I am now not afraid to give up on an idea when It wasn't working, where instead of previous times when I would push forward with the design worried that I would not be able to start a new idea and finish it in time. There is also sense in finess in my work which I think was not there before, an attention to detail, such as searching for new materials like the Balsa wood I experimented with in speaking from experience. I also think it has become quite apparent in my work that I very much take on a leadership/ problem solving role when working in a group, as I put the publication of mine and Sam's work together and took it to print, sorting any issues with this as I went.
4. What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these in the future?
The one thing that I think has just held my work back this time is working right up to the deadline, It was suggested to me one week before the module deadline I should go down to vernon street to bind my board game in order to in keep an authentic appearance. However with the binding workshop not open until wednesdays, I only had this day and thursday to complete the bind. Due to this, the game board lacks a final detail, the ability to hold all the cards in the allocated sections. I think what would have improved this mistake and what I will do in the future, is research more into the design processes at the start of the project in order to avoid problems like these.
5. Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?
Use a new printing process to further broaden my knowledge and expand the range in which I can produce work. Work out all the printing and construction processes at the start of the project to avoid having to work things out towards the end. This will boost my organisation skills and make me less stressed toward the end of deadline. In other group collaborations I think I will stand up for what I think is right and back this up with evidence in order to get my point across. This will enable us to have a larger range of options as a group and could mean that we avoid silly mistakes. Experiment with new things so that I do not have to go outside college, for example going to wood shop to cut my own wood etc, so I am able to complete the design process unaided. Plan ahead if I am unsure something will work, so that If it goes wrong, I have enough time to create a full solution. This or always plan a back up for things that I am not sure will work.
6.How would you grade yourself on the following areas: (please indicate using an ‘x’) 5= excellent, 4 = very good, 3 = good, 2 = average, 1 = poor
	1	2	3	4	5
Attendance				x
Punctuality					x
Motivation				x
Commitment				x
Quantity of work produced				x
Quality of work produced				x
Contribution to the group					x
The evaluation of your work is an important part of the assessment criteria and represents a percentage of the overall grade. It is essential that you give yourself enough time to complete your written evaluation fully and with appropriate depth and level of self-reflection. If you have any questions relating to the self evaluation process speak to a member of staff as soon as possible.