Module Code OUGD104
Module Title VISUAL LANGUAGE
END OF MODULE SELF-EVALUATION
NAME Dan Boome BLOG. ADDRESS www.danboomebagd.blogspot.com
1. What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them?
I think the skills I have developed throughout this module are mostly approaches to/ideas for how to solve other design problems, for example how to utilise negative space and simplify forms.
I now have broader photography skills, as before I knew how to use a camera, but none of the specifics, and learning that has helped me to be more confident I using photography in my work along with a knowledge of how to vary the results I get.
I have learned to use different media, mostly working with alternative stocks and papers, and how to utilise them as part of the outcome not just a background. Also working on different scales, from small (icons) to large (what is a line) and the differing results that can be achieved with each, to again become part of the outcome.
2. What approaches to/methods of research have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?
I have a general problem with doing research for research sake, as in not to inform a final idea I already have, and though I still think I’ve not quite figured out how to do this as effectively as possible, I have learned to break the mould somewhat and to develop and research without knowing where it was going, especially with the what is a line brief. I think this is where I faltered at first but towards the end I got hold of this way of working to produce work that doesn’t have a definitive end goal. Which is probably the worst time to figure that out, at the end, but that’s how it happened. Having realised this hopefully in future projects I can follow this way of working from the start to produce a larger body of research and a more informed final outcome.
3. What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these?
I think my biggest strengths are initial ideas and concepts, and having a focus from the start. This works best with smaller briefs, especially in workshop situations where there is only one afternoon to produce work.
I think I have a good understanding of what is wanted and of how it is to be resolved. This also links in with having strong initial ideas, to quickly formulate in my mind what is required.
I am also able to understand and pick up techniques and processes quickly and to be able to then implement them, such as with the perspective drawing workshop and also photography which I hadn’t done much of before.
4. What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these more fully?
I think my biggest weakness are initial ideas and concepts, and having too much of a focus from the start. The biggest problem with this is that on longer briefs, such as What Is A Line, the ‘middle section’ is fairly unproductive. This is because forming a final idea straight away and focussing on it forces me in only one direction, which can only be taken so far, and it ends pre-maturely, leaving a lot of time and an already resolved solution. This diminishes the quantity of work produced, particularly research and development based, and a rather less informed outcome. This has been my biggest weakness in almost all of my projects, but I have begun to address that in my most recent work and I feel that I’m starting to rectify that.
My secondary research is below par, but more importantly implementing or being inspired by secondary research to inform my work. Again, I’ve started to put this right and recently am beginning to research ‘for research sake’, both secondary and primary.
I lead a fairly busy life with most evenings and weekends taken up by other responsibilities and duties, and generally have been loath to dedicate what little down-time I have to furthering the work I do in college hours. This, I have seen, has diminished my works quantity and quality, and so I need to set aside time outside college specifically to further work, and not just ‘as-and-when’.
5. Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?
1. More primary and secondary research – a broader range of influences and inspiration to inform finished product.
2. Dedicate more out of college time to work and specifically set time aside for this – get into routines with no distractions, producing a larger quantity and quality of work
3. Use my blog more – links with primary and secondary research, but also and outlet for any thoughts and ideas I may have but then forget
4. Be more excited about the work I’m doing – firstly I will be more willing to work, secondly able to produce more quality work, and third to be constantly pondering it for inspiration to strike anytime.
5. Be willing to broaden my ideas and change and move – so that the work wont get boring and repetitive and becomes more organic
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.
