New Year, New Module - Week 1 - Self-Reflection.
So here we are, 2 modules down and a new module ahead of me. I wanted to start by reflecting a little on the past two modules and my experience on the course so far.
It’s safe to say that I have had a bit of a tumultuous time since last June when I began this adventure. I left my old job, launched a new company and had a few health difficulties which fingers crossed are manageable now! I found the format of the last module was helpful in some respects as it allowed me a little bit more freedom during those difficult weeks, however the lack of structure from my part just added to the stress later on as the deadline loomed.
Whilst I was proud of my research paper, I do think in hindsight that a more structured approach over a period of time produces much better results (I should add I’m still awaiting my final mark and so I may surprise myself yet). I think I focused on this being a research module and so I didn’t focus too much on the design of my artefact. I think this was probably fine, as it was more important that I found a solution to a problem that my research paper highlighted. Though I would have been an ideal opportunity to practise not just the design of an artefact, but the design processes that lead up to the prototyping stage.
This current module is UX Design, and I think I might have benefitted more had I done this module first, as the first few weeks lectures have already given me so much more confidence and useful tools for moving forwards.
Moving forwards I have teamed up with a peer and we will meet online once or twice weekly to discuss our individual work and to support, encourage and learn from each other. I really love this way of working, and already in Week 1 we have carried out rapid ideation challenges in the form of a Figjam, to produce some early artefact ideas for this module - I will elaborate more in a future post.
What I’m trying to say, is this module will be a different approach from me. I aim to attend as many webinars as possible, to engage more with my tutors. Last module I feared contacting my tutors as I had slipped behind. This further compounded my stress and confidence. I am going to take my time to ensure that I fully submerge myself into the early ideation, research and wireframing stages, even if I have a clear intention in mind. I am open to continual review, critique, amendment and discussion. It will make me a stronger designer.