Evaluation

Part 4 was considerably more independent which bought out more challenges. For me, generating an idea was tougher than writing out the brief as I struggled to pick specific areas to explore. This was then much easier as I decided to explore themes that I had a connection to. Planning is a weaker skill of mine but the first few workshops helped me adapt to planning but also thinking ahead about my project and breaking up those tasks into smaller ones. Following out the plan of working was a bit difficult as I still planned over ambitiously.

Research is something I throughly enjoy doing so the task of ‘find 50’ did not sound intimidating. It was incredibly useful and I found out so much more about my theme than I realised. The aspects of digital traces and data storage information were not areas i initially thought I would explore.

The development stage of my project was guided by class workshops. These workshops pushed me to create a variety of ideas but considering iterations of potential products.

Covid-19 affected my project process at this point. The only access to technology was my phone. Throughout the project since being home all of the work became hand drawn as its not possible to get software on my phone. I had to improvise with using notes, Microsoft Word, WhatsApp to edit photos and make visualisations. My workspace became reduced to not having even a desk or space to work. In time I managed to move to a new place – one that included a desk and workspace. This move was significantly important as it motivated me to continue my project.

Overall my ambitions of making future designs changed as I want to focus on system designs and user experience. This is because suddenly rules and new systems are put into place varying from hospitals to stores. My experience of it includes going to Sainsbury’s for groceries. Now we queue outside (2 meters between each customer) and only certain number of customers are allowed in. The floors are marked separating the inside of the store into sections with only one customer in each at once. This change of behaviour was interesting and I want to focus more on system designs.

I noticed the behaviour of people changed massively due to the pandemic. People became so much more observant of what they touch. As a result, I tried an experiment with myself. To label things that I touch frequently for a day. By using a bright colour for the labels every time I touched it I went to wash my hands. This interested me and I explored it in ideas. The main thing that I took out of it was that the very visible colour made me more conscious of the product.

I eventually came up with my final idea and it was a matter of developing it. Making 3D models was a great way to spot the flaws. I had to reduce the size and thickness and add curved edges so it is not sharp.

The final outcome is a lock for luggage and bags for travellers and hikers. Unlike other locks, my design includes a GPS system within the lock to help track the luggage if it gets lost. The product will be paired with a mobile phone and the app allows to lock/unlock and track the locks location.
Alternatively, the lock could be used to find a tourists way back to the hotel in a new city by leaving the lock activated but in their hotel room.

Some things I did not consider that are potential flaws when reflecting on my final outcome includes safety. I do not what the product to be used to stalk or locate other peoples locations. Perhaps it requires a temporary ownership provided by the hotel you stay at. Also it is a must that my product only uses location system and does not record the locations or collect any data from the phone.

My ongoing personal experience will the lockdown has not been the best in terms of the work I’m producing. I feel as though I benefitted a lot from the classroom and library atmosphere. As I do not have good quality materials for my model making for the final pieces, I am deciding wether to use an project from Part 2 as my work in the PDC showcase of work. It would be a lot more convenient as I will have access to the images of it too. Over the Easter break I will need to keep developing my project in my own way and using any lesson plans.

The design industry has been impacted due the COVID-19 pandemic. Design events and showcases have been cancelled or postponed all over the world. Some events have decided to create an online showcase of the designs that would have been included into the event.

Reference: https://www.arc-magazine.com/covid-19-impact-on-design-industry/

The hats workshop broke down my idea into different perspectives and it was easier to reflect on. It highlights the flaws I had in my idea and I was able to attempt to solve them through the quick sketches. I needed to make my idea more specific in its use. Depending on the use I need to consider the materials and scale. 

Working remotely from home is definitely different from previous years of PDC students. We are in a unique situation with having to be quarantined. The progress of Unit 4 is still the same but the facilities and class availability is reduced to none therefore current students like myself need to very creative and resourceful. The general concept of Unit 4 is much different as we are assigned tasks the same way.

Rather than having my final piece photographed by a professional I have to do it myself at home. I am thinking to cover a section of my space with paper from my sketchbook. I am fortunate to have an iPhone which has editing apps available. I’m going to use the lamps in my room for lighting purposes. I think most of the photography will rely on my editing skills. 

Unfortunately we will not have a ‘End of year so show like previous years and alternatives must be considered. I thought perhaps having a deadline for the uploading the photography of our final products and the tutors showcasing it online on social media or a new temporary website dedicated to the show.

Having the tutors to push me to do more was great and I kind of wish they were here in person to tell me off when I start slacking. I miss the insightful conversations that me and my fellow classmates had about design and out current projects as it would push me to more. Seeing them work hard would encourage me to the same. 

Motivating myself at home has been a struggle as I can get easily distracted. I am not the person who can work from home as I view it as a place to be comfortable rather than work hard as I would in class or library. It has its up and downs. I usually stick to my timetable but at times when I’ve fallen behind my own schedule I make sure to catch up by restricting myself from relaxing or watching Netflix etc. i am still trying to work out the best routine for myself to maximise my time for studying. As a solution I got my friends and my boyfriend to always ask how my studying is doing which motivates me as I do not want to disappoint them. 

The first day of remotely working on my project from home changed the path of my ideas. I was previously more focused on created a more user design outcome but since I am restricted to only my own company and indoors, I adapted my project to the suit an indoors environment. I started to generate and develop some ideas that are product rather than systems unlike prior to online teaching. I could end up doing a bit of both for this project. I was inspired by the COVID-19 situation to focus on fingerprints as everyone is mor rob servant of what they touch. Fingerprints are a trace that usually is not thought about so much and creating a product that shows what you were touching seemed interesting to develop.

I recently moved to a new place which actually has a work space and large desk. As a result i am better equipped at working from home remotely. I still lack a laptop or computer but will be using my phone for everything.  

In terms of making 3D models, it wasn’t too difficult as I used Kraft board that I salvaged from previous projects. As I do not have glue, I have been using masking tape as an alternative which just means  that it doesn’t look as neat as it could but still functional.  

I wanted to explore using more materials for this project however due to workshops being closed I will make so with what I have or can salvage. The 3D sketch model making pushed me to come up with more iterative designs. 

Not having the tutors around does have its disadvantages like the occasional push to continue to work rather being distracted. The absence of the classroom causes less Design conversation and brain storming. Unfortunately we have to make do what we can from home but it’s not as bad as I thought it may be. 

Due to the Corona Virus epidemic, classes have been suspended and we are suggested to isolate ourselves indoors. 

This means we need to change and adapt our Part 3 projects. My restrictions being isolated in my home will include not having access to a printer, laptop/computer, a desk/study space and materials. This means I will heavily rely on my phone and my sketchbook. Workflow is very difficult to format on a phone screen however it is not impossible. 

The progress of my unit 4 project will be affected and may affect the route I take with it. I wanted to focus on producing a system to encourage people to leave marks in a space to show their trace left behind. Completing this project will mean that I won’t be able to conduct experiments and explore my idea directly with others, which was quite important as I needed to adapt to human behaviour and observe.

I have to be as resourceful as I can. In terms of materials, I am pretty much limited to scraps of wood, paper, foam and card that I have lying about in my room. I even tore apart my part 1 and part 2 work in order to reuse the materials. I might consider using the packaging from food products as materials too  for sketch models.

One positive way I am affected by the virus is that people are very cautious about leaving their trace and of other traces. People are naturally more observant of what they touch. This gives me the idea about fingerprints and if I where to make them visible, how would that look. I’m exploring this idea about human trace of fingerprints and what they touch during their normal lives.

Workshop 7 - Miniatures

We were required to sketch final outcome ideas down quickly in relation to sub themes such as 'invisible', 'concrete' and 'movement'. This was slightly challenging as it we had to think about a product and our own theme in different ways. Then having to make it into 3D form in a small scale pushed me to think about material and function. I created a 3D form that would leave marks of arrows to direct others when rolled. I used paint and it got me thinking of how I can get pedestrians or hikers to leave marks - footprints? Overall the workshop gave me more direction of which way I want to take the project. 

'Being Human' group - Sketch Workshop

As a group we organised a workshop. One person would describe or explain their theme and while doing so the others will sketch out product ideas in relation to it. It was vey collaborative workshop and we ended up presenting ideas or products for each others themes. It was very interesting because we had great conversation about design and about our themes. By designing for each other we realised we also linked parts of our research and themes into the ideas. 

Workshop 8 - SCAMPER

Substitute. Combine. Adapt. Modify. Put into another use. Eliminate. Re-arrange. We changed our one idea that we sketched out to fit each of these seven sub themes. In doing so I realised how far I can develop an idea in different ways. Putting conditions on our ideas forced me to create new ones that are more interesting than the original. 

The class was divided into groups with similar themes or under an umbrella theme. Within each group were different roles and in the 'Being Human' group I acted as leader. We also had an idea of a workshop to do among ourselves. 

Workshop 4 - Speed Dating for Research

After exploring as much research as possible during research week, it was refreshing to be able to give areas of research to others in class. I received new suggestions to explore and look into e.g. the story of Hansel and Gretel and body scars/stretch marks. It added to my schedule as I had more to research and explore although not all suggestions are based in the areas that I want to focus on. The collaboration was very interesting as we all linked parts of themes together and shared resources if relevant. Some classmates asked to see what I researched prior to the workshop and I received feedback : "you have such a large range of research and many directions you could take this theme". Though I am still a bit unsure which direction to go in.

Workshop 5 - Research Analysis

Identifying sub groups within our research and collaboratively combining theme onto a grid helped to catoragise exactly where our research lies and areas we could consider. For example, most of my research points leaned towards existence and natural materials. Two things that I wanted to explore and include in my final outcome. This made me realise a sense of direction as I could visually analyse my research. It didn't particularly help in giving more ideas to research. 

Workshop 6 - Materials Wall

Making began encouraging me to think about materials which was slightly difficult to imagine as I did not know what the product will be. We worked the whole day making and exploring materials. Having my theme in mind, I was drawn to using materials that would either collect marks or leave marks. For example, I left a piece of paper by the entrance of the classroom so that it could collect footprints. I was focused on showing different types of traces and marks so I even included a piece of a device and broken parts of a ceramic piece. My ideas abstractly were becoming physical forms and materials which really helped to kickstart idea generation. After viewing everyone's materials, there was other inspiring materials that I could use and explore, one that stood out was resin.

Workshop 3 - Recording your Research 

This workshop was very useful in helping to organise my time and schedule for research week in more depth. I knew exactly which contexts to explore and which days to designate trips and visits. I also marked in the times that I am not free due to my job. By pushing myself to a tight and busy schedule I got more done than I imagined and didn't need to plan my day as the week was planned from ahead. I left a day for catching up with any research I couldn't complete just in case I need more time. The whole of Thursday was visits and trips around London - doing it in a single day actually saved me time. 

Research Week

'Find 50' was a very intense and challenging week however amazing in the amount I researched and the how much more I explored my theme in depth.  I ended up looking at different types of traces including digital, social media, data, physical, forensics, street art and more. Finding books completely relevant to my theme was hard so honing into an aspect of my theme was easier, e.g. the ways street art in London culture left its mark. My most interesting research points were ones that I didn't initially think about for example the laws against leaving vandalism and ancient wood carving. To guide my research, I made a table of content I would explore and put them into the categories. Primary research was more useful in finding materials and ways my them fit with people more directly. Overall, this week broadened ideas and revealed new directions I could take. I am still not sure which direction to take just yet.

Workshop 1 - Context

The workshop showed me how far I can take a theme and really consider different perspectives on it, including conceptual and contexts outside of art and design. My theme of 'Traces' had much more aspects than I initially thought of, especially the 'Political and Ethical context'. Rather than changing the direction of the project I would say it broadened the possibilities I could research and explore. I didn't have a particular direction in mind bearing in mind that I would need to research first. I feel that this workshop made me realise how much I need to research and make a tighter schedule to make sure I finish all contexts. 

Workshop 2 - Writing

Writing our own brief is compulsory and a new challenge for Part 3. This workshop outlines and guided us in what content we should include in our brief proposal. I highlighted parts of the guided writing sheet to know what to focus on the most. Section 2: Project Concept & Description is the most significant part of the brief and I used what I wrote for my two themes proposal wiring but improved it using the feedback I received from my tutor. I needed to explain my aim with more clarity. 

Assessment for Part 2

We handed in our Part 2 work for assessment. I received a 'Satisfactory Pass' and need to improve my idea generation by coming up with more possibilities in which different ways to develop them. Needing to have a broader range of ideas was a what was holding me back from receiving a 'Good Pass'. This is important as I need to take note of this and improve it in Part 3

Unit 4 Lecture 

The lecture was our main introduction to Unit 4 as it revealed the general timetable, previous examples and the first step of creating a project theme/subject. The detailed timetable was useful in showing us the length of time that we had and because the workshops are closed during Easter break, it would be best to finish the main 3D model of the final outcome during prior to the break. The previous project examples indicated how broad our themes should be in order to really conduct a range of research. The next step was to come up with a theme/subject over the next period for the submission of the proposal brief on 16th February. 

It was followed by a quick workshop to generate some initial ideas under categories around the space. We went around and added words in relation to those themes almost like a collaborative mind map. The mind map showed that we should generate ideas with one another as we naturally add more to each others ideas and develop them in new perspectives. 

As the upcoming week is UP, I will come back to creating a project theme until after I finish with interviews.