OUGD502 - PPP2: Evaluation

1.  What skills have you developed through this module and how effectively do you think you have applied them?

I have developed my networking skills so much in this module. I previously hadn't really done any networking, and I get quite nervous talking to people so going to different events monthly was a big development. Listening to talks and talking to people in the industry has really informed me about web design and helped me apply them to my web designs. I have become more confident in designing them and have made more informed decisions. I believe that going to these networking events has also improved my social skills talking to creatives, and has helped me land two placements over Summer.

2. What approaches to/methods of design production have you developed and how have they informed your design development process?

I have outsourced printing for the first time with this project, with my business cards. I had them printed at the beginning of the year from printed.com, which I had good service with, so I updated them again with them for design presence. I think this is a more professional way of having finished work, and I felt more confident handing them out at events as opposed to printing and cutting them at uni.
I have also been aware of presenting, so I have made mock-ups of my work (print and web) and booked a photography slot to take photos of my work.

3. What strengths can you identify in your work and how have/will you capitalise on these?

I think my strengths lie in that I really try and get involved, as I have done a few things to be involved in the web design industry this module. I have been going to three different events (Hey!Stac, Digitaleeds and Forefront), meeting people, arranging two placements at digital agencies, collaborating with a coder, coding websites myself and taking them live. I also dedicated my COP module to it, so I have really tried to incorporate it into everything that I can. I will continue to do this, and learn as much as I can at my placements to gain as much experience and knowledge as possible.

4. What weaknesses can you identify in your work and how will you address these in the future?

I get really nervous when it comes to presenting, which can have a negative effect on my presenting because it doesn't look like I am confident about what I am talking about. I was really nervous for the group presentation which I shouldn't have been because we had done a lot of work and I was proud of what we had achieved. I am improving slowly but surely, as I felt a lot better about the second presentation this module.

I am also really bad at replying by email because I never know what to say - but this reflects badly on me as it looks like I am not bothered. This isn't true - I just over think what to say. I really need to improve on this, and feel I have done steadily throughout the year but there's still lots of improvements to be made.

5. Identify five things that you will do differently next time and what do you expect to gain from doing these?

• I will make a more thorough presentation, showing more work and showing a bigger range of things I have done. This will show people I did more than web design..
• Be more confident when emailing studios for placements and just general conversation because this will help stop procrastinating and further my professional practice.
• Be more clued up on copyright laws so I am better informed if it happens again and act more promptly. I put the situation off this year because I was worried about it but that just hinders me.
• Begin to develop my style a lot more, so I can produce a self branding project that I feel completely reflects me. Although I know what area of design I want to work in, I haven't quite figured out my style yet. This will ensure people see me how I want them to.
• Improve on my crafting, photography and finishing skills, as I don't think my design presence resolution was finished to a high standard.