OUGD405 | Final Evaluation

OUGD405 has offered me the opportunity to apply the skills I learned in the previous module and create some final graphic design resolutions. I found this far more enjoyable as it felt like I was producing some real graphic design.
The module has been highly relevant to my development as I have been able to start writing my own briefs and design for bigger projects which I am likely to encounter in a job.
I feel that I could have stretched my learning potential by experimenting with book binding and stock as well as developing more of an understanding of grids as despite my research, I am still confused by this.
With this module I feel I have improved by constantly asking why I have made a decision and documenting this. I have also improved my self evaluation by evaluating the end of each project.
I myself feel that my skills on Adobe software are really improving. I am learning how to use these simultaneously and quickly for the best design outcomes. I am also spending my own personal time trying to learn new skills on the software and practicing in general. I have also been better at organising and documenting my own critiques. The critiques were far more helpful in this module as much for feedback is given. Asking for opinions of every element such as type and colour has been helpful for me as my layouts have been better as a result. I feel that my final resolutions have been presented in a far more professional way, this improves the look of my work, and will mean future clients will take me more seriously. I aim to consider the presentation of all my future resolutions so that I can practice this form of professionalism.
Looking back on the projects there are many areas in which I could improve. Firstly, my research has not been very broad. For example, for the photo frame brief I only researched existing photo frame designs. I have learned that I need to broaden my research but I am unsure how to do this. For the next module I plan to chat with tutors to find out what research is appropriate for the brief. I also need to aim to collect more primary research as secondary research does not always offer the best starting point for a brief. Furthermore, my research skills need to improve overall. For example, my research was limited to the internet and a single museum for Studio brief 02. I need to be more creative with this research and collect a broad range so I have more to select from.
I could also try and wider range of materials and approaches such as using traditional media, rather than jumping straight to sketches then a computer. I feel that this is due to lack of resources in the actual studio. As art materials have to be purchased, it is often easier to go computer based. However, I did try a paper/origami approach when trying to make my photo frames. I suppose time meant that I was not as experimental with materials for the final two briefs.
Also, I want to stretch my final resolutions to more than just the required deliverables. I would like to create more than what is expected as this will help with my own personal development, rather than achieving the same deliverables as everyone else on the course. I feel that to do this I need to improve my time management by setting personal deadlines for research, experimentation and design development. I need to make smaller plans for each of these and plan as if I am going to create more than expected, this way if I fail I know I will at least have the deliverables required.
Furthermore, I feel that my planning stage needs to be improved. I need to create more sketches and notes and document these. I also need to find creative ways for idea generation as coming up with ideas is something that I often struggle with.
Overall, I am far more pleased with how I have approached this module compared to the previous. I have seen my skills develop with every project and more of an organisation in my work. I am expectant to have improved even more by the end of the next module and I am excited to begin.