(Unit 3 – 1.1) How to follow a design process

-          The Design Supply Chain and it’s features

What is a design supply chain?

A design supply chain is a process which consists of people, organisations, suppliers, manufacturers, information, technology and all parties which are involved, whether it’s directly or indirectly, reaching from the supplier all the way to the customer.

There are very few features of the design supply chain that we need throughout the system in order for it to be a successful chain. I am going to list a few of the features which we need throughout, then showing a typical chain which we use;-

Features which we need throughout the chain:

·         Speed;

We need speed in the supply chain when we develop, create and produce the work of a project and also the consistency of the speed is important, so that it is continuous throughout the varied people that are involved. The speed also needs to be reasonable and cost effective for the required budget.

·         Quality;

 As well as the above being important, we also need quality in the work being produced, quality in the way we approach other parties so that we keep a continuous professional appearance.

·         Flexibility;

 We need to be flexible when working with other organisations for example, in case any changes in the development or project have been made. We need to be flexible and prepared for any amendments or alterations.

·         Knowledge/skills;

 This is one of the main priorities as without this feature, we wouldn’t be able to produce the work or have knowledge about how the chain works. Our knowledge and the correct skills allow us to know how and to complete projects successfully and in the correct way. For example, the knowledge in software is needed to create the work, or the skills in knowing who to contact such as other organisations to get the right job done.

·         Communication;

 This is a key feature to complete any project. There needs to be communication between everyone that is involved within the design supply chain even if it is not directly speaking for each individual. For example each organisation communicates within their selves and manager to get the correct requirements for the project, whereas the manager maybe speaking directly to the client who has contacted them.

Our typical design supply chain

This is our typical design supply chain which we use on a daily basis to make projects successful, accurately and efficiently. It helps us to see each stage of the chain in a clearer way of understanding what’s involved. As you can see, this chain doesn’t involve as many outside / other parties than others.

In relation to my work, I am going to represent a similar design supply chain, which will show the stages of my work with Keepmoat Homes.

This is a simple chain showing the work flow and supply chain of a marketing material project. Firstly, Keepmoats’ client contacts them with the plans for a house development to be built, which then Keepmoat needs the 3d and Marketing material to be created, which is where T2 come into the chain. T2 then creates the marketing material and 3d Images for the house types required by Keepmoat. However if there is no marketing designs supplied by Keepmoat, they then pay T2 to come up with some ideas to market their homes. Keepmoat supplies us with materials if they require us to specifically use them. For example, they have supplied us with their company logo, corporate guidelines and house development information in an AutoCad format.

We also use the features in our design supply chain, in order to make sure that the project is successful and signed off correctly and at its best performance. We have a continuous, effective pace of speed to get the job finished on time to meet the deadline. However as well as speed, we also produce the work at its best quality and ability. Throughout our chain we are also very flexible, for example our client at Keepmoat sometimes may ask for changes. Therefore we are always prepared for alterations or any problems that may occur during the process.
Here at T2 we always make sure that we are up to date with the latest software, keeping progress with our knowledge and skills at the best of our ability. Without knowledge and skill, we wouldn’t be able to produce the marketing materials that our clients desire.  Not only that, communication is a key feature when producing a project. We also keep our client up to date with the progress whether it’s verbally or non-verbal.  Without communication, the project could get out of track and we wouldn’t know what has been completed within ourselves. Also we wouldn’t know what the client thinks, if there are any changes, any other requirements, or even most of all we wouldn’t have the project to complete without our client being able to contact us in the first place. Communication is a key feature for organisation, development, progress and success.

Unit 10 - Presentation Evaluation

Presentation Evaluation

My presentation was to deliver and present the information of my portfolio project. Before my presentation I made sure that I was prepared and had everything ready with me. First of all I checked that all my work was in order and was stored in my A3 portfolio case. I also made sure that I had handouts to take with me for the viewers’ reference.

To start off the presentation, I introduced myself to the audience and told them what my presentation was about and the purpose of it. This was a good idea as an introduction to let the audience know what I was about to begin.

Firstly, my key points in the presentation was to share my designs with the audience, how I made them, who they was for, how each project went and what my ideas were for those designs. I positively think that they came across to the audience well as I explained the information in a suitable tone at a good pace and also, the audiences’ reaction came across as though they was following me well and understood the information that was given to them.

At the end of my presentation I received some feedback on my performance. Some of the feedback was that I ‘came across well, and really delivered yourself’ I was really happy with this comment as I now know that this is one of my strengths when presenting which I can apply to my next performance. Another feedback comment was ’I can see that your really good with logo design and have the eye for it’ I was also happy with this comment as I now know that this area of design comes across as a strength in my skills to the audience. I received another comment on my logo designs ‘This is a really good logo, it looks good and really stands out’ I was pleased with this comment because it gives me the impression that my logos were a stand out piece of artwork to the audience.  When I was speaking to the audience about working for clients, I received a comment saying that I ‘know what the client wants and has a good approach’ I was pleased with all the positive comments and feedback which I received from the audience.
I also had feedback on one of my weaknesses which was the invitation designs that I presented, they said that they ‘felt like the quality dropped when we saw this design compared to the rest’ I was fine about this comment and I found it helpful as I could take it on board. However, when we spoke about this, it’s because the design wasn’t of my choice, I had a brief to relate to in terms of colour etc. from the client.
I was really pleased with all the feedback given to me as I could then take this on board and use it as a guide for my next presentation. I found the method really helpful for my performance skills.

Also at the end of my presentation my audience asked me a few questions. I was asked about which software I used to produce my designs, which I was able to answer easily without hesitation.

I feel that my presentation went really well in terms of the equipment I used, how I spoke, body language etc. The equipment that I used was a success as I presented my work in an A3 portfolio binder with sleeves in for protection. I thought that this was the most suitable size and format for my presentation as it was neat, professional and presentable. However, in terms of it’s purpose I thought that it was the most relevant to my specific area as it is more print based and I feel that presenting my work this way, was more personal.
I feel that my body language and the way I spoke went well as I spoke at a good varied pace and tone to suit the specific part of the presentation, also I spoke confidently about my work and I sat up enthusiastically to show interest in my presentation. However, if I were to improve my public speaking, I would have a lot of practice in front of other people such as friends, family or people in my surrounding area.
The timing of my presentation also went really well, however it only lasted for a short duration of time but this is the cause of me not having a lot of art pieces to present. The reason for this was because the presentation’s purpose was to present ’10 pieces of artwork’.
The weakness of my presentation was the handouts. I gave a good amount showing a few pieces for reference, however for improvement, I needed to give handouts showing every single piece of artwork, which I was presenting.

In conclusion, my presentation went really well and in opinion it was a success. I was confident; spoke clearly, explained well and received useful feedback. I can take the previous feedback shown, on board and use them as a guide for improvement for my next presentation. I felt that my main purpose and key points came across and I think that my audience has a positive reaction. In addition, my presentation went well and I can take the experience on board for my next performance.

Unit 10 - Presentation Methods and Techniques

UNDERSTAND THE PURPOSE OF PREPARING FOR AND EVALUATING A PRESENTATION

What different ways can you think of for delivering a presentation and what would these involve? 

There are few different ways of delivering a presentation whether it’s digitally or traditionally presented. This could involve a video/PowerPoint presentation or even a paper based showcase.
You can also simply talk about what your presenting verbally or even use mixed ways of delivering your presentation e.g. You could perform a PowerPoint presentation as well as reading/talking about it. This would be an appropriate way of presenting for a large audience.

Why would you use different methods for a presentation or use different equipment?

You would use different methods and equipment so that you can experiment with what you work with best or even to deciding which relates to the purpose of the presentation best. For example for a one-to-one presentation of your work, you may decide to present your work traditionally using the method of a portfolio case so the viewer can have a physical ‘in front of them’ reference. However if your presentation were to a larger audience, you would probably use digital equipment using a PowerPoint method. This would be the most suitable as the audience is able to see what your presenting and your approaching the correct method for your target audience.


What different things will you do to prepare for a presentation?

When there is an upcoming presentation, it is essential to prepare for it. To prepare for your presentation you need to make sure that you are organised and everything has been checked over. There are different ways of checking that you are ready for your presentation according to it either being digital, traditional or verbal based. If you are approaching the digital route, you may want to check that all equipment is in working order and that you’ve got all programs etc. opened and prepared to present. You may want to run over the files that you are presenting, to check that everything is available and ready. E.g. If you are presenting with a PowerPoint presentation, you may want to run through the slides to check that everything is there, working and in order. If you are presenting a traditional based format, you may want to check that all your work is there and in the order of your choice. Also you may want to think about what your going to say about your work. If you go down the verbal communication route, you may want to prepare your equipment. E.g. if you are speaking to a large audience in a large area, a microphone would be ideal to use so that each individual will be able to hear what’s said without any problem. The microphone, speakers and volume etc should be checked. Preparation in this method and also in digital is essential, as the equipment needs a few run through checks before you begin. Preparation is the main stage of a presentation.


Explain the benefits of preparing for giving a presentation?

Preparation has many benefits, which we do before giving a presentation. It ensures that you are ready to present in an easy flow manor with a reduced chance of something not working or going wrong. Preparation also gives you a brainstorm so that you are freshly aware of all the information that you need to know. However, another benefit is that its time effective. Preparing your equipment before your presentation saves time. For example, If you were delivering a digital presentation it would be a good idea to prepare your computer and to open the files you need ready, or even the file which your going to present first. This saves more time rather than starting your presentation and then you have to open files you need while the audience is watching and waiting. It doesn’t only prepare you for your presentation and save time, but it gives you the benefit of looking and being organised.


What sort of problems might occur with equipment?  How would you deal with them?

Even after preparation, sometimes problems still may occur throughout your presentation. If this happens, it is essential that you still stay in character and keep in mind that you’re still presenting. You can deal with problems in different ways, whether you solve it yourself or have a helping hand. If you were presenting on a computer for example and it crashed, the ideal way to fix this problem would be to see if the computer itself troubleshoots the problem. However, if this takes too long (as you don’t want to keep you audience waiting) restart the machine and quickly open your files again. But in the process of doing this, you may want to give them a short notice of what has happened but then still briefly speak to the audience about what you’re presenting. This will keep the audiences’ interest and focus on your presentation. However, if the problem can’t be fixed you may need technical assistance or if you have one, move onto plan b. There are a few ways of dealing with equipment problems, whatever method it is, it should be approached in the most suitable, professional and quickest way possible.


What would be the reason for having a plan B (a contingency plan)?  Why would this be an advantage?

Having a plan B would be a good idea to have in mind in case a serious problem occurs throughout your presentation. If there is a problem, then you can simply jump to your ‘plan b’ without hesitation or thought. This is an advantage to have, as you are forward thinking and not keeping your audience waiting. A plan B would probably be the most suitable and accurate way of solving a problem if one occurs. It also shows that you are organised and can deal with problems in the correct way, as to the audience and your presentation, it keeps your presentation flowing as well as keeping your audiences’ interest.

Why would you collect feedback from the audience?  How could this be helpful?

Collecting feedback from the audience is a really useful source of information. Not only does it consume the audiences’ thoughts and opinions, but it also helps you out as a presenter. Feedback can be helpful as it can give you a brief summary of what you did well with and your improvements. The ‘not so good’ feedback will provide you with what you should improve for next time. This ensures you to deliver an even better performance for your next presentation. Helpful feedback is like a cycle, you start of with your performance, you collect feedback, then feedback is taken on board, performance is improved on the next presentation without the previous weaknesses, then collect feedback again, and so on. Feedback is a great way of reviewing and making your presentations better.

Why would you evaluate other presentations and your own performance?  How could this be helpful?

Evaluating both yours and other presentations can be really helpful for them and yourself. For example if you evaluate some one else’s performance and your own, you then can compare both evaluations and you may pull out their strengths and relate them to your own. Strengths from their evaluation of performance can be taken on board by yourself as an advisory route to improve your own performances for next time. Evaluations of your own and theirs’ is a really good method to use, as it can be really beneficial for yourself and the other presenter.

UNDERSTAND THE TECHNIQUES USED IN ENHANCING A PRESENTATION

How can a presentation be enhanced by materials and equipment?  Give examples.

A presentation can be enhanced with what equipment and tools you use. Enhancing your presentation can really change the audiences’ reaction of what they’re thinking of your performance. For example, if you were to give a presentation digitally, using a PowerPoint presentation would have a strong impact on the audiences’ opinion because of the use of text, colour, transitions etc. whereas if you just used the method of flicking through JPEG files, this wouldn’t have a very strong impact as it doesn’t show any skill or commitment to how you present. It would lose an audiences’ attention, as there wouldn’t be any attraction to the files.
If you were to give a traditional paper based presentation you can really enhance it with the materials you use. For example in a one-to-one presentation you may want to present your work in an attractive case, which would enhance the presentation appearance of you work. Whereas if you was to just print out sheets of paper and slipped them all in one sleeve together, this wouldn’t enhance it’s appearance and would lose interest.
Materials and equipment can really enhance a presentation and make it more interesting. It can make your presentation a whole lot better and can create a much stronger impact on the audiences’ reaction.


How can a presentation be enhanced by using communication skills and interpersonal skills?  Give examples.

A presentation can be enhanced on the way you act as an individual, communication and interpersonal skills can affect this. The way we talk, the way we stand, the way we approach things, the way we make eye contact to an audience and the way we present our body language and tone of voice.
For example, if you were to stand up in front of an audience and your body posture was slumped, head in your chest with eye contact to the floor, and had a slow ‘not interested’ tone of voice, this would come across as your not interested in what your presenting which would result in the same negative reaction for the audience. However if your body posture were high and straight, making eye contact across the whole area of the audience at an even pace, had a varied and suitable tone of voice, this would come across as you being confident, enthusiastic and interested in your own presentation. This would result in a positive reaction for the audience and they would be optimistic and confident in your performance.
The communication and interpersonal skills are essential to the performance of your presentation. It creates a large impact on the presentation itself as the presenter has to look confident, interested and enthusiastic to make the audience feel the same way.


How would you measure the audience’s reaction?

There are many ways to record and measure the audience’s reaction whether it’s a good reaction or not so good. First of all, you could record their reaction throughout your presentation whilst you’re performing. You can always notice an audience’s reaction with their interpersonal skills/body language. When your making eye contact with the audience, you could take a look at how their sat, whether their making eye contact with you or your work etc. For example, if you were talking to the audience and you notice an individual slumped or crouched in their chair, making eye contact to the ceiling or their feet, this is the usual sign that they’ve lost interest. However, if you notice that some individuals are sat straight up in their seat, making eye contact with you whilst your talking, this is usually the result of the individual having interest and enthusiasm in your performance.
Another way you can measure the audience’s reaction is to give them feedback handouts at the end of your presentation to fill in. This way they can share their thoughts and opinions with you on your presentation. You could also get involved with the audience and ask if they have any questions. This method allows you to see if any individuals are interested to find out more. On the other hand, if a question is asked that you have already said in your presentation, this may be because they wasn’t paying any attention in the first place and wasn’t interested, or because they genuinely needed a reminder.
There are many ways of measuring an audience’s reaction and you can normally clearly see it physically when performing.

What would the advantage be of summarising the important features of a presentation?  Why would this be helpful?

There is usually a lot of information within a presentation and it sometimes can cause the audience to veer off from the main purpose of the performance. However, there is an advantage of summarising the important features of the presentation, which helps to lead you in the right direction as well as the audience. It also helps the audience to remember the key points of the presentation when you’re highlighting and summarising them.
For example, if you were to talk about something in detail and depth, its good to summarise in a short, snappy sentence the key points and features of the important parts in the presentation.

Why would you give the audience the opportunity to ask questions?  Why would this be helpful?

Giving the audience the opportunity to ask questions is essential and also polite. It allows the audience to ask any questions if they would like to know more information and it also shows their interest. However using this method at the end of your presentation is also helpful for yourself. This is because it gives you a better performance as an individual giving the audience the opportunity to ask, and it also makes you have a more professional and organised appearance as well as having interest in the audience’s questions.

(Unit 3 – 2.3)

How to follow a design process

-          Prototypes, mock-ups and proofs

Prototypes

A prototype is usually a sample of a concept to test a design. Prototypes are regularly used as part of the design process as this allows us to have an idea of what the final outcome or result will look like. Not only that, it will also increase the development speed of a project, which results in the development costs being reduced. This has a positive impact on the development as this makes it cost effective.

I am going to list some advantages and disadvantages of prototypes;-

Advantages

·         Cost effective (development costs reduced)

·         Reduced development time

·         Delivers a high quality result

·         Results in higher user satisfaction

·         Allows us to have an idea on what the concept will look like before final expenses are made

·         Shows users what to expect of the outcome

·         Developers can receive useful feedback

·         Encourages participation and involvement

·         Helps to identify any problems in the earlier design stage

Disadvantages

·         Developers can become too attached to their prototypes

·         Sometimes clients expect the performance of the final outcome to be the same as the existing prototype

·         It can lead to an insufficient analysis

·         It can sometimes cause projects or designs to be incomplete before they are ready

For example, if a table were being designed, a prototype could be making a paper or cardboard model as a sample for testing how it may look, feel or how it may be structured.  This would be a smaller scaled sample as this enables an inexpensive way to use existing materials.

Mock-ups

A mock-up is a smaller sample of what your design will look like. They are used to test the size or maybe the structure of something, using in expensive materials to create a replica. They are useful because problems can be easily fixed at this stage rather than when the real-life production is complete. Without the use of mock-ups, it can cause problems such as the time spent on the project and also the cost.  For example if a mock-up was made and then there was some decisions made on amends required by the client, this would result in the effiency of the project and also the organisation skills of the staff’s process. This would also have a

positive impact on the final expenses, as to if the final outcome was incorrect and the expenses were wasted, this would waste development time which is why projects should be managed efficiently and correctly. Mock-ups are also used for demonstrations and samples which are made either at full size or a scaled down version of a modelled design.

Mock-ups can be used to test colour, the finish of a product and the details of a design which cannot be visualised from initial sketches (if the design is 3 dimensional).
Mock-ups are also used for printing purposes and brochure design, such as layout concepts. A mock-up is the best method to use when developing ideas into a final concept. This is the reason for allowing yourself as the designer, what works best and what tweaks can be made, and also to allow the client to see the progress. This is also a good technique for receiving useful feedback from your client, as you can send them your mock-ups and they can provide you with any feedback that you require, which may be useful for you to take on board for further improvement.

In relation to myself, I have used the mock-up method during the design process for a Keepmoat Homes project. The project was to come up with an a3 sized brochure, showing their houses in an effective way to attract and sell their homes to clients. I began with initial sketches scaled down onto a4 paper, developing my ideas throughout a paper format onto a digital format.  This was an effective technique as it allowed me to see the way different elements worked with each other, and which one would suit the requirements the best.  

I then would allow the client to analyse the different design concepts, as this is the perfect stage for them to make any changes or decisions before I make the final design.

Proofs

Proofs are used as evidence which allows us to see what our digital file will look like when printed. These are used to check that the document comes out exactly how we intend it to.  For example, we use proofs to check that the elements on the page come out correctly, such as the text, font, graphics, margins, colour, size, layout, alignment, order of the pages and basically the whole positioning of the document.

In relation to myself as an example, I proof printed my work at the end of my process to test colours etc which designers usually do to see if their artwork will come out exactly as they expected before they send it to final printing.

(Unit 3 – 2.4)

Potential Sources of information

There are many potential sources of information which we can access and retrieve in order for it to help us to generate new ideas. There are many different types and formats of information which we can find to be useful and helpful when thinking of new ideas at the start of the process.

First of all, I am going to list a wide range of different potential sources which can help generate our new ideas;-

Electronic Format Information

·         Websites (web design)

·         Internet (world wide web)

·         Research -  Meanings of colour, keywords etc, relations, story, if it has a purpose

·         EBooks, Databases

·         Existing Designs (under the restrictions of copyright)

Paper Format

·         Books – trade /  magazines, handbooks, text books, industry manuals, journals, brochures, leaflets, articles

·         Mind Maps / Brainstorms

·         Evaluations

·         Project Brief – client requirements, restrictions, client/company guidelines, what the client wants it to achieve (job  specific)

·         Other artists work – colours, elements etc ( under copyright restrictions)

Verbal / physical Format

·         Colleagues

·         Friends

·         Family

·         Nature – anything around you

Keepmoat Homes Relevancy

-          Wave design ideas

For the Keepmoat homes wave design, I used various resources to help me generate ideas and concepts. I looked at various existing designs to have an idea of what is already out there and what is popular. I looked at the designs, colours and shapes etc, to think about different ways a shape and colour can make us feel or appear to the eye. I researched colours and their meanings to have an idea on how different ones would reflect on the company itself and what it could deliver to their clients. E.g. the colour red would in my opinion, reflect on the audience as negative and anger. However, if the colour was a cooler shade it would represent the company to be a more laid back, friendly image.

On the research of shapes, I think that a shape with straight edges, would be sharp and aggressive to the eye. However this is how i generated the idea of a curved design, the wave. The wave is smooth edged, which causes the eye to glide across the design in a positive light.

I also did various experiments with the wave design, including mock-ups and prototypes for visuals of how it may look in a layout (brochure).  

(Unit 3 – 3.1)

Copyright, Moral Rights and Intellectual Rights

Copyright

Copyright is a legal concept which gives the creator or designer exclusive rights to their work for a limited time. The duration of copyright is for the whole life of the creator, plus fifty to a hundred years from the creators death. Copyright is generally enforced as a civil matter but it also gives the copyright holder the right to be credited and rewarded for the work.

Moral Rights

A moral right gives the creator the right of attribution, the right to have their work published anonymously and the right to the integrity of the work. However, it doesn’t allow any alteration, distortion or mutilation to the work. If the creator loses the possession of their work but has third party copyright, they will still have moral rights to the work.
Moral rights rely on the relationship between the creator and their work. They also have the right to receive or decline credit and reward for their work, to prevent it from being altered without their permission, to control who runs the work, and to dictate whether or what way the work is displayed.

Intellectual Property Rights

Intellectual property rights give exclusive rights to a range of assets such as artistic work, discoveries, inventions and designs etc. There are types of intellectual property rights which include copyrights, trademarks, patents and industrial design rights.