What is good//Evaluation

OUGD505- Evaluation

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

This module I used quite a lot of processes however because I had done most of them before, I felt as though I could complete the process to a higher standard and be more productive. I did not waste time having do to multiple practices in case they went wrong. I think this comes will being more organised and planning which processes I want to do, what I need to do them and when is the best time. However, laser cutting was one process that I wanted to do more of in this module, which I did. I created more complex designs, for example my exhibition poster and used different stocks such a ply for the buttons.

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

I think that I thought more about the concept approaching this module and this informed my design production. I tied everything together through the aesthetics and the idea of my project. Relating the printed products with the digital work was an approach I wanted to carry through.  I have attempted to think of products as whole set rather than individual pieces which is helped me develop a more realistic and effective final outcome. I also worked hard on creating functional products that could actually be sold rather than just mocking them up. I think this communicates a concept better and more professionally.

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

Strength within this module was probably my concept and the fact that it allowed for the brand to be expanded if I was to carry it. I think the problem I set myself was realistic and relevant; equally, my response was appropriate.  I think the processes I used are strength as I feel I used to processes more effective for my design. It may not be a main strength, but something I have definitely improved on is photographing my final outcomes in a more professional manner. I think I managed my time well in this module and focussed on producing design I enjoyed doing.

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

I think my weakness is mocking up my products in context. I really need improve my Photoshop skills in order to mock-up professionally and realistically. Another weakness in my work is my presentation boards, even though I have had lots of practice, I still feel as though my layout and content could be greatly worked on. I need to get into the habit of spending more time on them and analysing the most appropriate way to present the boards.

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

Next time I will expand my project even further. Even though I allowed space for this, I could have done more. By doing this I think I would gain a wider range of products and a deeper concept. I would like to spend more time doing primary research, even though I did do some in this module, I generally enjoy this approach and is something I can gain a lot out of.  In the future I would like to try and code some of the website I have proposed. I really want to improve my coding skills so I think this will be beneficial even if it takes time. Lastly, next time I would like to do even more processes such as embossing, just because I feel as though doing the processes is very beneficial within my design process and production.

6.How would you grade yourself on the following areas?

Attendance- 5

Punctuality- 5

Motivation- 4

Commitment- 4

Quantity of work produced- 4

Quality of work produced- 4

Contribution to the group- 4

What is good//Presentation boards

Here are presentation boards documenting the body of the project. Looking into research, processes, concept and outcomes. 

What is good//Final products

Here are some photographs of the final products. 

What is good//Application

The concept of 'Button up' relates to the proposing a application because it refers to buttons on as phone and as in getting linked up on what is going on. The app is different to the website in that it dosen't have an online shop, it is simply instructions so that can be used anywhere without an internet connection. 

An example of one step (instruction) 

An example of one product (pattern)

The app is also designed for ipads

What is good//Website Mock-ups

Now all the physical products have been printed, it is time create the website. As it a set that will be sold and has contents within that can be sold serperatly  it made sense to make a website similar to an etsy shop that would allow the audience to interact with brand further. 

Here is what the homepage could look like. It is simple, just communicating the company and having limited pages linking. 

Here is the development of the other pages and how they could be laid out. 

Instructions

Shop

What is good//In context

The knitting set is going to be sold in places such as Urban outfitters, paperchase and magma. They are not strictly craft based shops as they are aimed a young audience who may not go into specific craft based shops. If they are stocked in more design and fashion led shops they are more likely to attract this audience with a disposable income. Here are som mocks up of in store and in a design environment. 

Here is a vector image of how the boxes would be stocked. 

What is good//Book binding

The instruction manual is bound together with thread to enhance the craft. The publication is quite small (A4) But this is necessary to fit within the knitting pack. Once the inside of the book was put together, the fabric cover needed to be attatch. This was also threaded and a button attached to create a seal. This brings the 'button up' concept together. 

What is good//Screenprinting

It was decided to screen print some canvas bags as part of the knitting set as often people who knit end up having a collection of wools therefore it is easier to ensure they are all in one place. Screen printing was the process chosen mainly because it would add to the craft aesthetic. 

Firstly, the screen had be washed. The image printing was only small so the screen was A5 size. 

Once the screen had been coated and the image exposed. The colour had to be created. The colours were a deep purple and a dark orange to match the logo. 

A few tests were made on paper first to check the screen was in good condition. 

The printing went better than planned and came out clear the first times therefore not much needed doing. The composition of the logo and colour was experimented with to see which one looked better. The purple came out a little darker than planned but it still fits in with the knitting pack.