OUGD406. Design Practice.

this morning we were introduced to the new module design practice. this module is concerned with the progression of ourselves as independent designers with more in tune levels of focus and reaction. it aims to narrow our skills into more specialised areas of design that we may want to pursue at a more professional level.

Aims of this module are:

. To investigate and develop an increasingly self determined approach to the design process in response to the brief.
. To develop a practical and conceptual understanding of issues relating to function, context and audience in response to graphic design practice.
. To further develop critical and reflective approaches to the documentation and evaluation of individual and group-based studio/design practices.
. To establish a critical approach to the documentation, analysis and evaluation of work and its contextualisation within current graphic design practice

i need to be thinking more independently about how to answer a given brief and really be in tune with what the brief is asking prior to reacting to it. i think i need to consider a breadth of research and really understand the contents surrounding the topic of a brief in order to be equipped and informed in designing something in answer to a brief. i need to maintain regular evaluation and criticism of my work in order to understand my strengths and weaknesses and in order to improve on what i have. through this i should also gain a better understanding of me as a designer and how i can better my self as an aspiring professional. 

1	4A7 - Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between formal language, visual communication and problem solving in the development of appropriate solutions to defined problems.	20
2	4B6 - Demonstrate a critical awareness of individual intentions in the production and contextualisation of work related to appropriate graphic design practices.	20
3	4C8 - Identify, evaluate and select appropriate practical and conceptual approaches to the development of effective solutions to set problems.	20
4	4C9 - Demonstrate the ability to incorporate visual skills and sensitivity to appropriate media in the development of a body of individually identified design solutions.	20
5	4D6 - Effectively manage time and resources in order to document, present and evaluate a self-determined body of work in response to set briefs.

“[Graphic Design is] An ongoing examination/conversation between the dynamics of personal exploration and professional practice” – Matt Owens, Volumeone Graphic design represents a constant dialogue between the client lead brief and the individual voice of the designer. Design problems, Content, audience and context are often given however resolutions often stem from your own interests, experiences and opinions. It is an investigation into these personal creative concerns that help you to develop an individual voice within the creative industries. In a professional context your individuality and effectiveness as a designer will be measured by the skills you have and more importantly how you apply them. You are viewed through your work, its personality, its tone of voice and creative concerns. This Brief offers you the opportunity to identify, develop and exploit your own individual design identity within the context of contemporary Graphic Design practice. You will be encouraged to make independent choices regarding the focus of your investigation and appropriate resolution of your ideas. Your progress will be supported by studio briefings, crits and studio support but you will be expected to demonstrate an increasingly independent approach to research, development and presentation within the context of set problems.

Brief You will develop and present a body of practical solutions to set problems outlined in individual studio briefs. These will include: STUDIO BRIEF 1: PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE - this brief will offer you the opportunity to respond to a given live or competition brief. STUDIO BRIEF 2: COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE - you will work in small groups to solve a problem based on communication, audience and context. STUDIO BRIEF 3: INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE - an opportunity to develop an individual response to a set design problem.

my initial reactions to the new module were that of excitement and instant thought and self consideration into how i might go about answering the briefs and exploring graphic design as a creative practice. these are all good signs that my head is fully committed to this module and i intend to maintain this level of motivation throughout.