OUGD406: End of Module Evaluation

OUGD406, Design Practice introduced 4 briefs over the longest module of the course thus far. This stream of briefs began with Secret 7, the first live competitive brief I have ever participated in. This was followed by the production of our own visual bank note proposal in ‘License to Print Money’ which will go on to be exhibited next month. Interconnected with the money brief was the ‘Exhibition branding’ collaborative brief, before finishing with ‘Speaking from Experience.’ 

Each of the briefs have faced me with a different obstacle to overcome, be that my design style being put under scrutiny, the pressure I have put on myself throughout the module to do well or purely the work load.

Through Secret 7 I feel I was forced to tackle my obvious approach to design head on to try and produce pieces with greater ambiguity, which I feel I was able to achieve. This was probably the first brief where I really explored a range of significantly distinct concepts and ideas, however have since been able to continue this approach in application to the other studio briefs.

License to Print money was by far my favourite brief within the module, as the considerations on the current state of finance and methods of transaction in regard to people within the society intrigued me and led me to produce a bank note that had the considerations of future generations at the forefront of its motives.

I found the collaborative brief difficult through out down to my social un-ease and in ability to confront people even when it is what is required. Though I am not unhappy with the work we produced, and am pleased that it was the research that I had gathered that informed the concept we explored, I feel it is ultimately the idea that was deemed inappropriate for the exhibition. 

My delusions regarding time and my ability to achieve within its constraints is something that has not only hindered me in this module but them all throughout the year I feel as I put so much pressure on myself to do well that it often results in me becoming demotivated and complacent about my practice, which I must face urgently before second year. 

I attempted to combat this via the last brief for which I produced motivational cards concerned with time and how to use it as a student, advice I will have to take note of myself immediately in preparation for the further two years of the course.