Lauren Manley | SWOT Analysis and Skills knowledge:
o Awareness of diverse and global range of design cultures and languages –This is an area that has been developing more in my time at university though I believe that my knowledge needs improvement. To ensure this I will continue my research for both running projects and personal study, looking into traditional and contemporary design, well known designers and up and coming designers. o Experience of design research, analysis and synthesis – This is an area I have more experience in as it has been a part of my art and design work since A level. Though I am confident in this area it is something that I continuously seek to improve with each of my projects. o Visualising / Prototyping skills and aptitudes in a range of media and formats – I believe that my background in Fine Art gives me experience in this area that I like apply to my work. I plan to show this skill more by being more varied with the media I use. o Aptitude in compiling interim and summative design presentations – Though this is a task that I have carried out more frequently since starting university I still lack confidence when speaking in front of groups about my work. This has room for improvement and I feel that the more I do it the less nervous I will be. o Aptitude for designing through a digital platform – This area was greatly developed in my first year at university. Though I am confident using AutoCAD I wish to better my skills in SketchUp, Artlantis and Photoshop. To do this I plan to make more use of these programmes in my work and seek more knowledge through research and tutorials. o Knowledge and experience of process, component and production technology – I have gained more knowledge in this during my time at university, however this is a topic that I wish to make a priority and I will seek more knowledge through personal research in order to improve my designs.
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o Experience of design process and methodologies – This has been a required part of all my design modules since starting university, therefore feel that I have experience in it, however it is an area that I feel can be continuously improved upon with increasing understanding to better my overall design work. o Experience of team leadership and management – When working in a group I feel that I make valuable contributions to the work, however I have little experience of leading or managing a team on a project. I would like to gain more experience in this area as I feel that I could succeed in this role. o Experience of costing projects and fee negotiation – This is an area that I have little knowledge of as it hasn’t been a part of my work as of yet, however I feel that it is vital that I gain an understanding of this and I will include this in my research of materials and processes. o Experience of planning and managing project activity – This is an area that I have to take into consideration for all of my own projects and so I feel that I have a good level of experience in it. Despite this I believe that continuing development I essential and I plan to improve my time management. o Experience of managing client relationships and collaboration – Though this has not yet been included in my university work, it is an area that I feel I have some experience in from previous work on my foundation course. I believe that communication between designer and client is essential to design so I wish to improve this area. o Experience of a wide range of project types and scales of innovation – I believe that in my work so far we have covered varied project types, however I seek to develop this to a professional level and gain experience in a range of project types including both interiors and some bespoke product design.
Project process:
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Enterprise and marketing:
o Knowledge of design sectors and creative industries – This is an area that I have a basic knowledge of out of my own interest. I think that a knowledge of other design sectors, such as fashion, can greatly influence design work and give a better understanding of trends and movements, therefore I will improve this through my own research and use it to my advantage in my work. o Experience of project procurement and client consultation – Again my only experience of this so far is from my foundation work which only gives me a basic understanding. I feel that this could be greatly improved upon I feel that time in a work placement would give me more experience in this. o Experience in planning continuing professional development – My time at university has greatly contributed to this but it is still developing. I think that to improve upon this I need to seek both critical feedback and methods of development from outside the university. o Experience and understanding of legislation and regulations – I have a basic knowledge of this that is currently being further developed in my university work, however it needs to be greatly improved upon. This is a topic that I plan to look into myself alongside my projects as it is vital to my work. o Experience of design budgets and account management – As of yet this has not been something that I have needed to look into for my own work, however I understand its importance and I feel that my research into materials, processes and costing will help me in this area. o Experience of design practice marketing and promotion – Again this is not a topic that I have considered at this point. I understand that it is an important part of being a design to broadcast your work and I feel that time on a placement with a design firm will allow me to gain an understanding of the best ways to do this.
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Values and vision:
o Understanding and practice of ethical business standards – This is an area that I have done some research into but have not had to consider in my own design work yet. I believe that this is an important topic to consider when working as a designer and I will further my research to gain more knowledge and understanding to improve myself. o Subscription to policies and standards of ethical design – Though I understand the importance this is currently not an area I have needed to consider in my work, though I do feel that improving my understanding of it now will improve my work in the future. o Commitment to and understanding of the imperatives of professional practice – This is something that I am gaining more understanding of whilst at university, though this is an area that is open for continual improvement and I feel that time in a placement will help to improve my understanding. o Awareness and appreciation of key design futures and innovation trends – I believe that my knowledge of this has been further developed at university and opened my eyes more to what can be noticed in day to day life that relates to this topic and can be used to my advantage. I feel that this understanding can be further improved upon through my own research into current trends and clues as to the next ones. o Commitment to the advancement of design knowledge, expertise and value – I am eager to improve myself in all areas in pursuit of gaining a professional standard in all aspects of my work and I seek to gain more understanding through both my university work and my own personal study. o Awareness and practice of user centred design – I feel that this is one of the most vital aspects of design work and great consideration should always be given to the needs of the end user, this is something I try to incorporate into my work now and I seek to continuously improve my own consideration of this in my work.
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