Reflective Practice

Throughout my dissertation, I enjoyed the journey and challenges that I discovered and crossed over. Each section within this project tested the abilities I have developed over the past 3 years during my degree; the greatest test was time. Organisation was key and with it, I wished I had more time to develop areas I wanted to. Since this project was completed during the COVID 19 pandemic, my university experience was drastically changed and the working environment, in my rented 4 bedroom house, was testing my mental health, and my ability to study and design.

Despite the freedom this project was provided with, I was happy to spread my wings and tackle this great challenge. Initially, I did find the project difficult to manage. Without any official limitations set in place, a brief to follow, the open nature of the project overpowered my mind at times. Taken on too many objectives. Originally, CeCo was going to cover multiple areas than just household energy consumption, however, that became too much for me to handle. This has taught me to break things into manageable chunks to reduce stress and allow me to focus on completing the important aspects first. I will be taking on this experience of project organisation into the professional world, as this will help me become an efficient employee and an attractive applicant.

The research section was the toughest part of this dissertation, as it is the least appealing subject for me to undertake. As I am more of the practical type, rather than the ‘skilled with the quill’ type, it took me the longest to complete. I did not have a sense of direction to head towards while tackling research. I believe I researched everything important; however, I do not feel entirely satisfied, I feel like I could conduct more research, particularly primary. On the other hand, I have learned a lot and my abilities to research have grown greater. If I was to take on this project again I believe I will able to produce better research.

I found marketing to quite enjoyable complete, it was a bit of a grind, however, I enjoyed going into detail about how the product will get into the market, exploring how external factors may affect the brand and the business, and calculating the profitability of the product. I wish I could have taken the time to go more in-depth and learn more about the marketing aspects. The manufacturing section was easy for me to complete, as I am well-versed with the manufacturing aspect of design, therefore I had a good idea of the direction I will be taking it. The challenge that manufacturing presented was the product’s route of manufacture; in particular, setting up the product to be suitable for injection moulding. I have briefly touched upon the inclusion of injection moulding aspects into previous assignments, however, it was important to ensure that I correctly implement into the design to ensure that is feasible to produce. The end results provided me with a greater insight into feasible manufacturing and how to design for injection moulding.

Finally, the presentation boards were the best bit. It allows me to take my time and create a range of professional visualisations. It also gave me the time to sit down and reflect on the project. I really enjoy visualising the final design in a professional light. Despite only learning how to create digital graphics when I started my degree, I have learned quickly. I have the skills to use the Adobe Creative Suite to produce high-quality graphics on the design; that explore all important aspects, such as the hero image, product promotion, key features, etc.

Throughout my dissertation, I have been granted the opportunity to tackle every aspect of design. The project has allowed me to discover which areas I am strongest in, and what I will be wishing to take on as a potential job role in the future. Overall, it has shaped me as a designer and created a pathway that I can comfortably follow as I enter the real world. I have become a designer who enjoys exploring both the technical and aesthetic of design in great detail, and these areas have become my desired areas for my career to aim towards. I could not be prouder of myself and I am excited to continue my role as a designer.