Conclusion

Overall Thoughts

Module Review
It was definitely a refreshing break from the numerous academic papers we have to write in University. In fact, I very much prefer doing such projects than writing so I've enjoyed the module a lot! The module is extremely time-consuming with a new project each week. I actually have only 3 days for each new project since I took up the early week's tutorial! ..which is hardly enough to thoroughly explore the assignments. Honestly, I did the most research and brainstorming for the first assignment which spans 3 weeks (which was rather long but I guess it was to get us familiarized with the tools involved). For the rest, I had a day to brainstorm and doodle sketchy drafts on rough papers to get started on the prototypes; and only transferred my sketches much later.

One needs both creativity and skills for this module.. which I guess it can be rather unfair to students who are new to graphical tools. It can frustrating when you have good ideas but cannot express them due to lack of skills. I use mainly Adobe Illustrator for all of my assignments which is surprising because the tool was my nemesis during Polytechnic studies. However, I picked it because all the assignments are on prints and vector graphics will be the best to work with (e.g. scaling without distortion). It was delightful to be given a purpose and the opportunity to practice and improve my skills.

Additionally, I enjoyed the type of assignments presented to us as it covers a wide range including photography, posters etc. The portfolio required at the end will serve as a good resume as well, should I pursue design-related jobs after graduation.

Tutorial Review
On my own, I always put up my works on forums/groups for fellow peers to review them as their criticisms and suggestions are the only way I can improve. So I value the form of presenting your work and receiving feedback about it during tutorial. I believe one usually has limited perspectives especially on your own work when you become impressed with a certain concept and stick to it, failing to see deeper and explore out of your boundaries. The tutors and peers definitely played a part in helping me improved. My brother, particularly has helped me A LOT with his criticisms since he is unafraid to tell me if what he dislike about my works and he's more readily available than my peers.

A suggestion for tutorial though is the form of presenting. Before class, I thought we will be using the overhead projector to project our sketchbook on the white screen because the original size of our sketches and prints are way to small for the entire class to see. I think being able to see our works in details will encourage appropriate and more comments from the class. This can be applied to the final presentation in the lecture as well. It is near impossible for the whole class to see the storybooks and personally I felt that most of us, especially at the back, were getting restless and hardly paying attention eventually.