Collaborative Design Practice - Final Compilation and Reflection

25 Sept 2024 - 04 Dec 2024 (Week 1 - Week 11)
Vincent Lee // 0359386
Collaborative Design Practice // Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media // Taylor's University
Final Compilation and Reflection

INDEX

Task 1: Link
Task 2: Link
Task 3: Link
Task 4: Link


Submissions

Task 1 Submission
25 Sept 2024 - 09 Oct 2024 (Week 1 - Week 4)
Figure 1.1 - Task 1 Project Document, Week 3 (09 Oct 2024)

Presentation Slides: Link
Task 1 Project Document Submission: Link



Task 2 Submission
09 Oct 2024 - 30 Oct 2023 (Week 3 - Week 6)
Figure 1.2 - Task 2 Project Document, Week 5 (23 Oct 2024)

Canva Whiteboard: Link
Presentation Slides: Link 
Task 2 Project Document Submission: Link



Task 3 Submission
23 Oct 2024 - 20 Nov 2023 (Week 5 - Week 9)
Figure 1.31 - Task 3: Brand Guidelines, Week 9 (20 Nov 2024)
Figure 1.3 - Task 3 Brand Guidelines [Draft], Week 9 (20 Nov 2024) 
Figure 1.4 - Fold Social Media Content Planning [Draft]

Brand Guidelines / Presentation Slides: Link



Task 4 Submission
20 Nov 2024 - 04 Dec 2024 (Week 9 - Week 11)
Figure 1.5 - Task 4 Finalised Brand Guidelines, Week 11 (04 Dec 2024)

Figure 1.6 - FOLD Website Prototype, Week 11 (04 Dec 2024)
Figure 1.7 - Finalised Social Media Content & Timeline, Week 11 (04 Dec 2024)

Brand Guidelines / Presentation Slides: Link


Reflection

Experience
The design project unfolded as an intense journey of professional discovery, marked by continuous challenges and learning opportunities. As the sole UI/UX designer in the team, the individual navigated complex project requirements, from initial client meetings to final deliverables. The early weeks were characterized by uncertainty, with limited product information and broad client expectations. Each stage of the project presented unique challenges – creating mood boards, developing website layouts, designing packaging, and coordinating social media content.

The project demanded constant adaptation and resilience. From rushing to complete presentations just minutes before deadlines to reworking designs multiple times, the experience was a rollercoaster of creative problem-solving. Interactions with clients, team members, and academic supervisors required delicate balance and communication skills. Personal moments of doubt and frustration were interspersed with collaborative breakthroughs and occasional moments of praise and recognition. 


Observation
Throughout the project, several key patterns emerged that shed light on the design process and professional creative work. The non-linear nature of design became increasingly apparent, with each iteration revealing new insights and challenges. The team's dynamics played a crucial role in project success, highlighting the importance of communication and collaborative approach. Client expectations often proved fluid and required careful navigation, demonstrating that design is as much about interpersonal skills as technical abilities.

The designer observed significant variations in individual working styles and design approaches within the team. Some team members excelled in specific areas, while others struggled with particular aspects of the project. The process revealed the complexity of maintaining a consistent brand identity across different platforms and design elements. Time management emerged as a critical challenge, with last-minute preparations becoming a recurring theme throughout the project's duration.


Findings
The project yielded profound personal and professional insights. Perhaps the most significant finding was the recognition that design is an iterative and deeply personal process. Technical skills alone are insufficient; adaptability, communication, and continuous learning are equally crucial. The designer discovered the importance of balancing personal creative vision with client expectations and team dynamics.

Key professional learnings included the value of extensive research, the benefit of seeking feedback from peers and tools like generative AI, and the necessity of maintaining a growth mindset. The project demonstrated that design success is not about achieving perfection but about consistent improvement and problem-solving. Personal growth emerged as a central theme, with the designer developing a more nuanced understanding of their strengths, limitations, and potential.

The findings extended beyond technical design skills, encompassing broader professional capabilities such as project management, client communication, and team collaboration. The experience highlighted the emotional complexity of creative work – the constant interplay between self-doubt and creative confidence, between following established design principles and pushing creative boundaries.

Ultimately, the project was less about creating specific deliverables and more about understanding the holistic nature of professional design. It provided a comprehensive learning experience that transformed theoretical knowledge into practical wisdom, preparing the designer for future professional challenges.



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