Reflection

This week's focus on the origins of content in the context of design has been enlightening. It has provided me with a deeper understanding of the diverse sources from which content can be derived and the crucial question of who has control over it. We delved into various categories of content sources, such as client-supplied materials, self-generated content, and the fascinating realm of user-generated content, which empowers users to actively contribute to the narrative. The introduction to Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) has been particularly intriguing. It shed light on how data and content can be accessed and integrated from external sources, opening up exciting possibilities for creating dynamic and interconnected user experiences. Another significant aspect of this week's learning has been the exploration of User and Job Stories. These narrative tools provide a valuable framework for understanding user needs and goals, helping to shape content and design decisions that are user-centred and meaningful. Learning to craft effective stories has been an essential skill-building exercise. Lastly, delving into the fundamentals of visual grammar has broadened my appreciation for the power of design elements like dots, lines, and planes. Understanding the significance of colour and typography in interface design has underscored the importance of these seemingly subtle choices in creating compelling and effective visual experiences. Content curation, as introduced during this week's studies, has added another layer of depth to my understanding of content in design. It's not just about creating content but also about carefully selecting and arranging existing content to convey a specific message or theme effectively. This concept resonated with me because it highlighted the importance of being discerning in the content we choose to include in our designs. It's not about overwhelming the audience with information but providing them with a curated selection that is relevant and meaningful. This approach aligns perfectly with the user-centred design philosophy, as it ensures that the content presented is tailored to the users' needs and expectations. Furthermore, content curation offers a practical solution for dealing with the vast amount of information available today. In a world where information overload is a real concern, knowing how to curate content not only helps streamline research efforts but also enhances the overall quality and impact of design projects. In conclusion, this week's insights have emphasised the pivotal role of content in design and the critical importance of content curation. It has become evident that content is not merely data but the essential element that breathes life into meaningful design interactions. Understanding the origins and effective use of content is foundational to crafting exceptional user experiences. The significance of content curation, in particular, has stood out as a key skill that I plan to develop and actively apply in my future design pursuits. By curating content thoughtfully, I aim to create designs that not only resonate with users but also tell engaging and compelling stories that enhance the overall user experience.

DHD

The visit from David Henderson from DHD Design regarding a placement opportunity was a valuable and insightful experience. It provided a unique opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge about potential career prospects and practical exposure within the design industry. David's presentation and discussion about the placement opportunity offered a glimpse into the real-world dynamics of the design field. Learning about the company's culture, projects, and expectations for potential placements was informative and inspiring. It also highlighted the importance of networking and seizing opportunities in the professional world.

Moreover, the visit allowed for interaction and direct communication with someone established in the industry, which was particularly beneficial. David's insights, advice, and anecdotes shared during the visit offered a different perspective on what to expect and how to prepare for a successful career in design.

Overall, the visit from David Henderson was a motivating and enlightening experience. It has left me with a clearer understanding of the professional landscape in design and has encouraged me to actively explore placement opportunities to further enhance my skills and knowledge in this dynamic field.

Class Exercise

We were given the task of writing our own user stories for our smartwatch UI’s. This became a pivotal step in the design process, as it laid the foundation for creating interfaces that are not just visually appealing but also genuinely user-centric and intuitive.

Wireframes

I transferred my sketches from the previous week into Figma to develop wireframes.

Smartwatch UI

I began by crafting a colour palette for my UI, utilising the Coolers tool. My primary colour choice was blue, symbolising security, while I kept the other colours fairly neutral to ensure seamless integration with existing smartwatch apps.