Workshop - Methodology Workshop

'A system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity' 

In terms of graphic design, methodology refers to design process and the way you solve a problem. It is an overarching process for research.
More targeted approach and efficient research, methodology keeps you concentrated as to why are you asking these questions. 

Methodology is important in developing effective graphic design practise because it adds a lot more value to the work. There is a proper understanding of the job and should be used when needed.
Using methodology makes work future proof, so it will last a long time.

Who you are designing for needs to considered and remembered in order to make it appropriated and wanted. 

My methodology -  

Within in briefs I always struggle to do decent research because I get stuck at the word research. I think I over think the word which makes me get confused and worry about if the research is correct, in depth or has a purpose. Rather than worrying a lot and doing a lot of all kinds of research, I do what looks enough and hope that's alright. This isn't helpful for me as I'm trying to develop my ideas and practise overall. 
    
    I know I have to change that way of thinking in order to do better with briefs and get a better understanding of why I am doing something. Remembering why I'm doing something is actually very helpful and often forget this. I start with an idea and then do some research around that, sometimes it will lead to something else and I probably don't want to move far from my original idea. I need to change this way of work and research, it isn't effective and doesn't produce interesting work.

    Normally I am a visual learner, but this year I've not used maps or spider diagrams to gather possibly ideas. That way of working allows for many different ideas and possibly avenues for research, which I am not taking up. That way of working is a lot more effective, I need to take the time to quickly write down ideas rather than just putting one on my blog and leading with that. 
  
    Overall I think my methodology is lacking completely, I panic about research and pretend to do some, rather than talking to someone about it and trying to work it out. Because of this workshop is has highlighted the problems I face, so definitely want to try and think about this a lot more.


Feedback

You’re still a way off from locating any one style but that’s fine; just keep on experimenting and learning.

I understand this comment a lot when looking through the whole module, I covered a lot of different areas. I know I am most interested in hand rendered typography but for some of the briefs that wasn't appropriate. Hopefully, for the last two hand ins I can be more consistent. 

But you should be mindful that the success of the project at this stage is not always what you submit and how amazing it looks.

This was a good comment to read because I stressed over the way the J20 box looked when finished, a lot of the time the finish of my work does reflect the effort i've put it in, which is so frustrating. However, I realise at this point evaluating and being aware of the problems and successes are as important as how it looks overall. I am not a packaging factory obviously can't produce the same level of professionalism and standard they do.   

Your opinions, reflections and solutions are communicated clearly and effectively through a range of appropriate methods.

I am really glad this has been noticed because I do feel I can evaluate my work well and it helps me along the way. This is especially important for my CoP because I'm not planning on producing a final piece. The project is an series of experiments and I am evaluating my findings and seeing how things go.