This has been a strange module to me because of how different it’s been from all previous modules. In previous modules, we’ve been taught content that relates to projects which will help us in the future, however in this module it’s been content for projects that are helping us now. That, accompanied by the fact that the content has been more of a practical or factual nature, has made this a very different feeling module. To be perfectly honest, I wouldn’t say I’ve liked this module in the same way I’ve liked other modules, but I have found this module incredibly useful. Getting time to explore the real-world side of design has been really useful and has equipped me well for the workplace.

If I had to pick a favourite project from this module, it would have to be the pitch presentation, which is weird for me to say, because I don’t tend to like presenting. I think the freedom in the brief was a welcome change from the rest of this module which has been heavily focussed on placement and employability, and getting to quickly take an idea to a concept and to a pitch was a fast and enjoyable process and a fun way to end the semester. The thing I really enjoyed from this project was actually the presenting, as it’s something I’ve been conscious about wanting to work on my ability to do. I think because what I was presenting was something I had created and was passionate about made it a much easier experience to present and gave me a lot of confidence. I felt really at ease presenting, and this has helped me flip the switch to now be in the mindset that there’s really nothing to be worried about when presenting as long as you’re prepared.

One part of this module I found particularly interesting was some of my blog topics. I generally quite like blog writing as long as I have something interesting to write about, so I was slightly unsure a the start of the semester on how to write an interesting blog on CVs. Thankfully, the idea of using this module’s blog to explore the industry and trends was something I really enjoyed and found myself getting really invested in. In particular, taking time each week to analyse an entry on the UX Trends blog was an incredibly useful and interesting thing I enjoyed exploring. Reading and thinking about the UX Trends blog allowed me to consider beyond just how things affect the design industry and actually how the design industry affects the world. I’ve started to have a better understanding of the impact of the work we do on the wider world, and this has encouraged me to read books on this topic, such as Mike Monteiro’s, “Ruined by Design”. I feel this understanding I now have about the industry will be incredibly valuable to me as I begin my professional career in design.

Overall, I’ve found this module really useful as it’s allowed me to improve a lot of skills that aren’t just directly linked to design and has allowed me to explore new ideas about the design industry and how it affects the wider world.