OUGD601 - Module Evaluation

Module Evaluation

The COP 3 Module is particularly engaging providing a refined focus upon the theory of practice within Graphic Design. This exploration of contextual issues allows a more informed practice to develop as a result of this research investigation. The process of conducting such an informed and extensive exploration into the effects of Brand Psychology on a Consumer-Band Relationship allows a more sophisticated design process to develop as a result, informing further personal development as a designer. The development of the research paper identified a range of new skills that were established in order to conform with academic conventions, this includes a comprehension of established design theory and applying an analytical synthesis back to the papers title. The most insightful conclusion I take from this research paper is the results of the interviews conducted as part of the Ketel One case study. Firstly this is particularly engaging in demonstrating a confident ability to conduct primary research that engages with a new means of academic practice. Secondly this conclusion directly instigates the application of theory within practice, establishing a boarder social dialogue regarding its ethics within the contemporary practice of Graphic Design. 

The Practical investigation extends upon the suggestions for further research identified within the conclusion of the research paper in exploring whether the constructs of Brand Psychology are applicable to a broader framework than that of the Vodka market isolated within the papers case studies. This justifies a practical exploration of a significantly different area of commerce, exploring the role of Brand Psychology within a millennial uncertainty of a post-Brexit society. The brand proposal is successful in utilising these constructs to positively position a Consumer-Brand Relationship. This is informed through primary and secondary research investigations that ascertains a holistic understanding of the millennial demographic, which can be extended upon within the Extended Practice module. The scale of this practical investigation informs new levels of time management due to the brief running over an extended period. The created Time Plan (see Figure 1) articulates the projects planned schedule compared to its actual schedule. From this it can be established that these brand extensions required significantly more development than first anticipated which caused them to over run, however allowing myself to be versatile within this design process allowed these elements to be completed on time, requiring a stricter approach to time management to ensure I met production deadlines. The results of immersing myself within the exploration of the design practice allowed me to experiment with new techniques and processes, actively pushing how I could engage with contextual links to the brief. In developing the flag as a tangible symbol of the movement, this required an understanding of new production methods using the fabric printers to successfully manufacture complicated deliverables. Creating contextual links to industry, the pocket guide is copiously informed through commercial print processes to ensure the outcome is as appropriate as possible to  an industry process, utilising spot colours and cost effective layouts. Finally the continuity within the brand proposal allows these individual extensions to work cohesively as a set, generating a strong sense of Brand Equity through an identifiable design strategy that significantly attributed to the success of this proposal. 

The conclusion of the COP3 module evaluates that this has been essential to my development as a designer, generating a strong challenge that required a significant step up from Level 5. This provides inspiration to engage with the Extended Practice module with a  similar determination in order to generate a strong portfolio of aesthetically and contextually appropriate work. The development of the dissertation reflectively, is considered a process that will sufficient time management and determination creates a critically relevant research paper that presents fresh ideas regarding the contemporary practice of Graphic Design.