5.2 Document
Section 1: Understanding the Technological Landscape
My current work is largely shaped by industry- standard software, particularly Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. They are the core, and part of the final stages of my design outcome. Despite this, I still typically begin my work with hand sketching or creating mind maps as I find it allows me to explore ideas quickly whereas I can often find myself instantly trying to perfect digital designs from the earliest stages meaning if I skipped out my initial stages of sketching/ planning I wouldn’t be able to explore as many options as normal.
Alongside these software programmes, this module I have continued to learn and experiment with animation tool, After Effects. I have enjoyed this; however, I have found it frustrating at times as I feel it requires significant time and effort with relatively small visual outcomes. However, I do realise at early stages of learning a new software this can often be the case and reflecting back I had the same experience when first using others that are now integral parts of my course and hopefully with time and practice, I feel the same about After Effects and other new software programmes.
Section 2: Experimentation and Process
Throughout this module, I have experimented with new tools and ways of working surrounding technology. From workshops on After Effects to introduction to a range of apps and websites that will be helpful in the organisation stages of the design process such as Notion which, even though are not directly part of the design output, I think will especially be helpful for me in terms of planning and structuring my ideas, something I can often struggle with.
The Work Flow task encouraged me to begin reflecting more critically where I feel most engaged in my design process and also look at where I struggle and therefore may be able to utilise some of the tools we’ve been introduced to this module (such as Notion).
A key example of experimentation during this module was working with After Effects in the sessions led by Jon. Compared to InDesign and Photoshop, the process slower and more technical which did feel slightly intimidating at first but also exciting because even just from the few sessions with Jon I already feel more comfortable and can see improvement from last time I used it.
Also, as part of this module, I also experimented with online tools and websites that allow for rapid visual experimentation, such as Munken Creator and others creating both still and moving graphics. Using platforms like this enabled me to generate different visual outcomes quickly without the pressure of perfecting details. I did enjoy using these websites, but I do prefer having more control over my own ideas and designing them myself. This contrasted with more complex software, such as After Effects, and highlighted the value of fast, low-friction tools during early stages of idea development. These experiences reinforced the importance of choosing technologies that suit different stages of the design process rather than relying on a single tool throughout.
Section 3: Engaging with Emerging Technologies
Throughout this module, we have been learning about and engaging with emerging technologies. As previously mentioned, my main curiosity has been with use of AI in design. I have hesitation about AI in design in terms of originality etc and I haven’t integrated AI tools into my work as of yet but am definitely willing to explore more how it could support certain aspects of my work such as the planning and organisation but definitely will be cautious when doing this. This brings me on to Notion, a tool introduced to me this module which I am still figuring out how to properly navigate but can tell once my understanding of it is better this is going to be a great tool to use in the early stages of the design process and will help me massively with planning projects.
Finally, motion design and learning through After Effects has been the most significant emerging technology I have engaged with this module. Even though it is not as ‘emerging’ as others, this is a new technology to me that has been fun yet challenging to figure out and again something that I want to continue using to expand my understanding of graphic design.
Section 4: Intentions and Future Directions
Moving forwards, I would like to continue developing my motion graphics skills as I’d love for if this could be something that I can easily incorporate into projects in the future. With one of the motion sessions I missed in this module, I found some great Youtube videos which were really helpful, so I am going to definitely use those videos again in the future if I need to refresh my memory. Although, as previously discussed, I have found Aftereffects frustrating, once this project was finished it was satisfying to see the outcome after a lot of hard work. Alongside this, last year we were introduced to Procreate so expanding my skills with this software would be great for the same reasons and just another way of communicating my ideas.
Furthermore, continuing to learn and explore new websites and apps we have been provided in that can provide quick and easy solutions and outcomes is something I am definitely going to keep doing. We’ve been provided with so many different ones, I’m still working through and figuring out which will benefit me the most with future projects.
Section 5: Reflection and Summary
Throughout on this module, I have experienced clearly how strongly technology shapes my design process but also learnt how it can aid my creative decision- making and organisation rather than just final outcomes. I have learnt this through engaging with a range of tools and completing different briefs.
Overall, I have learnt that some of the learning processes can be frustrating, but reflecting has shown me that after the initial frustrations, pushing through and engaging with new tools and softwares just strengthens my abilities and gives me a wider range of things to incorporate in designs leading to higher quality outcomes. These insights will remind me how to approach future projects.