Week 11 - Summary of reflections [D4G: what works]

This week marks the final blog submission. As I approach the culmination of this project, I find myself in a phase of final refinement for the Feather View website.

While there are a few remaining tasks, particularly regarding the window sticker design, I've reached a juncture where it's apt to reflect on the entirety of the project. I will consult with Gabi and Roma next week about which window I'll use for display. This will enable me to take specific measurements before designing and printing the stickers.

[Figure 1: Feather View on Figma, My Figma]

This reflection will explore the comprehensive design process and my utilization of the D4G methodology.

[Figure 2: The four F's of active reviewing, Greenaway, R., (n.d.)]

Facts:

The journey began with identifying the problem, the ever-pressing issue of bird collisions with windows in urban areas. From there, I ventured into research, investigating existing solutions and the ecological, economic, and social aspects of this problem. The knowledge gathered played a pivotal role in shaping my project's objectives. I then developed a prototype of a website that addressed these issues. Finally, I tested and finalized the project. There have been some challenges during the design process, as well as a series of ideas iterations. Overall, it's been a remarkable journey for me.

Feelings:

Throughout this project, I've experienced a range of emotions. There were moments of excitement when breakthrough ideas surfaced, coupled with periods of frustration when challenges seemed insurmountable. I think underpinning me through the whole process was a deep sense of purpose to make a positive impact on urban birds. There were many challenges during the process, as I explored in detail in the above reflection. These challenges include budget constraints, design complexities, and the balance between human aesthetics and bird safety. For me, adaptability is difficult and critical.

Findings:

Embracing the D4G methodology guided my creative process. It laid the groundwork for holistic problem-solving, urging me to consider not only the immediate issue but also to think and plan beforehand. The structured approach to what is, what if, what wows, and what works has been a constant companion. This ensures that each step contributes meaningfully to the final solution.

Taking a step back, it becomes obvious how far I've come. From the drafting of ideas to the final outcome, the journey has been enlightening. It provided insights into design intricacies, ethical considerations, and the need to adapt in the face of challenges.

Future:

As I look forward to the future, the lessons learned from this project are invaluable. In my opinion, Feather View extends beyond the website and bird safety sticker design, as it offers a holistic perspective on ethical, sustainable, and user-centric design. I believe it will influence not just my design work but also my approach to complex real-world problems.

As a result of this reflection, I can see not only what has happened in recent weeks but the entire Feather View project as a whole. I am convinced that my journey is significant and will have a lasting impact on my design career. While the project's final stages await completion, this blog signifies a moment of reflective thought. I am grateful for all the experience in the design process and all the support and knowledge from my teachers. I am looking forward to the final outcomes of Feather View. All in all, this reflection has given me invaluable insight into the importance of the journey and how it has prepared me for future projects.

Reference:

Greenaway, R. (1970) The four F’s of active reviewing, The University of Edinburgh. Available at: https://www.ed.ac.uk/reflection/reflectors-toolkit/reflecting-on-experience/four-f.

Lu, F. (2023). Feather View. https://www.figma.com/proto/cBtBOYC74WjTsd6tw979nK/Feather-View?type=design&node-id=1-2&t=DEfO2BwDye5DFufh-1&scaling=scale-down&page-id=0%3A1&mode=design