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SWOT Analysis
As part of my PDF2 studies I have written a SWOT Analysis of my skills and knowledge so far. It has been produced using 24 criteria (as shown above in the diagram) which list the knowledge and experience needed to become a successful professional designer.
This Analysis will help me to understand my current strengths and weaknesses showing me areas where I need to gain more experience and knowledge for my studies and future career. Some of the skills and knowledge I require can be learnt through further personal research, but some will probably only be best learnt through experience of working in industry. For this reason I have set these as long term aims.
Skills and Knowledge
Awareness of Diverse and Global Range of Design Cultures and Languages
I would like to think that I am fairly aware of different design cultures and languages. I have travelled alot and feel this has opened my eyes culturally. We have also been studying this in our theoretical lectures. I find this area interesting and will spend more time reading around these subjects to increase my knowledge further.
Experience of Design research, analysis & synthesis
I spend alot of time on research, analysis and the synthesis of my designs. I enjoy these areas of design and feel I do them well. I feel these are key areas to producing a successful design. I have recently been compiling my research on Photoshop to save time with cutting and pasting individual images by hand. I feel that I need more practise of design synthesis so that I can complete this part quickly so that I can focus on other areas.
Visualising/Prototyping Skills and Aptitudes in a Range of media and forms
I am aware that I spend too long on these areas in my design projects and I wish to complete these aspects quicker but still comprehensively in order to finalise my design presentation boards in more detail. I would also like to develop my sketching and drawing skills so that they become more fluid and natural.I will do this by keeping a sketchbook which I will use once a week.I believe the best way for me to sketch is by being out and about in the urban environment so will actively try to fit this into my free time.
Aptitude in Compiling Interim and Summative Design Presentations
I have been continuously compiling presentations throughout my time at university. I feel this is one of my strongest areas as I like attention to detail. In these presentations I have been compiling work together for individual projects as well as standing up in front of a class to talk about certain topics. I would like more experience of standing up and doing a presentation as I still find this difficult.
Aptitude for Designing through a Digital PlatformI would like to think that I am fairly aware of different design cultures and languages. I have travelled alot and feel this has opened my eyes culturally. We have also been studying this in our theoretical lectures. I find this area interesting and will spend more time reading around these subjects to increase my knowledge further.
Experience of Design research, analysis & synthesis
I spend alot of time on research, analysis and the synthesis of my designs. I enjoy these areas of design and feel I do them well. I feel these are key areas to producing a successful design. I have recently been compiling my research on Photoshop to save time with cutting and pasting individual images by hand. I feel that I need more practise of design synthesis so that I can complete this part quickly so that I can focus on other areas.
Visualising/Prototyping Skills and Aptitudes in a Range of media and forms
I am aware that I spend too long on these areas in my design projects and I wish to complete these aspects quicker but still comprehensively in order to finalise my design presentation boards in more detail. I would also like to develop my sketching and drawing skills so that they become more fluid and natural.I will do this by keeping a sketchbook which I will use once a week.I believe the best way for me to sketch is by being out and about in the urban environment so will actively try to fit this into my free time.
Aptitude in Compiling Interim and Summative Design Presentations
I have been continuously compiling presentations throughout my time at university. I feel this is one of my strongest areas as I like attention to detail. In these presentations I have been compiling work together for individual projects as well as standing up in front of a class to talk about certain topics. I would like more experience of standing up and doing a presentation as I still find this difficult.
I have been using computers during my studies and really enjoy using Auto CAD and Photoshop. However, I do struggle with my computer skills and knowing the importance of these to any design company, would like to spend more time working with computers so they become easier to use. To become more confident with computers I will set aside one hour per week where I can follow online tutorials in order to improve my skills on software such as sketch up which I still have difficulties with.
Experience of Process, Component and Production Technology
I do not have alot of experience in this area but I am learning more with each project that I complete. For each project I will research into different technologies to help improve my knowledge further.
Experience of Process, Component and Production Technology
I do not have alot of experience in this area but I am learning more with each project that I complete. For each project I will research into different technologies to help improve my knowledge further.
Project Process
Experience of Design Process and Methodologies
I have already learnt a lot about this subject through my university studies but I know there are many more processes of a professional design practice that I have not yet done eg mood boards. I will be learning more about these processes this coming year through my projects.
Experience of Team Leadership & Management and Experience of managing Client Relationships and collaboration
As a mature student I do have some transferable people skills from my previous employment as an outdoor instructor where I worked as a Course Leader.I liaised with teachers and lead a team of instructors, ensuring that the course ran smoothly and dealt with any issues that occurred. These skills will help me when working in the design industry as I am able to communicate effectively with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Experience of Costing projects and Fee Negotiation
I believe that some skills such as fee negotiation and costing will come through working in industry. However I will research into the current costing’s that an Interior designer is allowed to charge so I have a better understanding of this topic.
Experience of planning and Managing Project Activity
I have experience of planning and managing my own project activities through university. However, this experience is limited as I have no experience of building my design concepts in reality. I believe this will come through working in industry. I hope to get work placement in the second semester which will add to my experience in this area.
Experience of a Wide range of Project types and Scales of Innovation
I have completed a wide range of Projects at university including house design, nature trail design and product design. I enjoy working in all areas of design and would like to continue doing so in the future. This area will continue to increase both in university and once I am working in industry.
Experience of Team Leadership & Management and Experience of managing Client Relationships and collaboration
As a mature student I do have some transferable people skills from my previous employment as an outdoor instructor where I worked as a Course Leader.I liaised with teachers and lead a team of instructors, ensuring that the course ran smoothly and dealt with any issues that occurred. These skills will help me when working in the design industry as I am able to communicate effectively with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Experience of Costing projects and Fee Negotiation
I believe that some skills such as fee negotiation and costing will come through working in industry. However I will research into the current costing’s that an Interior designer is allowed to charge so I have a better understanding of this topic.
Experience of planning and Managing Project Activity
I have experience of planning and managing my own project activities through university. However, this experience is limited as I have no experience of building my design concepts in reality. I believe this will come through working in industry. I hope to get work placement in the second semester which will add to my experience in this area.
Experience of a Wide range of Project types and Scales of Innovation
I have completed a wide range of Projects at university including house design, nature trail design and product design. I enjoy working in all areas of design and would like to continue doing so in the future. This area will continue to increase both in university and once I am working in industry.
Enterprise and Marketing
Experience of Project Procurement and Client ConsultationI feel that I have already gained some experience through my previous job with client consultation in the sense that I am able to talk to and discuss the issues and needs of the client. I am used to dealing with problems that may occur and am willing to work on my own or as part of a team to resolve any issues. However I do not have any experience in project procurement.
Knowledge of Design Sectors and Creative Industries
I have been proactive in researching into different design sectors and creative industries and have started to compile information on companies which are of interest to me.I would like to work in the commercial, leisure or residential sector and will be targeting companies in these areas for my work placement in the second semester.
Experience in Planning Continuing Professional Development
I have experience in this area through my last job. My company regularly asked us to review our skills and encouraged me to develop in my role by going on useful courses.
Experience and Understanding of Legislation and regulations
I understand that it will be very important as a designer to understand about the legislation and regulations to avoid any expensive mistakes which could cost the client extra money. I will try to research these as much as possible when I’m completing my projects so that I can start to build upon my knowledge of this area.
Experience of design budgets, account management, practice marketing and promotion
I also have no knowledge of budgets, account management, marketing or promotion.I do however understand how important these are to a business and feel it is essential that I gain some expertise in these areas.In order to learn more about these areas I have signed up to five of the academy Enterprise Events which have been arranged by the university to give people a better understanding of business.If I go to five or more of these sessions I will also receive a certificate which will be able to go into my portfolio.I would one day like to have my own business and feel these skills will be essential to me.For this reason I am also considering taking the business option for my year 6 studies.
Values and Vision
I do not know what the Ethical Business Standards are, but I will do some research into this to find out what they are so that I can ensure I am using them when working in industry.
Subscription to policies and Standards of Ethical design
I have learnt about some of the issues in my theory classes, however this knowledge is limited. Issues such as expanding urban populations and sustainability along with designing for the ageing society will all become essential aspects for the design industry to think about. It will be important to understand the policies and standards to ensure that I will be producing ethical design for society.
Commitment to and Understanding of the Imperatives of Professional Practice
I am aware that it is essential to be professional when practicing design. The client will be putting alot of faith time and money into you and it is essential that you meet their expectations, being on time, organised and reliable are just some of the basics that you should conform to.
Awareness and Appreciation of Key Design Futures and Innovation Trends
I understand how important it is to be forward thinking in the design industry in terms of having a successful business in a competitive market. It is important to forecast future trends both in the market and for society as a whole. It is the forward thinking businesses that do their best in the market as they cater for the needs of the client. I find this very interesting and would like to know more about the issues that will be facing so many designers in the future. I will continue to read design magazines and journals in order to keep my knowledge and awareness of issues current. I will also try to use this knowledge in my university studies whenever possible.
Commitment to the Advancement of Design Knowledge, Expertise and Value
I am very committed to this area and have subscribed to a design magazine to keep myself up to date with this topic. I believe this will help me in my designs as I will be more aware of current affairs in the design world.
Awareness and Practice of User Centred Design
I believe it is very important to create user centred design as there are so many needs/requirements that need to be catered for eg the elderly, children and disabilities. It is creating for the user that will make you successful, without this practice and awareness you will not be successful.
I do not know what the Ethical Business Standards are, but I will do some research into this to find out what they are so that I can ensure I am using them when working in industry.
Subscription to policies and Standards of Ethical design
I have learnt about some of the issues in my theory classes, however this knowledge is limited. Issues such as expanding urban populations and sustainability along with designing for the ageing society will all become essential aspects for the design industry to think about. It will be important to understand the policies and standards to ensure that I will be producing ethical design for society.
Commitment to and Understanding of the Imperatives of Professional Practice
I am aware that it is essential to be professional when practicing design. The client will be putting alot of faith time and money into you and it is essential that you meet their expectations, being on time, organised and reliable are just some of the basics that you should conform to.
Awareness and Appreciation of Key Design Futures and Innovation Trends
I understand how important it is to be forward thinking in the design industry in terms of having a successful business in a competitive market. It is important to forecast future trends both in the market and for society as a whole. It is the forward thinking businesses that do their best in the market as they cater for the needs of the client. I find this very interesting and would like to know more about the issues that will be facing so many designers in the future. I will continue to read design magazines and journals in order to keep my knowledge and awareness of issues current. I will also try to use this knowledge in my university studies whenever possible.
Commitment to the Advancement of Design Knowledge, Expertise and Value
I am very committed to this area and have subscribed to a design magazine to keep myself up to date with this topic. I believe this will help me in my designs as I will be more aware of current affairs in the design world.
Awareness and Practice of User Centred Design
I believe it is very important to create user centred design as there are so many needs/requirements that need to be catered for eg the elderly, children and disabilities. It is creating for the user that will make you successful, without this practice and awareness you will not be successful.
My Intents For the Coming Year
· To keep a weekly sketchbook to make my drawings and sketches quick and fluid.
· To spend one hour per week doing a computer tutorial to become more confident with computers.
· Research into the fees for interior design.
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· Complete at least five Academy Enterprise Events.
· Research further into legislation and regulations whilst completing my projects.
· To research and Practice of Ethical Business Standards.
· To complete a work placement in my second semester.
Although I have had a couple of successful years in terms of my grades I realise I still have a very long way to go before I will become a fully competent designer. I hope through extra work and time I can improve on the areas that I currently lack knowledge, skill or experience so that I can become a successful designer.
