Design Practice 2 - Methodology Workshop - OUGD505

Discuss what 'Methodology' means and how it affects you as graphic design students? 

Extensive research, more complete way of looking at methods and how these are employed. Produce a methodology based on what we want to learn. This may affect us a graphic students by having more efficient research that is targeted at a specific approach. It has more depth in its enquiry. 

"A system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity"

Why is methodology important in developing effective graphic design practice?

More targeted approach, research in-depth more. 

What should be addressed when considering methodology?

Need to define who the outcome is for (target audience). Need perimeters to work with to create an understanding.

Write a short evaluation of your graphic design methodology. Discuss the effectiveness of you methods in terms of developing critically informed, well produced graphic design outcomes. Consider module feedback when evaluating my methodology. 

Within my graphic design methodology, there are a number of methods that are at play within my design process. Within this there are a number of different research stages that are then applied to the development stage. Primary research is conducted, this helps in thinking about the correct target audience, which in turn helps develop an effective and appropriate outcome, however this is something that could be explored more in-depth. Although this is done, more primary research could be conducted within my methodology. In doing more primary research, it will help understand more about the brief itself and what it is asking, as well as the audience too.  Critical secondary research is done alongside this. This helps in analysing what has been or what could be done within my outcomes. In analysing sources, it helps develop critical language, which I can then apply to my own development and analysis. It also helps in contextualising what the outcome would be, helping think about the most appropriate tone of voice for the audience. If this were not correctly done, the outcome would be likely not be correct for the brief or audience.  When developing outcomes and after all in-depth research has been explored, idea generation helps create informed solutions. This is due to thinking about what could be done through research, thinking about what would be the most appropriate for the target audience. This in turn helps develop and create conceptual and critical outcomes that are appropriate to the brief. Experimentation is something that can also help create informed design decisions. This is due to trying and testing ideas and mediums that could possibly be appropriate. However, the experiments and ideas that are tested have been previously looked into by the research stage. This makes each design decision and experiment both informed and suitable. Within my graphic design methodology, research is never ended. Throughout a brief research will be conducted both initially and throughout the development. This is due to ideas and concepts changing, developing and adapting. Hence the need for further, more specific research. This is either primary or secondary but conducting this, helps create a more specific understanding for the brief, audience and outcome.