Induction

This lecture was my first of the second semester, marking the beginning of the UXD103 Exploring Identity module. I was excited to begin this module, as I had throughly enjoyed the previous two modules content, so was looking forwards to widening my knowledge and skills.

The Module

The content divided into two main components divided over the twelve weeks. ‘Part one’ will cover design identity and understanding branding, as producing work for a specific brand and audience isn’t something that we have previously covered. Following this, ‘part two’ entails more practical work including UX design including prototype and touchpoints. I would it helpful to see the content that I’ll be covering divided so clearly, outlining how I will have time for both learning and understanding identity and branding, with later time to put these skills into practical work. Essentially, this module covers the core elements if successful brand identity and how these can be implemented in design.

Module Aims

There were several module times outlined during our induction. Having these clearly shown at an early stage will be helpful, as it outlines what I will be working towards in the following weeks.

• Introduce core principles of iconography, branding and identity, including a history of icons, semiotics, and communication systems.
• To introduce students to fundamental techniques, processes and technologies through studio practice.
• To introduce students to fundamental techniques, processes and technologies through studio practice.
• To develop the skills needed to create a range of assets to form the backbone of a comprehensive corporate identity system.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what I should aim to feel at the end of these modules. I find having a clear set of learning outcomes early on into a course/module very beneficial for learning, as I can regularly check in with myself to evaluate my progress towards these outcomes and what I can to do make them more achievable. Furthermore, having a guide of the expected outcomes is a drive to work towards them. The learning outcomes for Exploring identity are as follows:

• Develop an understanding of the principles and importance of identity and its role within communication design.
• Analyse through exploration, identity in the broader sense to find and use processes appropriate to the visualisation of ideas in both paper-based and on-screen.
• Demonstrate knowledge in the use of industrystandard so#ware in the development of apersonal brand.
• Take responsibility for self-directed study, timekeeping and organisational skills and contribute to group discussions and peer learning.

I appreciated that our lecturer, Daniel, assured us that it’s expected for this content to feel unfamiliar to us at this stage. Granted, although I was excited to see what this semesters content would bring, I was glad to know that I wasn’t the only one feeling a little bit unconfident about my skills in this area.

Recommended readings

Last semester, I saw the benefits that looking at recommended readings had on my work. I saw things from a different perspective, learned new terms, skills and was able to add more depth to my work with strong references. We were recommended two books during our induction: ‘Marks of Excellence’ by Per Mollerup and ‘Discovering Brand Identity’ by Alina Wheeler. I plan to look at these, both to gain inspiration for our upcoming projects and have additional information to support what I learn in class.

Understanding branding and values