Assignment 4- Read and review

For assignment 4 we were asked to select two journals or books to take notes on. Then write an outline analysing and writing about each one.

The first source which I have chosen to look at is a book entitled ' Computers, phones and the internet: domesticating information technology' written by R, E Kraut. This book looks at and researches how different types of technology effect individual, families and other social groups. I feel this is a valuable source to my design as although it is not directly linked to my idea of a device but I feel it is vital to know how technology is used in everyday life, whether it be at work or at home. Whilst unfortunately for my purposes the book mainly focuses on computer and phone technology, it does however investigate the main and most important issues of how people integrate there use of technology into how families function, social relationships, education and socialisation are changing as a result. I found this part of the book incredibly helpful for establishing how my device could work and indeed fit with people and in society.
In the book the author looked at a number of different factors that would affect the way we use technology, all of which were from a bigger picture angle and indeed always referred back to the end result it would have on us as individuals. It is very clear from the offset that this author has heavily researched his subjects and indeed almost always draws reference to others who share his findings.
It is my conclusion that from start to finish this author has set out to convey, reinforce and confirm his points, using others where possible to give credibility to his points. I feel that further research in this field of how people interact with technology would really help me understand and take forward what is being said in this book.



The second source is entitled 'Bluetooth revealed' by C. Gehrann. The main purpose of this article is to look at and investigate future Bluetooth versions and applications. In terms of my product this is important as Bluetooth is one of the main functions of communicating information. The main aim of this text is to provide information about Bluetooth. The author goes into detail and analyses how this product works. She also talks about how the Bluetooth market is thought of as one that is primarily made up of devices. Which links to my idea as the idea I came up with was to invent a device that used Bluetooth. She also states that most of the industry analysts agree that the Bluetooth market is mainly made up of mobile phone or hand held devices. Also in this book the author describes a way for electronic devices to communicate with one another at close range by the use of radio signals. This is exactly what I need for my device as it will be used to social and business networking. It would enable you to connect with people anywhere you are, so long as it has been enabled. In the book the author also refers to experts in this field who helped hammer out the Bluetooth specification. They also share some of the imagines about how Bluetooth connectivity might be put to use.

In the Journal and the book that I reviewed, I found both sets of information helpful for my research. If I were to further investigate these topics, I would have to search for more articles and books relating to what technology is available for my device as this would enable my product to have all the functions and capabilities it would require and how people would use it in everyday life. The two articles that I looked at are very different but support each other in the use and understanding of new technology. The second journal looks at the main functions of communicating information. Whereas the first article looks at how people are willing to learn and embrace new technology in their life. This then relates to my product idea and helped me research my design. From my research I have not found anything similar to my design, so this makes it difficult to gather information on. But I think the two journals I looked at gave me a better knowledge and understanding of my product.

Bibliography:

-Miller, B,A (2002) Bluetooth revealed

-Kraut, R,E (2006) Computers, phones and the Internet: domesticating information technology

Assignment 3- Bibliography and Websites

For assignment 3 we had to find 6 or 7 references using cross search, that link to my design idea.

- Leung, L; (2008) Digital experience design: ideas, industries, interaction

This journal touches on human-computer interaction which helps with product design and the placement of my idea. This resources weakness is that it has no specifics directly to do with the technology of my idea.

- Miller, B, A; (2002) Bluetooth revealed

This reference looks at future Bluetooth versions and applications, in terms of my product it is one of the main functions of communicating information. The resources weakness is that the book is very hard to read and understand and its Bluetooth specific so it does not cover other connection methods.

- Gehrmann, C; (2004) Bluetooth security

This reference relates to my idea as it is about how to design a highly secure Bluetooth system. This is important for my product as it will have to store personal information. The weaknesses are that the book is very technical at times and it does not mention whether it conflicts with other devices of a similar wave length.

- Design week (2001) Keep on moving

This resource is a journal article and it did not have a visible author. I found this was one of the most useful journals that I came across. It looks at touch screen technology which is what my product is based on. The weaknesses are that this journal skims over various topics and does not really go into depth about any of them.

- Kraut, R, E (2006) Computers, phones and the Internet: domesticating information technology

This resource looks at how different types of technology effect individual, families and other social groups and how people integrate there use of new technology into daily routines and how family function, social relationships, education and socialisation are changing as a result. This relates to how my idea will integrate into society. However the book is primarily aimed at computers and phones and thus is not specific to my idea.

- Baber, A (2007) Make your contacts count

This book helps cover business needs and reflects them in a software solution. It also shows what my idea must incorporate. It also covers how and what information is needed to ensure that the networking is done to the highest degree to ensure maximum conversation and realisation. The weaknesses of this book is that it is specific to business and thus excluded social networking which is to play a large part in my idea.

Having researched and found these books and journals in the library, it has given me a lot more information on my topic.

Next we had to list 5 websites which relate to our discipline and 5 websites which we use in general.

The 5 websites relating to textiles are:

-http://www.londonfashionweek.com/
-http://www.art-dept.com/
-http://www.vogue.co.uk/
-http://www.style.com/
-http://www.textiledesigner.net/

The 5 websites for general use are:

-http://www.wired.com/
-http://www.facebook.com/
-http://www.asos.com/
-http://www.bbc.co.uk/
-http://www.topshop.com/

Assignment 5b

For this proposal I decided to look at the studio brief which centred around 'Trend Forecasting'. For this brief we were asked to select an existing 'forecast prediction' for the forthcoming season. We were then asked to produce a body of research and deliver a coherent and professional 'textile solution'. From the magazine 'Textiles View' we chose a trend to carry out our research on. I chose to work around the theme 'Dainty' (spring/summer 2011)

Conducting this project again using the primary and secondary methods of research, learnt previously in design studies, provided the opportunity to examine the project in more depth. This helped to enhance my understanding and knowledge of ‘Trend Forecasting’. The brief was started by creating a mind map of initial ideas. The word 'Dainty' formed the centre of this, with corresponding ideas branching out from there. I had never used this technique before our design studies task where we were asked to come up with a mind map for the text 'The Tipping Point'. I found it to be a really useful and efficient way of organising all my ideas in a structured and legible manner.

The university library proved to be an invaluable resource. It was a great place to go for inspiration and to gather secondary research, as sourcing information from books and magazines was an essential aspect of this project. The Internet provided a further resource but as always caution must be exercised in using this as an evidence base. Having now carried out the assignments in design studies, I would now consider using the cross-search tool. It is a method that I have never used but now would definitely use on a regular basis. It provides a reliable source of information, giving access to many electronic journals and e-books. It enables you to search for specific information, making it extremely time efficient.

In semester 2 we learned about conducting research using primary research methods. One such method was how to carry out an interview. Having learnt these skills from design studies, it is a method which I now think would have been of particular use because I had little information in the form of primary research. Although time consuming, the interview could provide detailed, first hand information from individuals, regarding the factors which influence their purchasing of goods. This may have enhanced my project and provided me with a better knowledge and understanding of the subject.

On reflection, it would also have proved useful to have carried out a brainstorming session. It is a very useful way of coming up with ideas. It is a quick and efficient way of obtaining information and it is also fun to work together with peers as a team. For future projects of this type, I would carry out such a session as I feel that discussing ideas would help to clarify my understanding of any areas I was unsure about, which would then enable me to develop my own ideas further.

Observation is a method which I already use in all my studio projects, collecting primary research such as source drawings and taking photographs. The botanical gardens in Dundee provided the inspiration for some drawings and to take photographs, however, the fact that it was winter meant that I was extremely limited as to what there was available to draw. For future research, it would be useful to spend more time researching locations for primary research. One possibility could be a location such as a garden centre, which may provide a much larger selection of flowers to draw. However, consent would have to be gained in order for me to do this. On reflection, I think it would have resulted in me producing a much more varied and exciting body of research.

In conclusion, using these different methods of research has really helped expand my knowledge and understanding of the topic. Initially, it was difficult to make connections between design studies and my studio work but throughout the second semester, this became clearer as I began to make connections between the world of design and the work carried out in the studio. Conducting the observation assignment was exciting, very beneficial and highlighted my awareness of design issues in everyday life. For example, during the observation of people in the train station, I began to appreciate connections between designs, such as the benefit of having the layout of the station constructed in such a way as to promote comfort of travellers and efficiency of travel.
I think that the design studies programme contains some really interesting information and methods that have taught me skills which will continue to benefit me in later years. At the beginning of the year I considered myself to be a textile designer, but having completed the design studies programme I now consider myself to be a design student.

Bibliography

Gladwell.M (2000) The Tipping Point, United States, Little Brown

Assignment 5b