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