Collaborative Design Practice - Final Compilation and Reflection

25/9/2024 - 4/12/2024 | Week 1 - Week 11
Edwin Choo Quan Rong | 0348305
GCD62204 Collaborative Design Practice | Bachelor of Design (Hons) In Creative Media
Final Compilation and Reflection

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Instructions

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Links

Task 1: Empathy Map & Problem Statement

Task 2: Brainstorming to Ideate the Solution to the Problem Statement

Task 3: Prototypes, Tests, and Iterative Designs

Task 4: Testing the end product and iterative designs

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Submissions

Task 1: Empathy Map & Problem Statement

25/09/2024 - 9/10/2024 | Week 1 - Week 3

Task 2: Brainstorming to Ideate the Solution to the Problem Statement

16/09/2024 - 30/10/2024 | Week 4 - Week 6

Task 3: Prototypes, Tests, and Iterative Designs

30/10/2024 - 24/10/2024 | Week 6 - Week 9

Task 4: Testing the end product and iterative designs

25/10/2024 - 4/11/2024 | Week 10 - Week 11

Reflection

Experience

Reflecting on the entire journey of Collacto, I found the process both immersive and rewarding. Each task presented its own challenges and learning opportunities, starting from the initial groundwork in Task 1 to the final iterations in Task 4. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams simulated real-world industry scenarios, enriching my understanding of how diverse skill sets come together to achieve a unified goal.

The most fulfilling part was seeing the evolution of our ideas—from brainstorming abstract concepts and creating mood boards to developing tangible deliverables like packaging, mockups, and social media posts. The collaborative nature of this project emphasized the importance of clear communication, adaptability, and leveraging each team member's strengths.

Tasks like adjusting the tagline or ensuring nutritional information accuracy required balancing creativity with precision. Each iteration brought us closer to a product that not only resonated with the brand identity but also aligned with the client's expectations. It was rewarding to see how our hard work culminated in a polished product that was both functional and visually compelling.

Observations

Throughout the project, I observed how critical feedback and testing played a pivotal role in improving our designs. For example, during Task 3, our initial drafts underwent multiple iterations based on feedback from clients and peers, each adjustment refining the design further. Similarly, Task 4 highlighted the importance of practical testing, as it helped us address issues that were not immediately apparent in digital mockups, such as alignment on the physical bottle.

The synergy within the team was another significant observation. Each member contributed their unique perspective, which not only enhanced the deliverables but also fostered a sense of ownership and pride in our work. The combination of design principles, technical skills, and constructive critiques created an environment that was both challenging and motivating.

Moreover, I noticed how effective mood boards and collaborative tools were in ensuring alignment among team members. Visual references were instrumental in bridging creative ideas and maintaining consistency across all deliverables.

Findings

This project reaffirmed several key lessons about design and collaboration. These lessons taught me iterative designs is key to evolve the product into its final form, adopting a client-centric approach is crucial in understanding and then addressing their needs, willingness to collaborate with teammates drives success by combining our creative outlets for production and feedback, and attention to detail including minute ones ultimately contribute towards the overall quality of the product.

In conclusion, this project was a transformative experience, teaching me the value of teamwork, adaptability, and meticulous attention to detail. Each task was a stepping stone, contributing to my growth as a designer and team player. I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished with Collacto and look forward to applying these insights to future endeavors.