Reflection Week 1

This week began with a basic introduction to programming and the history behind it. The reason I wanted to do this course in the first place was to be able to use coding as a tool when working on assignments, but I ended up learning a number of other ways in which it would be useful. As Steve Jobs said in ‘The Lost Interview’, programming teaches you how to think and mirrors your thoughts. I’m excited to see how the way I view processes changes throughout the course of this class.

We were introduced to a number of key words to do with this area (most of which I was unfamiliar with to be honest), with the central question being ‘should designers code’. On being asked about our opinions about this, there was a fairly mixed response of people who felt designers should or shouldn’t code. I was one of the people of the opinion that not all designers should have to learn how to code, as coding is just one of the many tools that can be used to design something. I don’t think coding needs to be the criteria that is required for someone to call himself or herself a designer, no matter how useful it is. It’s true that it is a tool that allows you to do a great deal, but I’m sure like any other tool it can also limit you in some ways. In short, I don’t think designers who don’t learn how to code are somehow not as capable at their jobs as designers who do. Perhaps this opinion will change over the next two weeks, let’s see.

As for the coding that we have started learning, I’m glad to say that I have managed to keep up so far, even though all we have done so far is the most basic commands. I’m very aware of the consequences of falling behind in this part of the class and that what we learn now is just the prerequisite to two more courses, so I’m trying to be extra attentive and thorough. I’m actually really excited to understand the logic that goes into coding something, even though I tend to be a bit slow when doing so. Hopefully it’s a little easier than calculus from class 12 because that almost entirely flew over my head.

I’m also really enjoying working on the first assignment, partly because I got a good group and partly because of the topic itself. We have being ideating about what exactly to make and have come up with something that sounds pretty interesting, but I have no idea how we will implement it. I mean it’s really fun to think about a mirror that talks to you and all but is that even possible for us to do? I can’t help but feel perplexed at this point but I know the confusion will slowly clear.

So far all I know is that there is a lot to learn, and that I need to keep practicing if I want to keep up. I know I will find it tedious and maybe despair occasionally, but that is okay and I will slowly learn.