GD4: Spring 2020 Reflection
Part 1 with Kristi-Lynn Jacovino.
My favorite feature that I created for the CampusBuzz web app is the color customization for your interface. It wasn’t my original idea but I did the prototyping for it during the later stages of the app. I believe having the option to personalize your experience with an app is very important, especially when it comes to a social network where the content you see is in your control. Seeing the various color option artboards really made the XD workspace pop among the array of purple/blue gradients. I would have loved to see a night mode developed if the class had the time to do so. I believe night mode is an even more important feature than color customization. In 2020 my apps shouldn’t be a pain to look at.
I understand that a project like this is to help prepare myself for working in large design groups in the future, but to keep it frank I absolutely hated this project. I’ve never been fond of group projects, and when that group project is between the whole class the problems just escalate. During discussions everyone was shouting their ideas over each other and it’s extremely difficult to come to a group consensus. There were instances where someone would begin working on one feature only for it to not be included due to the constantly changing ideas. The whole class working together also makes it hard to apply effort. Sometimes 1 person would make changes to the app while hooked up to the projector so the rest of the class could watch and offer suggestions. These instances did not feel engaging whatsoever and only made the class drag on. An assignment where each student could design their own app would have been much more fun and beneficial towards my portfolio and web-design experience. I wouldn’t have cared if it required extra work. I expect to do a lot of work during a 6 hour class rather than pretend like I know whats going on amid the chaos. Also I took a web-design course with Kristi-Lynn during my sophomore year where we did an extremely similar project (in groups of 2) focused around designing an app that would benefit UConn students, therefore making my experience with CampusBuzz feel like Déjà vu.
Part 2: Chris & Kathleen Sleboda
I had a great time with the Slebodas. They do a great job at keeping the class engaging by balancing out lectures, critiques, and time to work. Although the second critique where we looked at the first stages of exhibition titles dragged on way too long, they adjusted by making the following critiques more independent so everyone else had the opportunity to work in class which I appreciated. Designing three typefaces was an overwhelming task but how fun it was along with its flexibility made it all worth it. The exhibition design assignment was very enjoyable too and promoted digging for inspiration and research, something I’m generally not that good at. The Slebodas gave us various posters and zines during the first class meeting which was a great surprise, and the way they had each student pick out a mystery exhibition title from a blind-bag was exhilarating. Little things like these help make class feel more like a unique experience rather than… just class.
Part 3: Daphne Geismar
I am extremely satisfied with the direction this project went in. Unfortunately I came to Daphne’s first class meeting very unprepared which made me hesitant to indulge in my work, but after switching my concept to something I am truly passionate about I began to really enjoy the process. Daphne gave really good advice during critiques too. A common problem she noticed with the first iteration of spreads is that they were too safe, comparing my layout in particular to a bland magazine, so Daphne gave a pep-talk about how we should really tap into our full creative potential. During the final meeting where we shared our books it was apparent how far they have came. I am very happy with my final book and it sounded like Daphne was too despite not being familiar with the subject matter.
Concept Sentence: The video game franchise Super Smash Bros has left quite an impact on my life as playing it competitively is my go-to hobby. The community around the game has introduced me to many friends and has provided me endless entertainment.
