Wednesday 6 February 2013

Dissertation//Wordle.



This morning, a friend and fellow BAGD student pointed me in the direction of 'Wordle', a 'word cloud' generator, as recommended to her by her own dissertation tutor, demonstrating the popularity of words within your dissertation, and perhaps giving a hint to edit words that may be too reptitive.

Fortunately, I was pleased with my outcome, with the predicted case study of Innocent and the key argument and discussion points (brands, consumerism, etc) being particularly highlighted, but, overall, quite a balance in the distribution of words used, which, hopefully, will make for a far more enjoyable read.


Tuesday 5 February 2013

Dissertation//Completion.



The submission and completion of my 2013 graduation dissertation.

Feeling very relieved to have found an end to my writing as I set off to bind two copies later on today to then submit next week. Realistically, I feel as though I could have developed chapter 2 into further depth analytically, but overall I am pleased with what I have achieved in a reasonably short space of time, and feel really happy with the confidence I have developed in regards to my writing and research, which, hopefully, will be translated through to my personal and professional design practice from this point.

Wednesday 30 January 2013

Dissertation Tutorial// 30/01/13


Today I had my final dissertation tutorial with dissertation supervisor, Jenny Hutton.

Although I was a little disappointed that I hadn't finalised my work, or written much more from our session last week, I was pleased that I had taken the time to research some of the sources that Jenny had recommended for an extra viewpoint, or theoretical stance, particularly re- reading 'Cradle to Cradle' (which I had referenced in my Level 05 essay), as well as watching a TED talk from design critic, Don Norman, which gives more of a psychoanalytical viewpoint of the effects of design and emotion upon the consumer subconscious, something of which I am particularly interested in, and, of course, plays a huge part upon effective branding and marketing.

I'm really pleased with the positive feedback Jenny has given me to date, and today in particular, about my dissertation progress, and feel confident that I will make the necessary edits and complete my writing for this time next week, when I will make a start on the printing and binding process (through the University of Leeds).

Wednesday 23 January 2013

Dissertation | First Draft Submission Tutorial Feedback


Notes from today's feedback during my dissertation tutorial with dissertation supervisor, Jenny Hutton, after the initial submission of my first draft.

-

NOTES

HARVARD REFERENCING/LAYOUT

- Look at URL with web- based/online Harvard Referencing, make it easy to follow and navigate for the reader.
- Look at LCA Harvard Referencing conventions online.
- Look at regulations for applying folios and headers (with name) to each of my pages.

CONTENT

- Look at Design & Emotion by Don Norman (Cognitive Scientist... looks at the visual, reflective influence branding plays upon the consumer psyche).
- Don Norman- Why We Love & Hate Everyday Things (consumer levels and how we respond to purchasing... conscious and subconscious).
- Don Norman TED talks... search online for insight into his theories and practice.

OVERALL SUMMARY

- Reflect on what I'm trying to achieve from the dissertation- how will it influence my practice, what will be learnt from the findings? At the end of the introduction, summarise how I intend to look for effective branding and marketing to affect the consumer subconscious, and what makes for positive ethical and sustainable brands, and how they brand and market themselves most effectively, and what the industry can learn from this.
- Condense my information and background on Innocent and develop chapters based on consumer feedback in the survey.
- Make more of a point of my survey findings and what relevance they have- analyse the fact that there may potentially be flawed information, and summarise on opinions.
- Introduce Joe's interview as one that was partaken for the sake of the dissertation.

- See other notes throughout printed draft documentation for more information.

Tuesday 22 January 2013

Dissertation//Leeds College of Art Dissertation Submission Guidelines



The PDF document containing details for the Leeds College of Art Dissertation Submission guidelines- recording details on my blog for further reference in regards to layout/cover design, print and binding specifications before submission on 14 February 2013.

Tuesday 15 January 2013

Dissertation//First Draft.



Today I managed to finalise the first draft and submission of my work to dissertation tutor, Jenny Hutton.
Despite being sure that there will be many amendments to be made after my next dissertation tutorial next week, I feel a great relief to get it completed, and am really pleased with the breadth of topics and issues discussed, as well as the range of sources.

Hoping for the best!


Saturday 12 January 2013

Dissertation//Primary Research Questionnaire Results.



Documentation of the final 47 results and responses for the primary research questionnaire to support my dissertation with consumer feedback and insight.