Distinction Doors Live Brief Project Evaluation

I have analysed the requirements and parameters of the live project brief by completing a “Distinction Doors” mind map that highlighted the elements I needed to complete and my journey I will complete for the project. By completing the mind map, it allowed me to analyse all the points on the assessment criteria and how I was going to achieve them all in the project.For my research, I collected a range of primary and secondary images that related back to my theme “Let the outside in”, doors and the target audience. For my primary images I collected a range of doors that already exist on homes and businesses. I believe collecting these images was effective because it gave me ideas to what door layouts already exist and what features and colours are used on doors. Also for my primary research, I collected images of my theme “Let the outside in” which was nature and woodland features. I found collecting images of my theme difficult because of the winter season and plant life. However, I overcame this problem and took a variety of images that focused mainly on textures and shapes. I think that collecting primary images for my theme was effective because it allowed me to show my interpretation of theme and how I have developed the quote “Let the outside in”. Finally for my primary research, I collected information, elements and door designs from “Distinction Doors” catalogue. This was effective for my research as it gave me important information such as materials and colours that I can use but also allowing me to gain inspiration from existing products. For my secondary research, I created a Pinterest board that reflected my theme and doors that already exist on houses. This was effective because it allowed me to research into specific detail the different types of doors that are available and collect a variety of photos around it. Also on Pinterest, I crated boards that reflected my theme and details of doors. This was effective because it allowed me to present my interpretation of the theme and my development of the project. For my target audience research I collected both primary and secondary information to create a mood-board. This was effective because it allowed me to explore the target audience’s requirements and collect inspiration to start my design stage. For my art movement and designer research, I collected images and information about Su Blackwell and William Norris. It was effective collecting artist research because it allowed me to explore different elements of art and how they interpret nature through their own work. Also, it was effective because I took inspiration and placed it into my own work and development for my initial door designs. For the theme “Let the Outside In”, I decided to focus on different elements inside the theme which was, birds, wildlife, trees, patterns and flowers. I decided to focus on these elements because it would allow me to create a variety of initial door designs that would be developed further into final ideas. I believe that these different elements highlighted the theme and I was influenced by nature around me which is British wildlife. I have previous knowledge about British nature and I thought this was my influence to explore this theme. I have found the theme interesting because it allowed me to interpret my own ideas and expand them through my research and design ideas. I found designing for my target audience both easy and challenging throughout the project. At the start of the project I found the challenge easy because I was exploring the audience through mind maps and identifying the most popular colours and glass. However, as the project progressed into my research I found the project challenging as I found it difficult relating my research I collected to the target audience. However, I overcame this program when I started my initial and final door designs as I related all of my work and thought processes back to the target audience. I have followed the requirements throughout the project and planned, organised and prepared solutions for a 2D dimensional door design. I followed the criteria and created 3 contemporary door designs and 1 standard door design. For the materials I decided to have a wooden finish on the surface for all of my designs but with different colours. I decided to focus on the colours “Duck Egg” and “Chartwell” because they are the most popular colours for my target audience. To plan my glass elements, I researched different styles of glass that the company offered in the catalogue. Also, I researched into glass textures from the company website. Finally, I researched into Pilkington glass textures that had a variety of patterns to choose from. I found collecting elements of textured glass most effective as they related to my door designs and theme. For my practical skills, I used a variety of media and materials for my sketchbook work and final design sheets. For the media, I created collages and textures on my pages and final design sheets which made them engaging. For the materials I decided to focus on using acrylic paints in this project as I didn’t feel confident using them previously in other projects. By using this material, it allowed me to gain a new material skill that will be developed in future projects. Also, for my materials I continued to use materials I am confident using which was pencils, water-colour paints and coloured pencils. In the project I found both creating contemporary and standard door designs challenging for me as both doors had different styles and appearances. I found creating contemporary door designs challenging as I had very detailed ideas that had to be simplified in order to match the layout. I also found creating standard door designs challenging because they had basic layouts and my door designs were also very detailed and didn’t match the layout. However I overcame these problems and adapted my designs on my final design sheets to match the style of both doors. I believe that I haven’t managed my time well throughout the project. I struggled to keep goals I wanted to achieve each week and achieve my targets. I will improve my time management skills as I progress throughout the project. I have found my experience for working for a real client both challenging and enjoyable throughout the project. I have enjoyed working towards a specific target audience and theme that allowed me to interpret my own ideas. However, I did find it challenging because I found my limit to layouts and materials difficult to work with. Overall, my experience working for a company and client was interesting because it was my first experience that will be taken for the future in projects.