Jiali Su · Jul 28
Week 1-2 (7.15-7.28)
Blog 1
Based on Gibbs' Reflective Cycle
Description
In the first week, I spent a significant amount of time thinking about and designing the timeline for my final project in 301. I reported my project theme and intended technology to Mairi.
In the second week, I began the Empathy stage according to my timeline and design methodology. I started empathizing with my users using the Empathy Map tool, which helped me complete this stage quickly. I described my users' Persona and considered their user journey map. I am currently in the process of gathering user information during the Empathy stage and will rethink my HMW (How Might We) questions.
Feeling
Creating the timeline took a lot of time because I had to analyze each tool, due date, and to-do list needed for the assignments while designing relevant templates. This made me feel frustrated. However, I felt satisfied once the templates were completed, as they suited my needs well. During the empathy stage in the second week, being part of the same group allowed me to deeply understand the theme of loneliness and empathize with my users.
Evaluation
I think my to-do list tables are very clear. I divided them into weekly and daily plans, highlighting the major weekly tasks and breaking them into smaller daily tasks, which ensured I had assignments to complete each day.
Although I marked out daily tasks, I overestimated my efficiency.
Analysis🧐
I decided to split the assignment timeline into two parts: one based on due dates and the other indicating the time cycle required for each task. This approach helps me better understand my time progress. Deadlines serve as the best motivation for me to complete assignments. The smooth progress in the second week was due to the clear timeline and daily to-do lists from the first week. The pre-planning allowed me to manage the project and time effectively.
Conclusion
1. Challenges Faced: Through this reflection, I realize that I am starting to rethink the information I have collected. I am beginning to doubt my initial decision to use VR technology. How can I effectively alleviate loneliness? There are too many causes of loneliness among international students. How should I decide my entry point? The more I think about it, the more confused I become, which makes me more anxious.
2. How to Address These Challenges: To address this issue, I plan to seek help from teachers and friends based on the problems I have collected so far. I need to focus on the tasks at hand rather than worrying about the project's outcome. Following the steps will naturally lead to ideas. I will comfort myself with this thought, even though I still feel anxious.
Action plan
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As a designer, it is crucial to maintain empathy for users and understand their needs and feelings. This is why I chose Human-Centered Design (HCD) as my design methodology.
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Design is a continuous learning and improvement process. I need to continuously accumulate experience and knowledge, improving based on feedback and reflections.
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By communicating with people from different cultural backgrounds, I can enhance my understanding and respect for different cultures.
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Given my low efficiency, I need to learn and master more design tools and methods to improve my design efficiency and quality. After this process, I became uncertain about the technology I wanted to use.
Next week, I plan to think more deeply about this aspect and redefine the challenge statement.
