Today was quite helpful (at least the lecture was)
With a concrete idea now in sight it was time to develop the project plan, which was supposed to be done by today but hey, no one does this stuff on time. We all got another run down on how to structure the project plan and map out our projects with goals and end results and outcomes in mind. After a few quick, but relatively in depth, explanations of the different aspects of a project plan it was quite easy to make a start. I had already made several bullet points in terms of the concept, the outcomes and how to go about the production and processes so all that was needed now was to take the jumbled and random information and arrange it into the correct categories and hopefully finish up with a project plan worth using.
Lorna explained how the presentation side of things were going to be run at the end of it all. The end decision was that the presentations would be held during SWATVAC. This gave us more time as SWATVAC was the week after all assessments are due. We were informed on the rules of inviting particular guests and friends and families. One thing which was very good to hear was the fact that we are not being marked on our presentation. Though being marked would force us (the student body) into learning about and furthering our presentation skills. However, it is more nice to know that we are being marked solely on our end product and process undertaken to achieve the end result.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Monday, August 6, 2007
Week 3 - Project Plans and Ideas
Today we discussed all the elements of planning a major project, not necessarily our assessment project but projects in general, whether they be on a personal or commercial scale. We discussed the various elements and stages of planning including: preliminary sketches, prototyping, creating time lines and deadlines, delegating tasks etc.
We then looked further at what makes a good project plan in relation to our own works due at the end of semester.
in the tutorials we discussed our ideas with our tutors and were constantly made aware of how little time we had to complete our major works unless we started this very instant. We through our ideas out and received feedback. There were alot of creative ideas. The important thing to learn was that we should not set ourself an impossible goal. As long as we could deliver some working aspect of our major concept and could clearly demonstrate further development, it would be considered okay.
For example, my idea was to create a similar program to iDVD. The concept is a portfolio compiling program whereby users can select a theme and perhaps a layout and use the inbuilt functions such as the uploading of images, video and sound to create and compile their own portfolio. it would basically give people the chance to create an aesthetically pleasing, and from a design point of view, visually sound portfolio regardless of their design skills as all they would have to do is add their own work. The designing of the portfolio is done for them.
After discussing this concept with the tutors, it was agreed that yes, the concept was a rather large project to complete in 10 weeks. However, if i could get some aspects of the concept up and running and clearly demonstrate that further developments could be made, then that would suffice for a major works.
With that in mind, all i have to do now is work out what aspects and areas are achievable and which are not and then set to task on the project plan.
We then looked further at what makes a good project plan in relation to our own works due at the end of semester.
in the tutorials we discussed our ideas with our tutors and were constantly made aware of how little time we had to complete our major works unless we started this very instant. We through our ideas out and received feedback. There were alot of creative ideas. The important thing to learn was that we should not set ourself an impossible goal. As long as we could deliver some working aspect of our major concept and could clearly demonstrate further development, it would be considered okay.
For example, my idea was to create a similar program to iDVD. The concept is a portfolio compiling program whereby users can select a theme and perhaps a layout and use the inbuilt functions such as the uploading of images, video and sound to create and compile their own portfolio. it would basically give people the chance to create an aesthetically pleasing, and from a design point of view, visually sound portfolio regardless of their design skills as all they would have to do is add their own work. The designing of the portfolio is done for them.
After discussing this concept with the tutors, it was agreed that yes, the concept was a rather large project to complete in 10 weeks. However, if i could get some aspects of the concept up and running and clearly demonstrate that further developments could be made, then that would suffice for a major works.
With that in mind, all i have to do now is work out what aspects and areas are achievable and which are not and then set to task on the project plan.
Week 2 - Disaster Strikes
Let me start off by saying a quick "don't use powerpoint timings unless you really know what your doing".
We had everything we needed for the presentation. We even had a script. Unfortunately when we started to present our idea the 'the board' the PowerPoint presentation timing was nothing like we had practiced. It had a mind of its own. This through of our concentration and composure greatly and our intended perfect presentation turned into more of an embarrassment. We pushed on through the presentation (in our very own, very unprofessional style) and finally it was over. We did receive some useful feedback however. Mainly on how not to lose your composure when something goes wrong; which happens more than you would think apparently. The markers did however manage to find some good amongst all the bad and gave us a few encouraging comments and pointers which we thought was a very kind gesture.
I guess with a little more planning and perhaps without the absence of one of our team members (myself) we could have come up with a little better end result. At the end of it all however, I managed to get some useful feedback and from simply watching others and hearing the feedback they received, both good and bad,I picked some very worthwhile tips and strategies for the end of semester presentation.
Lets hope that runs a little more smoothly.
We had everything we needed for the presentation. We even had a script. Unfortunately when we started to present our idea the 'the board' the PowerPoint presentation timing was nothing like we had practiced. It had a mind of its own. This through of our concentration and composure greatly and our intended perfect presentation turned into more of an embarrassment. We pushed on through the presentation (in our very own, very unprofessional style) and finally it was over. We did receive some useful feedback however. Mainly on how not to lose your composure when something goes wrong; which happens more than you would think apparently. The markers did however manage to find some good amongst all the bad and gave us a few encouraging comments and pointers which we thought was a very kind gesture.
I guess with a little more planning and perhaps without the absence of one of our team members (myself) we could have come up with a little better end result. At the end of it all however, I managed to get some useful feedback and from simply watching others and hearing the feedback they received, both good and bad,I picked some very worthwhile tips and strategies for the end of semester presentation.
Lets hope that runs a little more smoothly.
Week 1 - Down & Out
This weeks blog is labeled 'Down & Out' because that is exactly the state i was in. I was in hospital with a serious case of pneumonia. I did find out however through some fellow students of what the course entailed in as much as we had a major project to complete by the end of semester with complete freedom. It was also brought to my attention that we had a minor assessment due the following Monday named 'Quick and Dirty' where we were to basically come up with a concept and present the concept with the aid of a 3 minute video presentation. The aim was to receive feedback on our presentation skills which would aid us in the final presentation of our major works.
Unfortunately i was not going to be released until the Friday before the assignment was due so my team and I had a slight disadvantage.
Anyway, i was released on the Friday and we got to work. a start had been made which was good to see, but more work had to be done. We finished the project without too much difficulty though it did have a very authentic 'Quick and very Dirty' fell to it.
Unfortunately i was not going to be released until the Friday before the assignment was due so my team and I had a slight disadvantage.
Anyway, i was released on the Friday and we got to work. a start had been made which was good to see, but more work had to be done. We finished the project without too much difficulty though it did have a very authentic 'Quick and very Dirty' fell to it.
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