DES302 BLOG1: Proposal Refinement and Feedback Review

This blog is the first blog for Design 302, and it is also the first blog for this semester. Writing down the experiences and defining the specific challenges I encountered while doing the project is a great way to rewind and reflect, and this will help me along the way.

For this blog, I will use the Four F's of active reviewing model from the Reflection Toolkit

to help me unwind the experiences from Week 1 to Week 2. Using the Four F's Reflection Model will help me maintain an accurate project record (Facts), understand my emotional engagement (Feelings), draw valuable insights (Findings), and develop actionable improvement steps for future projects (Future).

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Facts

During these two weeks, I looked at my proposal and refined the HMW question and the design process/toolkit according to the comments on Canvas. I listed what needs to be revised and what steps must be taken to refine the proposal and organised them on the timeline. According to the requirements for A2, I've also taken another step further into the scopes and limitations of the proposal and organised Plans A, B and C into a table on Miro. I will also finish the ethics modules before August to have more time for the hands-on part of this project.

Other than that, I've found a paper from the general educational course I'm taking this semester(Gender Studies101G) that I could reference for this project. I particularly resonate with this quote from (Re)centering Black feminism into intersectionality research.

"When we design and implement research around social processes rather than social identities and ensure that every aspect of our research is focused on people marginalized by structural inequities, the spirit of intersectionality is alive and well in our work. Public health researchers have the responsibility to use research to advance the theory and to inform praxis by contributing to larger social justice efforts that promote health equity."

(Re)centering Black feminism into intersectionality research. Aguayo-Romero, R. A. (2021)

Since my project concerns young women, one of the critical proposes of my project is inclusivity. What intersecting factors affect young women's actions to utilise/not utilise a specific public space? What steps must be taken to ensure the project focuses on the process and structural problems, not just the identities? Considering these questions while conducting my design research is a way to ensure the ethics are implemented from start to finish.

Last Thursday's field trip was beneficial. Before the field trip, I had no idea what the design outcome would be like. Thanks to Alex(our guest speaker) and Xin, I have a rough idea of how I should present my design outcome and which organisations/businesses I could contact to formulate a feasible solution. I also asked Xin for some feedback at the end of this trip. She suggested I go to the community centre on High Street and talk to the staff.

Feelings

• Before the Refinement: Initially felt overwhelmed by the comments and revisions needed. There was a sense of uncertainty about how to proceed.

• During the Refinement: Felt more organized and in control once the steps were listed and timelines were created. It brought a sense of clarity and focus.

• While Developing Plans: Creating Plans A, B, and C on Miro was empowering and provided a clear path forward, reducing anxiety about the project's feasibility.

• During the Ethics Modules: Felt determined to complete these modules to ensure the project aligns with ethical standards. This brought a sense of responsibility and commitment.

• After Finding the Paper: Felt inspired and validated by the quote from Aguayo-Romero, recognizing the importance of focusing on social processes and inclusivity.

• During the Field Trip: Initially felt unsure about the design outcome but became more confident and inspired after hearing from Alex and Xin. Receiving feedback from Xin was reassuring and motivating.

Findings

• Clarity on Project Scope: Refining the HMW question and design process helped clarify the project's focus and direction.

• Structured Approach: Listing revisions and organizing steps on a timeline made the project more manageable.

• Feasibility Plans: Developing different levels of project plans (A, B, C) ensured preparedness for various outcomes, making the project more adaptable.

• Ethics Integration: Recognizing the importance of completing ethics modules early to ensure the project adheres to ethical standards throughout.

• Relevant Literature: Incorporating insights from the Gender Studies paper reinforced the project's focus on inclusivity and addressing structural problems.

• Design Presentation: The field trip provided practical insights into presenting the design outcome and connecting with relevant organizations.

• Community Engagement: Feedback from Xin highlighted the importance of engaging with community centers for further insights and validation of the design approach.

Future

• Next Steps: Complete the ethics modules by the end of July. Visit the community center on High Street to gather additional insights and feedback.

• Implementation: Integrate the lessons learned from the field trip and feedback into the design process. Ensure the project focuses on inclusivity and addresses intersecting factors affecting young women.

• Ongoing Reflection: Regularly reflect on the project's progress using the Four F's model to maintain clarity, address challenges, and stay aligned with ethical standards and project goals.