What If...Self Evaluation.

What problem did you identify?

Our group had reasonably similar statements when initially put together, circulating around the idea that Leeds is flourishing with prospects and oppurtunities for though seeking a metropolitan lifestyle, developed from the research we gathered in the "collection 100" research brief. We decided that we wanted to take this positivity and apply it further to our "problem", which was "What makes Leeds a fun and vibrant place to live?", going on to decide that we should attempt to promote these fun and vibrant aspects to people whom live outside of the city, or may move in (such as prospective students).

What evidence did you find to support your decisions?

We collected quantative and qualitative survey-based repsonses, photographic documentation and secondary source opinions on particular aspects of Leeds.

What methods did you use to gather your evidence and what form(s) did it take?

We collected various forms of research- both quantative and qualitative.

Kirsty organised an online survey to find out what people felt the most important aspect of Leeds was, to which we recieved 97 responses with mutliple-choice answers (including nightlife, shopping, entertainment, education and business).

I also posted a paper-based survey (with the same questions) among my student halls to which I gained a few responses, as well as going out to the city, documenting places photographically and experiencing the entertainment facilities (which we would go on to focus on) to give a genuine and truthful review.

What methods of research did you find useful and why?

The research we undoubtedly found most useful was the online questionnaire/survey. The vast number of responses we got in such a short space of time was really satisfying as it gave us a great springboard for analysis to develop our project further.

How did these inform your response to your problem?

They led us on to being able to discover which aspect of Leeds required most advertising and promoting. In our case, the two aspects of Leeds deemed as least important were business and entertainment, therefore, we decided upon entertainment, as we felt this would offer the most scope and oppurtunity to develop to a particular audience (we chose students).

What methods did you encounter problematic and why? How did you overcome this?

The paper-based research was perhaps the most problematic. I had originally intended to also go into the public and ask people's opinions in relation to the questionnaire, however, after a few hours I found that people were very un-recptive and un-willing to answer my questions (particularly on a snowy winters day!). The paper-based questionnaires were troublesome because of the lack of responses we recieved- of course, as it was voluntary and we didn't personally approach these people, the responses were going to purely be generated from good will and dependent on whether people had time in their lives, etc, thus, we gained very few responses.

What research could you have carried out that would have proved more useful?

I think perhaps just directing our questionnaire at a more specific audience- perhaps asking both student Loiners (natives of Leeds) and prospective student Loiners- gaining both a concieved and pre-concieved viewpoint to find out whether our entertainment promoting would have longevity and stand the test of time once the students had infact moved to the city.

List 5 things that you learnt about the design process in the past two weeks:

1. Defining different types of research to a more defined level- seperating primary and secondary source research into being either quantative or qualitative (numerical, statistical, factual or opinions-based).

2. How communication with the public through face-to-face interaction and online networking can really enrich your work as you develop a much wider overview of thoughts and opinions.

3. How to interact properly within a design group- how communication helps with branding and consitency through your designs.

4. How to create a simple stop motion video.

5. How to successfully utilise my skills, whilst complementing others in a group working environment.

List 5 things you would do differently next time:

1. Communicate even more- that way we could have perhaps developed our ideas and research further.

2. Designated roles and "responsibilities" within our group at an earlier stage.

3. Express opinions to the group at an earlier stage to ensure that everyone's opinions and thoughts are considered in the design process.

4. Constantly plan and organise myself so I can ensure I don't hold back progress of the group in any way.

5. Be even more involved in the public sector- don't be afraid to confront people (in a positive way, of course!). The worst they can do is make you turn away.