Keep running and Keep fighting

Critical reflection

Research

The idea of this major project comes from my personal passion in the design industry. I want to build up a practical method that will develop the design industry of my country. I start up with the idea of creating website and services for Thai designers that will be used as an organization for them or anyone who is interested in. I have gathered information on Thai and the global designs till it comes to the conclusion that several factors related to the development of the design industry. The support from the government comes very first and also, funds are the must. Not only that, what artists and designers need is a space to present their works at. In most other countries, there are plenty of useful sources to support the artists’ ideas such as websites and exhibitions. Thailand, on the other hand, lacks of strong community to share, to show, and to discuss. Therefore, I will be the very first to build that place for them.

For the stage of research, I have studied a lot on the global design industries. What is international design industry up to? What the 2012 design trend is? What will be the upcoming trend for the year 2013? How does the international design organization manage their companies? What are their plans? Who their target audience is? What Thai designer wants? And what the problem in the Thai design industry is? When I finally conclude those answers, I write them down on the mind map to analyze and put the ideas together. I then try to find out what will be the solution for the Thai designers in order to help them develop their works and enhance the value for Thai design. The answer finally comes out to be a website. Website can be such a great tool to access and encourage target audiences, also provide place for online communication. The design of the website comes at the very last step, and is the most tough as I have not had any experience designing a webpage. Of course there are varieties of ways to design. Website has no limit of size. You can make each page any size you want, just to manage the margin wisely. This is the part I have to manage very carefully because it gives me direction to work for the entire process. If the height of each page were too much, users would not want to scroll down till the end and notice all the details I put in.

Planning

I only have three months (July-September) to finish the project. For the first and half of the second month, I gave them to the research and gathering all the useful information. My only concern is put at the web design. Like I mentioned earlier, this is my first time creating website. I took this time to study how each webpage contains of, and what the elements have put each part together. After that, I got chance to speak with my senior who is a senior graphic designer at my previous workplace. We discussed a lot then he gave me advices and directions how should I go with the web design. For instance, he mentioned that what I should have concern on is the display screen, and also to use grid and colours to control mood and tone.

When the research period is done, I then put the rest of the time in the design concept, then develop it. In this step, There were so many problems that I barely not able to avoid. First of all, there were time that I could not think of anything, nor to design any works due to the exhaustion. The only thing I could do is to stop working immediately, and search for more inspirations. I also see the others works, from the bookstore to the well known website, locally, and internationally. These help a lot in inspiring and encouraging. Not only that, I keep myself going back to what I have researched at the previous stage. That is to remind me the concept, the work frame, and the directions of the project.

Design concept

Moving to the stage of design development, I start by naming the organization. I have listed about ten names, and have my classmates and friends voted which one they like most. This is to ensure that the name I finally go with will have an impact on the audience once they see it. For me, name matters a lot in building image for the organization. Name also represents aim of the organization. Finally, the name has confirmed to be “TDT” (Thai Designers Talk). Consequently, I start producing a logo that I have created over ten different styles. I also combine symbol and type together to create uniqueness in which I ended up going for the combination between symbol and type. For the logotype process, all the elements I have put in are all related to the goal of this project. The colour portrays the unity of Thailand. They are the three colors of Thai flags that are blue, white, and red. The speech bubbles is the symbol of talking. For the typeface, I go for “Helvetica Rounded” as it best represents the style of mine and the website as well. The website feature is also the considerate part. I aim to create a unique website, to make it stand out from the competitors. Similarly, the website content is very essential as well. I have divided them into six sections that are Home, Inspiration, Education, Talents, Awards, and Thai Talk. These categories are the very important parts that I have tried my best to get through each of them carefully and outstandingly. I always go back and forth to the stage of research to make sure that all the parts are put together perfectly. Once the direction and the overall image of the project are finalized, brand applications are simply made at last.

I must say that every part of this project is equally important. However, I personally put a bit more effort into the design process. This part is a showcase that communicates with the audiences as if I speak to the people who enter the website.

Concept testing

When the design element is all done, I showed them to the designer friends of mine, and asked for their opinions. Some of them agreed that it looks different from the other Thai sites, as well as they noticed its own characteristic. They also suggested that if I can really form the website, it would be useful to the designers even some might find it new to the Thai design market. It is amazing to achieve such strength that helps me continue my work cheerfully and energetically. I am positive that this concept is going to be an alternative for the target users. The research shows that Thailand still lacks of design online community that is actually practical in terms of serving useful knowledge, and provide place to share and discuss ideas at. Furthermore, young designers should have an opportunity to understand the principle of design in which I am positive that this site will serve their needs.

However, feedback from the real users will also be a minor proof for the project’s success. The marketing plan will be even more important in the future, to improve the brands’ image. This is to bring more users and to develop the website at the same time.

Conclusion

First of all, it is very enjoyable having chance to complete this project because I am positive that “TDT” (Thai Designers Talk) can be executed for real. Whenever the site actually operates in World Wide Web, it is going to be successful, at least in Thailand. The image and the purpose of the site are clearly identified and presented, which will be a simple approach to interactive audience.

Secondly, I have learnt a lot of digital media. They could be beneficial for me in the future. My design skills also improved while working on the project yet I am glad that I got chance to learn new things. I have come to the conclusion that once you cannot continue the design, or lack of imagination on works, you should allow yourself a break so that you can come back with more energy and ideas.

Finally, I can totally say that all the steps in this project are the biggest challenge. There are so many circumstances I face that I have to make the decision by myself. Most importantly, this project guides me the career pathway I want to be in in the near future. I also plan to keep myself improving with the designing skills.