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Reflection on the class - This class was a lecture and then group tasks to create user flows. For the group task of creating a smart plant pot up that completed different tasks, we were able to choose two processes in the group of four so chose to complete them in sets of twos. This was a really interesting exercise as when Aoife and I completed it we both produced very different styles of designs but the overall idea was the same allowing the user flow to explain it step by step and every page that you would require.

We then began explaining to each other our designs and discussed what we liked part of each of them and then created a combined design that created the most efficient and user-friendly interface. I was really happy with what we designed for this task I found it really fun and it was entertaining to see what areas we forgot each that then had to be added in.

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Visual Starter Kit

This is a guide that can be used for meeting notes and project planning, it allows you to combine visual elements with written words.

Start

It starts with getting you to practice drawing icons with no pressure allowing you to relax. There were three tips they gave where find your own pace and rhythm to become comfortable drawing, find your own choreography understand what works for you, and find your own variations, and alter drawings until they feel right for you.

Structure

They have outlined 2 methods to do this and a bonus, 1. Sprinkled icons This is when you are taking notes on a page or whiteboard you take a note of something and draw the corresponding icon beside it, this creates visual anchors that along you to scan your notes and filter them by the images. 2. Icon in margins which is a more structured version of note-taking, you leave 2 to 3 cm for a margin so when writing notes you add corresponding icons in the margin and this creates a visual index allowing you to find information quickly. The Bonus method is after the notes have been taken going back through them with a highlighter to clarify some of the information. You can then create a condensed version of your notes.

Plan a Project

When planning a project it can be helpful to lay it out visually to have a better understanding of what needs to happen and when.

1. Draw a horizontal line across your page.
2. Mark the beginning with a line and today, then do the same with the goal icon at the end.
3. Name the goal.
4. Divide the line into weeks.
5. Add the milestones, deliverables, and responsibilities to the timeline (things will always be more so don't stress) if the sketch gets messy or confusing redraw the timeline.

Bonus, if you are working in a group you can use posted notes to write and sketch elements so that they can be rearranged making it really clear for everyone.

mini_visual_starter_kit_EvaLotta.pdf

Miller’s Law