Finally - Feedback for SP5, Module 1

The previous trainer is now no longer marking this study period, so someone else is taking her place. So, here goes:

Student Name: Colleen Sedgwick

Student Number: E0498336
Trainer Name: Danielle Regent
Date: 3/11/2016
Unit/s of Competency: BSBDES502A Establish, Negotiate and Refine A Design Brief
Submission Check List C NYC

Negotiated Brief and Report

The report is comprised of 3 parts as stated on assessment brief:

• Part A – Logo and branding brief- (750 words) - C
• Part B – Website design brief - (750 words) - C
• Part C – Report - (200 words) - C

Overall Assessment: Competent 

Overall Feedback:

Colleen, you have submitted a good assessment. It was great to see you were offering design suggestions to the client - it can be hard sometimes for clients to know what it is they want. They often understand their business very well, but when it comes to creating a design such as a logo or website, this is were the Graphic Designer is called upon to effectively communicate the intended brand message of the business or organisation. Understanding thoroughly what it is the client wants can help guide you and help you to establish their design needs. This helps you as the designer to develop good clear design ideas. 

I would have liked to have seen more included for section 1.3 and demonstration into how you have thought about your research. Noting some of the decisions is something that can help guide you for future jobs and working with clients. Section 1.4 was also an area to be highlighted and a record of communication should be kept. Your assessment overall needed further "reflection" - asking yourself questions like "why is it important that I have a good understanding about what it is the client needs and wants?" Is it because "it will help you as a designer to have a very clear and defined brief?" 

I think your presentation to the client is good and you have given some of your own creative input. This could have included some further input such as possible font choices or even some examples of logos that have a "similar style" you are thinking of using for the new logo design. It appears you have made a suggestion with addition of some website examples. This demonstrates to the client your understanding of their target audience and their visual needs, wants and possible style. Using visual examples to discuss your ideas with your client will prove very valuable to you and your client, it eliminates the possibility of being on two different design paths and then you as a designer potentially spending hours on a design that is not what your client is after. Visual examples clears things up in everyone's mind.

Colleen, you have created a good formal brief, which has outlined what is required when designing the project, areas such as the target audience and style of design. You may want to look at clarifying the "exact time frames" for example a "set completion date" so that all involved are clear - this could also factor in areas such as printing deadlines. Also any "rounds of changes" may also be included so that again it avoids any misinterpretations. 

You make some good points when stipulating your terms and conditions. I would think about formalising these into a clear and succinct document - preferably one page with a section for your client to sign, date and agree to. Doing this will again clearly clarify all legalities of the design job in progress.

A good effort overall Colleen, I hope this assessment has given you some confidence and guidance on how you might consider conducting your own work practices.

Danielle Regent 3/11/2016

My response:

All in all, some fairly positive feedback even though my actual grade was a PASS.  However, this trainer (teacher) was able to check my work and give me tips on what I could do specifically to improve upon my skills in this area.