Journal Entry 5

            I am continuing to “familiarize” myself with Dreamweaver, as Krause (2004) suggests in the Design Basics Index (p. 126). In my last journal entry I discussed how I was having a hard time linking the pages in my site. I sat down with Dr. Rieber and he worked on file management with me. We worked on finding a template for me to use and uploading my files. Then we were able to copy some pages and link them. I felt successful after working on this with him. He emphasized that one of the keys to Dreamweaver is file management. I have continued to practice what he talked about in making sure my files are correctly placed and linked. We also practiced uploading my site to the UGA server. This was so neat to see it actually work! Since then I have been working on the parts of my site. I am gathering my favorite gluten free recipes that I have learned to make. I have also started working on an Animoto video to highlight what gluten is and why I am so interested in creating this resource for my family and anyone else who might be able to use it. I have to say that Animoto presentations can be very moving to someone and present a topic in a meaningful way. I am really having fun creating this site.

            As I was reading Lawson’s Chapter 3: Descriptions of the design process, he really made me think about the whole process of designing. He talked about there being multiple ways to “map out” the design process. Lawson (1980) stated “that our map should show a return loop from each function to all preceding functions” (p. 28). I agree with him and I am seeing this start to play out as I am designing my project. I am constantly revaluating any steps I take in my design process. Not only am I evaluating myself, but I am seeking other designers’ advice. We have started giving and receiving desk critiques in class now. Last week in class I received desk critiques from three people. I am taking these desk critiques to heart because not only can these people give me advice, but they could potentially be a client or represent a client of mine one day. It was also interesting to be able to give desk critiques as well. Not only do I get to help someone in their design process, but I also am able to share great ideas and have design conversations with others. I feel like this is truly part of the design process and creating those “return loops” that Lawson talks about. I plan to continue seeking desk critiques throughout my design process until the finished product.

References

Krause, J. (2004). Design basics index: A designer's guide to designing effective compositions, selecting dynamic components and developing creative concepts. Cincinnati, OH: How Design Books.

Lawson, B. (1980). How designers think. London: The Architectural Press, Ltd. (Chapter 3: Descriptions of the design process.)