Thursday, 14 May 2015

Self-Evaluation Unit X


Self-Evaluation pro-forma

Name
Samuel Ellis                                                      
Programme
Unit X
Feedback session date/time (if known)
ID Number
14034166
Link to Digital submission
Contact number
07447932142

 

This pro-forma is for you to consider your own performance in relation to the learning outcomes. It should help you to reflect on your achievements and identify future directions. The format is the same as the staff assessment and is intended to help you understand where your expectations match or differ from that of the assessor, and as such should inform discussion of your achievements.

 

Unit X Level 4 – Student self-evaluation pro-forma

·         The Best Bit

 Which part of this unit have you engaged with the most, and why?

Making the functional product was the best bit as it was hands on making. The design is bespoke and beautiful. Networking with people was very useful and helped give a better understanding of what to do and the challenges ahead. The final idea was complex and wiring the light was the longest process, as I had to go out in Manchester and search for the correct pieces in order for it to function safely. 

·         Things that worked

What are the most successful aspects of your work for this unit and why?

Connecting all the wiring and ensuring the light worked safely was very successful as no problems                   occurred throughout the process. Making the American Walnut Wooden base was simple, by                 cutting the piece to size and drilling a hole in the middle for the wires to pass through showed                    understanding of the design and how everything fits together.   

 

·         Things to work on

Which aspects of your work will require more attention in the future and why?

Create more drawings of the design in order to get a better understanding of where problems might occur before beginning building the product. Develop more ideas so there are options if it goes wrong. Focus more in depth on the x7 Rules of Design. Understand, Think, Design, Solve, Start, Finish & Sell.

 

 

Wednesday, 6 May 2015

Number Of Words Use. Reflection: Toil and Joy.

Number Of Words Use. Blog 3 

Reflection: Toil and Joy.


 
Reflection: Toil and Joy.

During this process I have learned how to earth a Pick Axe and connect all the wires together in order to make the light bulb function. I have also learned to keep developing the idea to try and solve the problems which may occur before the actual build so there are less un-expected problems. Good planning makes for a more successful conclusion. The Primary Research in Newcastle at the Biscuit Factory opened up new ideas such as using ceramics in the design of my final piece. The process during the design and making was about net working with people in order to learn how to fit an earth wire or even just sales assistants from B&Q advising on which tools and products to select in order to make this final functional light.

I was committed throughout the process and gave my ideas to team members when they needed help and I believe I was a good team player. The understanding and structure of working together in a team was fantastic as we all listened to each other and had a very strong theme of Toil and Joy. I have developed my skills in electrics, ensuring it passed all health and safety requirements. I would like to improve by making a series of lights that are functional and can be sold to the public in the future. I would like to explore working with different materials and develop more ideas throughout the process and learn how different materials may or may not compliment each other. I will help achieve this having a good range of ideas with a wide selection of drawings depicting thoughts and intentions, a goal would be in the region of approximately x30 drawings to help finalise the end product.

During the process of making everything flowed smoothly and no mistakes were made. The choices of materials represented Bradford Pit for example, the plaster was a grey/black which was shown as coal and the dark wood represented inside the dark mine, giving the mood of foreboding darkness, yet solid construction. Without the industrial bulb it would not have the same character or professional finish. The lead represented the sliver which can be found in mines. The level of interrogation needed in order to find out how to connect the wiring was the correct amount as it was a successful process at the first attempt. All the wires connected safely using a small screw driver which was bought from Wilko in Manchester.

Communicating in a team was very important so all our products and designs have a link with Toil and Joy. As a group we showed understanding of each other’s designs and helped each other to solve problems. The key motivation in this unit was about making something that is functional which shows the memories of the Bradford Pit. The light was one of the main ideas because I wanted to communicate that the miners who used pick axes to dig for coal also needed light in order to see and the coal generates light creating a cycle of process.

Displaying the light in the exhibition is complimented by the two black plaster blocks used as a background feature representing the coal face. The light shines through the blocks giving a sense of hope and freedom for the hard working miners.

 My future ambitions would be to learn how to make different wood joints in the Wood Work Shop and continue making bespoke products, using recycled materials where possible. Making functional working products that could be sold in the near future is a key aim. The project was successful, individually and as a team member. A Three Dimensional functional Electric Light was made.