Before starting this module, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The name playful interactions didn’t really really explain what it involved. From completing the module, I found it intriguing designing with a focus on the future and getting to experiment with various new softwares I hadn’t heard of before.
The most important thing I learned was how my role as a designer will constantly evolve. As technology advances, it's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest tools and trends to ensure our skills remain relevant. This means being adaptable and open to learning new software, as the demands of design change with each innovation.
The lecture on storytelling stood out to me. I hadn’t realised how important narrative is in design, but learning to apply it to the user journey was eye-opening. It showed me how a good story enhances user experience. Creating a storyboard for our journey to university seemed simple at first, but became challenging with time constraints and fitting it into eight frames. I learned that storyboards are crucial for visualising the user experience and ensuring each step is well-designed.
The biggest challenge was coming up with an idea for the project, especially since designing for a smart home of the future was something I didn’t know much about. Although, by researching current smart home products and trends, I was able to find gaps in the market. This helped me focus on what could become the new normal in the future, leading me to create a relevant and innovative design.
I found it challenging to use new software when creating my prototype. Using Protopie to demonstrate my game required a lot of precision, especially when positioning elements to ensure everything functioned correctly. For the VR aspect, I used DraftXR, which wasn’t as difficult, but it took me some time to figure out that you needed to create frames around clickable elements for proper prototyping.
Lastly, designing for children was something I had never done before. At first, I was unsure about how to create illustrations and use the right tone of voice for a younger audience. To help with this, I looked at competitor educational apps to understand how they approach design for children. I found suitable illustrations online and adapted them to match my brand style. Also, I used ChatGPT to help simplify my content, making sure it was clear and age-appropriate for children. This process gave me more confidence in designing for a younger audience.
One area I want to improve on is not being afraid to take creative risks. I’ve noticed that I sometimes hold back ideas that feel impossible, in case they don’t work out. This can lead to me playing it safe with my design choices, which limits how far I can push my creativity.
I’ve realised that taking risks is an important part of the design process. Some of the most interesting ideas come from experimenting and not being afraid to fail. Even if something doesn’t work perfectly the first time, it often leads to better solutions or opens up new directions to explore. I want to remind myself that mistakes are part of learning and can strengthen my final outcome.
In future projects, I aim to be more confident in trying out bold ideas and trusting my instincts. Whether it’s testing a new style, using unfamiliar tools, or suggesting something unconventional, I want to challenge myself to go beyond what feels comfortable. I believe this mindset will help me grow as a designer and create work that stands out.