7.1: Thesis Check-In

Thesis Topic: Middle School Virtual Learning
Goal: help middle school children adapt, navigate, and learn in the on-line learning environment.
Audience: Middle School Students  & Teachers
This week I worked on refining and completing the website for OctoEd where teachers, administrators and even parents can get information about the LMS and order a free trial. After I made adjustments to the desktop website, I made 3 other versions using a responsive layout. I created two for the iPad: one horizontal, and one vertical. I think created a responsive version for a smart phone.
This week I also continued working on the Thesis Process Book and added to the visual system guides. I still want to add descriptive text along with the imagery.

• What have you learned from the process of research and creation in your thesis journey?
  
  • During the process of creating the website and visual guidelines, I learned that there a lot of really good examples of well made websites and process journals that can be used for inspiration. I think the last few weeks I have felt a little stunted in the creativity department. Looking at well designed examples helped to spark the creative juices and to create layouts that are visually pleasing as well a easy to navigate. I also learned that you need to guide the user through your pages with not only visuals but written explanations. I am lacking that at this point in many areas, but will continue to add them as I add to the book.
    
• How has your visual system developed? What works and what needs improvement?
  
  • I think my visual system is developing nicely. Every week I add different elements to expand an the visual system so that it doesn't get too repetitive. However I also want it to be consistent. I feel it is in a constant flux of adding, revising, and tweaking. However it has a good base and a consistent look and feel throughout. I need to add written explanations to the pages of the guidelines to help the viewer understand the imagery better.
    
• What about your product? Are there things you would change? Why? Why not?
  
  • I am still refining and editing the virtual learning platform. There are times that I wonder if I should still only be targeting middle school students, instead of all K-8 or K-12. However, I am often reminded how unique the mind of a middle schooler is and how their needs are most specifically not being met with the current platforms on the market. I still need to get to the heart of social media and communication to enhance those features in my platform, to better appeal to my target audience.
    
• Describe the most useful and interesting things you have learned about yourself and the process of research and design in your thesis journey so far.
  
  • During the process of research I have learned a lot about pacing myself and time management. Even the most organized people can get overwhelmed if the don't pace themselves. I have also learned that it is important to look to the experts and to constantly be looking at design to keep ideas fresh and flowing. It is very easy to get a creative block when you are designing for 2 graduate course plus the thesis. I still have a lot to do, but I think I am at a point where it is all coming into focus and I can bring it all together. The next 7 weeks are going to be very busy!