This week, I put my focus on completing my final deliverables. I updated the website version for laptops and added ordering screens. I will also update the remainder of the responsive layouts that I have created for iPad and mobile devices. The last item needed is the 3-minute walk-through, which is still a work in progress. As I was revisiting some of the student material kit items, I noticed that they need some updates before comping, as the visual system has changed slightly including new word mark variations. I will update those this coming week.

The visual platform and social media page are complete and I have completed a walk-through video with voice-over. I am much happier with the result, however, still struggling with timing. Having a script has helped, but I need to line up my clicks, with the items I am discussing. I will continue to re-record.

I refined my horizontal word mark with the tagline learn, engage, connect, and posted a few options. I have highlighted the ones I will be using but am open to feedback.

I also refined the thesis video storyboard and began to map out ideas for the final PDF presentation. It is in a very rough stage but I am thinking about narrative and how to tell the story of OctoEd and why it is a solid solution to the problem at hand.

As for the overall visual system and concept behind OctoEd, I think that my visual system has stayed consistent in a lot of ways, but I also learned how to adapt it to different situations and applications. I learned to highlight different elements of the visual system based on the size and structure of the deliverables that I was developing, but by having a structure and designated design elements, it was easy to apply it to multiple deliverables. At one point I had added an illustrative element to the visual system, but after only using it in one or two places, I realized that it was not a strong addition and didn't really enhance the visual system in away way, so it was removed. One of the biggest changes that happened with my visual system was taking it from always having a white background, to using the colors from the system as background colors. It make a nice way to designate different deliverables a color to sort and organize things, such as subjects or types of deliverables. I think adding this element made it more cohesive.
Developing a cohesive visual system has allowed me to set up a series of deliverables that work together to tackle the problem of middle school virtual learning. First I had to create an engaging and interesting system that would appeal to my target audience. Using this system I was able to create a learning platform that would appeal to the senses and needs of the middle school student as well as the teachers and administrators. Being able to adapt this system to various applications allowed me to develop a wide range of solutions to the given problem.  I think one of they key components in this is understanding the audience and seeing the problem from their perspective. Putting myself in their shoes allowed me to see solutions that would be effective for them. User testing has given me positive feedback that my solutions are effective and have potential.

This week I reworked a lot of the icons and updated the virtual learning platform, as well as the Visual Standards Guide. I then created a new prototype from the updated platform screens and used them to complete user testing. I was able to meet with 5 middle school students aged 11-13. I got a lot of great re-assuring feedback. It was really nice to get validation from my primary target audience. And trust me, middle school students can be a tough audience! After user testing, I compiled the feedback and looked for insights.
I began to re-record my walkthrough video but had a few hang-ups.

• I can't figure out how to move the laptop up in the screen for the prototype. I'm using InVision, has anyone had any success with this?
• I was losing my voice so I need to record when I can maintain my voice.
• I changed my technique for explaining things but it got way too long. It is broken into two videos. I didn't edit because I need to re-record, but I'm wondering if I am on a better track with my audio.

I also updated the awareness campaign for Instagram and print ads. I think they could still use some more images. I want to add to my image bank because I think I have re-used the same photos too many times.
Lastly, I began to map out a rough storyboard for the thesis video.

This week I created materials for the Awareness Campaign. I edited the 3 Instagram Carousels and created GIFs of each set. I created an email blast and 2 magazine ads. I am contemplating making one a full spread. I am also unsure of how much to include in the email and if there should be a footer.
For the video walk-through, I recorded a video of myself navigating and explaining the virtual learning platform features. It is very rough! I need to work on pacing and memorizing the steps so I can talk without getting hung up on what action to complete next. I made a few edits to some of the screens and need to make a better prototype with higher resolution images. However, I wanted to wait until I got the icons updated. I am still working on those. I will try to upload something midweek for feedback.

I will be working on the remaining deliverables (Website and video) this coming week. Starting this coming week I cut back my hours at work so I can dedicate more time to completing my thesis. I am looking forward to spending some extra time on it this coming week.

This week I completed the Virtual Learning Platform and did a run-through video of the virtual learning prototype in InVision. I am still working out the details of the recording. I need higher resolution images for the next run and to figure out how to change the background and add text.

I also made some edits to the Process Journal and updated the check-marks on the Materials Matrix. I will be completing the website and awareness campaign next week. I will also be mapping out the 3-minute video to have done in weeks 6 and 7.

My visual system has been fairly consistent since its conception in thesis one. I have a dded a few graphic elements such as illustrations that currently only appear in the printed materials. I am going to revisit them this week to decide if they will stay or be removed completely since they do not appear anywhere else in the visual system. Another thing that I have expanded upon is the use of background color within the visual system. Initially a lot of my pieces where white, but then I added the purple field behind the graphics. I have also branched out into using different colors from the visual system as backgrounds to differentiate different subject and types of items.
The only other thing that I am still working to refine and finalize is the icons. They are still somewhat inconsistent and I will be working to streamline them as I make final refinements to all if my deliverables over the next 2 weeks.