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Alison Kennedys SWOT Analysis 2012/13

As part of my PDF2 studies I have written a SWOT Analysis of my skills and knowledge so far.

It has been produced using 24 criteria (as shown above in the diagram) which list the

knowledge and experience needed to become a successful professional designer.

This Analysis will help me to understand my current strengths and weaknesses showing me

areas where I need to gain more experience and knowledge for my studies and future

career. Some of the skills and knowledge I require can be learnt through further personal

research, but some will probably only be best learnt through experience of working in

industry. For this reason I have set these as long term aims.

Skills and Knowledge

Awareness of Diverse and Global Range of Design Cultures and Languages

I would like to think that I am fairly aware of different design cultures and languages. I have

travelled a lot and feel this has opened my eyes culturally. We have also been studying this

in our theoretical lectures. I find this area interesting and will spend more time reading

around these subjects to increase my knowledge further.

Experience of Design research, analysis & synthesis

I spend a lot of time on research, analysis and the synthesis of my designs. I enjoy these

areas of design and feel I do them well. I feel these are key areas to producing a successful

design. I have recently been compiling my research on Photoshop to save time with cutting

and pasting individual images by hand. I feel that I need more practise of design synthesis so

that I can complete this part quickly so that I can focus on other areas.

Visualising/Prototyping Skills and Aptitudes in a Range of media and forms

-I am aware that I spend too long on these areas in my design projects and I wish to

complete these aspects quicker but still comprehensively in order to finalise my design

presentation boards in more detail. I would also like to develop my sketching and drawing

skills so that they become more fluid and natural. I will do this by keeping a sketchbook

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which I will use once a week. I believe the best way for me to sketch is by being out and

about in the urban environment so will actively try to fit this into my free time.

Aptitude in Compiling Interim and Summative Design Presentations

I have been continuously compiling presentations throughout my time at university. I feel

this is one of my strongest areas as I like attention to detail. In these presentations I have

been compiling work together for individual projects as well as standing up in front of a class

to talk about certain topics. I would like more experience of standing up and doing a

presentation as I still find this difficult.

Aptitude for Designing through a Digital Platform

I have been using computers during my studies and really enjoy using Auto CAD and

Photoshop. However, I do struggle with my computer skills and knowing the importance of

these to any design company, would like to spend more time working with computers so

they become easier to use. To become more confident with computers I will set aside one

hour per week where I can follow online tutorials in order to improve my skills on software

such as sketch up which I still have difficulties with.

Experience of Process, Component and Production Technology

I do not have a lot of experience in this area but I am learning more with each project that I

complete. For each project I will research into different technologies to help improve my

knowledge further.

Project Process

Experience of Design Process and Methodologies

I have already learnt a lot about this subject through my university studies but I know there

are many more processes of a professional design practice that I have not yet done eg mood

boards. I will be learning more about these processes this coming year through my projects.

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Experience of Team Leadership & Management and Experience of managing Client

Relationships and collaboration

As a mature student I do have some transferable people skills from my previous

employment as an outdoor instructor where I worked as a Course Leader. I liaised with

teachers and lead a team of instructors, ensuring that the course ran smoothly and dealt

with any issues that occurred. These skills will help me when working in the design industry

as I am able to communicate effectively with people from different cultures and

backgrounds.

Experience of Costing projects and Fee Negotiation

I believe that some skills such as fee negotiation and costing will come through working in

industry. However I will research into the current costing’s that an Interior designer is

allowed to charge so I have a better understanding of this topic.

Experience of planning and Managing Project Activity

I have experience of planning and managing my own project activities through university.

However, this experience is limited as I have no experience of building my design concepts

in reality. I believe this will come through working in industry. I hope to get work placement

in the second semester which will add to my experience in this area.

Experience of a Wide range of Project types and Scales of Innovation

I have completed a wide range of Projects at university including house design, nature trail

design and product design. I enjoy working in all areas of design and would like to continue

doing so in the future. This area will continue to increase both in university and once I am

working in industry.

Enterprise and Marketing

Experience of Project Procurement and Client Consultation

I feel that I have already gained some experience through my previous job with client

consultation in the sense that I am able to talk to and discuss the issues and needs of the

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client. I am used to dealing with problems that may occur and am willing to work on my own

or as part of a team to resolve any issues. However I do not have any experience in project

procurement.

Knowledge of Design Sectors and Creative Industries

I have been proactive in researching into different design sectors and creative industries and

have started to compile information on companies which are of interest to me. I would like

to work in the commercial, leisure or residential sector and will be targeting companies in

these areas for my work placement in the second semester.

Experience in Planning Continuing Professional Development

I have experience in this area through my last job. My company regularly asked us to review

our skills and encouraged me to develop in my role by going on useful courses.

Experience and Understanding of Legislation and regulations

I understand that it will be very important as a designer to understand about the legislation

and regulations to avoid any expensive mistakes which could cost the client extra money. I

will try to research these as much as possible when I’m completing my projects so that I can

start to build upon my knowledge of this area.

Experience of design budgets, account management, practice marketing and promotion

I also have no knowledge of budgets, account management, marketing or promotion. I do

however understand how important these are to a business and feel it is essential that I gain

some expertise in these areas. In order to learn more about these areas I have signed up to

five of the academy Enterprise Events which have been arranged by the university to give

people a better understanding of business. If I go to five or more of these sessions I will also

receive a certificate which will be able to go into my portfolio. I would one day like to have

my own business and feel these skills will be essential to me. For this reason I am also

considering taking the business option for my year 6 studies.

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Values and Vision

Understanding and Practice of Ethical Business Standards

I do not know what the Ethical Business Standards are, but I will do some research into this

to find out what they are so that I can ensure I am using them when working in industry.

Subscription to policies and Standards of Ethical design

I have learnt about some of the issues in my theory classes, however this knowledge is

limited. Issues such as expanding urban populations and sustainability along with designing

for the ageing society will all become essential aspects for the design industry to think

about. It will be important to understand the policies and standards to ensure that I will be

producing ethical design for society.

Commitment to and Understanding of the Imperatives of Professional Practice

I am aware that it is essential to be professional when practicing design. The client will be

putting a lot of faith time and money into you and it is essential that you meet their

expectations, being on time, organised and reliable are just some of the basics that you

should conform to.

Awareness and Appreciation of Key Design Futures and Innovation Trends

I understand how important it is to be forward thinking in the design industry in terms of

having a successful business in a competitive market. It is important to forecast future

trends both in the market and for society as a whole. It is the forward thinking businesses

that do their best in the market as they cater for the needs of the client. I find this very

interesting and would like to know more about the issues that will be facing so many

designers in the future. I will continue to read design magazines and journals in order to

keep my knowledge and awareness of issues current. I will also try to use this knowledge in

my university studies whenever possible.

Commitment to the Advancement of Design Knowledge, Expertise and Value

I am very committed to this area and have subscribed to a design magazine to keep myself

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up to date with this topic. I believe this will help me in my designs as I will be more aware of

current affairs in the design world.

Awareness and Practice of User Centred Design

I believe it is very important to create user centred design as there are so many

needs/requirements that need to be catered for e.g. the elderly, children and disabilities. It

is creating for the user that will make you successful, without this practice and awareness

you will not be successful.

My Intents For the Coming Year

· To keep a weekly sketchbook to make my drawings and sketches quick and fluid.

· To spend one hour per week doing a computer tutorial to become more confident

with computers.

· Research into the fees for interior design.

· Reading design magazines/journals to keep up to date with current issues or trends.

· Complete at least five Academy Enterprise Events.

· Research further into legislation and regulations whilst completing my projects.

· To research and Practice of Ethical Business Standards.

· To complete a work placement in my second semester.

In Conclusion

Although I have had a couple of successful years in terms of my grades I realise I still have a

very long way to go before I will become a fully competent designer. I hope through extra

work and time I can improve on the areas that I currently lack knowledge, skill or experience

so that I can become a successful designer.

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Table of Importance

The following table summarises my SWOT Analysis into areas which are Essential, Important

and Desirable. These show the areas I would like to improve and how I will achieve this over

the next year.