Research Methods & Mac Induction

Research and Work Logging

In our first session we started to look into what research is and how we use it. We looked at different methods of research such as books and the internet. You would use a book if you wanted to research in a lot of detail (primary research) whereas you would use the internet if you were researching something quickly and not particularly in a lot of detail (secondary research). We use research in order to put context to our own work, this helps show a background into what kind of work we are doing and why.  We might show examples of research by using pictures, references and an explanation of why we chose that example in particular.

We also looked into how we might start recording our own work and research. Blogs are one of the examples of how we can log and record our practical sessions within collage along with research done individually elsewhere. Blogs are good to use as you can upload pictures of sessions done within college. This shows evidence that you have completed the work and the methods and techniques used to complete them.

Mac Induction & Organisation of Work

We were given our induction into using the macs for work within college. We were taught some simple techniques about saving work and general organization of our work. We were told that having an organized folder (within documents) with names of each module or work process to save work into is the easiest and most organized way of storing work. We have also been taught basic use of programs on the macs and which ones to use in different situations. Adobe illustrator is best to use when creating a logo as it is a vector based as opposed to pixel based like photoshop which is better for photo editing. InDesign is best to use for layout design and type alignment (magazine spreads, leaflets posters etc.)

Without general organization of your own work it is pointless presenting it at all. If you have lots of work at the best of standards but no organization it is not clear on what your work is or how you were inspired. This is why organization is hugely important for work. A blog can be used to organize notes, research and processes. Folders can be used