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My business card...

26th of March 2020

My business cards finally arrived! The spot gloss finish (a great choice) makes my logo stand out and gives my business card a nice clean finish. 

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Final Manifesto

17th of March 2020

Due to coronavirus this is the last day for me at university. It is sad to see it all end like this, however, I was happy I was able to finish my manifesto. The last time to visit the workshop was to create my manifesto and I see this as a tool for motivation. The source of motivation comes from being able to finish my work in the last chance and that makes me happy. Manifestos are there to present who you are as a designer. In my opinion, it does not just show who I am, my manifesto supports me in the sense that it keeps me moving forward as there are many ‘layers’ that I would like to develop. And this is my chance to become better in my design practice. 

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Finalising my logo

10th of March 2020

After experimenting with my logo on various occasions and developing it further, I decided to finalise it using my initials and my name. I previously thought of many different names and had many ideas. However, the most appropriate way to present my identity -- in my opinion -- is through my name. 

My final logo consists of a handwritten version of my name and my initials. When I came to the conclusion to use my name and initials as my logo, I experimented with the design in various colours (blue, red, and green) and designs.  

These different logos looked so sharp and professional, however, to me they seemed not as comforting because of their sharpness. And so, developing my logo seemed a lot more reasonable and effective thing to do. 

Note: Tumblr changed the original colour of the logo.

My final logo has my initials FB at the background and my name handwritten at the foreground. This approach showcases my identity as a designer. With the initials standing out at the background in a subtle way and the freehand handwritten typeface, my identity as a designer can be identified. Professional with strong attention to detail and creative with a look for a challenge. The colour green presents growth, comfort, safety, and care. I take care of my work, my clients, and the environment. I want to grow as a designer and this can be achieved with the client. I want comfort and this is what I always intend to imply in my work. Everyone should feel safe when choosing a designer and this is important to be presented visually in my logo. 

I finally believe that I have developed my design identity as it is all starting to come together as a whole package (together with my portfolio). I am happy with what I achieved and looking forward for the future. 

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Bedrock Tiles

24th of February 2020

Who are they?

They are a commercially focused company that sell made for purpose tiles. 

What makes them special?

They give large format tiles samples.

What do they do?

They produce porcelain tiles (this type of tile can be used anywhere from floors to walls to external use.) And ceramic tiles (this type can only be used on the wall. It is made out of clay and clay is porous so it can be used in swimming pools.

They create tiles either in high or low resin depending on preference.

They build up your specification such as colours, ideas, technical packages (as leg to stand spec: an outline of everything you need to prepare, issue, and inspect of the tiles used.)

They measure the colours using LRV and it is free to use.

3500 by 1500  (6mm thick) is the biggest tile they made. 

Their process of creating the tiles:

- They ethically source the quarry. They use the waste from quartz to make their tiles.

- They compress the minerals into the mold and then roto glaze it.

- Kiln is where it gets fired (preproduction and preproduction of waste materials)

- After the kiln stage it goes into a quality control check

The things I learnt from the session

1- It is important to make people aware what might come or happen in advance. For example, having a demarcation line. A demarcation line has a raised profile which makes people aware that there is differences in surfaces. Particularly purposed for making people aware of their next step e.g. pedestrian crossing.

2- Pendulum test (ptv) is used to test the suitability of the tiles within a building. It gives you a reading as a number 

- 0-24 high potential slipping,

- 25- 35 for moderate slip potential,

- and 36 for wet areas (low slip potential)

3- If someone specifies a high potential slip there’s a liability test that can adjust the slip surfaces.

4- It is vital to use enough barrier matting to reduce wet area being within the building.

5- Always think about the client, maintenance, and the uses of the tiles within the building.

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Neo & WELL

17th February 2020

This visit, in my opinion, was worth my time. Although the dissertation deadline was approaching, I feel like missing out on learning about WELL accreditation and its implementation in design is a misgiven opportunity. The things I learned by visiting Hillson Moran are of great inspiration for my future projects. 

Wellbeing -- a significant matter in the 21st century -- should be taken into account in every design project. Several stages challenge the designer to think of the design under the WELL standards.

To be awarded with a WELL accreditation the following things need to be considered:

1) The air - how well is the room ventilated. Looking at finding the correct balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide moderation in the room.

2) The water - water quality. 

3) Nourishment - looking at ways to minimise junk food in the workplace. Encouraging mindful eating within the workplace.

4) Light - ways into getting natural light into the space. Having the correct light photon level under the specified task usage.

5) Fitness- encouraging fitness within the space. For example, providing enough space for circulation or physical activity spaces.

6) Comfort - this is not only to do with the physical comfort of an individual, it is also looking at acoustic, thermal, and accessible comfort.

7) Mind - assessing the comfort of the mind and developing the wellness of the body. Applying biophillia, aesthetically pleasing features, and other aspects that will keep the mind under control of generating new ideas.

All of these features are assessed when applying for WELL accreditation and does cost a lot of money. The money, however, is replaced by happy employees where they do all of the work to their very best because they feel ‘WELL’ inside their office.

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Presentation Skills

10th of February 2020 

For me presenting became easier throughout my time at university. I believe I gained a lot of confidence when doing presentations. Last year, I started working as a student ambassador at university and this allowed me to develop my presentation skills. In the past I used to think that when people used to look at me in the eyes were ‘judging every word that comes out of my mouth’, but then, the entire perspective shifted. I now appreciate the fact that people are looking at me because that shows that people are interested in what I am saying. 

The session for APP this week was focused on ways to improve presentation skills while highlighting the things that should be done or avoided during presentations. Expanding on the content of the presentation is vital. The more visual it is the more focus you will get as people tend to lose interest when, for example, a block of text is used on one of the slides. Knowing your audience is significant as it aids with identifying the language and terminology that is to be used during the presentation.

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Formica

6th of February 2020

During my placement last year I attended many meetings with suppliers and built up my network. I came across Formica as their laminates were often used in design projects. However, I did not know much about them until today where I gathered information about the company and the services they provide. 

I particularly find these events useful to build up a network, however, they are not just a means for networking. By attending these events, a spark of inspiration shoots by the brain. Getting samples and looking at the physical materials and how they were made really does make a difference to a design project.

Formica provides many products that are suitable for different needs. However, some of their products are not suitable for high moisture areas. The following are the aspects I noted down during the session and are useful for future reference:

- The thickness of the laminates can be upto 0.7mm thick.

- They have different types of laminates some of the most commonly used are core laminates. These come in different colours and are sometimes used for joinery.

- They provide premium gloss finished laminates and these are mostly used for washrooms.

- Metallic laminates have very interesting finishes but one of their drawbacks is that they are scratchable. 

- They also provide magnetic laminates and these can be used for notice boards, for example.

- Not only they provide core laminates, they also have the option for bespoke laminates. They are produced digitally allowing really complicated designs to be printed on them.

- The biggest laminate sheet they provide is 3600 x 1400mm

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Live site visit (100 Barberolli Sq)

3rd of February 2020

Considerably having to conduct a live site visit in industry without previously encountering it could be a challenge. This given opportunity by university opened my eyes and other people’s understanding on what happens during the works in the site. I felt that this visit was more of a chance to get to know and see the project being built from an outside view. Looking at the health and safety procedures, the way the work is being maintained, and also identifying the difference between different building constructions. For example, Ardmac (the architects who hosted the event) mentioned that 100 Barberolli Sq is a building that is built on the relation of a CAT A building strategy. Category A fit out according to Oktra (n.d.) includes “finished internal walls, reception areas and lift lobbies – but that’s it. Apart from its most basic working elements, a Category A space will be completely empty, making it easy to sell to occupants who want to create their own space.” This is helpful to know as when I potentially work in design practice Category A and B fit outs will be common terms that are used in the design industry.

Reference list:

Oktra. (n.d,). What is the Difference Between a Cat A and Cat B Fit Out? Retrieved from https://www.oktra.co.uk/insights/decoding-the-jargon-the-difference-between-cat-a-cat-b/

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Going Freelance? Could be an option...

29th of January 2020

It is always useful to know everything happening in the world around us. The more you learn and familiarise yourself with different routes to take in life, the more successful you will be (well at least this is what I believe). I decided to go to an event hosted by the business incubator in Salford university about freelancing. These opportunities will not only enhance my skills and knowledge but will also provide me with the chance to network and build up connections with others. 

There are many freelancers out there and it is important to get to know what makes me special in comparison to others. The following are some of my notes from the event that will be useful for future reference:

- Know your unique selling point. Ask yourself what do people want and what makes you different in comparison to others.

- Know your customer. Who are they, what do they want, where can you find them, how are you going to approach them, and how much are you going to charge them.

- To price your freelance you should ensure that you look professional and know what you are doing. Break your costs down and set an hourly rate / job rate.

- You should be very organised on terms of workload. It should be structured across the year with deadlines to give you a target.

- Assess your business in regard to the following terms: political aspects, economic aspects, socio-cultural aspects, technological aspects, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to your business.

The event was not just about learning about freelancing, networking is just as important. There are some considerations that need to be taken into account when going to a network event such as the following:

- Put your name badge on the right hand side. This is because when people shake your hand they will ultimately be able to see your name. 

- Never join a group of four people because they are in ‘pairs’ and so it will be challenging to start up a conversation (because it is a closed group.)

- When asking to meet someone, book it on the half an hour slot. In other words, rather than saying let us arrange a half an hour meeting at 11, say let us arrange a meeting at 10.30 as this will make it more believable to last for half an hour.

This was a very useful event as it will help me in my future career. I do want to be a freelancer at some point in my life, however, I do believe it needs experience and an excellent network. Therefore, for me freelancing could be an option to do alongside a job in the design industry. Otherwise, I will not start freelancing until I have a portfolio of work to show my potential future clients.

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There is always [room] for improvement

Developing my Manifesto.

28th of January 2020

For my previous manifesto I used bold colours with bold words to describe who I am as a designer. It showed a part of who I am but it still did not feel like a part of me. I like to be creative as well as bold with my choices. And so I decided to compose my manifesto in a different way.

One of the messages that I wanted to address through my manifesto is communicating exactly who I am as an individual. I wanted to send a message by saying this is me and these words describe me in a visual approach. Therefore, I developed my manifesto to a portrait of me that could perhaps be cut out or engraved in a specific way to create layers. These layers describe the belief that every step I take will keep developing me as an individual. The words are a way to communicate the terms that motivate me and feel like a part of me; they are not all in the same language (the words are in the five different languages that I can speak) which is a source of motivation for me as it makes me feel like I am different in my own way. 

Generating my idea for my manifesto was done through photoshop. I cut out and used grey toned colours to create layers within the portrait. I experimented with the layouts to manifest the best solution. After this experimentation I decided to take it into another level by going into the workshop and engraving the portrait on two sheets of acrylics.

I went to the workshop to experiment with the depths of engraving. I needed to test it out in order to compose the final manifesto. The first attempt did not work out so well as the bitmap of my portrait did not differentiate the different levels of detail. I then tried to solve the problem of getting one block layer engraved instead of different by creating different layers on Photoshop of the parts that I wanted to score and then engraved them separately. 

To develop my manifesto further, I need to go into the workshop again and redo this piece in a an A5 size. I would like to implement some LED’s into it and create a base with my name and perhaps my logo etched on it. But, I finally think that my manifesto now is how I want it to be and it does feel part of who I am as a designer. Creative yet always looking for a challenge.

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Feasibility Report

The following are some of the studies I produced for my feasibility report. During the making of the report, one of my favourite tasks was creating graphical presentations of the gathered information about leaf cafe and the Buddhist centre. For me designing the collages to communicate a message to the viewer was the most exciting and engaging way to present the information. I thoroughly enjoyed sketching in pen and formulating interesting approaches to present the information about the buildings. Photoshop and sketching are methods that led me to an interest in the project. I gather that for my Negotiated major project I would like to experiment further with sketching and producing collages as they were one of the main aspects that I enjoyed doing.

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The secret of getting ahead is getting started

Mark Twain

https://www.brainyquote.com/lists/topics/top-10-motivational-quotes

(A quote to remind me to keep going and never stop because if I do not start I will not succeed. Therefore, getting ahead in work is getting to start the work.)

8th of January 2020

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Magic within the five step plan

9th of December 2019 (19.30)

One of the key tasks to do in Interior Design is having the ability to manage time effectively. Following on from last week’s task (RIBA Plan of work), in today’s lesson we discussed our negotiated major project -- NMP -- and how we can use our time sufficiently. As a group we communicated the tasks that we as designers carry out when completing a project. This is a useful task to unpick the different activities that will be manipulated in NMP. Identifying the several exercises in a project and placing them in a specific time frame will ensure that the project is run smoothly and is on track. Therefore what was done in today's session is not only useful for the final major project, but it is also a way of life in design practice. 

      As Seneca quoted: “It is quality rather than quantity that matters.” (good reads, n.d.) In the past, I often used to put too much work on myself, however, I learnt to let go of some tasks to ensure I have better quality work and manage my time effectively. In the lesson we were taught a strategy to make us prioritise work over the other and if followed strategically it will impact the control of the project. The magical five step plan is as follows: one, list everything that needs to be done; two, break down the big tasks into smaller steps; three, take the tasks and organise them under three headings - now, soon, or later; four, do the tasks from the now list and tick them when done (to feel the satisfaction); and five, last but not least, put the other tasks in priority order and make a plan to tackle them.

Update: 3rd of January 2020

Following on from the lesson, I worked on creating my own design for the NMP and I decided to include all the days within the week in my time plan. As I will be working on the project throughout the entire week to ensure I produce the best outcome that I can possibly deliver. 

Reference List:

Seneca. (no date). Good reads. Retrieved from

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/466614-it-is-quality-rather-than-quantity-that-matters

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Christmas holiday...

14th of December 2019

Before the Christmas holiday commences, I decided to plan my weeks in a professional manner so that I use the time effectively to develop my projects. In the past few weeks we have been working on our dissertations alongside another project titled as “Advanced Research Strategies”. This project consists of conducting a feasibility report for two buildings of our choice (either from the list we have been given by our lecturers or one of our own) I decided to choose two buildings from the list we have been given. 

     This holiday I am going to work on putting together all the information I gathered about the buddhist centre and leaf in a well designed graphical document. I want to compose it in a specific style that I believe is most suited to who I am as a designer. As a designer I believe that creating a strong first impression will create a positive yet intriguing approach to heavy lifted informative document. Therefore, designing a document with significant usage of design communication will communicate a positive message which is what I am looking into composing this holiday.

     The following is the weeks plan that I am looking forward to stick to over Christmas holidays:

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Moments at Milliken

Monday 02 /December /2019

Today’s visit to Milliken carpets factory, based in Wigan, was an engaging informative experience.  “Milliken’s Floor Covering division specializes in delivering people-focused, design-driven and science-backed flooring solutions to designers, dealers, contractors and end-users.” (Milliken, n.d.). 

       Mark Huckerby welcomed us into the company and prepared a presentation that explained the values of Milliken, the way the carpet tiles are manufactured, and their goals for the future. There are five values that Milliken carpets follow when making their products: safety, environment, innovation, ethics, and quality. There are many carpet fabricators around the world, but what makes Milliken special is that their tiles are carbon negative with well professional accreditation. It was a useful day to learn about the process involved in the making of these products and that aim for the future. Milliken is looking into Presentiasim. Presentiasim as Huckerby outlines is when people, not all, are at work and do nothing. They are looking into making the space a well living lab; a space where people are strong in regards to their health at work.

What I would like to take from todays visit is the key information that I gathered that will help feed my design practice. For example, Huckerby mentioned the following: “the key factors that need to be considered when choosing carpets for commercial use are the quality of the product, the ethics behind it, its innovation, how affects the environment and safety of the product” (Huckerby, 2019). Also, it is important to not from today’s talk that the barrier system at the entrance to the space should at least be two metres for the dirt to come off; an important factor that will affect any design solution. 

Reference List:

Milliken Carpets. (no date.) Milliken Carpets floor covering. Retrieved from http://www.milliken.com/our-solutions#FloorCovering

Huckerby, M. (2019). Visit to Milliken carpet. [Presentation]. Manchester

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Branding

27th of November 2019

Time is moving and I believe that it is the stage to consider my branding. Paul’s sessions are now more dedicated to our specific needs and therefore we are entitled to do whatever we want during the lesson. As a result, I focused on my branding during today’s session.

           In the last two years I have been thinking about what I could potentially call my company or my brand and this is a challenging matter because of the following: Composing a label to identify my identity to the public, as an individual, can be difficult. The branding that I create has to line with my beliefs, my standards, and my identity as a designer. Two years ago, I was carrying an experience in a sales company and my role was to design some graphic illustrations for their bedding products. I wanted to take the opportunity to advertise my design identity through the posters I create. Therefore, I needed to come up with a logo and a company name that will identify me, hence Faten For Design became my company’s name.

However, today I started reflecting upon the name Faten for design and whether it will be successful in the market. I believe that the company’s name needs to be unique, attractive, and memorable in order for it to succeed. Which resulted in me wanting to develop my branding even further. As a result, I experimented developing my branding using my name as a design concept.

My concluded brand name is studio fair. Faten is an Arabic name and, unfortunately, some people find it difficult to pronounce. When I joined university, I tried to match my name with a similar pronunciation to it (fair and ten) and this is where studio fair came from. As a designer I believe that the work should be fairly produced and well designed to suit the client. Studio fair does not only relate to my identity as an individual but also communicates my values as a designer. Studios are known as communal spaces that support growth, derive a change, and work directly with the public.

           Later on, in the session when I was fully convinced about the name of my branding, I experimented with the design of my logo. I commenced with looking at various typefaces that presented my ethos as a designer. However, I prefer detail in my work and so I decided to design my logo based upon a graphic design rather than a font to present my values. But the graphic design stage was the end of this session and so my next step is now to think of ways that will communicate my design principles through my logo.

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Planning time effectively.

Monday 25th November 2019, 17.30pm

Opposing to the last module Specialist Studies in Interior Design and the stress I encountered to manage my time efficiently, today’s session gave me an introduction for ways I could manage my time more professionally with an insight on how I could potentially present my work. RIBA plan of work (a system that all designers need to follow) gives creatives a strategy for time-division based upon the different tasks they need to proceed during a project. The RIBA scheme acts as an act of conduct between the designer and the client. This plan ensures that the client and the designer are safe in terms of agreements. It highlights to the client what designers are doing, who for, how long, and for how much. The BIID -- “The British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) -- is the leading professional organisation for interior designers in the UK.” (BIID, N.D.)

What is beneficial to note from today’s session is that RIBA and BIID work together to ensure that there are legal arrangements between the client and the designer. The BIID, however, is used for more significant contracts in Interior Design services. The reason for having a BIID contract is to have a safe backup so that if any arguments occur between the customer and the inventor they will be resolved under legal actions.

   I grasped a lot from today’s session through the RIBA plan of work and by looking at my lecturer’s design work. One thing I would like to take forward in my work is the RIBA plan of work; this is by utilising the system to manage the projects that I am currently working on. The RIBA stages are as the following: one, strategy definition, where understanding the client and their needs while also coming up with a strategic plan of actions. Two, preparation and brief, where I would talk about the kind of things that I would like to design and come up with a list of things that I will include in the project. Three, concept design, where I will produce the concept and develop a feasible design idea with estimate costings of the space. Four, spatial coordination, this will be the stage where the design will be designed in much more detail and coordinated in the way it will lead to the final design. Five, technical design, this is where I will get to develop my design even further by detailing all the different features within the space. Moreover, the sixth, seventh, and eighth stage are when the construction, handover, and after the use of the building take place (which at this point will not be the case for me).

    Overall, this session was very helpful in terms of knowing what stages I will need to do next and what procedures I could potentially take forward in relations to presenting my projects.

Reference List:

British Institute of Interior Design (no date). British Institute of Interior Design. Retrieved from https://biid.org.uk/about-us