Gears..... for grinding
After more hours than I care to count I have finally finished my second Tutor Marked Assessment (TMA) for my Open University course U101. This TMA had a group section, which I found rather frustrating, but once everyone joined in the discussions it was great to have a number of design problems to discuss. The group then voted on their favourite problem, and the problem with the most votes was to be project that each group member would design a solution for.
The vote was close, but we had to design solution to to a problem relating to salt and pepper grinders that were not lasting very long. I spent a few hours looking at alternative solutions before sketching a few ideas. I then made a few prototypes out of cardboard and paper to see if I thought the concept was viable. I then spent a few hours documenting my design process before submitting my final proposal in the form of a Compendium DS mind map.
I am really enjoying U101, the course is well structured and at time challenging. For a level one course I think the level is about right, and there are plant of activities and interesting articles to keep you occupied between TMA’s. If you are considering a further in design, be it web design, product design or anything in between, U101 is a fantastic place to start. I am just over halfway through the course and am looking forward to completing it in September.
After a nice short 4 day week at the office the first full weekend of 2012 is upon us. We have had a good night out with a few friends at the 
