Week 13 - Reflection

Include the following in your Week 13 (final) journal entry:

• Review your Week 1 journal entry and reconsider your expectations of the course by answering the following questions:
• Did you achieve the expectations you documented in Week 1 and had your expectations change since then?
• What was the biggest challenge for you during the course?
• Describe your most significant achievement.

In Week 1, I stated three main expectations:

• to improve my communication skills;
• to improve my public speaking skills;
• to manage my time properly.

After reviewing my week one journal, I can safely say that the skill I have learnt most was to manage my time. Also, I had a significant improvement in my communication skills considering that English is not my native language. However, I am aware that it is not enough, that was the first step. The next step will be sharpening what I have learnt during the DTDI course in my next courses, in my work environment and my personal life.

• Reflect on the way you and your partner / team have collaborated and contributed individually to the different phases of the Design Thinking Project.
• In particular, what are your observations, insights and comments on
• Your performance in the project

I think my performance was excellent. I reviewed all the lecturers and workshops assessments to make sure that we were walking in the right direction.  During the prototyping stage, we spent a long time to design the 3D models in SolidWorks and Cinem4D. This task was not a requirement, but we wanted to elevate our project to a professional level.  It was an excellent way to portray the prototype.

• Your pitch (review the video)

Our presentation was beautiful, and our presentation content was clear and understandable for that audience. However, as a speaker, my pitch was not good as I have planned. I was very nervous and insecure. On the other hand, my partner clarified points that I could not say which was an excellent point. I believe if we could have practised it more we could avoid these mistakes.

• Working individually and working in a small group

Working with Jayden was fantastic. He was very professional and took all the project very seriously. I felt confident having him working with me. We worked hard to provide a clean and engaging visual presentations

• How will you integrate your learning in DTDI with your future courses and career?

I am already using what I have learnt in my other subjects. I had to present an e-commerce solution during the E-Business class. In this project, I approached many DTDI tools such as personas and mindmap that were essential to show how the stakeholders were connected with my user needs. 

In my career, this knowledge will provide me ways to look for solutions to my clients or customers. 

• Include some advice for future DTDI students

During the Design Thinking and Digital Innovation course, Gale, Kristen and Anisha presented us tools and approaches that made us able to think and rethink about how we can improve processes. We can use these methods to improve our work environment, personal life and ourselves. Furthermore, they brought professionals from different companies and areas which presented us their experiences, vision, trends and advice. Personally, it was a great journey that I have enjoyed and learnt.  As I said in previous weeks, it is a development process that takes time. I can safely say that I became more inquisitive than I was before. I am more inclined to ask questions, more than is necessary sometimes. It can be very positive in my work environment and personal life, as well.