What if self evaluation.

What problem did you identify?

We identified that graffiti is quite a big problem in Leeds so 'how can we make this more socially acceptable?' 

What evidence did you find to support your decisions?

We questioned members of the public and friends to gather opinions and we also looked at the media to see what has to be said about graffiti. From this we discovered that most opinions on the subject are negative.

What methods did you use to gather your evidence and what forms did it take?

We created a questionnaire as part of primary research which we then put into question and answer form and also pie charts so our results could be looked at in a quantitative way. We used to internet as a form of secondary research and printed out articles that we each found and brought this together for our ideas sheets. A further thing that we did for primary research was actually take photos of the evidence/graffiti around leeds so that it could further prove there is a problem. 

What methods of research did you find useful and why? 

I found actually going out there and collecting primary research was most useful because not only did things like photographs fully back up the problem we were trying to answer but you can guarantee that what you find with primary research has not been made up, where as this is not the case with secondary. 

How did these inform your response to your problem? 

Due to the nature of our problem we needed primary research because we were trying to persuade the public that graffiti isn't so bad and is actually a form of art. It was important we had general views from people to start with so we knew at least someone thought that graffiti was negative, therefor there was a mind to change. 

What methods did you encounter as problematic?

Secondary areas were problematic because sometimes you weren't sure if what you were reading was in fact true and sometimes you didn't know where the information was talking about eg. the united kingdom. Some of the information was also quite dated so wasn't always relevant for now. 

How did you overcome this? 

We searched for articles from genuine trusted sources such as the BBC website and had a greater collection of primary research to fall back on. 

What research could you have carried out that would have proved more useful? 

We could have gathered more primary research from actual graffiti artists discussing the problems they have faced and stating their own opinions.

Five things I have learnt about the design process:

- A range of quantitative and qualitative research are important so that we are aware that we are answering a problem to its full potential. 

- Its important to have a sufficient amount of research before the design process can begin. 

- Research takes place throughout the whole of a project because theres constantly new things to be learnt that can impact upon the subject.

- Sometimes we create problems that aren't actually there so researching thoroughly pays off.

- The design process creates a successful outcome when followed correctly. 

Five things I would do different next time:

- Take a greater part in the documentation of the evidence through photography. 

- Research into websites more (if appropriate for the project) so I have a greater understanding)

- Be aware if we have a sufficient amount or not of quantitative and qualitative research nearer the beginning of the project. 

- Spend more time gathering information in general as there is no end to the information that can be found. 

- Revisit the research more often throughout the project.