Design and Poetry Project Reflection

For my Writing and Editing in Print and Online (WEPO) class, we had a project in which we had to pick one of the selected key words we were presented. Once we picked this key word we had to create an exhibit that would teach a targeted audience about this key word using three different artifacts. When I looked at the key words, I automatically knew that I wanted my project to be centered around the term, “design.” I chose this word because for one, when I think about a design I think of physical objects, like buildings and architecture. I may be the only one that jumps to this image, or I may not be; regardless, I wanted to explore how design and English work together. I wanted my audience to realize that design goes hand in hand with English and how we interpret meanings. I decided I would choose three different poems and analyze the role design plays in their overall effect using an infographic. Here is a link to use to view my project, https://www.canva.com/design/DACip0p93hA/FOYozEEPttWI-bnN6K0EcQ/view?utm_content=DACip0p93hA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=sharebutton

Writing and composing are two ideas that we have been discussing in my WEPO class. I found that as I was creating my exhibit for this project I began noticing how these two terms were being used in my project. As we continue to discuss these terms, I find my definitions evolving. I will reiterate how I define writing and composing. To me, writing could be likened to a puzzle piece. Composition, is like the full, complete puzzle. Writing is not as formal. It does not take as much planning and can be done for fun. Composition, is more detailed and planned out. This is something that has been outlined and is composed of multiple components, whereas writing is simple. For example, before creating my actual project, I wrote out the points that I wanted to cover and the order in which I wanted to address them. I would consider this writing because I knew that whatever I was writing did not need to be perfect. I wrote very informally as I got my thoughts down on paper. This comes in contrast to the composition that I did for my project. When it came to putting my exhibit together, I carefully wrote out my points and then organized them in the correct order. I put more thought into the points and deliberately placed the words on my infographic in a way that I thought was logical. I also incorporated images of the poems that I was analyzing and illustrations in my infographic, which I believe also differentiates the final project from my writings. The project could be considered a composition because it includes not only my writings, but also images and illustrations.

I believe my exhibit could be considered an example of effective communication and design. I believe it communicates effectively because I clearly outline what exactly my project is about on the initial page my audience will see. I also stated my analysis of each poem so that my audience could understand my thoughts on the design of the poems and so that they could see them as they read my analyses, which would be an example of both effective communication and design.

Once my project was complete I could see how the key terms we had gone over in class related to my project. Audience and design were instrumental components when I made this project. When creating it, I thought about which ways I could present my information in a way that would make sense for my targeted audience. I also took into consideration how the design would make it easier for my audience to read my analyses while also being able to view the poems I was discussing. These two considerations determined which platform I would use for my project. Originally, I was going to make a Power Point presentation, but this proved to make it difficult for readers to view my poems. Next, I was going to display my information in a book, but this would also cause issues with viewing the poems. Readers would have to flip back and forth to compare and contrast the poems. Finally, I settled on an infographic, which would allow readers to easily view all of my information. Audience and design went hand in hand when I was thinking about my exhibit. I needed to make sure that my point was made in a way that was both interesting and easy to comprehend for my audience. Circulation is another key term that related back to my project. I needed to pick a platform that would allow me to share my information with readers, while also thinking of the best platform that would allow me to do this. My platform would also need to allow readers to share my project with others. I decided that the website, Canva would be the best platform for this. My audience would be able to download my project, view it online, print it out, or simply share it over the internet using social media or links. This versatility was what I was looking for regarding the circulation of my project.

It is definitely interesting to look back on how your own project uses various terms and ideas to make a point. I would recommend everyone do the same to understand how they can improve their future projects. This is great exercise to do to understand your strengths and things you can improve when presenting information.