(Weeks 1 -3) Blog One Checkpoint

Natt Pano
Jul 18, 2024
4 min read

Updated: 15 hours ago

Context:

My project focuses on supporting international students' mental health by using emerging technology to improve connections between domestic students. I will specifically focus on stress as the mental health category, as some international students tend to feel lonely and unheard. My HMW, "How might we design a comfortable environment using VR (virtual reality) technology for International students in New Zealand tertiary institutions, enhancing communication and engagement with domestic students?" addresses this topic. Completing this project will hopefully create a better experience for international students. As for my project, I'm currently in the planning stage of the Miro board.

Tool And Technology:

The tools I will use for the first stage, the interviewing, will be Google Sheets and Google Forms. I consider these two platforms suitable, as they provide straightforward usage. Additionally, it will allow me to organise the feedback better. I will also follow through with using VR as my technology. However, I am contemplating combining that with everyday technology. Therefore, I might look into an app design (UX/UI). I feel like these will work well together, considering I won't have to cram everything in the VR space. Nevertheless, that will be a decision made later in the project process, as I would need to do the app research for my proposal, which I dislike (researching is not my strongest suit ;-;).

Reflecting In Action:

I realised I didn't know where to begin. I have my proposal topic. However, there must be a finalised idea or a path to follow. Despite feeling lost, I just had to go into the project planning and trust the process. To add to that positive pile (not so much), I am also feeling unmotivated. To ensure a more simplistic approach to this week, I would continue with my to-do list to remain on track with the time provided but also leave room for sudden changes I may need to adapt to. I'm performing well in this project (at the moment), and my current working process is consistent. I plan to maintain that consistency throughout this project.

[18th July update]

The stream group discussion gave me an idea about my process; I got a little boost in how I would convey my prototype for this project. However, that's further into the year. I need to put that aside and focus on the interviewing aspect with international and domestic students, which is the first step in my methodology - Empathy. I aim to begin this stage this week. However, I still feel unmotivated. I understand it is not an excuse as a university student, but I mentally pause every time I attempt it. I need to stop making excuses and do the work.

[19th July update]

Reflecting On Action:

I will use the three steps: 'What? So What? Now What?' reflective model. I consider this model inappropriate for a detailed reflective writing piece. However, as it is the beginning of the semester, it is a match. The steps are simplistic and straightforward to help ease into the project process.

One of the other alternatives I would consider using was the four F's model. Although it has more detailed steps to help share the learning process, I feel like it also restricts the ways of writing. Knowing myself, I would either complicate the process or make minor mistakes. I understand it is a straightforward process. However, for someone who overthinks, I am competent. I prefer to incorporate a model with a more flexible writing structure.

[Rolfe et al's (2001) reflective model]

What:

Frankly, I was in a pickle with the following steps and necessities for the first week. I thought I had the to-do list planned. However, considering my confusion and mental blockage, I had fallen behind my schedule (not to where I am panicking. Thank god). I had set my expectations beyond my capabilities. Correction: I'm capable, but not when I don't have a solid idea when approaching my research question. I am doing my best to remain calm, as it's only the beginning of the semester. However, I must pick up my pace before the major deadlines approach. That's when my anxiety is likely to get a hold of me.

So What?

Entering week two, I realised I attempted less work than required. Therefore, I am facing the possible consequences that come after the lack of work completed. I feel the reason for this mental blockage is that I was overviewing the project in one go instead of one step at a time. To improve this issue, I should have considered the workload in portions and completed what I could so that my future self could do less.

What now?

Considering I can't pause or go back in time (if only ;-;), I have decided to do as much as possible before the upcoming week. It might make me feel overwhelmed. However, I will be grateful for the smaller workload in the future (Well, I'm hoping). Additionally, having more completed can make my process straightforward as I would have all the necessities for my project to proceed to the next phase of my methodology, Define. To achieve this, I aim to change my atmosphere. Although I am not 100% certain, attempting this change can help improve my motivation to crack on with my work. In addition, creating a more organised miro board would also encourage me to work. (Let's not be fooled entirely. My negative thoughts tend to get the best of me as time passes. I'm hoping for the best ;-;). As a designer and person, I have learnt that I don't need to feel guilty about not constantly working. I need to understand that creativity and good progress happen naturally and with a clear mind. However, it will take me time to realise that. I can't help but feel guilty, but that is okie because everyone will get to where they need at their own pace.