With many things to do this week, Our main focus for the design class was the presentations of our project progress. I am usually not the type to be confident for my presentations so I would practise my script a couple of days before. However, With other classes and happenings, I could only practise it a day before. However, our presentations ended up getting cancelled and instead we submitted a video recording which made it less frightening. But I feel that it could have been a great opportunity to practise my public speaking skills. 

What

Diving into the challenges I have faced this week, one of the main challenges was being unsure of my technology. Using AR integrated with AI is a big challenge as I am not a technical person. Being stuck on this challenge was the reason why I was having difficulties. I was unsure if I wanted to focus on AR, as there are many things to think about, such as needing to learn a whole new software and using other programs to bring my project to life. I felt uneasy about the future and the situation I was in, especially with using Unreal and Unity, which seemed incredibly complicated. This uncertainty made me scared to start the project, leaving me feeling worried and unsure about where to begin or which software to choose.

The role in this situation was that, as this assignment is an individual one, we designers have to do everything ourselves, such as project management and sorting out all of the intricate details. However, after visiting the Fablab and talking to the experts, I was no longer confused. The technicians explained every step of the process and assured me that my project was feasible. They also suggested what steps to take, such as first downloading Unreal Engine, and explained that it is not difficult to input characters within the app. I felt much more confident and had a clearer sense of direction. Their guidance motivated me to get started on my project and work towards my goal. This positive experience made me feel at ease and less afraid of stepping into this project.

So What

This situation tells me that I have a long way to go in my processes as a designer, such as first researching on my own about Unity and Unreal. I feel as if I relied on the technicians too much. However, talking to the experts in the Fablab was incredibly beneficial to me. They were knowledgeable about everything I needed to know and provided me with valuable advice. When I explained my project to them, they knew exactly what I should be doing, even down to all the smaller details, which I found so inspiring. For example, instead of having a human interviewer, they suggested an Orb that glows as the interviewer.

This situation motivated me and helped me move forward, and I am glad I asked for help. It played a crucial role in getting my project off the ground. Their insights not only helped me start prototyping but also offered feedback on my idea, which was both interesting and eye-opening. This situation implied that I was holding myself back from exploring more interesting pathways for my project because I thought I wouldn’t be able to achieve something more complex.

As Cohen and Wills’ Social Support Theory suggests, seeking help from others can prevent negative outcomes like declining motivation and uncertainty (Cohen and Wills, 1988). I have emphasized this before, but reaching out for support when you’re stuck or feeling unsure is crucial and a very important aspect during the project. This experience further accentuated that when I am unsure of a situation, it is best to ask for help, which is a new understanding I encountered during this process.

Now What
If I could relive this moment, I would ask for help much earlier. While I am still in my define phase, I would have been more motivated if I had sought assistance much sooner, which I now regret not doing. With the confidence I have gained, I’m now able to work independently and find my own tutorials on Unreal and Unity. Moving forward, I will make sure to ask for help early on. I've also learned that stressing and doing nothing only adds unnecessary weight and self-doubt; it's best to take action sooner rather than later. Thinking back, I feel that I should have asked more questions, which I need to work on.

To further improve my experience for similar situations in the future, I will take concrete steps to enhance my approach. I will establish specific milestones for seeking advice from experts. This ensures that I have ample time to consult with mentors without being stressed and uncertain. Additionally, I will actively seek out and engage in tutorials on YouTube and other online resources, setting aside dedicated time each week for this purpose.

Initially, being stuck and unsure of what to do began to drain my motivation and energy, as I felt lost and off the tracks. However, after receiving the help that I needed, I realised that my uncertainty was the main issue. Once I had a clearer sense of direction, my confidence returned, and I felt a surge of energy to move forward with my AR and AI project. 

The consequences of implementing this approach of dedicating time aside include a more structured way of tackling complex tasks, such as 3D modeling and converting those assets into Unreal Engine. These approaches will help me stay accountable and focused, improving both my technological and project management skills.