SHES HERE Critical Reflection

Hey Blog! 

 Now that I have completed my short film journey, it is time to do an overall reflection on my process. With that, I present to you my CR. 

Introduction

The process of creating my very own short film was difficult, yet exciting. While producing this product, I learned how to collaborate with another to create a piece of art. From that, this art can be something bigger. Something that engages with social groups and challenges conventions, while still creating an overall brand. So, in this essay I will reflect on how exactly I went about this short-film project, as well as what I learned and what I would change. 

Representing Social Groups and Issues

One of the main characters in my short was a young girl with a disability. “Lana” is mute. So, throughout the film she communicates to her babysitter through a notebook and pen. Then, the babysitter often dismisses her as she warns her. This can be seen in. The act of brushing off the young girl demonstrates how non-verbal individuals are often misunderstood. Due to the fact that non-verbal individuals cannot express themselves with vocal emotion, society may brush off their struggles, which is something I truly wanted to demonstrate in this short. 

Although I believe I strongly demonstrated the issue in my actual short film, I believe I did not represent this social group well throughout the other parts of my package. This was because the girl’s muteness was not the key plot of the film, just an attribute to make the issue at hand more complex. Lana’s incapability to quickly warn and communicate with the babysitter put them in much more danger during the short, but I didn't find it necessary to be the key focus of my postcard or website. First, because its spoilers one of the surprises in my short. And secondly, because I wanted to make the scariness of the sister the key focus. With that, I still made sure that the back of the postcard was an image of the young girl's notepad while she writes, "..."

Overall, I feel as if I effectively described the issues of non-verbal individuals socially. The difficulty they have trying to get others to understand them is unfair, which is why I made sure to do it justice. If I could change anything, I would have added a page on my website just discussing the struggles mute individuals face. This way, I could help educate further, to maybe help assist the issue. 

Branding and the Integration of Production Elements 

A well-executed brand tells a story that resonates with audiences on an emotional and intellectual level. In my products, branding is not merely about logos or marketing techniques; it’s about crafting an identity that encapsulates the values, ethos, and mission of the product. The elements of production—color schemes, typography, imagery, and overall design—work together harmoniously to form a cohesive brand.

For example, in my work, I use minimalist design principles to create a sleek, clean, and modern aesthetic that mirrors the simplicity and clarity of the message I aim to convey. The choice of colors is intentional; I use muted tones to evoke a sense of calm, combined with bold accents to draw attention to specific elements and ideas within the product. Typography is another crucial aspect of my branding, as it not only communicates information but also evokes the right emotional tone. The fonts I select are designed to align with the identity of the product—whether it’s a more serious and formal tone, or a more playful and youthful energy.

All these elements come together to reinforce the message of the product and its connection to the social issues it addresses. The brand’s visual identity becomes an extension of the message itself, helping to communicate the values and purpose of the product in a way that is immediately recognizable and relatable to the target audience. Whether it’s a product focused on sustainability or mental health, the design elements are strategically chosen to amplify the narrative and enhance the emotional connection with the audience.

Engaging with the Audience 

Engagement with the audience is one of the most significant aspects of product design. A product is only successful if it can capture and hold the attention of its intended audience. In my products, I aim to create a meaningful dialogue between the product and the people who interact with it. To do so, I focus on both the visual and interactive elements that encourage engagement.

For example, in some of my projects, I have integrated interactive components that invite the audience to participate in the creation process. This not only empowers the audience but also reinforces the notion of inclusivity and shared experiences. This is especially important when dealing with sensitive social issues, as it allows the audience to feel as though they have a voice in the conversation. In other instances, I have created products that use storytelling elements to evoke personal reflection, allowing the audience to connect emotionally with the themes presented.

Social media also plays a significant role in audience engagement. By utilizing platforms like Instagram or Twitter, I can directly interact with my audience, responding to feedback, hosting discussions, and encouraging people to share their own experiences related to the themes of the product. In this way, the product becomes part of a larger conversation, creating a community around shared values and experiences. By fostering this sense of connection, I am able to enhance the product’s emotional impact and ensure that it resonates on a deeper level with the audience.

Research and Its Influence on Product Development 

Before embarking on any design project, extensive research is essential to ensure that the product is informed by current trends, audience expectations, and social issues. Research plays a pivotal role in the development of my products, as it allows me to understand the needs and desires of my target audience and to remain responsive to emerging social conversations.

In particular, my research often focuses on understanding how different social groups interact with specific issues. For instance, when creating a product aimed at raising awareness about environmental sustainability, I studied consumer behavior and market trends to determine how people engage with eco-friendly products. I examined their motivations, the barriers they face in making sustainable choices, and how I could design a product that would both educate and empower them to take action. This research directly informed the choices I made regarding the materials used, the messaging included in the product, and the way the brand presented itself.

Additionally, my research helps me to better understand the conventions and expectations of the industry I am working within. While it is important to challenge conventions, it is equally important to know what they are in order to push boundaries effectively. For example, when designing a product that dealt with gender identity, I researched how other products within this space utilized language and imagery. By understanding existing conventions, I was able to deliberately subvert them, offering a more inclusive and progressive approach to representation. This approach allowed my product to stand out in a crowded market and resonate with an audience that felt underrepresented.

Conclusion

 In conclusion, the products I create are not just objects—they are representations of social issues, platforms for engagement, and embodiments of branding. By carefully considering the elements of design, I am able to craft a cohesive brand identity that communicates my values and engages my audience. Research plays an essential role in shaping the way these products are conceived and developed, ensuring they are relevant, meaningful, and resonant. In the end, my goal is to create products that not only serve a practical function but also inspire reflection and foster a deeper connection with the audience, ultimately encouraging positive social change.

Word count: 1267

link to CR: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1djOOtVipVw06Jeuo8a6tvqUlHDW_6NcnkNqpxu5kX94/edit?usp=sharing