Weekly Recap 10/24-10/30

What I did:

Designing:  3 hours
Attempting to simplify language:  1 hour
Re-thinking the format my project will take: 1 hour
Looking for inspiration about this new format:  2 hours
Flash Tutorials:  2 hours
Taking my shitty computer to IT for it's 3rd crash in the last 8 months:  Too much time.

What I Discovered/Encountered/Accomplished:

I realized that all of the things that I thinking through intuitively need to be put into a legible format.  I need to do more hand mapping of this complex process.  If I don't understand how it works then I can't help other people.

I also discovered that the language currently used in the immigration website is incredibly confusing.  I initially thought I would use a similar version of what they say but break it down into manageable segments.  I'm quickly learning that the language itself needs to be rethought.  A glossary is a must but some terms need to be renamed or redefined.

I need to play around more with all the different variables in the designs I have to come to some more conclusions about the direction its going.

I realized that I'm going for a more first person narrative in the language I'm using to navigate people.  I just need to make it more consistent.

My new format will be an Immigration Kit.  I think it is more accessible and realistic considering a lot of people don't have internet access.  Hannah and I talked about it being somewhat sustainable/not wasteful by having it in steps.  They could first be given something to determine if they are eligible.  If they are eligible then they would be given the kit to navigate through the process.  I think a website could be useful too but it won't be the main aspect of this project.  I also thought about how it could be a kit that has the option of a printed format or a digital format for people who do have computer access.  This would be one way of making it less wasteful.

Whats Next:

Keep going.  I feel like I'm on a roll and am heading in a really great direction.  I have lots of things to address.  I'm excited!