Research Sources
- Francesco Eugene Ong
- Jun 8, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 7, 2020
As Guided Learning's method of learning is through self-initiated research, I had to find my sources of knowledge. I was using the Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy and Purpose (CRAAP) framework. I went searching for the things I would like to learn.
Primary Sources: Using the sources first-hand from the software developers and the professionals in the field of design, I searched for sources to be the foundation of my research and learning.
1) Coursera's Fundamentals of Graphic Design Course
Having a strong foundation to back-up our learning is key to understanding what we learn. Using the information I learnt from the Fundamentals of Graphic Design course earlier. The information taught is Current as the course is updated and refreshed yearly. It is relevant to my project as it covers the basics in design. The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is a teaching institution in the US, a renowned institute. Its purpose is to deliver the best education in the field of arts. I used the CalArts Coursera course as I lay the solid foundation to the designing of the brochures.
2) Adobe's Tutorials
Having a strong foundation is not the only key to success. As I continued to design the brochure, there were more things to learn. How to change the backdrop, how to make my pictures stand out and how to improve my design. I had to find ways to learn how to work the Photoshop program. Getting information at the source, the developer was the best source for me. I used the Photoshop basics page on the Adobe website to help me with the Photoshop program. It is updated annually as the program is updated with the latest technology. It is relevant to me as I am a beginner in design arts. It has tutorials on how to use the software too.
This learning is more progressive, if I do not know how to work out certain functions, I would then search for the answers.
If you need help too, use this link:
3) World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Vaccination guidelines
As this project is on vaccinations, I had to find a reliable source of guidelines to base my brochures upon. The guidelines are for veterinary professionals, owners and breeders across the world. My project is focused on the Singaporean population; there is a guideline being done up by the Animal and Veterinary Services Department of NParks. But has not been finalized. Therefore, I decided to use WSAVA's guidelines in the interim until the Singapore Guidelines are published. It was published in 2015, and a compilation was done in 2017, the document is the latest guidelines and is still relevant today. It is credible as it is done by the WSAVA's Vaccination Guidelines Group comprising of veterinary professionals and researchers. Veterinarians around the world also review it. Its purpose is to inform and educate owners, vets and breeders on the latest vaccinations for pets.
You can find the latest guidelines at https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/vaccination-guidelines/.
Secondary Sources:
These sources are analyzed and interpreted by people who add in their knowledge too.
1) Photoshop Basics Tutorials
Sometimes, the original Photoshop tutorial may be hard to understand as I am a starting-from-scratch beginner to design. I had to find alternative means of learning and sourced for another source of information. The information is up-to-date with the latest version of the software. It is relevant to my project as it covers the basics in using the Photoshop software. The source credits its information to Adobe. The information is there for new users like me to learn the basics of Photoshop.
You can learn too at https://www.photoshopessentials.com/basics/.
2) How to design a stunning brochure
What makes a brochure stand out to an owner in the clinic?
I had to ask myself this question and find expert information on how to make my brochures more attractive. It cannot be too hard to read or be a strain to the eye. The information is current as it was published on 10 Feb 2020. It is relevant to my project as I would like to make my brochure appealing to owners. The write-up was done by a blogger and designer Igor Ovsyannykov. Its purpose is to help businesses and designers understand the best way to appeal to a customer; for me, the owners.
His tips can be found at https://creativemarket.com/blog/how-to-design-a-stunning-brochure-30-expert-tips-and-templates.
3) Marketing Brochure Design
Spreading awareness is a component in marketing. Having to market to owners the benefits of vaccinating their pets. This website shed light into making brochures appealing to the audience eyes. Written not too long ago, on the 8th of May 2020 by a witter who writes on visual communication. It would help designers and marketers to best design their material to attract others.
The wirte-up can be found at https://venngage.com/blog/brochure-design/
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