FMP: week 1

Research

I spent this week researching into the different types of disabilities and the issues that affect the individuals that have them. I found that my research became more focused on having a mental disability rather than a physical one as I found this area more interesting. I looked at the different mental illnesses: schizophrenia, autism, asperger's syndrome, bipolar disorder, down's syndrome and depression. Although I found this information enlightening, it doesn't inform the message I would like to communicate. I found myself lost and struggling in terms of what I want to convey through this project as although I had obtained a lot of information, it wasn't useful. Nevertheless, the articles I found on The Guardian website informed my project as it provoked me to consider the treatment people with disabilities face not only by the public but also by those who are meant to protect the public; inclusive of disabled individuals. (the police) This caused me to think more about what exactly I wanted to say, which led me to research into how others have treated the subject. 

I looked at mental illness campaigns from the charity group, Mind. I found the approach of both campaigns: 'Rethink Mental Illness' and 'Time to change' intriguing as they are both loosely linked to the idea I would like to convey. They are both driven by the idea of changing the incorrect perceptions/ ideas society has about mental illnesses. However, my project differs to both campaigns as I not only want to change people's perceptions, I also want to show their perceptions. (visually) Additionally, I looked at a live brief project by a student- Dilip Ubhi which was a good reference for me in terms of how to approach such a project. Referencing this inspired me to decide on creating an advertising campaign for my final outcome. 

Overall, although I wasted a lot of time researching my concept alone, I managed to get worthwhile research done in terms of killing two birds with one stone by doing both visual and conceptual research by looking at the mental illness advertising campaigns. If I had the opportunity to restart this week, I would make my research narrower and more focused/relevant to what I would like to communicate. In order to get back on track I need to gear my thinking towards creating a final outcome rather than researching just for the sake of it. I intend to do this by applying my research to my design process by thinking more visually and being experimental.