Student: Design Journaling

In this course, each of you will make use of a design journal. This is a dedicated notebook that you use to document everything you do in the course. Key points from the readings that you want to be sure to remember, notes from class discussions, brainstorming ideas, diagramming complex ideas, project planning, project documentation, and more.

Choose a journal format that lets you do more than just write words. Good design journals let you work in a variety of modalities, including diagramming, side comments, quotes. I usually prefer physical written journals because I can easily diagram, draw, remind myself of photos I've taken. They also cut back on digital distractions, don't need to be charged, and work just fine in full sunlight. And there's a lot of research showing that handwritten notes can have significant cognitive benefits over digital notes! Finally, I find it more satisfying to re-read and store physical books than digital text.

Though I strongly recommend using a physical journal, you are welcome to choose the format that best works for you. Most important of all is that you pick a journal that you can consistently access. Bring your journal to class every day. Everything you do for this class should end up in it!

You should aim to write at least one page a day in your journal. There will be more on days that there is heavy work assigned or you are working intensely. While I won't be reading your journal, I may ask if I can look at the contents when reviewing work in class (I will always ask first, and respect your choice to refuse). I am very happy to provide feedback on your approach to journaling, though a lot of these are personal choices.

Note that working in your design journal will make it much easier for you to complete the required reflections for this course.