Reflective Summary – From Recording to Reflecting
At the beginning of semester 1, blogging felt like a side task — something I had to do, not something I understood. I struggled with what to write and how to structure it. I remember just describing what I did in class, but without really thinking why it mattered. Now, looking back from the second semester, I can see a shift in how I use the blog. It’s no longer just a place to report work — it became a tool for reflection.
In semester 1, one big challenge was referencing. I often wrote my ideas first, then tried to “find” sources later, which made my argument weak and disconnected. This semester, I changed that approach. I started by reading, and sometimes, even one article helped shape my entire blog. I realised referencing isn’t just an academic rule — it’s a tool to build stronger thinking.Another improvement I noticed was how I explained ideas. In the past, I used words like “interesting” or “important” too often, but didn’t explain why. Now I try to be clearer. I ask myself: What exactly am I trying to say? What example supports this? This practice made my writing more focused and also helped in studio presentations.
A turning point was when I tried connecting my blog topics with what I observed in real life. For example, while writing about accessibility, I started noticing the lack of ramps or proper signage in many parts of the city. These details seemed small, but they showed how space could include or exclude different users. This kind of observation made my posts more grounded and personal.At the same time, I’m still working on limiting my content. I tend to include too many ideas in one blog, which can make it hard to follow. I’m learning that writing isn’t just about what I want to say, but what readers can understand easily. Simplicity doesn’t mean lack of depth — it means being more selective and thoughtful.
One of the biggest shifts for me this semester was how I began to see design as a response to layers of context — not just form-making. When writing about regeneration or accessibility, I had to look at policy, demographics, historical land use, and even emotional attachment to place. This trained me to stop thinking in abstract design language and start speaking in real-world terms.For example, I used to propose “green corridors” very easily in my drawings. But in writing, I had to explain: Why here? Who benefits? Is there sunlight? What happens seasonally? That process sharpened my site reading skills and made me consider everyday experience, not just visual outcome.
Finally, blogging has changed how I think about design. Before, I used to reflect only after a project was finished. Now, I pause more during the process, and try to understand what’s working and what’s not. Blogging helped me slow down and think aloud. It made design feel less rushed and more connected to daily experience.To sum up, blogging has become more than an assignment. It’s part of how I process ideas and grow as a designer. I still have a lot to improve, but I feel more confident about using writing as a design tool now.
