Group Task Blog

Group Task Overview

Description of Work Done

Task 1)

During the start of the semester, the class had to get into groups of four and come up with an idea for a game plus design a poster to advertise it. This was a small task but it helped in getting to know everyone in the group and start bonds. Once the poster was created our group had to present the work to the class and discuss the pros/cons on our idea.

Task 2)

The next task was to create a Game Design Document for our game which had to contain at least ten pages worth of content. This task showed how we worked as a team while making sure we didn’t go over the top with ideas in order to meet the deadline realistically. The group would present this document to the lecturer in the form of a viva.

Task 3)

The final task was to set up a usability test on a game. This required a detailed plan in getting the most useful information related to our game of choices pros/cons. Once gathered the information and created a report to show, the group would display the report to the lecture in the form of a viva.

Reflection and Issues Identified (SWOT)

Task 1)

With the first task, our group had some problems. Our original group of four worked out fine as we all managed to create a good bond between us and would come up with ideas naturally. However two new members who didn’t get a group from a previous lesson had to join ours. This led to us having to try and explain our ideas to them and make sure they got inspiration to come up with ideas themselves for the game. That said these new members would rarely show up and contact via e-mail wouldn’t get a reply, so we just carried thinking they wouldn’t turn up for the final presentation. However they did turn up and instead of turning up confident with our work, we had to try and explain our ideas and make parts for them in the presentation. This in turn affected our final product as they didn’t represent our work that went into the idea process very well.

Task 2)

This had changed for the second task as our group went back to our original four. The group felt more excited about the next project as we were confident we would get the work done to a high standard this time round. However due to the groups passion for the game idea and the amount of ideas we would want to keep there was a rush to get it finished towards the end as decisions would not be made. This problem effected the end product as, despite them amount of content created, we missed the time for our viva.

Task 3)

This led to the group being more organized for our final task, the usability testing. In the two weeks in which to complete this task, most of the work was done in the first. This shows the forward planning involved in this task. This time we managed to present our work to a higher standard than in the previous weeks and I think the group improved for it.

Plan of Action (SMART)

Task 1)

The first thing we did was a brainstorming session where we would come up with ideas based on certain aspects found in the games industry today such a games, features, story, etc. Once we had solid ideas in place we would have different tasks to go home with and develop on. Once we had created the poster, we would then create the presentation and talk about our roles in making it.

Task 2)

Since we used the same game for the poster to make the Game Design Document, there wasn’t a big push on brainstorming session, they would be used to help further an idea or if the group didn’t understand certain aspects of the game. Similar to the last task, we would be given certain tasks to go home with and develop on to show the group in the next lesson. This would continue until we had a first draft copy which we would tweak until the final day.

Task 3)

The first thing we did in our first group meeting was plan out what would happen each day until the deadline and organize meeting places and time. With this plan in place the group would manage to select a game, write up twenty question sheets and fill them all out by the first weekend. This lead to us having a whole week to collect the data and write a detail report.

Completion / Review / Conclusion

Overall the group worked together perfectly. Other than our fist project with new members not really taking part, we would get on with the work while having some fun with it. Also I think together our organization skill and time management have all greatly improved.

My Own Learning Style

Based on the research on David Kolb’s learning styles I have found out about what kind of learning style would best suit me. Out of the four styles which he had developed, the one which suits me best is the Diverger (Imaginative).

I feel that when I gather information I do reflect on it in a different perspective that others. That said that I do listen to what others have to say and take on board their views very well. Coming from a different perspective on a situation helps in a group’s task as it can help show the strengths and weaknesses of an idea. Being an imaginative in my learning style, I would also like to take on a task by doing sketches during brainstorming sessions and being a little artistic within projects.

However I feel that there are elements from all of the different learning styles which I use to take on certain tasks. There may be certain challenges where I would like to use problem solving skill to complete a task, other times I may need to make concept ideas to see how a project would develop further down the line and decide where time should be concentrated on to get the best of a task. There will be times where I will have been given a task and I will need to work on it alone which I am able to just as well as working with a group on a project. Overall though I feel that the Diverger learning style best suits my way of learning new skills and information.

Strengths

Strengths for being a Diverger learner are:

• Good in working with a Team
• Working to time limit
• Organised
• Communication skills

I feel that I can work well within a group situation and give good input to a task as well as letting others have a chance to have their say. I like to keep organised with what is needed to be done and when the task needs to be done by. The time limit is a big factor to consider when this organisation happens. Also I feel my communication skills are good in term for presentation standards and are easy for listeners to gain the information I want them to receive as well as getting some enjoyment from the presentation.

Weakness

Weaknesses for being a Diverger learner are:

• Grammar Sill
• Conflict
• Being sensitive toward
• Not being able to work with other different to me

I don’t like people that don’t want to put the effort into the work. This is because I want to achieve the best work possible. This could lead to conflict within the group. As an imaginitive person I find these conflicts quite personal and feel rather sensitive towards it. This would have a big impact towards to work. Also my Grammar skills are not to a high stadard and need a bit more improvement.

Goals

With reference to the Skills Matrix I feel that these are the goals I want to try and achieve through this core skills module:

• Try not to be so sensitive towards work
• Try and handle conflict situations better
• Try and work with other learning styles
• Improve on my Grammar Skills

I feel that if I concentrate and improve on these goals for future group projects, I can achieve better results and achieve a higher standard of work than I have at present. Also if I achieve these goals, it can even improve on how I tackle real life situations and use them to my advantage.