Semester 1 Reflections

Gosh! I cannot believe how quickly this semester is going?! I am just over half way through this semester. I feel like I have made some great progress regarding my office design and researching further into colour psychology. However, I have been thinking.. always dangerous! I've had doubts about my home office design, and worry I will not be able to fulfil it throughout the rest of the year. I think I feel as though the topic does not have enough longevity and therefore, the topic wouldn't be able to grow.

I have been weighing up other ideas, trying to determine what skills I can use to create a new topic, while combining it with something I am passionate about. After a few weeks, I came to the decision that I would really like to look into the second-hand and the recycling side of items within a retail setting. For me, I am totally obsessed with anything that is second-hand or being thrown out, so it would be wasted not to use this interest and direct it into my MA topic. I really do not feel like my prior research on colour and shape psychology is wasted at all though. I will certainly carry this theory through to my new topic, in fact, it is probably even more important as the space I designed will need to appeal to mass.

Buying and looking for second-hand items is something that I have always done and always will. I would much rather wait for a few months and get the thrill of searching and eventually finding a shirt I had admired for 80% cheaper. This way of shopping has become the new norm for me, I see something online at full price and think- yes- lovely. Yet, no matter how much I want or need the item I can't help myself but to scroll through e-bay or Facebook marketplace to find the same item cheaper. Shopping this way allows me to buy something guilt free, enjoy it, then, if I change my mind I don't have an issue with selling it on, or giving it to a charity shop. I have had my enjoyment, it hasn't cost me much- it's time for someone else to have some pleasure out of it now. I am well aware this tedious shopping style is not for everyone, as for many, life is probably too short to spend days in charity shops for the sake of saving a few pounds. The negative aspect to second-hand shopping has actually made me want to pursue this topic area further. I would love for my concept to actually convince people that no- not all second-hand items smell or aren't good enough and it create a retail experience to find quality one off items for affordable prices, while saving the environment too. What more could you want?!

My experience in retail has also been useful to shape this idea. Working as a design assistant, I saw some great examples and models of business which I thought I could adapt and may be of use. However, I also saw how in some instances, businesses could have done a lot more for a customer, in terms of retail experience and satisfaction. I have always dreamt of owning my own interior and antique shop- so maybe one day this topic may hopefully become a reality?