As I wrap up a year of intensive project work and client engagements, I find myself looking back on my reflective practice module with a mix of appreciation and self-awareness. This module has been an essential part of my learning journey, pushing me to document and reflect on my experiences, both in terms of the projects I’ve completed and the skills I’ve developed. While the process has often been challenging, it has also proven to be valuable in shaping my approach to work and personal growth.
The Challenge of Balance
One of the biggest hurdles I faced throughout the year was balancing reflective practice with the demands of ongoing projects. Client work often comes with tight deadlines and high expectations, leaving little room for self-reflection. There were times when the pressure to deliver overshadowed my commitment to pause and think about what I was learning. Balancing these responsibilities required a great deal of discipline and time management, and there were times when the task seemed overwhelming.
The Value of Reflection
Despite these challenges, the benefits of engaging in reflective practice became increasingly evident as the year progressed. Taking the time to reflect on a selection of projects allowed me to gain deeper insights into my workflow, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate my successes. A successful example is a deep dive into a client project, where I used Figjam to break down user journeys and focus on preparation and planning before beginning design work. By documenting my learning plan and tracking my progress, I was able to see growth in my skills and confidence. Reflection provided a structured way to evaluate my experiences and make informed decisions about my development.
Enhancing Workflow and Skills
Reflective practice has been instrumental in enhancing both my workflow and skill set. By regularly assessing my approach to projects, I was able to identify inefficiency and devise solutions to overcome them. For example reflecting on assessor/ client feedback and project outcomes helped me to understand my strengths and areas that needed further refinement. As a result, I was able to tailor my learning activities to focus on specific skills that would have the most impact on my professional growth.
Conclusion
In summary, while balancing reflective practice with project work has been challenging, it has also been incredibly rewarding. The process has provided me with a deeper understanding of my work, enhanced my skills, and improved my ability to plan and execute projects effectively. Reflective practice has proven to be a valuable tool in my professional toolkit, one that I will continue to use as I strive for excellence in my career.