Reading The Design Critique and the Moral Goods of Studio Pedagogy by Jason K. McDonald and Esther Michela made me reflect on my own experiences with critiques and offering feedback in creative education. The paper introduces the concept of “moral goods” in studio pedagogy, emphasizing how critiques shape both students’ learning and instructors’ teaching approaches. While critiques play a vital role in helping students develop technical skills, independent thinking, and confidence, they can also be emotionally challenging.
Balancing Constructive Criticism and Emotional Well-being
A key issue raised in the paper is the emotional impact of critiques, particularly when delivered in public settings. This has made me more conscious of how I deliver critiques and how different students respond. I have found that giving feedback in a one-to-one setting is much easier than in front of a group. In private sessions, students tend to be more open and receptive, without the pressure of their peers watching. This allows for more in-depth discussions and tailored feedback that directly addresses their concerns. In contrast, group critiques can sometimes make students hesitant to engage, either out of fear of judgment or reluctance to challenge others’ opinions. One-to-one settings create a more comfortable space for constructive dialogue, making the critique process more effective and supportive.
A challenge I often face is having to provide direct feedback due to time constraints, whether it’s the limited time I have with the student or their impending hand-in deadline. In these situations, I sometimes worry that my feedback might come across as too intense or direct. However, clear and immediate guidance is often necessary to help them make quick improvements. Finding the right balance between being efficient and supportive remains a challenge, as I want to ensure they leave with actionable insights without feeling discouraged.
Balancing my own influence and bias with students’ aesthetics is something I actively consider when giving feedback. Students often ask me directly what makes a “good” layout or which font they should use, but I avoid providing definitive answers. If I were to dictate a singular “correct” approach, it could lead to homogenized work where students simply follow instructions rather than developing their own creative identities. Instead, I encourage them to engage in thorough research, emphasizing that understanding what makes a layout effective comes from exploration and analysis rather than prescriptive rules. This approach aligns with Self-Determination Theory by Deci and Ryan (1985), which highlights the importance of autonomy, competence, and motivation in learning. Providing direct answers could reduce students’ sense of ownership over their creative decisions, making them overly dependent on external validation rather than developing their own judgment. By fostering autonomy and guiding students toward self-directed inquiry, I help them build the confidence and analytical skills necessary to shape their own design identities while ensuring meaningful engagement with their work.
While critiques are valuable for learning and development, they must be carefully structured to balance constructive feedback with student well-being. Time constraints, power dynamics, and emotional impact all influence how critiques are received and their effectiveness in fostering growth. Reflecting on my own experiences, I see the importance of creating a supportive yet efficient feedback environment, one that encourages learning without overwhelming students. Moving forward, I aim to refine my approach by ensuring feedback remains clear, purposeful, and adaptable to different student needs and contexts.
The paper “Drawing Lab” by Michelle Salamon explores the association between drawing and memory through a series of workshops, positioning drawing as a tool for learning and encoding information. Encoding is the process of modifying information to make it storable, whether visually, semantically, or auditorily. Through my own teaching practice, I have observed that drawing enhances encoding, storage, and retrieval of memories, particularly when used in digital fashion design and illustration.
In my experience teaching Adobe software and CLO3D, I recognize that drawing is more than a representational skill, it is an active and exploratory process that aids comprehension. For instance, when teaching students how to create vector illustrations in Illustrator, I emphasize sketching as a method for refining ideas that offers a quick exploration of designs. This aligns with the kinesthetic learning theory (Oxford University Press, n.d.), which suggests that physical engagement enhances cognitive retention. By drawing initial concepts before digitizing them, students interact with the material in a way that strengthens their learning and recall.
Additionally, the transformative nature of drawing aligns with constructivist learning theories, particularly Tversky’s (2011) concept of “constructive perception.” Tversky argues that perception is an active process in which individuals shape their understanding through interaction and reinterpretation. This idea supports the notion that learning is strengthened when students engage with material through exploration and personal interpretation. In my workshops, I have noticed that students who engage in freehand sketching before transitioning to digital tools often produce more innovative designs. This unpredictable and exploratory aspect of drawing fosters creative breakthroughs, as students reinterpret information through their own lens rather than simply replicating it.
I encourage students to engage in layout exploration and mini thumbnail sketches before working digitally. In graphic design, a thumbnail sketch for layout refers to a quick, low-fidelity drawing used to explore and communicate different design concepts and solutions (Mural, 2025). This method allows students to efficiently plan their compositions, reducing time wasted on excessive adjustments when working directly in InDesign. Since InDesign functions best when the layout is already structured, thumbnail sketches serve as a roadmap, ensuring effective time management. Sketching first helps avoid unnecessary fiddling in digital tools and allows students to focus on refining their design rather than struggling with technical aspects too early in the process.
Thumbnails Sketches Exploring layout for an Art magazine spread
Furthermore, drawing serves as an autobiographical and reflective practice (Berger, 2012). In my own work, I encourage students to document their design process through sketching, which helps them internalize and critically analyze their creative decisions. This approach aligns with Kolb’s experiential learning cycle (1984), particularly the reflective observation stage, where students evaluate their work and iterate on their designs based on their insights.
In essence, integrating drawing into teaching practice has reinforced its role as a cognitive and creative tool. By combining traditional sketching with digital techniques, I support students in developing deeper conceptual understanding and more personal connections to their work.
For further context on drawing in relation to human memory and Salamon’s case studies refer to my notes “Drawing as a Form of Encoding“
Bibliography
Berger, J. (2012) Berger on Drawing. Edited by J. Savage. Aghabullogue, Ireland: Occasional Press.
Kolb, D. (1984) Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Object-based learning is an educational approach that actively incorporates physical objects into the learning experience. (Chatterjee & Hannan, 2016)
The word ‘object’ is meant to refer to any specimen, artefact or artwork that can be referred to as material culture (Pearce, 1994) however the term can also refer to written pieces of work such as manuscripts and books (Kador and Chatterjee, 2020). Integrating objects in learning has been used in order to “inspire, inform, engage, and motivate learnings at all stages of life” (Chatterjee & Hannan, 2016). One of the main reasons for using objects in education is it can invoke an evolved consciousness and promotes interaction in addition to that it can challenge the viewer to see the objects from different perspectives. According to Kolb (1984) in order to gain real knowledge, the learner must be involved in the experience and go through a cycle of learning which includes the following steps: active participation, reflection, conceptualization with analysis and experimentation using the new knowledge.
Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle (adapted from Kolb, 1984)
There is a great potential for incorporating OBL into digital design practice and teaching as Schultz (2012) states “interaction with artefacts deepens students’ learning”. I recognized the potential of OBL during my online microteaching session on layout design where students gained a better understanding of a 2 page spread layout after viewing a magazine, particularly in relation to image distortion caused by the book spine. This reinforced how important it is for designers to consider materiality when working digitally.
When talking about OBL I would also like to mention the Modality Principle which states that learning is more effective when instructional materials present information using both visual and auditory channels, rather than relying on text alone. This principle is based on Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning, which suggests that humans have separate channels for processing visual and auditory information (Mayer, 2014). The theory examines how humans acquire knowledge through a variety of media.
Proposed Implementation of OBL in Digital Design for potential future classes
To integrate OBL into my teaching practice, I plan to develop a structured approach that allows students to interact with physical objects while maintaining a strong digital focus and here are some of the ideas:
Typography with Blocks – Using letter blocks for typesetting to demonstrate key typography principles such as leading, kerning, and tracking. This hands-on method allows students to visualize spacing and composition. Combining verbal explanations with physical demonstrations significantly enhances information retention, as visualization reinforces auditory input especially when talking about technical terms. According to Mayer’s (2001) Multimedia Learning Theory, integrating visual and verbal elements helps learners construct deeper mental representations, making knowledge more accessible and memorable.
Movable type on a composing stick on a type caseTypesetting Blocks
Curated Database of Objects – I aim to create a digital and physical repository of interesting and award-winning objects, including household items, packaging, and print materials. This collection would serve as a resource for inspiration, sparking curiosity and deeper analysis. In addition to being a great resource for teaching this will also provide me with a broader knowledge of current and past trends.
Material Studies in Layout Design – Encouraging students to examine physical magazines, interactive books, and alternative print formats to understand composition, material choices, and how design elements interact with physical constraints.
Visits to the LCF Archives – Following a recent visit to the LCF Archives, I see immense value in allowing students to analyze historical fashion items, embroidery samples, and packaging designs and many other items as LCF Archives boasts itself as being a ‘a set of eccentric and eclectic collections that explore the history of London as a fashion capital’ (London College of Fashion, n.d.). This hands-on engagement that LCF Archives provide can inform digital projects on a multitude of topics.
Dancing Shoes, heel detail, 1925 – 1935Dior Spring Catalogue Sketches, 1966Heart Tube Hat by Philip Treacy, 1997Dancing Shoes, 1925 – 1935
Experimental Print and Pattern-Making – Using block printing tools and textured objects to create physical patterns, which can then be digitized and refined in software like Photoshop or Illustrator. This process connects handmade elements with digital workflows, reinforcing hybrid design thinking.
Texture Scanning and Digital Brushes – Encouraging students to scan and photograph textures from different objects to create unique digital brushes for illustration and graphic design projects. This exercise fosters resourcefulness and creativity.
Color Exploration with Organic Materials – Using fruits, vegetables, and natural dyes to explore color palettes and variations based on the stages of drying and freshness. This approach bridges traditional color theory with real-world observation.
Object Analysis and Peer Learning – Allowing students to bring a personal object to class, prompting their peers to analyze its function, design, and historical context. This exercise fosters discussion, critical thinking, and new perspectives.
Physical Mock-Ups and Exhibition – Having students create packaging for an object, considering form, texture, target audience, and functionality. A final exhibition of their work would encourage peer learning and provide insights into real-world design challenges.
Conclusion
By integrating OBL into digital design education, students can develop a deeper appreciation for materiality, user interaction, and physical constraints, elements like these often overlooked in purely digital workflows. As Hardie (2015) demonstrated through case studies, engaging with objects fosters analytical skills, research abilities, and critical thinking, all of which are essential for designers. Incorporating these strategies into my teaching will not only enrich student learning but also help bridge the gap between the tangible and the virtual, preparing them to be a 360 degree designer who can consider all aspects of design and not limit themselves.
Interacting with objects is crucial in graphic design, where so much of what we create digitally might eventually take physical form. Object-based learning pushes us to think beyond the digital tools we use daily, encouraging a deeper connection to materials, form, and meaning. As designers, we need to be multifaceted and multidimensional thinkers and be able to analyze, reflect, and understand how our work functions in the real world. Engaging with objects strengthens our ability to see, question, and create with intention, making us more adaptable and thoughtful designers.
Bibliography
Chatterjee, H. and Hannan, L. (2016) Engaging the Senses: Object-Based Learning in Higher Education. Farnham: Ashgate.
Hardie, K. (2015) ‘Using Object-Based Learning to Develop Critical Thinking in Fashion and Textile Design Students’, Art, Design & Communication in Higher Education, 14(1), pp. 33-47.
Kador, T. and Chatterjee, H. (2020) Object-Based Learning and Well-Being: Exploring Material Connections. London: Routledge.
Kolb, D.A. (1984) Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Mayer, R.E. (2014) The Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning. 2nd edn. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Schultz, P. (2012) ‘Tactile Learning: Enhancing Digital Creativity through Material Engagement’, International Journal of Art & Design Education, 31(2), pp. 184-191.
Image Bibliography
Bodea, A. (2025)Block Printing, Origin: India. [Photograph]. Unpublished.
Bodea, A. (2025)Block Printing – Wooden Blocks. [Photograph]. Unpublished.
Bodea, A. (2025)Dancing Shoes, heel detail, 1925–1935. [Photograph]. Unpublished.
Bodea, A. (2025)Dior Spring Catalogue Sketches, 1966. [Photograph]. Unpublished.
Bodea, A. (2025)Heart Tube Hat by Philip Treacy, 1997. [Photograph]. Unpublished.
Bodea, A. (2025)Dancing Shoes, 1925–1935. [Photograph]. Unpublished.
Bodea, A. (2025)Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle (adapted from Kolb, 1984). [Infographic]. Unpublished.
Neha (n.d.)Block printing on fabric – Rajasthan, India. Block printing traditional process, Jaipur – center of traditional handicrafts of India. Available at: https://stock.adobe.com/uk/search?asset_id=383313377 (Accessed: 4 February 2025).
Teaching design software online presents unique challenges, particularly in engaging students and fostering inclusivity. In my experience teaching Adobe software, I observed a lack of participation, reluctance to ask questions, and hesitation in exploring new tools. Many students demonstrated passive learning behaviors, often avoiding verbal contributions or direct interaction. This disengagement can stem from discomfort with digital tools, language barriers, or fear of making mistakes in a virtual setting.
Evaluation
Vygotsky’s ZPD highlights the gap between what students can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance. Many of my students were in this zone, where they had some familiarity with digital tools but lacked confidence to apply them effectively. Without structured support, students often remain in their actual development level, unable to progress beyond basic functions and tools.
A key challenge was shifting students’ focus from outcome-driven learning where their main focus was on the result to embracing the learning process. Many students were hesitant at the beginning of sessions, requiring time to warm up to the environment. Since online workshops were often short (e.g., two hours, with no follow-up), it was difficult to build trust and confidence within a limited timeframe.
Language barriers, cultural differences, and varying educational backgrounds shape how students engage with new concepts. Some may struggle with confidence, while others approach learning from entirely different perspectives. Recognizing these diverse needs within the ZPD framework means creating spaces where all students, regardless of background, feel supported in their learning journey. By acknowledging and embracing this diversity, I can better guide students in developing their skills, ensuring that no one is left behind due to structural or communicative barriers.
Moreover, online learning reduces opportunities for real-time intervention, making it harder to tackle the learning curve effectively. Without immediate feedback, students may struggle without realizing areas for improvement, leading to limited engagement and slow progression. Since the learning curve is essential in supporting learners within their ZPD, I need to integrate strategies that promote active participation and allow students to gradually bridge the gap between their current skills and potential mastery.
A key challenge is shifting students’ focus from outcome-driven learning … to embracing the learning process
Moving forward – Applying Vygotsky’s ZPD in Online Learning
To better support students in their ZPD, I will implement strategies based on scaffolding (Wood, Bruner, & Ross, 1976) and collaborative learning which are key aspects of Vygotsky’s theory. Scaffolding is a concept developed by Wood, Bruner, and Ross (1976), that provides temporary support to help students progress in their learning.
Building Trust with Structured Engagement: Starting sessions with interactive polls, warm-up exercises or ice-breakers to encourage participation. This reduces anxiety and provides an entry point into the lesson.
Providing Multiple Participation Avenues: Some students struggle with verbal interaction. Instead of forcing discussion, I will encourage engagement through chat functions, collaborative documents/projects, or email follow-ups. Additionally, I will explore using NVivo, a program that enables students to ask questions and participate in polls anonymously, fostering a more inclusive learning experience. This will allow students to participate at their comfort level while still staying engaged in the learning process.
Encouraging Peer Learning & Collaboration: Vygotsky emphasized the role of social learning, where students benefit from working with more knowledgeable peers. I will introduce small collaborative projects, such as group moodboard exercises using Adobe Project Concept (a collaborative tool). To reduce student anxiety, I will also implement anonymous participation methods, allowing students to share ideas or ask questions without revealing their identity. Studies suggest that anonymity in learning environments can increase confidence and reduce fear of judgment (Joinson, 2001).
Gradual Release of Responsibility (Scaffolding): Initially, I will provide detailed step-by-step guidance (high support). As students gain confidence, I will reduce assistance, encouraging them to apply skills independently. This follows the scaffolding model, where students move from guided practice to autonomy.
By implementing these strategies, I aim to bridge the gap between students’ current knowledge and their potential skills, helping them progress within their ZPD and tackle inclusivity issues of those who are more reserved.
Conclusion
Vygotsky’s ZPD and scaffolding theory provide valuable insights into addressing student disengagement in online learning. By creating structured scaffolding opportunities, offering multiple engagement methods, and fostering collaborative learning, I will support students in their learning journey. Moving forward, I plan to refine these strategies by incorporating more interactive and adaptive teaching techniques, ensuring that students feel supported, motivated, and empowered to explore digital tools with confidence. Ensuring an inclusive approach that meets students’ diverse needs allows all learners, regardless of background, language proficiency, or prior experience, to access learning equitably, fostering a supportive and engaging environment where they can thrive.
Bibliography
Joinson, A. N. (2001) ‘Self-disclosure in computer-mediated communication: The role of self-awareness and visual anonymity’, European Journal of Social Psychology, 31(2), pp. 177-192.
Objects can be used to arouse a deeper understanding of some design and culture contexts within the graphic design realm such as branding, consumerism, aesthetics and ethics as well as to develop communication, critical analytical skills, research skills and provide inspiration. Objects are incorporated into graphic design teaching, as explained by Hardie (2015) through three case studies.
Choosing impressive objects
Students had to choose an object that evokes the WOW. The object now represents the student’s voice and “silence is only to be broken by the exclamation of Wow” (Hardie, p5, 2015). After the “wow” a discussion follows based on the impact of the object and more specifically the design has upon the viewer. The student is given a choice in picking the object, this leads the student to unconsciously think about the impact in different ways such as on themselves, therefore tapping into their own experiences and onto others.
Working in groups and analyzing objects
Following a series of theoretical lessons where concepts such consumerism, popular culture and semiotics are discussed, a student group activity (5-6 students ea.) within a cohort of 55-85 students takes place. Students are provided with different objects and are asked to write a detailed description of the objects. This includes sketches, photographs, quotes and are asked to complete an “object identification form” (Hardie, p6, 2015). The form includes questions related to the object’s function, age, target audience, whether it is ergonomically designed, manufacturing producer, communication aspects and think about the object’s value in different aspects such as financial, social, historical or cultural, which gives the students the opportunity to apply the theoretical concepts they’ve learned earlier in the curriculum. In addition to that, the student’s are asked about their personal view upon the object as well and are encouraged to debate different perspectives within the group. The teacher ensures discussions remain focused and productive while allowing meaningful student engagement reminding the learners about the task’s requirements.
Student led exhibition
At the start of their second term, first-year graphic design students (approx. 80) participate in the For the Love of Graphics exhibition, an OBL experiential learning activity. Each student selects a graphic design object they love, researches its background, and writes a short description (50–100 words) justifying their choice and explaining its context. The student-led exhibition fosters research, teamwork, time management, and curation skills (Hardie, 2015, p. 15). Held on Valentine’s Day “to maximize the connotations of love,” the event encourages students to “consider their relationship with designs and position these objects as revered exhibits” (Hardie, 2015, p. 15). It also supports reflective writing, helping to “lessen the tensions of writing that design students often report as troublesome” (Hardie, 2015, p. 15). Student feedback highlights the exhibition’s impact in strengthening group identity, broadening design perspectives, and improving key skills. Responses include “high level of work/design,” “everyone working together,” and “broadened my perspective on what design is” (Hardie, 2015, p. 15).
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Hardie, K. (2015)Wow: The power of objects in object-based learning and teaching. York: Higher Education Academy.
For my microteaching session, I designed an activity where students created a two-page magazine advert for a fashion object for a fictional brand, targeting a specific market. My aim was to enhance their observation skills, design awareness, and critical analytical thinking while also improving their communication and aesthetic judgment. I incorporated key concepts such as branding, target market and layout principles to provide a well-rounded learning experience.
Planning the Session
The session was carefully structured to make design principles accessible to students with varying levels of experience. I started with an interactive icebreaker, where students were shown different adverts and asked to distinguish between mass-market and luxury. This not only engaged them from the start but also introduced the fundamental concept of branding and visual cues. Because this task was relatively easy, it formed a learning slope that eased students into the session and built their confidence. As the session progressed, the difficulty of the tasks increased step by step, allowing students to gradually build their understanding without feeling overwhelmed.
20-Minute Microteaching Plan
2 min – Introduction & Icebreaker
5 min – Theories on Layout
2 min – Target Market & Poll
3 min – Explain Brief
5 min – Activity
3 min – Discussion/Feedback & Wrap-up
I planned the learning outcomes to ensure students gained:
A foundational understanding of graphic design concepts
An ability to analyze visual elements critically
Awareness of layout structures used in magazines
Confidence in applying design tools to create a compelling advert
To keep the session digestible, I broke down technical terminology into bite-sized explanations, covering margins, columns and grids as well as short mention of some typography concepts. By using visual examples at every step, I aimed to make the lesson more accessible and inclusive for different learning styles.
I gave the students the opportunity in choosing their target market via a poll therefore I prepared two briefs one covering Mass-Market audience and one for Luxury. Only the winning brief was shared with the students during the lesson however second brief is available and would be shared with students as possible homework for further exploration alongside other ideas to explore.
Maintaining student engagement was crucial, so I incorporated multiple interactive elements:
Verbal Interaction: Inviting students to speak via microphone
Chat Participation: Encouraging responses and discussions in the chat
Polls: Allowing students to make decisions collectively which determined the outcome of the exercise
Choice-Based Learning: Letting students pick their own object for the advert
Additionally, I included a variety of visual references, such as magazine spreads and sketches, to cater to visual learners. The emphasis on “layout is everywhere around us” sparked a eureka moment for students, helping them see design principles in everyday life.
Slide – Luxury vs Mass-Market + Poll results
Learning Outcomes
To evaluate whether students absorbed the key concepts, I observed their ability to apply design principles in their advert creations. Students sketched their advert ideas, shared them on screen, and spoke about their design choices via microphone, explaining their approach to layout. This allowed me to assess their understanding in real-time and provided an opportunity for peer learning. The feedback I received indicated that students found the structured breakdown of technical terms helpful and that even those without prior design knowledge were able to successfully complete the task.
Students work
Reflection and Areas of Improvement
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with students appreciating the clear explanations, step-by-step approach, and engaging visuals. Some highlights included:
Strong use of visual references and examples
Well-structured introduction to layouts and branding
Effective use of interactive elements (chat, mic, polls)
A homework option to extend learning
However, an area for improvement was the slide content. Some students noted that slides with dense information could have been more streamlined. Additionally, separating the luxury and mass-market comparisons more clearly could enhance clarity, perhaps I could have made a more succinct slide regarding the comparison of the two markets. One student also questioned whether covering all the layout tools was too ambitious within the short time frame.
In addition to this I have noticed some students did not use margins or columns in their design or added them afterwards which is the opposite of what I intended – I would have liked if I had more time to guide them a bit more through the planning phase of the layout where you choose your margins and columns and would have liked to add that element of “let’s do this part together”.
Slide set – “Step by Step Layout”
Final Thoughts
The Microteaching session reinforced the importance of interactive and visually supported learning. I was able to guide students toward a deeper understanding of branding, layout, and design principles. Moving forward, I aim to refine my slide content for better pacing and clarity while ensuring that all elements remain digestible within the given timeframe.
By incorporating object-based learning, although in a digital format, it sparked an interest in me in regard to incorporating life objects in graphic design teaching and especially in the online space as this could be a challenge. One key takeaway from this experience, especially after watching my peers’ microteaching sessions, is the value of interacting with real-life objects in design education. In digital spaces, we often rely on images and screens, but holding an object in person engages multiple senses such as texture, weight, even scent, that can only be imagined in a digital format. This physical interaction fosters a deeper connection and understanding that is sometimes lost in virtual learning. It has made me think on how I might incorporate more tangible elements into my teaching, even in an online setting, to bridge the gap between digital and physical experiences.
Bibliography
Ambrose, G., 2011. Layout: The basics of graphic design. 2nd ed. Lausanne: AVA Publishing.
