In this class, we mapped out the entire research‑design process, starting with how to frame a clear, focused research question and moving through the steps of a robust literature review. We examined the main types of reviews: systematic, narrative, meta‑analysis, umbrella, descriptive, and realist, highlighting when each is appropriate and how to synthesise sources rather than… Continue reading WEEK 6
WEEK 5
This week was mainly focused on feedback and workshop time; however, we were also introduced to project 1, which is due in a month. This brief focuses on choosing a concept I’d like to explore or use in my FMP as a “test-run”. At the moment, I’m still unsure what I want to commit to,… Continue reading WEEK 5
WEEK 5
We walked through the full thesis‑planning workflow. From picking a research topic to staying resilient when setbacks hit. The session emphasised practical steps (like using a funnel to narrow a question) and concrete tools (Mendeley for reference management, chunked timelines, and recovery checklists) so you can move from a vague idea to a polished draft… Continue reading WEEK 5
WEEK 4
This week, we went through facial poses and the fundamental principles of making them look organic rather than robotic. A major takeaway was the importance of asymmetry; while spontaneous emotions might be symmetrical, voluntary expressions benefit from intentional offsets to break the “mirror trap” and enhance appeal. We also explored connectivity, which ensures the face… Continue reading WEEK 4
WEEK 4
During this session, we walked through the essential steps for building a strong literature review since we’ll have to submit ours after the break. We emphasised the impirtance of need of a research question that serves as an “anchor” for the entire project and fits within the 6 000‑word thesis limit. Once the question is set,… Continue reading WEEK 4
WEEK 3
During this week’s sessions, we went through the story structure, looking at how different frameworks shape an audience’s experience. We compared classic Western models like the Three-Act Structur and Preytag’s Pyramid with more modern models like Dan Harmon’s 8-Step Story Circle. As for the Eastern model, we saw Kishotenketsu, a four act structe that relies… Continue reading WEEK 3
WEEK 2
This week, we started with feedback on the Bar’s 5+5 assignment. I was really happy with the result and completely agreed with Ting’s tweaks because they pushed the piece closer to what the director had in mind. The first note was technical: my render came out square instead of rectangular which was due to my… Continue reading WEEK 2
WEEK 2
In the second class, we focused on a short narrative without dialogue. We watched and discussed numerous animations shared on Padlet by my peers, exploring the challenges they might have faced in creating them through meaning and emotion… My favourite was Chih Chih’s share:
WEEK 1
For the first session, we had to bring the storyboards we worked on during the break so we could dive right into the cinematics topic we introduced on the last day of term 1. During the session, we went deeper into the subject, studying the layout, composition and camera language. All these combined serve… Continue reading WEEK 1
WEEK 1
This first session provided a brief introduction to the thesis’s core foundations. The main objective was to guide us through the requirements for submitting the proposal before summer break. Nigel emphasised the importance of selecting an interesting research topic, explaining that a strong topic supports a thorough and engaging study. He encouraged us to start… Continue reading WEEK 1