Personal
reflection helps us to process and make sense of all the wonderful (and not so wonderful)
learning and working experiences we have had. Everyone has something to gain by
engaging in some sort of contemplation.
We
may also inspire others to evolve by means of personal reflection. In this
article I'm going to cover some of the advantages of personal reflection, as
well as the methods of reflection that you should integrate into your routine.
Reflection-
the basic meaning and advantages:
Academics
in the fields of education and medicine have spent decades examining the
possible advantages of training and practise for students and practitioners, as
well as ways to better involve people in reflection.
There
is no single-size-fits-all type of reflection. Similarly, there is no
justification to restrict reflection to personal or professional experience.
Some
people assert that reflection is a crucial component for everyone in health
care. I would say that reflection is a key component for anyone hoping to make
the most of their experience, regardless of profession.
Benefits:
Researchers
have found that reflection can increase comprehension of the context in which
you work, change perceptions, deepen understanding and help you re-appreciate
the work you do (Glaze, 2001). Reflection can also improve the relationship
between mentor and mentee.
For web professionals, the following areas are critical:
Better comprehension of the context
We
are actively researching, designing and creating goods for use in a number of
contexts. Consultants and freelancers may switch from one project to another in
both contexts and topics.
Product teams can have several iterations or environments of use that customers may want to indulge in using their product.
Changing the perspective
Reflection creates compassion, a key component of successful product design and production. Reflection also offers you the ability to learn from your experiences and promote change.
Deep understanding
We work in ever-changing conditions, on constantly updated networks, on a variety of topics. A better understanding helps us to understand problems efficiently, to formulate solutions and to share our ideas.
Improve the relationship between mentor and mentee
Mentors
who model the reflection with their mentees could open the way for an improved
relationship and understanding of each other.
Meaningful
reflection cannot be imposed or pretended; thus, a mentor who encourages
reflection on the part of a mentee would also need to model the reflection.
Doing
this would enable them more time to spend together and a mutual interpretation
of what comes out of reflection.
Gibb’s Reflective cycle:
Graham
Gibbs is an academic researcher who has developed a model for how successful
reflection takes place (see chart below). The Gibbs model is useful to break
down the process of contemplation into concrete and manageable measures.
The
steps are a road map for the achievement of reflection in every form (writing,
speaking, and art). The Gibbs model involves six measures, which are discussed
in more detail below: description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, and
conclusion and action plan.
You
can use these steps to structure an academic-based reflective exercise,
skipping and repeating steps as needed.
Description
What
happened?
Write
a short summary of the incident you're thinking about. Be sure to mention
important events in order to focus on them
Example-
Today, we met with our digital banking client to review preliminary designs. We
concentrated on a workflow to open an online check account. We got a lot of
feedback on most of the design.
The
client did not like the screens that direct users through depositing initial
funds into the account. I suggested we wait for it to be judged before we
conduct usability test and analysis.
Feelings
What
did you think and feel?
In
this stage, identify your thoughts and feelings.
Example:
"I thought we had nailed the experience of opening an online account to
the meeting. I was satisfied with the excellent feedback we got. I was shocked
that the client didn't like our thinking about financing the account.
I
was furious when I learned that we weren't running our designs before the
meeting with a few members of the client's team. I was frustrated not to
suggest this myself."
Analysis
What
sense would you make of the situation?
In
this stage, go beyond experience and look to make sense of what has occurred in
the light of other related events in your life. Using additional resources
available from other encounter for making a personal connection to this recent
encounter.
Example:
"After a meeting with the client, I checked the notes of previous meetings
with the same client. I noticed that they stated earlier that they had some
clear ideas about how users would initially finance their account. In our
design, we did not explicitly answer these needs.
It
makes more sense now why the client was stuck out as a negative. We also looked
at previous designs that we thought were effective in addressing how to finance
an account. We may use some of this as an inspiration
Conclusion
What
else will you do?
This
phase builds on your study and helps you to truly incorporate the lessons
learned from your reflection. You may have done other things, but they wouldn't
have been worth the time or effort.
You
can't escape all unpleasant experiences. It would also be worthwhile to
consider what the choices were in case you found yourself in a similar
situation.
Example:
"I should have done a variety of things to maximise the design review with
the client and to minimise negative aspects of the meeting. I should have
checked my notes from our previous meetings and remembered that the client had
clear requirements regarding the workflow of account financing.
I
should have included a range of design examples to compare the options for how
various workflows could unfold. Before the analysis conference, I should have
met with key members of the client team.
Action
plan
If
the situation were to occur again what will you do?
Now
that you've reflected, integrate what you've learned, or determine how you're
going to approach it in the future.
Example:
"Next time, I may be able to create a particular client request document
based on the meeting notes. This will allow me to clarify any expectations of
the client that I need either to resolve in the design or to make a case
against.
I
would also ensure that the client is aware of all design decisions and that he
has a pre-review meeting with key client staff to make sure that what we
present is not a surprise.
Non-academic
ways of reflecting:
Reflection
does not require set guidelines and does not take a lot of time. Reflection
doesn't have to happen on a daily basis, but you should strive to incorporate
reflection as part of a normal routine.
It's
something that you're going to get better when you devote time and are
purposeful. Finding a suitable time and space for reflection is crucial and
will make the experience better.
A
reflection diary or journal:
Diary
is a record of personal reflection. You can revisit your past thoughts and add
new ones. Hold your journal somewhere convenient to find and use. Build a
calming and deeper thought climate.
You
may prefer to listen to soft music, light a candle, take a bath or follow some
other strategy to relax and concentrate on your thoughts.
Exercise:
Researchers
have long established mental and physical health benefits of exercise. It's
hard to take time away from your everyday routine. You'll need to plan exercise
on a regular basis and stick with it before it becomes a habit.
Exercise
will isolate you from the physical space of your desk room, where you can feel
tempted to continue working or checking email. Physical activity also raises
the endorphins, stimulates optimistic mood, and facilitates endorphins.
Meditation:
Many successful people attribute their productivity in part to the time spent on meditation. You can meditate on your own or as a collective group.
You
can use the concentration that meditation offers to guide your thoughts to
contemplation once you're finished. Or if you're like me, your thoughts will
wander towards reflection when you're meditating.
Written
by - Mehak Sachdeva
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