After completing this class, I've learned a lot in terms of the amount of problem solving that is involved in the field of design and visual communication. From this project particularly, I've conducted a lot of research and field observations that aided me in arriving toward my final solution. It certainly wasn't an easy task, and it required constant consultations from professionals, references to literary sources, and gathering information online and through a survey.
Although my work in DAI 505 has been completed, that doesn't mark the end of this project. In fact, we're still in the early stages, although we've gotten past the preliminary steps of identifying what we need to do to address the issue. But all the other more technical concerns such as time, budget, and design constraints need to be considered as well.
Conclusion
I've concluded that in order to effectively outreach to target audiences about the need to fill mission-critical classifications toward the operation of the water and wastewater industry, we need to identify the behavioral patterns of job seekers and the kind of values they hold onto in terms what they consider to be an "ideal" job. Job security, salary level, and challenging and rewarding work are all examples of what individuals are looking for on a general basis. Also another thing to point out is HOW job seekers look for jobs. Many of them prefer visiting the websites of potential employers, direct contact with employers, or personal networks/referrals. Many people also go online to browse job databases as well. Through BAYWORK's collaboration with career centers in educational institutions, presentations, and involvement in job fairs, these methods are ways in which the organization can reach out to students directly. Prototypes produced include a brochure and poster, both physical materials in print format that can be used for these purposes to direct interested individuals to the website to find out more information.
A prototype for a website was produced which features Web 2.0 technological tools and social networking links, all popular trends for information access today. It is important to present content in such a way that it is engaging and immersive, and that can be accomplished through photos, videos, and other interactive elements. But it is also important to keep a website's presentation clean, simple, and easy to navigate through - in other words, user-friendly. In order to promote a website's visibility, search engine marketing and social media advertisements are recommended as well, depending upon the budget allotted. And as I mentioned, brochures are to be distributed via events and posters to be hung up around schools, providing general information about water industry jobs. They will also provide a link to the website itself.
Finally, people may have misconceptions about the water industry and/or the jobs associated with it. For example, they may think it's "dirty work for low pay" or they may underestimate the operational challenges that are involved in working within the industry. It's important that we help them achieve a more accurate perception of the industry as well as emphasize the benefits and advantages of working as a water industry staff member.
All these considerations need to be worked into the content of the prototypes, and the way that we design and present that material is crucial to whether people will choose to have information go in one ear and out the other, or be self-initiated in active pursuit of learning more.
