Matrix Reflection

After a snow day this week, we were not able to complete an assignment where we drafted our first direct mailer.  Mine would have been targeted at National Merit Scholars and accented the wonderful scholarship opportunities OU has to offer as well as the diverse programs like study abroad that set us apart from other universities.

In class we were asked to work on a segmentation matrix, which outlines all of the demographics and psychographics an individual in the target public of prospective students might possess.  Mine focused on National Merit Scholars and can be accessed by clicking on this Scholar Matrix.

I responded to this assignment by filling out the matrix with my own experience as a high school student  in mind.  However, I also referred to online statistics over information I was uncertain, for example the percentages of male and female National Merit Scholars.

I think the matrix turned out pretty well but I feel like I could not make it as detailed as our instructor’s.  I feel like even though my matrix was narrowed down to National Merit Scholars, it was still a huge spectrum of prospective students.  Also, I’m a little thankful that the first draft of the direct mailer got canceled so this gives me the time to properly utilize information from the matrix to create a concept for the mailer before I even open Photoshop.

My reaction of relief for not having to work on the direct mailer this week stems from the stress that comes from rushing to create a draft.  After the business card experience I am happy to sketch out or plan what the first draft of my direct mailer will look like.  However, I will not stay glued to my initial design like I did with my business card.  During this project I will try to follow the design process and let the direct mailer go through many transitions before the final product.