Reflective Journal Ⅱ

This week's workshop on Digital Multimodal Composing has significantly enhanced my understanding of the creative process. I now appreciate how design thinking's five stages—empathy, definition, ideation, prototype, and feedback—form a cyclical process that can be repeatedly refined to improve storytelling.
Creating our digital story was a journey filled with both excitement and challenges. We brainstormed ideas, focusing on a story that could effectively showcase our understanding of design thinking and GenAI. Scripting was a meticulous process; we had to ensure that each line of dialogue and narration not only moved the plot forward but also revealed character traits and emotions. Initially, we struggled with developing a cohesive narrative that integrated all the elements we wanted to include. However, by referring to the design thinking model—empathizing with our audience, defining the story's purpose, ideating different scenarios, prototyping with storyboards, and seeking feedback—we were able to refine our script. Gathering media was another hurdle. We needed visuals that matched our story's mood and setting. Thanks to AI-generated image tools like 文心一言, we could create custom illustrations that perfectly fit our vision. Editing was time-consuming, but tools like 剪映 made it manageable. We learned to layer video clips, add AI-generated BGM from BGM猫.
We worked very well as a team. We divided tasks based on each member's strengths: one focused on scripting, another on AI tool operations, and other on editing and feedback. Regular meetings ensured we stayed on track and that everyone's input was valued. The AI tools were integral to our process. For instance, when developing characters, we used the prompt design framework to give detailed instructions to GenAI. We also utilized AI to generate background music that matched the story's emotional beats, which added depth to our narrative.
At the project's start, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. Excitement because digital storytelling offered creative freedom, and anxiety due to the complexity of combining multiple elements. Early brainstorming sessions were chaotic, but as we began scripting and using AI tools, my confidence grew. A turning point came when we received positive feedback on our storyboard; it validated our efforts and motivated us to push further. Another shift happened when we successfully integrated AI-generated images and BGM into our story. Seeing the visual and auditory elements come together was incredibly rewarding.
The workshop also emphasized the seven elements of a meaningful digital story—point of view, emotional content, economy, pacing, dramatic question, the gift of voice, and the soundtrack. These elements serve as a checklist to ensure my stories are engaging and well-structured. Overall, this workshop has equipped me with valuable skills and perspectives. I'm excited to continue exploring how GenAI can enhance my creative work.