Think of the Oscars, the Grammies, the Webbys – none of these are each just one award.  They all have several categories.  There are several qualities and roles to look out for, and you can analyze your projects in very much the same way.

Think of what qualities are most important to you.  For example, if you make Flash games, break it down into Best Gameplay, Best Graphics, Best Sound, Funniest Story, Most Interesting Scenario, and so on.  Customize the awards to what you value.

And the nominees are…

Pick out your most recently completed projects and have an award ceremony.*  Decide which projects deserve each award, and see if you notice a pattern.  Is your latest project winning most of the awards?  That means you are steadily improving.  Are there areas where competition is tight?  Are there areas where there is a clear winner?  Are there any experimental pieces you did** and if so, how did they fare?

And the winner is…

If you like, you can choose an overall winner.  This is akin to the Oscars’ Best Picture award.  It’s not calculated with a score of which project already earned the most awards, although there will probably be a correlation.  Really, you’d be using your intuition here.  Which project had the best overall effect?

I’d like to thank the Academy…

When you give out an award, have the project make an acceptance speech.  Yes, really.  If you’re too dignified for this, just say it in your head, but make sure you go over what made all the pieces fall into place.  It might go a little something like this:

“Oh, wow… I can’t believe I won!  I’d like to thank [helpful online tutorial] for giving me [cool feature you learned from said tutorial].  Also, thank you to [your friend] who pointed that bug in my coding, and to [another friend] who looked after [another responsibility] so my creator had the time to focus on developing me.  And, of course, where would I be without my dear creator, [your name].  You made me from nothing… “ [dissolves into joyful tears*  *music cuts in*  *project is pulled offstage with a large hooked cane].

For one thing, these speeches will make you more aware of what goes into a top notch project.  For another, it’s always good to be grateful.  Then, take your fresh insights and get back to the lab.  It’s time to make your project into next time’s big winner.

*You could do this in a mature, professional, adult way with silent thoughts and perhaps a spreadsheet.  You could also do this by humming theme music and parading your USBs along the edge of your desk while having an action figure pester them about who they’re wearing.  It’s your call.

**There should be at least one.  Taking chances is a great way to discover new techniques.

-Tamara Hecht