Week 12: Collaboration

Reviewing

Discuss these questions in relation to a group creating a design in collaboration

01 – What are the 3 best things about your efforts for this year’s exhibition?

Weekly logistics reports

Managing time for exhibition piece

Developing my creative process

02 – Did you manage time well?

Yes, I feel I am on track to finishing my exhibition piece comfortably (even allowing for last minute hiccups). I can sometimes be more of a ‘last minute person’ but I have managed to complete little tasks weekly to this point of having everything tried and tested and on the home stretch to completing my piece. As for the weekly diaries and blogs, they may not be completed at the same time each week, but they do get completed in the time that I do have to devote to it.

03 – Did you manage materials well i.e. test prototypes?

Yes, I tested prototypes throughout the creative process, without having done this, I would not have been able to come up with the new ideas that I have. It has been good to create the 3D shapes that I am working with and it has allowed my design to continue evolving.

04 – Have you researched installation methods?

I have thought about the possibilities and how I would like to display my work, but I need to re-visit the space that we are exhibiting in (the photography room) and make sure I can actually do these things and that I have the appropriate materials to do it.

05 – Have you made a shortlist of the essentials for the last WEEK?

Things I need:

*Exhibition piece will include wires (that it will hang from) and also a battery as the power source.

*Hook to attach to the ceiling

*Spare batteries

Navigation: balloons, completed maps and banners

Things I need to do:

*Make sure I can hang it from the ceiling in the photography room

*That the position it is in does it justice (ie a darker corner so the lights/patterns look brighter)

*Write my artists statement for my exhibition piece.

Navigation: complete maps (with correct rooms and names of displays), work out where to hang balloons/signage to help direct people to each exhibition room; banners completed with plans of where to hang them.

06 – Have you made a shortlist of the essentials for the last DAY?

*Spare batteries

*Double sided tape (incase of damage to the lanterns) and normal sticky tape for the installation

Blog Exercise – Using Failure

In regard to creative collaboration & the exhibition:

1 . List and describe 2 areas of failure in your preparation for uphere

*The group effort in organizing the exhibition – some groups could have been doing their respective jobs earlier in the semester so other groups that rely on their jobs being done wont be left with all their jobs to do at the very last minute. Communication between and within groups could have also been better.

*Not already having a portfolio organised (for the exhibition and beyond) as we are now running out of time to put one together.

2. Describe how you could realistically improve on this next time you exhibit

As there was no structured timeline (with strict deadlines) amongst individual groups, this could be improved upon (and adhered to) next time. Communication can also be improved with more regular face to face meetings, etc.

It would be good if there was more emphasis and guidance on the compilation of a portfolio as this is central to gaining a job afterwards.

R01

 References
R01: www.methink.com 

Week 12: Origination

Communication Methods

Today we had to collaborate as a group, discuss and present one of the three topics below that were assigned to us:

 1. Communication Methods

 2. Emerging Technologies

 3. Idea adaptation 

Our group had to research ‘Communication Methods’ and each of us had to find an appropriate YouTube clip that encapsulated our topic (and then choose the most appropriate to present).

We came up with various clips, such as the future of mobile phones, and viral communication as well as a clip on how the deaf and blind can communicate as a specific example.

We decided to go with the following YouTube clip that I happened upon as it was a well illustrated, simple to understand presentation of the history of communication, to present day and it even continued to make predictions on what could happen in the future with regards to the way we interact and communicate.

*We actually also got to show the Beijing deaf and blind clip to demonstrate a specific example of a method of communicating.

Week 11: Collaboration

Reflection (Group Exercise)

Discuss these questions in relation to a group creating a design in collaboration 

01 – What is the difference between reflection and criticism?

Reflection is about having serious thought or an idea about something whereas criticism is analysis and judgment about something – can often be negative, but if approached the right way (by both parties), it can be constructive.

02 – Can you reflect while you are designing?

The process of designing is a constant reflection. I often find it easiest to do in intervals throughout the creative process, ie complete a bit, then stop and reflect to make sure it is looking like I want it to look, it is adhering to the specified guidelines (if there are any) and also establishing the best way to take the next step.

03 – Do you set aside time for reflection?

As mentioned above, I am constantly taking time (in intervals) to reflect during the design/creation process. I often like to set aside time at the end, when I am close to being finished or indeed, finished, to really analyse it to make sure I have done what I set out to do.

04 – Do you make notes on your reflections?

I make notes on some of my reflections, often it’s just a natural progression of ideas recorded that can lead to more pivotal reflections. Eg. with my lanterns, I started out wanting to design them as individual tetrahedrons and from constantly reflecting on my ideas and making little changes, I was able to come up with what is it today – 18 tetrahedrons joined together to make one spherical-shaped lantern.

05 – When is the best time to reflect?

I find constant reflecting during the creative process is the best time to reflect. By doing this, you’re still at a stage where you can make changes (it is much harder to drastically alter things once the design has been finalised).

06 – Do you compare your work to work by your heroes?

I wouldn’t say that I have any heroes as such, I draw inspiration from many weird and wonderful places, however, yes, sometimes I do like to compare my work to those that are very good at what they do. Although my skills are still basic, this gives me somewhat of a benchmark, and it also shows me of what I can be capable of also.

07 – How do you benefit by comparison?

As I said above, it sets a benchmark for something to aspire to. By looking at and comparing your works to people renowned in their field of design, it shows you that the ‘sky is the limit’ and that you are capable of equally achieving your own great things.

08 – What can be a disadvantage of comparison?

It can sometimes get you down that you can’t achieve the same sort of techniques/creativeness. But I’m sure the great designers of today once started off just like us, and achieved what they have by lots of trial and error and hard work, so it should serve as more of an inspiration.

Creative Collaboration (Blog exercise)

1 . Describe how reflection has helped improve your own designs

By reflecting on my own designs constantly throughout the creative process, I have been able to achieve better outcomes than what I visualized in the beginning. With regards to my exhibition piece, I started out with quite a simple idea of wanting to create single tetrahedral lanterns (most likely hung on a string of fairy lights). However, as the design process went on, I felt that I could achieve more with this idea – I still really liked the concept of the lantern, but I didn’t think that the individual lanterns looked as aesthetically pleasing or presented as much of a challenge. Upon reflection, I knew this idea had more potential and played around with the shapes to come up with the design I have today – one lantern made up of 18 tetrahedral shapes joined together, which will be lit by individual LED lights powered by a battery. Without reflection and change, it wouldn’t be what it is today!

2. Describe how you have reflected on your group’s designs

Through class work, group discussions and our weekly blogs, we have been given numerous opportunities to reflect on the groups’ designs, concepts and processes. Often by discussing and reflecting on each other’s work, it helps to give new perspectives and new ideas that might not have been thought of otherwise. When giving reflection and feedback I always try to be honest and constructive.

3. When is reflection useless?

Perhaps when you are doing work for a client. You would still do your own reflections along the way as to whether you are meeting the specifications, however, it is really up to the client to reflect on your work – they are the ones that need to be happy with the finished product. Having started to do a little bit of freelance work, I now know that your own reflection (aside from the reflection you put into whether you are meeting the guidelines) does not mean as much as the reflection of who you are doing the work for. They always have the final say.

R01

References
R01:http://zenhabits.net/5-powerful-reasons-to-make-reflection-a-daily-habit-and-how-to-do-it/

Week 11: Origination

The Laws of Simplicity


Chapter 10: The One

1. What does Maeda call the 3 keys?

Key 1: Away – more appears less by moving it far away e.g. Google search engines. It is a complex network of databases and computers however all the end user sees is a visually and operationally simple interface. The result is local but all the actual work is done far away.

R01

Key 2: Open – openness simplifies complexity e.g. Fixing a Linux system is simpler (as opposed to a Windows system which is a closed source). There is a higher risk in taking an open approach to things (whether it be in business or personally), however, there can also be increased rewards in doing so (ie. loyalty).

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Key 3: Power – use less, gain more e.g. Rechargeable batteries. The power has to come from somewhere, if we can collectively use less, the better of we’ll be.

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2. Describe how you have used these in your work towards UPHERE? Give at least

one example of each key.

Key 1: Away – in the context of my lanterns, I want the individual lanterns and their more complex spherical design to look simple (yet they are made up of 18 individually crafted and assembled tetrahedrons). If the complete lanterns are hung up, they are likely to look simpler (especially when it’s whole working process is contained in the same piece.)

The further away one stands, the simpler they are likely to look.

Key 2: Open – each step in the development process for my exhibition pieces, has been recorded in my diary, blogged and discussed amongst the class quite regularly. Being open with my techniques and ideas allows others to see my process and how the concept has developed over time. Being transparent and open in my progression also allows people to see that these are my original ideas. Although being so open (particularly on the blog, where anyone with internet access can see it) there is the potential for my ideas to be used unlawfully.

Key 3: Power – with my lanterns, I was initially thinking of using an existing lighting set up (ie fairy lights) to display my individual lanterns, which would plug into an electrical power source. I have since re-evaluated and have decided to go with LED lights as they use little power, produce a cool light and about 18-20 of them can be run off a single 9V battery and still produce a strong light. By using a battery it also gives me the flexibility to display them where ever suits.

So, I will be using less power (compared to the original method I had in mind), and I’m hoping the lighting display will demonstrate longevity throughout the exhibition due to this.

3. Describe an incident in the production of UPHERE where technology has been an

enabler…. and another where it has been a disabler!

Enabler: technology allows us to do things we might not be able to otherwise. E.g. communicating en masse to the groups when not in class is as simple as writing a message on Google docs or sending an email.

Disabler: when we come to rely on the technology. E.g. when we rely on these technologies as our only way to communicate between groups.

This YouTube clip talks about how technology can enable you to do things that you wouldn't have thought of otherwise.

4. At this stage in the exhibition process you are all working on some element or

process for the big event. List 3 things (in your current project) that you could

take away to simplify and one thing you could add for meaning.

Three things that can be taken away to simplify the navigation (a part of the exhibition process):

·       the need for multiple maps;

·       strings of flags; &

·       detail on maps

One thing that can be added for meaning:

·       more thought going into one easy-to-understand handout which contains all the details that it needs to.

R01

Homework: My contribution to the exhibition in relation to two of the laws are as follows:

LAW 2: Organise: I am continuing to use the second law of simplicity to prioritise the processes I need to complete in order to create my exhibition piece. Eg. In addition to last weeks example, it is through experimentation and prototypes that I have realised that the lighting will need to be finalised before the lanterns are put together as a whole.

LAW 6: Context: by taking what is around you and applying it to what you’re working on help helps to prioritise and provide new perspective.

I would like to put my lanterns into the context of everyday life. I want them to be usable and re-usable. So, as such, it would be appropriate to make them out of durable materials such as plastic or strong paper and design them so they can be easily re-hung, etc.

References:

R01: http://www.presentationzen.com/presentationzen/2006/11/presentations_a_1.html

Week 10: Collaboration

Moving On (Group Discussion)

Discuss these questions in relation to a group creating a design in collaboration

01 – Have you had to abandon any exhibition design concepts so far?

Yes, there are many ideas I have abandoned along the way for various reasons; time constraints, practicality, aesthetics. There are also lots of little ideas within ideas that get abandoned or changed constantly during the design process.

02 – If so, was it hard?

It depends on how much I’ve invested into that idea. It gets harder to abandon an idea the more time and energy I have invested into it.

03 – Do you think it is easy to miss a better idea if it is not the first one?

It can be at times. Sometimes I can get quite attached to a first idea, which can be hard to look past.

04 – Do you have any techniques for creating unpredictable ideas?

My best technique would probably be thinking about an idea and immersing myself in it (researching, looking for inspiration, etc) and then forgetting about it (or going to sleep)! New ideas come to me in all shapes and forms once I have re-directed my attention for a period of time.

05 – Is logic the best way to attack a design problem?

It can be to a point. After all, most design problems have set parameters that the solution needs to abide by. However, I think logic can only take you so far before you need to start thinking ‘outside the box’ to come up with a really great design solution.

06 – What other problem solving methods could work?

Brainstorming, idea mapping, researching, talking to others.

07 – Do you ever doubt your design decisions?

Yes. I always feel it is productive to get feedback from others, whether they are fellow designers or not. Talking to others often gives you a good perspective of your design decisions.

08 – Do you ever consciously put on “another hat” to get inspiration?

Yes. I often try to picture a problem or a design I’ve actually come up with from another perspective. It can help to address issues you didn’t think of at first.

09 – Describe somebody opposite to you in relation to their design approach?

Someone opposite to me in their design approach might not plan and experiment with their ideas to the same degree. Their process may not be as structured.

10 – Could you imagine designing like them?

Yes, I would probably enjoy it (if I didn’t have to document everything). It would be quite liberating.

Encouraging Solutions

In regard to creative collaboration:

1 . Describe how you have contributed to design solutions for other group members

I always try to give honest, balanced and constructive feedback, usually when asked to give it. If I know someone a bit better or if I have helped in their design process prior, I will offer some feedback/ideas, etc, along the way.

Eg.  I have offered ideas and aesthetic suggestions for various peoples work when they have been discussed with me.

2. Describe how you have challenged designs by other students in your group

I often find myself being the ‘devils advocate’ in various situations, including challenging the designs of other students. It is often things that seem obvious to me, but could be things others haven’t yet thought of.

Eg. I have suggested practical ideas and asked questions as to how something is going to work or look when it is completed.

3. Are you flexible when others suggest design improvements / changes?

Yes. I am always open to receiveing constructive feedback on my designs. In fact, I prefer getting others’ honest perspectives as I think it helps me to adopt a more well-rounded approach to my design work.

Eg. When designing the uphere logo, I had the general look of the design but after suggestions and refinements from others, it helped to make it what it is today!

4. Choose a design that group input has changed radically. Post before & after images.

I would have to say my uphere logo design has probably had the most group input. Although not radical, there have been many refinements and adjustments due to others’ input.

Eg.

 5. Describe the process of shifting the design solution radically.

My understanding is that it means to start fresh and re-evaluate the design problem. By taking on a new approach and exploring new ways of achieving a different design solution, it will ultimately shift the design outcome.

Eg. My lanterns for the exhibition have changed quite radically in appearance, however, it is all still made up of the same original components. I didn’t exactly start from scratch, but I certainly re-evaluated the end result I had come up with at the time.

Week 10: Origination

The Laws of Simplicity

Chapter 9: Failure

 1. Using UPHERE as an example, describe an aspect of your work or something

you have worked on, where you have found a symbiotic relationship that is both

complexity and simplicity

The artwork I want to contribute to the exhibition is quite complex, yet I want it to look simple. There are lots of stages involved in bringing my lanterns to their final form: designing the 2D patterns, finding the right materials, printing, measuring and establishing the right template, cutting, assembling, etc. The result is one simple piece, made up of lots of complex pieces.

2. Provide a conceptual example of a situation that has arisen during this project

where you have had a return on failure?

Perfecting my design – finding that one method doesn’t work, so changing it slightly to look better/work better. It is also about my point of view on it, on certain days. Prototypes are a great way to physically see what will work and what won’t.

Eg. Changing my lantern design from single tetrahedral to joining them all together to make a sphere shape.

This TED Talk is by JK Rowling and she speaks of her personal experiences relating to the 'Fringe Benefits of Failure' which is not unlike John Maeda's concept of 'Return on Failure'.
She speaks of how she 'failed' to achieve the expected outcome of others which instead lead her to write her famous Harry Potter series. 
http://www.ted.com/talks/jk_rowling_the_fringe_benefits_of_failure.html 
(This clip could not be embedded).

3. Homework: How are you using the laws in relation to your contribution to The

UPHERE exhibition? Provide a short explanation and example for TWO of the

laws so far. Use your work towards and your examples.

LAW 2: Organise: There is a process and priority to the order in which I need to do things to make my piece/s come together. Eg. The 2D pattern needs to be printed on the lanterns before they are assembled, and the individual tetrahedrons need to be assembled before they can be joined together to make the whole lantern. The finished product would not work if all these components do not occur in that order and the process was not prioritised and sorted prior.

LAW 7: Emotion: There are certain emotions that I want my lanterns to evoke in others when they look at them. Some key feelings I want the lanterns to convey are: warmth, luxury, relaxation, unusual, elegance/glamour and indulgence. I can achieve this through the use of 2D patterns and also in the structure of the lantern.

The materials used will also help communicate these feelings (ie white/cream translucent paper will allow the light through more efficiently to create a feeling of warmth/relaxation).