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.