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/