#ctech500

Lotus Diagram can be very handy to break down ideas into much smaller chunks. its like a calendar that radiates out from the center of the main event.

Here the goal is to have 8 top ideas relating to the Auckland library to keep it an exciting place. The top ideas come from anywhere on the chart but that is after all options are laid out. The Diagram also allows the user to visually see the small components that build up to a complete object, for example you never see all the parts that make up an engine but with this diagram you can strip it down to its base components to sort out where a fault may be coming from.

Validation-Qualitative & Quantitative data

A key learning session for me covered in class was about idea validation and how qualitative and quantitative data types differ, resulting in viable and/or unusable data. Implementing different types for data collection and using that data to construct reasoning behind ideas.

Gathering data on the AUT gym and how to increase its appeal was our task.

Using qualitative data (interviews and observation) we gathered information that led us to believe that it was too expensive for the experience that you get compared to other gyms.

Validation helps to confirm ideas but also helps others understand that ideas have been thought out with solid data to back it up. without validation you have no strength to explain the reasons why this or that works.

Flipping Normal

The brief was to re-invent the rain-coat by extracting what its function and experience is relative to a user without changing the purpose of a rain-coat (Protection from the elements).

We look at the material being flexible vs. what a "solid rain-coat" can be and we pretty much designed a waterproof protective cover with opposite qualities... Ideas from the ridiculous to feasible like being on fire to getting a spray applied that doesn't allow water to stick to you or simply hold a solid object above your head. Some of these ideas we just re-invented the umbrella and had me thinking that this would have been the perfect tool to use if umbrellas had not been invented!

What worked well was 'silly' ideas were thrown about and it made the whole mood of the group lift. How you feel during a brain storm could change the outcome of your and others ideas? maybe.. On top of that, I noticed some previously 'silly' ideas were not so silly after having a conversation about their function and involving others' minds in the thoughts as different experiences give different insights to problem-solving.

What didn’t work so well? Conveying important functions of ideas as sometimes the explanation can get lost in understanding. But if an idea is worth pursuing a prototype would communicate those designs better as it shows the other persons understanding in a physically 'explanative' way.

One of our out-of-the-box ideas was a bubble like a giant hamster ball that has the same function as a rain-coat with none of the mobility. It would be fun but impractical! The idea stemmed from the observation of material worn on the body, flexible and worn closely. The ball being hard-shelled and far away from the skin; maybe not a good rain-coat but to me that sounds like a zorb ball! That shows there are no bad ideas just poor implementation.

Did I gain anything from this exercise? Absolutely! As it is another tool to pull ideas from the darkest corners of your mind. Going through a project brainstorm, I will use it to explore outlandish ideas or if I am in a slump to stir the mind-pot.

It is important to be mindful while using tools like these as ideas can be taken too far from a brief and take up valuable time. keeping focus on the core function of the brief without restricting creative thinking will be key to its success.

Human Centered Design - Wallet Making

This week we looked at Human Centered Design which has been one of the most enjoyable things I have learnt this year. I love this ideology/concept it is definitely the best way to understand a person or even an idea. We designed a wallet for our partner. Mine were just basic drawings. I used my sister as my partner. I tested my wallet out on my mum. Her feedback was that it was cool and her input was that it needed to be blue because it was her favourite color. 

The idea of the wallet being skinny and hand size. When you squeeze it. It opens where on the inside there is 3 different coloured sleeves which help you organise your cards. Also a little hole so you can hang this on keychain etc

Lo-Fi Prototypes

I chose Fort Lane and the idea I had was to have a flying fox or zip line that you can hop on during the day or on a night out. I’m not sure if there are still clubs on fort lane but a few years ago there was and it would be great to swing to each club not only would it be fun but also saves your feet from dying in heels lol. I just used some cardboard and drew the flying fox/zip line in. Not too sure how low it would be to the ground I guess if you wanna be safe it would have to be closer to the ground but that’s not really fun. Would be a good business honestly. 

Material Interrogation

These are earrings I was given as a present. They are significant because they have been handed down but also handmade. I haven’t brought myself to wear them yet because I don’t want to break but they are so beautiful. I used a picture of the earrings and used material interrogation method to manipulate the image online using a photo editing website. I wasn’t able to find the data behind the picture but I used different features to develop different outcomes. 

I learnt a lot about this method. I honestly don’t ever edit or manipulate my photos so it was interesting see the different things I could create from it. Also how one image could turn image into something totally different. If I was to apply this to my projects I think I would use it near the beginning of my creative process to brainstorm and help develop more ideas outside the box. I look forward to using this in my next project!

Week Three

This week the method used was Soundwalks which is used in Soundscape studies. It is known as a creative research practice. Using this method we went out to 3 different locations around the City. We visited Aotea Square, Myers Park and Auckland City Library. In these spaces we paid close attention to sounds and effects and how those sounds could be experienced differently if it was designed differently. All three spaces were completely different which was interesting especially because it is not something you would normally pay attention too.

Aotea Square

Sounds: crashing, tapping, beeping, birds, clanking, construction work - crane, digital space and muisc

I found that in this space the design of high walls and deep concrete ground if you were to even change one building to have a duvet over it. It would collect the sounds and it would sound quite different and you would have a different experience

Myers Park

Sounds: shuffling of feet, rustling, sizzle, flushing, banging from construction

In this space if there was a bubble dome over the play ground so when it rained or shined you could play that space would sound very different. Sometimes quite or busy. Depending on how busy it is this space would be quite a peaceful experience

Library

Sounds: screeching doors, wet shoes shuffling on the floor, ding - elevator, escalators