#transformational design

In Week 11, the class and I delved deeper into the manifesto topic and were able to create our own manifesto in group work (Figure 1). At the beginning of our work, we thought for a long time about how to show the transformational path of a designer and the importance of landmarks at each stage, which allow us to build on them and grow at the same time. Based on this, we decided to create a board game as the embodiment of the idea that every path is a game, and in order to reach the end, we need not only motivation, but also reference points in the form of manifestos that help the designer feel confident in his movement, and at the same time become an incentive for growth and development.

In my version of the manifesto, I interpreted it as a roller coaster, since this image is more similar to my path in design. (Figure 2) I visited both the top of the slide and its bottom, from where I slowly climbed with great effort to my goals. Each stage was difficult and interesting in its own way. Career as a designer is not a linear path, but a dynamic adventure full of unexpected twists and exciting moments that sometimes look scary, but when you overcome them, they no longer look so extreme. She reminds me of the importance of staying resilient and enthusiastic even in the most difficult times, because every descent is invariably followed by a new ascent, opening up new opportunities for creative and professional growth.

For example, in the first semester of study in the subject “Studio”, working in pairs became a real challenge for me. I have always worked only on a freelance basis. However, the new experience of working together on branding for the festival turned out to be not only difficult, but also incredibly valuable for me. I had to learn not only to balance my ideas with my partner's opinion, but also to adapt to the dynamics of group work. This required the rapid development of communication skills (Figure 3), the ability to listen and find compromises, which undoubtedly became a significant test and also a point of growth (Figure 4).

To summarize, I would like to turn to the thought: "So, as we embark on this journey through the power of "yes" in design, let us remember that it's not just about saying "yes" to ideas; it's about saying "yes" to transformation." This phrase perfectly captures the essence of our manifesto and my personal experience in design and training. By saying yes to new ideas, challenges and opportunities, we open the door to transform not only our work, but also ourselves as professionals with the help of new learned skills. (Figure 5)

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References:

1. The Collective Web-Page, "The Yes Manifesto for Designers: Unleashing Creative Revolution". October 3, 2023. https://www.madebythecollective.com/conversations/the-yes-manifesto-for-designers-unleashing-creative-revolution. (Accessed November 1, 2024)

2. The Harvard Gazzete Web-Page, "If it wasn’t created by a human artist, is it still art?", Liz Mineo (Harvard Staff Writer), August 15, 2023. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/08/is-art-generated-by-artificial-intelligence-real-art/. (Accessed October 26, 2024)