Just post it!

For weeks now, we've been discussing problem identification and idea generation. We've been talking about different techniques of brainstorming. But before all these, we discussed how we can identify the problem rightly. During this stage, we do not seek for solutions but instead, we search for the problem. And to be able to solve this problem, one must look for the root of the problem. This is according to the Problematique Method of Molenda, DiPaolo. You identify a problem situation and then ask why for every reason stated.

Once the problem has been identified, brainstorming can take place. But we must take note that in brainstorming, there should always be a facilitator and a secretary.The facilitator should not have any personal agenda and he or she should be impartial. To help people loosen up, warm-up exercises and ice breakers should be done so that everyone can be comfortable and relaxed.

Among the rules that Ideo posted regarding brainstorming, what was striking for me was the need to use permanent ink in writing ideas and it should be in front of the whole audience so that everyone can see it. Also, the boss shouldn't speak first because everyone will feel pressured. There should not be any pressure amongst the participants so that everyone can think normally. Silly things are also allowed to make the environment relaxed and allow people to freely express their thoughts.

Given all these, the Japanese in turn, have their own brainstorming techniques. One striking feature in their technique is the presence of the brave one. They allow the braver ones to start sharing, just to set the pace of everyone. Once the time is up, everyone is still allowed to add more ideas, if something strikes them. Also, their brainstorming entails a specific type of organization so that these ideas can then be simplified to other topics.

Mindmapping, on the other hand, is another tool that can be used to generate more ideas and actions. Compared to brainstorming, ideas are generated in a non-linear fashion and it allows free association. You just write what you think is related and connect more ideas to it. In this method, signs, drawings, color and curve lines are encouraged so that the brain can easily take them in.

Of the two method, I had a harder time in doing the mind map because I couldn't think of a word that can be associated with the general topic. The use of a singular word in mind mapping also made it harder for me. Given the time limit, I also had a hard time drawing and coloring. It wasn't as free flowing as it was said in the notes and videos. The post it method, on the one hand, is also as hard because I kept on screening my thoughts. One rule in brainstorming is to never screen your thoughts. Quantity is better than quality at this point so screening and seeing the works of my groupmates made it harder.

After organizing one's thoughts, evaluating the ideas and deciding on what to do are the next steps. The scamper method and the six thinking hats were presented to us to evaluate the ideas. In making the group decisions, we were told that a Consensus, T-chart and criteria rating are the ones that can be used. Of the terms given, the most familiar term for me is the consensus because it's what we normally do. It takes less time but gives the minority no voice.

Overall, I realized that it is best to not shoot down an idea as soon as you got one. It's good to write them down and see how people would react and how you would react, days after posting it. Also, it serves as a reminder that you've made an idea and it will only take some time before you realize it's something good. Just like what I learned from the dream project. You should never forget the simple things you wanted to do. There will always be time if you really want to pursue it.

 

Turning Japanese

To start off this entry, here's my all-time favorite Japanese video.

I posted it it because of all the topics we discussed that day, the topic about Japanese creativity is the one that was most interesting.

 We started with several psychologists and researchers and their findings regarding how creativity starts. A number say that it comes from the genes or that genes have an effect on the talent and the creativity level of a person. For example, in my mother's side of the family, my uncle and aunt are both certified public accountants. They got married and had 5 kids, all of them are girls. Of course, it's a given that they will be really smart, which they are. Three or four of those cousins became our tutors in Math, Physics, Music, Economics, Chemistry and anything involving numbers (our means the de la Costa siblings :( ). Those cousins are part of the Cherubim and Seraphim chorale, the two eldest are products of UP, the next is still studying in UP and the next two will most probably join them in UP. Since forever, we're wondering what happened to that smart gene in our family. HA HA HA. We just laugh about it but at least my youngest brother, who is now in Grade 5, is really stepping up. He's doing what neither of us could do in our gradeschool days. Also, we can proudly say that what we lack in the academic field, we compensate in the sports and other areas. Everyone in the family has at least one sport he or she is really good at and that we are not bad singers. I believe that that part was not really developed as compared to the training that my cousins had. Going back, my example clearly show how genes play an important role in the development of creativity but how can that explain the random talents and capabilities that people have? Where will that come from if it's not genetic? Some researchers say that everyone has that creative potential that when tapped rightly, can be something better. Others say that expertise and experience have an important role in the development of creativity.

 We started with the Japanese topic with what comes to mind whenever Japan enters the topic. First thing I thought of was Kitkat and its green tea, wasabi, cherry blossoms flavors. Those are weird flavors but they are absolutely super good compared to the usual chocolate, white chocolate. We moved on with the comparison of Western and Japanese creativity. What was striking in the comparison was how the Japanese gave importance to teamwork and collaboration compared to the westerners' individualistic ways. It is so nice to see that their culture and traditions are seen in their work ethics. The Japanese are more patient and organized in the way they produce new works. They recycle old topics, products and patiently develop and produce newer versions of these. They also combine 2 really different things and make something innovative out of it. Like the Sushi conveyor belt.

This screen shot of a video from youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckzWAqtVdl0), shows Japanese creativity. They successfully combined a gameshow and a video game to produce somehting new for the public. I admire them because they take risks. Some successful and some are not, like the shoe umbrella. I really like how patient and how game they are with things. If something is given to them, they'll do it  and that because of that patience and confidence, they are able to contribute more to the world. 

But personally, I believe that everyone is creative. Everyone can sing. Everyone can dance. Everyone can act. Everyone can draw. It is how the family and the environment approach and hone this said talent. So I can sing. No one can say I cannot. :)

Think right, think left

For the past two, well, three weeks, if we count last week's suspension of classes, our classroom discussion was mainly focused on the brain.

The Brain in a comm class??

At first it sounded really absurd because those two words are not really compatible. But going back to our first blog, I shouldn't have judged the readings before I actually read them.

After reading them, it all made sense. Our brain is divided into two, the right hemisphere, which controls the left side of the body and the left hemisphere, which controls the right side if the body. These two function differently, contrary to what most of us believe. The left side of the brain controls the "thinking" part, or the mathematic, analytical, logical, basically the ones us, math-physics-chemistry-anything-with-numbers-haters have failed to super duper nurture during the schooling years. On the other hand, the right side of the brain controls the more creative side. It's the artistic, imaginative, emotional part of us. It's the part that functions when we do something crazy, out of the ordinary.


I remember my accounting days. The days when I just stop answering problems, and cry (not just silent tears but humahagulgol of helplessness) because I don't know what to do. This did not happen once. It happened every long test. And we had FOUR!!!!! Relating this to our lesson, it shows the interaction of the two sides of my brain. The left, dominant side tries to answer the problems but since I'm more right sided, the emotional, dramatic part of me came out.

It was also discussed that there are tests that determine the more dominant part.

But even if one side is more dominant, it does not mean that the other does not function at all. It just means that the other one was better developed or you're more inclined to that. It's good to discover which side you are more inclined to because in knowing, you can help yourself. I couldn't help myself because I was not aware that I was more of a visual learner. I just know I hate math.

It just sucks that in schools, the development of the right side of the brain is not that popular?? (I can't think of the word -__-) Though music and the arts are slowly showing it's presence in schools, so much focus is given to the maths and sciences. Maybe I'm just bitter cause I was never the super duper extra smart one in class. The point is, more chances should be given to students with regards to the subjects they could get. Free Electives should be given every year so that the right side of the brain is given a chance.

The chance we we rarely had during gradeschool/ highschool happened today, Tuesday. Our right side of the brain had a workout. 

Questions and riddles that make us use divergent and lateral thinking were presented. It was really interesting to see many different ideas under one topic. From a paperclip, a weapon, a utensil, a car can be formed. Or from a ballpen, several problems/ issues from ink blotting to health problem and safety were said. Also, riddles about a mother having two sons but are not twins are asked.Tuesday's session was interesting and fun at the same time because it was a mix of activities and lessons. We also had time to make new friends!!!! Overall, it was a very nice Tuesday. :)

Objectified!

A lot of what we are doing is getting design out of the way."

-Jonathan Ive

Two weeks ago, we watched a documentary regarding the everyday products we use and how their designs are sometimes misused and disregarded by people.

One thing that struck me was their explanation of why the toothpick has a weird looking top part. I really thought it was someone's weird design to make the toothpick more appealing. A glass shattering moment happen after the documentary. The top part was really designed to be used as a sign that the toothpick's already used and it can also be used as a stand for the toothpick. Interesting, right?

With this part alone, the makers of the movie already made a strong point regarding how consumers really disregard design and that we take them for granted. I believe it's partly because we are living a fast paced life. People believe that once you slow down, you'll get left behind. That is also why people are creating new things "without design," without design in terms of their lack of quality compared to those that are carefully designed by professionals. They just create and create just to have something to sell. If you create things faster, you can sell faster = faster money return. Compare this to products that have to pass thru industrial design professionals. A company must hire professionals to carefully study the competitors' products, think of something innovative for their product and create it. This will take so much time and money (cause ID experts don't come cheap). This is why most companies nowadays opt to disregard design and go to what is faster, easier and low cost. Minimum cost, maximum profit.

The topic of sustainability also enters. This is also a problem indicated in the documentary. Some designers admit that they also have a part in this. We live in a highly competitive world so people create and create to outproduce and outsell their competitors. Thus, more and more products are presented to the public, either products with design or without design. More people buy things to replace the old ones they have at home. Some opt to sell their replaced products to junk shops for a few bucks but most of these products are thrown away and placed into landfills. Since most of the products made are not biodegradable, they just stay there, forgotten by their previous owners.

After watching the documentary, I gained a huge respect to these designers. It takes a lot of time and patience to create newer, more innovative products for the public. Also, in creating new products, profit shouldn't be the number one priority. I think it's supposed to be the consumers and how it affects everything. That their comfort and convenience must be put into consideration and that the environment is not hurt whenever production of these happen.

In addition, I'll forever admire those who take into consideration the environment. Biodegradable products are not that cheap and selling these products at a reasonable price is really worthy of admiration.

Lastly, I realized that even if we live in a fast paced world, it wouldn't hurt to stop and slow down; to smell the roses, as they say. Too much speed can cause a person to crash. Slowing down, admiring the little things, the simpler things can give a person a newer, fresher perspective.

Not a blog person

Hi! I'm not really a blog person. I only read blogs because I can't write beautifully like the others. I only write for requirements and the likes. So why this blog? Because it's required!!!!! Dun dun dun duuuuun. Who knows? Maybe this can be the start of something new. :)