Week 12 Collaboration

Today,

We looked at reviewing our efforts for the exhibition.

Reviewing

Discuss these questions in relation to a group creating a design in collaboration

01 – What are the 3 best things about your efforts for this year’s exhibition?

#1 I created the logo for the exhibition, which I was pretty happy about.

#2 I created branding that I am genuinely proud of and a Company’s look that I would Work For.

#3 How Rachel, Warwick and I scouted for sponsors.

02 – Did you manage time well?

I KNOW I could of managed time a lot better but I think I did pretty well. 

03 – Did you manage materials well i.e. test prototypes?

I couldn’t really make a letter out of my MDF as it was going to the laser cutters but I experimented with different coloured plastics.

04 – Have you researched installation methods?

Not really.

05 – Have you made a shortlist of the essentials for the last WEEK?

No, Although I know I should have. I made a list however of things that Need to be done.

06 – Have you made a shortlist of the essentials for the last DAY?

No.

In regard to creative collaboration & the exhibition:

Discuss these questions - write a paragraph on each and use examples

1 . List and describe 2 areas of failure in your preparation for Ten Squared

Failure. A word Im become more involved with over time. I wouldn’t say I have 2 areas of failure, just an inconsistency overall with what I designed. I didn’t fail at anything, just overcame a few road works that detoured me in a different direction but lead me to the same destination.

For example:

With my circles I wanted Perspex.

I couldn’t so I tried coloured acetate which only came in A4. 

Then I discovered coloured transparent dividers that are A3. VICTORY.

2. Describe how you could realistically improve on this next time you exhibit

Plan, Plan and Plan.

Do things in advance or on the day so I wouldn’t get tied down with the things that aren’t as crucial. Im sure having a diary would help you to know deadlines but for me I put the material in for 4 weeks then I forget.

For example:


This photo of sunitas diary below. She has when assignments are due that she can check everyday this would be helpful for me but i always find it difficult to maintain.

Video:

This Planning seems a bit... well.. ALOT excessive. So Maybe the day by day study plan goals but the goals over the month to achieve seems a bit excessive. If I however aimed to complete my assignments a week or a few days before the due date then I wouldn't have late assignments and It would allow me time to check over the assignment before they were due :)

OVER AND OUT!

Week 12 Origination

Reference: http://mi9.com/uploads/fine-art/992/what-s-your-mood-today_1280x1024_14387.jpg

Today,


We discussed concepts about the exhibition.

PART 1: Group Research (20 mins)

Using YouTube choose one video for EACH of the concepts below

1. Communication Methods ( Rachel, Sunita and Te)
2. Emerging Technologies (Warwick and I)
3. Idea adaptation (Helena, Zac and Aja)

Each video must be prefaced by a verbal explanation of why the chosen clips
demonstrate the research topics above

PART 2: Group presentations: (25 mins)

Warwick And I : Technology

Warwick and I talked about the Microsoft surface 2. Somewhat of a huge ipad that is using the windows operating system. we thought this technology could be implemented in the exhibition by allowing people to interact with our works.

Web searching would be so cool here because you could have 10 different searches on the same screen. Somewhat like tabs but you dont have to switch through them.

Rachel, Te, and Sunita: Communication

Had a really good video about communication. The Video Talked about the first mouse, which was made of wood. The video had some great points about information and the continuous feed we recieve.

I really liked this video because it was easily understood and made alot of sense.

Helena, Aja and Zac:  Idea Adaptation

I didnt really like the video because it wasnt in relation to the exhibition. It did portray the necessary elements of adapting on an idea.

This video wasn't really helpful for me because It didnt make us think of anything useful to incorporate into the exhibition.

Solutions:

Reference: Warwicks Iphone - Whiteboard photo of Brainstorm

 Emerging Technologies- 

Ipad 2 - Slideshow interface, Roaming Demo and epub/ interactive PDF

Communication Methods-

Facebook (CDU Facebook)
Artist Backround/ Inspiration video clip

Idea Adaptation- 

Was none.

OVER AND OUT

Week 11 Collaboration

Today,

We discussed Moving On and Encouraging solutions.

Reflection

Discuss these questions in relation to a group creating a design in collaboration

01 – What is the difference between reflection and criticism?

Reflection is looking at what has been done and leave it to go off by yourself and reflect on what has been done.

Criticism can be positive or negative, although it implies negativity. Criticism is giving feedback on the design.

02 – Can you reflect while you are designing?

Yes, if you are stuck, you can stop reflect and come back to it with fresh eyes to improve your design or just keep going and reflect along the way.

03 – Do you set aside time for reflection?

My reflection time is not allocated until I know its needed.

04 – Do you make notes on your reflections?

Mental ones :)

05 – When is the best time to reflect?

When you are stuck on your design, because reflection will help you to find a solution to your problem.

06 – Do you compare your work to work by your heroes?

I only compare my work to “does it look good?”

07 – How do you benefit by comparison?

Gain ideas and methods that you don’t have.

08 – What can be a disadvantage of comparison?

Confidence shock, self loathing, depression..

Not quite that far but you’d have some kind of falling out of love with your work.

In regard to creative collaboration:

Discuss these questions - write a paragraph on each and use examples

1 . Are you brave enough to move on and adopt new and unexpected ideas?

Reference: Screen shot - (Mock up of my first idea)

Yes, I welcome new ideas with open arms, if they pop into my head at inconvenient or unexpected times I loose focus on what I’m doing as I start to get enwrapped with my new idea. For example, my exhibition idea came about in prepress class. Admittedly I cannot remember most of that lesson as I was so eager to start my new idea.

2. Describe how you have encouraged others with a solution to their design problems

Warwick’s logo for his irrigation branding –

Reference: Screenshot - NOT warwicks computer (this is what it looked like)

Warwick lost his .ai file so all he had to go off was his .jpg. I helped him with his grass as he could not steal a grass vector off the web. I suggested a photoshop scatter brush that is in the shape of grass. Warwick was open to this idea and I helped him understand that he can change the colours and scatter pattern to make the grass more realistic. He liked how it looked and it was original and made by him.

 VIDEO:

This video really has nothing to do with todays blog  but I found the video and really loved the designs. The Furniture is amazing but some aren't as practical as others. These designs think outside the box and they appear to be very uncomfortable. 

Week 11 Origination

Today,

We looked at John Maedas ‘The Laws of Simplicity’ Law 10 - the One. Had a Logistics report and

Answer the following questions as succinctly as possible in your own words

10 mins: Cut & paste into your blog and start answers / 10 mins: Open discussion

1. What does Maeda call the 3 keys?

Key one is away – putting complex things away, hide them, only have what you need in front of you.

Key two is open -  new experiences, gain trust, flexible and overall allowing yourself to give or receive information.

Key three is power –   Power is energy in all the forms it comes in.

2. Describe how you have used these in your work towards 10²? Give at least one example of each key.

Away- Ive constantly stopped my design and hid it back on my usb, disconnect it from my laptop and pretend it doesn’t exist.

Open- Open discussions about the headline, we were all honest because we wanted it to look good. I was open with others and I received open comments back.

Power- I put energy/power into the sponsors when Warwick, Rachel and I went driving around when we could of saved time, energy and power by picking up a phone that uses 1/10 th of the power.

3. Describe an incident in the production of 10² where technology has been an enabler…. and another where it has been a disabler!

Enabler: Exposé Software has made it easier to switch between windows on a screen rather than go through all of the windows to find what your looking for.

Disabler: Technology Felt like corrupting my finalised Design, for whatever reason it decided to. It Disabled my happiness that Day. Technology 1 Josie 1.

4. At this stage in the exhibition process you are all working on some element or process for the big event. List 3 things (in your current project) that you could take away to simplify and one thing you could add for meaning.

Reference: Screen Shot - Colours to yet be determined

I could take away my 3 circles in my design as they have caused me enough trouble but I really like the idea. If I removed the circles and replaced the 3 circles with one I would not get the look I want but it would simplify the design.

Logistics Report: Draft for the video ad- very funny :) , Invitation is done- mark is doing a 16X9 version for the tv ad.

 VIDEO:

This Video shows the simple way you can change a room to appear larger by moving and organising. Although this is just a room instead of an artwork, you could apply the process to your design easily and reduce the complexity. 

Week 10 Collaboration

Today,

We looked at moving on from past designs and read about challenges we face/ faced.

Group Exercise – DISCUSSION - Moving On

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?

IMAGE: DESIGN SLEEK

Yes, the design above was the one I was gunning for as I spent a lot of time on it but it wasn’t what corporate coms was looking for so it was scraped. Im still proud of it regardless as it is a nice concept.

02 – If so, was it hard?

Not so much as I can still apply the idea in my designs down the track but disappointed that my least favourite design got chosen and my favourite was scrapped. I can still keep it so it wasn’t hard at all.

03 – Do you think it is easy to miss a better idea if it is not the first one?

No, if you remember all your ideas, no matter how small they are you’ve got a bank of ideas you cant miss anything.

04 – Do you have any techniques for creating unpredictable ideas?

I type random words, mock brand names and try to make a logo or idea behind a company.

05 – Is logic the best way to attack a design problem?

Sometimes, but other times go with your gut J

06 – What other problem solving methods could work?

Leaving it alone for a while helps me.. coming back to it with fresh eyes helps me solve problems.

07 – Do you ever doubt your design decisions?

All the time. I never think they are good enough.

08 – Do you ever consciously put on “another hat” to get inspiration?

Not really, like I said before I trust my gut.

09 – Describe somebody opposite to you in relation to their design approach?

Someone who is indecisive and plays with too many ideas at once is my opposite.

10 – Could you imagine designing like them?

No, I wouldn’t be able to design like that.

In regard to creative collaboration:

Discuss these questions - write a paragraph on each and use examples

1 . Describe how you have contributed to design solutions for other group members

On a regular basis I help others with design problems with it be technical or design help I always offer or someone asks. Generally my advice doesn’t alter their design too much, its just a little nudge towards something that they didn’t think of. With the technical help, im constantly helping others with photoshop problems so I like to think I contribute to their designs by helping them.

2. Describe how you have challenged designs by other students in your group

Rachels idea was simple but effective, I asked her for the file and played with it and I came up with the above design. I challenged her design by adding colour to it. I always try to challenge what’s in front of me to benefit others or myself. In this case I borrowed her idea to further benefit the exhibition.

3. Are you flexible when others suggest design improvements / changes?

I believe I am. If other suggest things to me I take it as constructive criticism. If theres a certain aspect that I really want to stay in the design and they want to alter it, I would be a bit hesitant but I would always do what they say to see how it looks. For example, below, I wouldn’t of coloured it with red if Rachel didn’t suggest it and it looks better in red.

4. Choose a design that group input has changed radically. Post before & after images.

5. Describe the process of shifting the design solution radically.

Rachel and I sat down and changed each colour of each shape to see how it works. It changes the design 'radically' like changing the font did. Which was an overall decision from feedback from the entire class.

VIDEO:

I found this video quite instructive, similar to John Maedas The Laws of simplicity. Those simple little guidelines that make all the difference. I liked how it was originally created to help people my age to reach the success level they want. The way he approached the explanation of CRAP made me laugh as it was true but it wasn't put so clinical for once.

OVER AND OUT!

Week 10 Origination

Today,

We had a logistics report, looked a John Maedas ‘The Laws of Simplicity’ Law 9 – Failure.

1. Using Ten Squared as an example, describe an aspect of your work or something you have worked on, where you have found a symbiotic relationship that is both complexity and simplicity

When we designed the headline for the exhibition, it was a simple concept but the pressure was on to create something with that wow factor and that appeared complex to me. But the relationship of both complex and simple go hand in hand with the finished headline as it appears complex, when in actual reality it is very very simple.

Other people said: Symbiotic – 2 organisms working towards one cause. Creating the video ad, shooting the video is simple but editing is complex.

2. Provide a conceptual example of a situation that has arisen during this project where you have had a return on failure?

The idea of going around and introducing ourselves to sponsors for the exhibition backfired as not only did it take up a lot of time, We COULD have got the desired effect with phonecalls and emails but I felt that going around in person was more personal and we would catch them off guard. This was both positive and negative in response so on one part we failed on the other we had an average success rate.

3. Homework: How are you using the laws in relation to your contribution to The Ten Squared exhibition?

Provide a short explanation and example for TWO of the laws so far.

Use your work towards and your examples.

Reference:

http://trex.id.iit.edu/news/idiom/032307/review-maeda.jpg

I use the SHE principle mentioned in Law 1 reduce because I feel that the exhibition is a lot of work to plan and create, on top of creating something to present therefore Law 1: Reduce is one of the Laws that we should be embodying into the exhibition. I am doing this by reducing the time spent on things that chew up a lot of time as there are other things that I could do to help myself further in my exhibition design. Instead of taking on as much for the exhibition I have realized a balance that will allow me to prevent failure.

Law 2: Organize is also a pretty important as one must be efficient to be successful, one must be organized to prevent chaos. I think by organizing my order of blogging and note taking has significantly reduced my homework rate. By organizing a plan of what you know you need to do, what you have done, who you have to meet ect. This make SLIP all the more important for organizing.

Logistics Report:

Company’s are prepared to provide equipment so we need to consider where things are being placed and where sponsored materials are being kept. We discussed the banner printer for students work. Sunita and tee called up everyone on the sponsorship list and they received a number of sponsors that have or are in contact with tee today. We also looked at the floor plans for the exhibition and how much space we will all need for our artwork.

 Video:

Yes, Very corny and very plain but I think the message conveyed in this video it important

because failing at something furthermore develops your understanding in that area. If you fail once, you may not fail twice. This video doesn't only shine on the failures but the successors. Michael Jordan for example: He was cut from the Basketball team but growing stronger and with determination he now has 5 MVP (most valuable player) awards, 10 time scoring champion and 14 time NBA all star; just to name a few. That cut form the team pushed him to do better and he did. Everyone experiences failure sometime its what you do with that failure.. Let it knock you down or get back up :)

OVER AND OUT!

Week 9 Collaboration

Today,

We discussed Vanity and Ego. We also expressed our feelings on ideas.

Reference: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nOW9Iiw2RM_-3CxdybDEjvJFCj0UwiP3JMiBVGCmS7Kn1_2FDMnGqe4Mw7elGpA1Wx0qfLZbG553Tm_Nb3q1neQPWtEjTiThqJxR0GFF_QpfhNJCcTtUIdwLJXQSoQs7B8m0r51Ei7P7/s1600/milla_jovovich+Model+Wallpaper.jpg

Vanity & Ego:

Discuss these questions in relation to a group creating a design in collaboration

01 – Are you capable of being vain about your art & design?

I am capable of being vain about my work but It doesn’t come naturally.

02 – Do you have a healthy ego?

A very low ego level but its helped.

03 – What defines an unhealthy ego?

Low ego or too much ego is unhealthy.

04 – When others want to change your ideas, do you get offended?

No, I appreciate other peoples ideas.

05 – When you are asked for opinions on other’s work, do you compare it to your own?

I don’t compare my work to others standards, to me everyone’s work is on a universal level. It either works or doesn’t… You should compare yours to others in a negative way, for constructive criticism it would be okay only in some instances. Thinking in your head wont hurt though :P

06 - When you are asked for opinions on your work, do you compare it to others?

Sometimes, when a comparison is needed I probably would but I wouldn’t do it in a way that it didn’t seem negative. When it is not needed I would give the opinions that I felt, not what other people have done.

07 – If somebody plagiarized your work, would you be proud?

No, Why would I take pride in my work being stolen? I would Hunt them down.

08 – What is the difference between pride in your work, and vanity about your work?

Pride: Being proud of your work is different to vanity because you can be proud and not be vain.

Vanity: Is excessive pride and over obsession about the appearance.

Accept complements subtly.

09 – Do you expect others to listen when you speak?

Yes, it is a sign of respect.

10 – When somebody else speaks are you thinking about what you are going to say next?

If it is a discussion then yes, but generally I focus on what is being said.

11 – Do you form opinions about others quickly?

Depends, to gather opinions takes time because you need information to judge character but I generally get a feel for the person initially.

12 – What percentage of your judgements about others talents are right?

70%

In regard to creative collaboration:

Discuss these questions - write a paragraph on each and use examples

1 . Do you have a strong belief in your personal ideas?

Some ideas that I have I feel are higher than my other ideas, I generally don’t publicise my personal ideas and that’s because I don’t have a strong belief in my ideas. I don’t think that they are worth much until I get feedback or some advice or I turn a corner and accidentally come up with something great; my ideas are mediocre but I develop them into good designs.

  

 2. How do you evaluate your personal ideas over a period of time?

Time helps me evaluate my ideas because I need space between my creation because I generally stress or fight with my designs and get frustrated, I find when I’m cool headed I produce more. Over a period of 2 weeks, I could create something really good but its missing that extra zing. If I came back to that same picture after not looking at it for 2 weeks I could give it that zing in 5 minutes and make the picture complete. Time helps you gain perspective.

3. How flexible are you in changing your mind about the value of your ideas?

Not as flexible as I could be, I probably could try harder but at the moment im just doing things as they come naturally. My ideas are on the same scale, the universal scale, like others works. My ideas are valuable but they are only valuable if they become something.

4. How flexible are you in changing your mind about the value of others’ ideas?

The same again, others ideas are good, great even but those ideas are only good if you can make them worthwhile. Im more flexible on this front as they aren’t MY ideas but people still amaze me with their ideas and I still get that WOW factor but they are valuable no matter how tiny or big they are.

5. Does hanging on to your old ideas block new ones?

Not block, suppress. If you dwell too much on old ideas you become to unhinged to you new idea. That’s why it helps to let your idea stand for a while without any attention. Ignoring the old helps the new but sometimes it is really hard to block out the old when you keep thinking ‘if only I did this..’ or ‘I could of..’ I just think to myself, relax.

6. Are you slow or fast in moving on when an idea has burnt out?

Depends how much love I put into my idea. When I change over the old idea is still in my mind but it soon goes away after ive started to loose myself in my new idea. Getting carried away in research is my specialty but when I look at all of the things other people have done it pushes me to do better. I don’t think that this is a time waster and that is classes me as “slow” but for me. Time is needed to re calibrate the brain for new material. 

 Commentary:
I really loved this video because of the artistic nature of how it was explained. The imagery was really effective and the overall concept was very strong and dominant. What Stephen Johnson was saying really made alot of sense, ideas are hunches that we work on and they need a combined element to live and grow into strong ideas that maintain themselves.

OVER AND OUT!