Innovator's Space

Describe The second introductory exercise to the design thinking process was to create an ideal locker for a partner much like the ideal birthday from the first exercise. My partner this time was Andy Chu, and we were able to converse a little more in the interviews. The topic of lockers, however, was grounded in reality and somewhat of a stale topic, leaving both of us dumbfounded as for what we want from an ideal locker. The end results of both lockers turned out unimaginative as neither of us were that motivated or interested in the ideal locker. I happened to not use my assigned locker this year due to its terrible condition while Andy only temporarily stored items there. We generally don't and don't plan to try other activities at our lockers. Think/Feel Everything felt empty and a little boring. There was merit in discovering our preferences amidst this creativity challenge, but our efforts ended up in failure. I fear for the potential of my creativity. Evaluate ...

Describe The first abstract design thinking project assignment was to envision an ideal birthday for an assigned partner while the partner in turn design your birthday. The class was introduced to the overall process of design thinking: empathize > define > ideate > prototype > test. To help better embed the methodology to our general approach to life and problem solving, the birthday challenge was designed as an introductory exercise. We were to interview our partner in two phases, identify the problem, brainstorm the solutions, receive feedback, and then design the ideal birthday for our partner. I was assigned to work with Wayne Hsu, and we faced several problems. Both of us known each other for years and have a fundamental connection due to our awkward place in social relations. Wayne had trouble opening up or giving a definite answer although I already had considerable empathy with him. None of us were truly able or willing to breach new grounds in the interview, so ...