Reflection Blog #5

I hope that this final reflection Blog is about all the things I have learned in our class of Creativity and Problem Awareness (because that is what I intended to write). Just in case, I would like to share with you our first-hand experience in applying all we have learned through the Creative Pitch Project and at the same time, I’ll tour you inside my canvas, my notebook for this Semester (ignore the handwriting, it is written in a language that only I could understand. LOL)

Phase 1

VISUAL THINKING

           

Before our group mates even discussed what will we be doing for the Creative Pitch, I have thought of random ideas and visualize them as if it was already done and I am already using. Yes, what I first imagined for this project was an invention; like pants that is especially designed to be worn for both land and water, shoes that can be transformed into slippers and into sandals and a piggy bank money dispenser (now that’s ambitious!). Yes, all of these are just fun visions for the upcoming plan but I think this kind of exercise, if I would define it, is a good preparation for the creative process that our group will encounter for the Final Project.

  Phase 2

CREATIVITY

            When the time has come for our group to meet and think of what we would be doing for the Creative Pitch, we all expected that everyone would be in their “creative mode” so that we could have a lot of ideas to choose from and to develop these ideas to be our final project. Of course being in a “creative mode” is not as easy as eating a cotton candy. It takes time before one could be engaged into this mode. There are different strokes for different folks. Some may pertain to food, setting or even their physical appearances for their motivation. While other cling to an “inspiration”, which is sometimes indefinable, and often just an excuse, oh well different stroke for different folks. For our group, for us to be in our own “creative mode”, I would say we talked about anything under the sun while eating lunch. After we ate, we find a perfect location to have our creative process. After we have decided the place we will be having our creative process, then that was the time, I would say, that our group was already in our own “creative mode".

 Phase 3

CREATIVE PROCESS

The Creative process is not as easy as you’ve imagined.  Because all of the techniques have the same use and benefits, it is hard to choose a technique to follow with our creative process. After having an initial sharing of our random creative thoughts, we have decided to use the Mandala of Japanese Creativity (Tatsuno, 1990). It is nice to know that we could really use a Japanese technique in our project since it is not really the usual technique to be used, especially for us Filipinos, but I really respect their method since it had helped our project to reach it full potential.

 

Phase 4

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION & IDEA GENERATION

Within the creative process, Problem Identification and Idea Generation took place. We did not perform the mind mapping technique, because I personally think that it may not help us in generating ideas when we identify the problem. We had a fusion of Problematique method and Brainstorming. We had the type of discussion wherein we tell the problem then we pitch in the solution. This problem was still being broken down through asking the question WHY and after answering it, another suggestion was pitched for the development of the solution. I am not sure if it has been 100% effective but it surely save a lot of time and avoids our minds to be stressed out of all the creative thinking (because the left brain should also work, even in this situation, to balance everything), just my opinion. ;) For the evaluation part, we used the Six Thinking hats for the so-called idea-refinement of the Mandala of the Japanese Creativity. I personally believed that the Six Thinking hats would fit the demands asked by the Idea refinement and actually it has been helpful and successful.

 

Phase 5

ORGANIZATIONAL CREATIVITY

For this phase, I would say that even after the creative process, the group is still in their “creative mode” when it comes to its refinement and testing/implementation. This just shows how my group mates used their creative qualities into the group work. Everyone has been open to comment and suggestions even after the evaluation. What is more interesting after finishing the Creative Pitch, we went back from where we started which is a good conversation about almost anything then decided to dismiss the creative process. I am happy with what we have accomplished all throughout the semester and I am thankful for what I have learned in my 1^st semester here in Ateneo.

Goodbye Blog….

At least for now…

Thank you and God bless everyone!

Reflection Blog #4

Due to confusions of schedule and inefficient multi-tasking, here is my 4^th Blog.

So what am I suppose to be Doing, or Making, or Dreaming about?

The discussion of Problem Identification and Idea Generation is I think the most interesting part of this whole creativity and problem solving class. This is not just a lecture that needs to be taught to us just because it is included in the handouts, but this is a lesson that will provide us information which we can apply to our nature of work or simply in dealing with our everyday dilemmas, big or small. Well, this definitely applies to a group of people but I think because of the unlimited capabilities and ideas our brain can produce, sometimes this process is needed by oneself too.

Is it the project, or lack of funds?

            Problem Identification for some is as easy as singing in a shower but in reality it is as hard as a flagpole that fell on your head. If you are certain that you know your problem, you should be in doubt right now if I told asked you if that is the root cause? Yes, it may suggest complications but I think it’s up to the person if he wants to know the root of it and if he/she has the “power” to change it, then his/her problem identification process has been deeper and more successful compared to someone eating 1 slice of bread and an ice cream for lunch because his head hurts and he’s on a diet. Well, that’s not me. ;)

Why do I need to ask myself and answer the question I asked to myself?

Obviously no one can answer it but me.

            One may use the Problematique method, a method that is very common in gag shows, stand-up comedy or even to talkative kids who enjoy life by asking 100 questions a day (or sometimes, an hour). State your basic problem then ask a series of the 1-word question----WHY. Ask why that problem become as it is for your life. I know it’s a bit crazy since you are asking yourself and at the same time answering your own queries until you cannot answer anymore, but it would really help you in finding the things that causes it to be a problem. Naturally, all of the answers from these questions are related to each other, thus giving you a clear idea on how you can solve your problem in the most effective and methodological way possible. And it works triple the benefit when you use it in groups. It lessens the possibility of triggering mental and psychological disorders.

If Mind is to Brain, then Map is to Storm?

Once you have fully identified the main problem and its constituents, now is the time to generate ideas through these techniques. Mind Mapping and Brain Storming. For me, Mind Mapping is more of an effective Idea Generator for oneself. Brain Storming is more effective as an Idea Generator in a group, which is two or more (even if it suggests an 8 person group to perform this technique).

Mind-Mapping, from the term itself connotes to proper arrangement of thoughts and ideas for a certain problem or solution. It's like your organized closet (if it is organized. haha). I think it has the same nature of that of the Problematique method, the only difference is Mind-Mapping searches for subordinate solutions for the main solution while Problematique method is searching for the main problem and its subordinate problems. Kind of tongue twister-ish but I think I have a point. ;)

            And who doesn’t want to experience storming his brain until its fried? Sounds disturbing but Brainstorming could actually be a fun activity before the application of the solution to the problem. For me, brainstorming is not as effective as mind mapping when it comes to groups. If you often had arguments with other people because of different beliefs, movie ratings and paying debts that are long due; Mind Mapping will not help you in generating ideas whenever you’re in a group. Brainstorming has lesser structure and freedom given to all compared to mind-mapping that is why it encourages sensible arguments and promotes a friendly atmosphere. Just set few and reasonable rules so that brainstorming in a group would be as easy as riding a skip train.

Don’t judge the book by its cover.

Judge the book by Thinking Hats and SCAMPER.

The two processes in Evaluating Ideas has been a useful tool for me and they are very unique with each other. Thinking hats evaluate ideas that are more of a project or a plan. It can effectively evaluate proposals for a problem that affects a lot of people. Government projects and Company plans are where the 6 thinking hats can be the King of evaluating ideas.

When it comes to the SCAMPER method, I personally think that this type of Idea Evaluation is destined for innovation and inventions. New products, recipes, appliances, household tools, booths and other newly transformed materials can be effectively evaluated through this method. Because of its meticulous and very specific method, it suggests that your invention would be useful (or more than useful) with what you are expecting it to do.

The project that somehow made my dreams…..Recorded. ;)

I know that creativity is really out of the logical and analytical way of thinking but these processes are not required for anyone to use and apply through their creative process. They are just like good old friends who would tap your shoulder and help you throughout your journey in the creative process. They maybe disadvantageous with time but they make it up to you once you have finished their conditions. And thus, the birth of my Dream Project. Enjoy. Hahaha.

“PUTAHE”

Reflection Blog #3

“Seeing what nobody else sees…”

-Michalko, 2006

In my opinion, it is just to define creativity within its context. Because I always believed that creativity is defined not by logic or rationalization; it is defined by creativity, itself.

That is why I appreciate different definitions of this powerful word coming from different “creative” people, especially the one presented above. Creativity was defined by using a verb normally used to support movement of our eyes. If you’ll read it and understood it literally, you will conclude within yourself that this statement probably describes a mad or crazy person. But if you use your creativity in this statement, you will find yourself having a certain understanding to where this statement is addressed and eventually find out that how you understand this statement would most probably be different to others as well.

I don’t want to highlight the technical parts of our creativity lecture. I just want to emphasize the “creativity” within “creativity”.

“CREATE to INNOVATE”

-Simon Majaro, 1988

You sometimes confuse yourself between the two but honestly, Creativity occurs before Innovation. You generate ideas to be applied on to something. You compose to write a book. You imagine to make a film. You mix colors to paint a mural. You gather things to invent. You Create to Innovate.

“Mandala of Japanese Creativity”

-Tatsuno, 1990

Last meeting, this topic interested me the most. Their process in innovation through creativity is what I really believed a creativity process should be. A lot of years have passed, a lot of inventions had already seen and even though you have something new in your hands, you are unaware of the similarities you may have with the rest of the world. Generating Ideas is a very practical way in creating something but every time we generate ideas, we should give credits to past innovations where sometimes limits us in producing new concepts. That is why Idea Recycling should be the first step in the Creative process. Giving recognition to used ideas and making them valuable in forming new ideas is better creativity, if you’ll ask me.

“CREATIVITY within CREATIVITY”

-Anonymous

After this topic was discussed, I honestly had a different view on creativity, especially in associating the word creativity to a person, place or thing.

For me, CREATIVITY cannot be defined by other terms. CREATIVITY can be defined by itself.

Reflection Blog #2

I was inspired to do a story as my reflection for the Visual thinking discussion.

Hope you like my Short Fairy Tale.

Enjoy! ;)

TITHO

And his toothy friends

            Once upon a time, there was a tooth named Titho, a canine of someone’s teeth. He has always been a dreamer. Beside him is Pat, the youngest of the incisor quadruplets. Pat is a master in sculpting food. She often acts childish but her ability to create food sculptures was exceptional. Pat has always been Titho’s best bud. They have a lot of things in common. When they take a brush bath, they always play with foam and shaping it like burgers or soda. They would always talk about their dreams and aspirations in life.

They are sometimes joined by Tat, third child of the incisor siblings. Tat is beside Pat, but positioned 3 millimeters ahead from them, together with Ala, their second eldest sister. Tat and Ala are very opposite from one another but they compliment each other’s strengths and weaknesses, which is why they consider themselves as the closest among the siblings. Tat is very vocal when it comes to his feelings and opinion. He is also very sensitive to the needs and feelings of his sisters. Ala is very quiet, and likes a clean and organized atmosphere. She tends to be left alone with her eyeglasses and earphones but because of music, Ala and Tat get along with each other.

Issa is the eldest among the incisor siblings. She is beside Ala but her position is aligned with Pat so she always observes and scolds her whenever Pat sculpts food. For Issa, food is to be bitten and chewed, not to be sculpted and designed. Issa, as the eldest, has always been the disciplinarian of the siblings. She does not accept lousy excuses for acts she thinks are baseless and a waste of time. Aside from being strict and straight to the point, Issa always puts in her mind that whatever happened to her brother/sisters, it is her responsibility.

            They may have different personalities but Titho appreciates each and every one of them. He learns a lot through his experience in talking and being with the siblings. Beside Issa, there is also a canine like Titho. He always tries to peek at this tooth but this canine is positioned in a way that it is facing back at them. He wishes that someday he will see and meet his fellow canine.

            One day, after breakfast, brush bath was earlier than usual.

Issa:     What the..?! Why do we have brush bath ahead of schedule? There is something wrong.

Pat:      (Sculpting a carrot trapped in between her and her gums) Oh Ate Issa! I think there’s nothing wrong having a brush bath this early. Early brush bath means Early Playtime! Yippee!! ;)

Tat:      Well, maybe we will go to school early!

Ala:      (Reading a novel) Today is Saturday.

Tat:      Oh…well maybe we’ll go shopping!

Ala:      (still reading a novel) Malls will open three hours from now.

Tat:      Yeah of course!…. Well I know! Maybe we will have swimming again! Oh I miss the saltwater and liempo!

Ala:      (sarcastic) Oooh! Brilliant thinking Tat! Swimming in the rainy season! Very timely! I’m so excited!

Tat:      (with fondness) I hate you! At least I don’t read while bathing!

Ala and Tat both laugh at themselves.

Issa:     (mad) Stop it! Can’t you see? There is a change in our daily routine! I sense danger.

Titho:    Issa’s right. I feel that there is a reason behind this.

Pat:      Yo! Chill yourselves a little bit! It's brush bath time so before you worry about anything, make yourselves fresh and clean first! C’mon Titho! Can you beat me this time in making the tallest foam?

Titho:    (smiling) we’ll see about that!

            Even if some felt strange in that situation, they still enjoyed their early brush bath. Issa, still in deep thought, was looking far away, quiet. After a few minutes, everyone including her, was asleep. Then someone was singing.

…Hey I just met you… and this is crazy… But here’s my number……

Titho suddenly woke up when he heard the voice. He opened his eyes and he was surprised that the voice was from his canine counterpart beside Issa. He was very sure that she was the one singing even though he could only see her back. He couldn’t help but smile.

Titho:    You have a beautiful voice.

Nina:    (surprised and ashamed) Oh. I’m sorry; I thought you were all asleep.

Titho:    I woke up when I heard your beautiful voice. Can you sing again?

Nina:    (shy) No. They might be disturbed too.

Titho:    I think they would not mind because they like the song you are singing and your voice is so appealing.

Nina:    (laughing) Really? You think so?

Titho:    (smiling) Yes. If only I could have the chance to see you.

Nina:    (became sad) Yeah. I am the only one in this bunch that has this diifficulty. I have grown without seeing who the quadruplets at my back were and how they look like.

Titho:    Uhm.. well…(light passes) wait… what is....

            While they were having a conversation, a vast amount of bright light entered their home causing everyone to wake up.

Pat:      Uhmm… What's happening?

Tat:      See, Ala! It’s summer! Swimming is definitely in-season!

Ala:      (with earphones) We don't see the sun for this long. It blinds us. Most probably, this light came from a bulb or something.

Issa:     This is what I have predicted a while ago.

Titho:    What is this?

Issa:     Operation Braces!

Pat:      (scared) waaah! The heavy metal bars attached to us?

Tat:      But I thought we will swim today?

Ala:      (irritated) Oh shut up, Tat.

Titho:    What should we do?

Issa:     We should stop them! They could destroy our way of living! I will not give up on this!

Titho:   Wait! Maybe this is for the betterment of our community!

Ala:      Uhm, what kind of betterment could a metal pendant and a metal bar could give us? What I know is that this will give us disorganization and entrapment.

Until a sharp needle entered their home and was injected through the gums.

Tat:      Oh look! A Jet plane!

Pat:      No Tat! It’s a giant needle!

Ala:      (frightened) No! It’s an anesthesia! …(became dizzy) I feel… (faints)

Pat:      What is happening? I … feel… dizzy…

Titho:    The…. The…. anesthesia….

Issa:     Wake up guys! We…will… fight…but… I’m… slee…eee….eeepy… (faints)

Tat:      I…want…Jet…(faints)

Everyone fell asleep because of the anesthesia. One molar tooth was pulled out and the braces were attached. Ala was the first one to wake up. She tapped Tat to wake him up also.

Tat:      Where am I?

Ala:      Right in the spot where you have grown.

Tat:      Oh. I thought I was… (saw the metal pendant glued to him) WAAAAHHH! Help!

Ala:      Don’t worry. I have one too. Argh. My head is aching.

Tat:      Why what happened?

Ala:      (angry) My head is aching whenever I talk to you!

Tat:      (ignoring Ala) EVERYONE! WAKE UP!

            Everyone woke up with a feeling of dizziness and a heavy head.

Issa:     What happened?

Tat:      The Operation Braces was successful!

Pat:      (shocked)I cannot sculpt anymore! (sobbing) What do we do now?

Ala:      (poker face) Things will never be the same before, ever.

Titho noticed the sudden loneliness the incisor siblings felt after the operation.

Titho:   Guys, don’t worry. I know that this metal bars will just be temporary. So don’t lose hope. We just need to adjust a little bit. I can help you guys if you are willing to help yourselves too.

Ala:      (serious) No, It’s impossible for me to change my routine.

Issa:     (looking far away) I understand sister, but I think we need to give it a try. Let’s try to think about solutions.

Titho:    Tat, I think we need your help in this kind of matter.

Tat:      (surprised) Me?

Ala:      (confused) Seriously? Why?

Titho:    We need him to bring out all the ideas he has on his mind and maybe he could produce an effective solution for us to adjust.

Ala:      Ok, but I will assure you that this will take long.

Issa:     (serious) Ala and Pat, please do suggest ideas.

Pat:      Sure.

            For the whole day, they brainstorm ideas and solutions for them to adjust to these sudden changes. After plenty of crazy and random ideas, Tat, in the end, was the one who has thought of a solution, which all the siblings agreed. It was the idea of using the metal bar attached to its metal pendant to serve as their additional arms in doing their daily routine. They have discovered a lot of new approaches to be able to adjust to their current situation.

Time passed and they were now getting used to having metal pendants attached to them to support their daily activities. Slowly they noticed Ala and Tat’s position getting nearer and nearer to their alignment.

After three years, the braces were removed. Again, unexpected changes occur. Ala & Tat was aligned with Issa and Pat, making the siblings more close to each other. Their adjustment to these changes were easier since they have lot of ways in doing their daily routines. They altogether developed their own way of brainstorming and problem solving, both individually and as a family.

Titho was very happy for the incisor siblings but there was a part of him that felt sad and alone. While everyone is happy, somebody sang…

Nina:    (Looking directly at Titho) Hey I just met you… and this is crazy… so here’s my number… Call me, maybe…;)

Tat:      (happy) Oh at last! That canine beside Ate Issa faced us for the very first time!

Ala:      (Reading a novel) No. I think she was also re-aligned, the same as what happened to both of us.

Pat:      (whispering to Titho) Your wish finally came true! She is looking at you!

Nina:   (singing) Before you came into my life, I missed you so bad... I missed you so bad... I missed you so, so bad...

Titho:  (singing) Before you came into my life, I missed you so bad... I missed you so bad... I missed you so, so bad...

Nina:    Thank you for inspiring me all this time.

Titho:   Thank you for granting my wish. ;)

Tat:      (teasing) Kiss! Kiss!

Ala:      (reading a novel) Tat, they cannot kiss because we are positioned in-between them.

Tat.      Oh I see! Flying Kiss!!!!

Everyone Laughs

…and they all lived happily ever after!

 THE END

My very first doodle was the inspiration of the story.. haha..;)

;)

           

Reflection Blog #1

Last Tuesday, I was given the chance to watch the documentary, "Objectified." Directed by Gary Hustwit.

As I watch the film, I appreciate different objects wherein the camera lens is just staring at it without any movement. It just suggests for me to watch and observe. The use of the audio was very clever. The proper placement where the music should enter and when should the natural sound be left alone was done in a clever manner. I have just few difficulties in understanding how some of the designers speak English. Well, saying this as the first part of my paragraph, the documentary caught my attention and was successful in keeping my interest on the screen.

The documentary "Objectified", for me, at first, is a story on where objects came from, who made them, how they were made and how they work.  But as the documentary progresses, I realized that this documentary is a story where people's needs came from, who made the objects bigger, how people are made by objects and how people work.

Here are some of what I have learned:

Where objects came from.
Objects came from different manufacturing companies, as shown in the documentary, from brainstorming down to the materials being used.
Where people's needs came from.
People's needs came from their way of life. Their way of life can be measured by their economic status, social status, gender, age etc. And their needs differ in these categories. Generally, People's needs came from what they lack.

Who made the objects?
From toothbrushes to the Iphone, All of these objects were made by product designers in the industry of manufacturing.
Who made the objects bigger?
People who use these objects make them look bigger as they seem to be. Some may look at a shoe as a last gift from a loved-one who died recently, while some may look at a shoe as a source of misfortune based on the events happened in their life using these objects. Some experiences make these objects inevitable while some makes these objects worthless.

How objects are made.
Objects are made in a way that it will be necessary for a person’s way of living. Maybe it was made to make work easier or it was made to give more comfort to the person, but in manufacturing companies, objects are made in a way that they are sustainable for the people to use.
How people are made by objects.

Phones have different types for different kinds of individuals. Chairs have different colors, texture and shapes, which also appeals to different consumers. This is where objects make people. People have their identities and the objects that they own, somehow, should reflect on this identity. People buy things that they want others to see them using or owning, same as how people look at the appeal of the object, rather than it’s instruction manual.

How objects work.

In the world of manufacturing, objects are specially designed for a purpose, either making a task easier, accomplishing work in a shortest amount of time possible or making life more comfortable to people. Every object has its story to tell. Many people would use an object based on what it was known for without realizing the level of relief and comfort it brings to the life of an individual.

How people work.

People can sometimes be called as an “intelligent animal”. They think and because of this, they always ask themselves questions of curiosity and possibilities. People cannot stop developing. They cannot be out of ideas to put into work. They cannot be trapped in a box for a few days. They are creative, visual and they have feelings, which make their relationships with "others" more interesting.

After the documentary, on my way home, I looked at my bag and some of the things I own and asked myself why am I always into multi-functional products?

I pick objects that would fit in my way of life.

Objects that soon will be something….

…and I would never realize that..

;)