WK02-3

Week 2 and 3 documents the critical documentation of the previous Participatory Design Research Activity process in exhibition form.

GALLERY UNDER THE STAIRS (G.UTS)

In G.UTS, the critical documentation of the previous Participatory Design Research Activity is showcased through a set of five A1-size posters. These posters encompass an introduction, clearly defined objectives, a mind-map, collage, and an interactive feedback overview. Designed with the intention of fostering an interactive session that mirrors the practices incorporated in the proposed creative toolkit, this presentation serves a dual purpose. It not only showcases the initiative but also seeks to elicit valuable feedback from the audience.

Interactive posters capture research, insights, and contributions, simplifying complex information into digestible visuals that communicate key concepts. The vibrant orange color maintains aesthetics, while wood pulp textures connect with the subject. Interactive tools like sticky notes, dot stickers, pens, and markers foster audience participation and feedback.

PRESENTATION AND INTERACTION

After setting up the posters, I provided an overview of the documentation, and invited the honors class to participate. They interacted with the posters, jotting down ideas on sticky notes and using orange dot stickers to vote for their preferred activity.

GUTS_Poster_A1 (RGB).pdf

The first poster served as a brief introduction, offering the audience an overview, and a glimpse into the underlying purpose behind this participatory design research activity. Although it presents a substantial amount of information, which seem intricate to read at first glance, the comprehensive data would be pivotal in establishing the trajectory and interactive cues that connect the subsequent activities.

The second poster the importance of defining lesson and semester objectives during the initial interview. This poster showcased the objectives defined by educators, chosen from a list of value-based educational topics.

Upon comparing and observing the second poster with the subsequent ones, integrating pre-defined objectives with other activities appeared challenging. Reflecting on feedback, I identified positive aspects like efficient presentation for time-limited creative toolkits. However, potential downsides include reduced participant involvement, leading to passive reading. While preset goals enhance efficiency, they might decrease genuine interactions, lowering participant motivation.

The third poster showcases an interactive mind map representing educators' designs. Exhibition participants, primarily the design honors class, engages with the educational mapping, adding ideas or concepts using the sticky notes provided.

Through this process and feedback, the third poster—mind mapping—effectively supported participants in visually organizing thoughts, highlighting the creative toolkit's need for categorization or idea-generation tools .

The fourth poster showcased a collage, introducing a form of creative expression in the participatory design research project.

Feedback revealed that while audiences appreciated the visual approach, challenges arose in connecting learning material development to collage creation's purpose. In the toolkit, it's crucial to clarify collage-making's significance and its role in crafting effective materials. Demonstrating practical applications of creative mediums could also enhance value.

Notably, engagement with this poster was lacking, similar to the objective-definition one. To address this, the toolkit could provide a designated area for users to include visual materials, fostering shared creative input and inclusivity.

The last poster captures educators' feedback, enhancing the participatory experience. Using visuals, sticky notes, and dot stickers, participants shared insights on activity effectiveness, resonance, and visual elements' utility.

While this approach resonated with participants, certain aspects merit further refinement. Introducing visual methods like the 'Dart-board' feedback technique could enable effectiveness rating. Streamlining prompts and the feedback process in the toolkit could enhance insight and actionability in the feedback session.

SHOWING G.UTS REFLECTION

As a critical step in my theoretical journey, I documented my observations, collected feedback, and identified areas for potential improvement during the exhibition."These insights were carefully considered and assessed for their potential to enhance the development of the creative toolkit.

Showing G.UTS Reflection_Wei Yan (Noelle) Chan.pdf

CONCLUSION AND UPCOMING TASKS

Another important insight pertained to the availability of pens during the presentation. Participants noted shortages, causing delays and prolonged engagement with the posters. As the 'host' of the design research activity, I realized the significance of such details. This feedback is relevant to the creative toolkit, ensuring a considerate user experience. Observing audience interaction, I understood that the information volume could be overwhelming in a short time. Hence, incorporating more visual elements like icons, imagery, or infographics could effectively simplify conveyed information for participants.

Over the next few weeks, I will carefully review the feedback received, make refinements, and consider the appropriateness of various practices as potential components within the creative toolkit.

Page updated

Report abuse