Working as a team definitely impacted the process and outcome of this project. Firstly, it was challenging at moments to brainstorm together because we had to find ways to explain the pictures we all had in our own heads to one another. Active listening was essential here, and even with this, I found myself feeling unsure exactly what my peers were trying to describe. We found drawing things out really helped get us on the same page. 

In the creation process, we were able to divide up tasks. I worked mostly on the hardware, Taylor worked on software, and Nafisa worked on the visuals. This went smoothly. We ran into challenges with the code and agreed the next step was to ask for help. The most unexpected or challenging moment for me was the point at which we put all the elements of the project together. As noted above, it took many tries to understand how the CPX board was programmed in relation to which side of the cube we wanted to light up. Because I had been working on the hardware, I put the cube together the first time. When the corresponding side were not working the way we hoped after a few tries, I started to feel defeated. Taylor and Nafisa brought fresh eyes to the problem and the three of us slowly, and systematically figured out how to connect the correct side of the cube to the correct pin on the board so that each side would light up when facing the viewer. I felt very grateful for the teamwork in this moment. By slowing down, and listening to one another, we were able to make each element that we had brought to the project work cohesively.

Beyond this project, group work in general can be challenging for me because I can become very attached to the version of a product I create in my head. However, this project was a great example of the ways that working in a team has a really direct impact on what were able to produce. By adopting more flexibility in order to incorporate others ideas, I am able to be a part of more complex and successful work. 

When I become laser focused on the outcome of a project, small bumps can be hard for me to navigate. One thing I want to keep in mind moving forward is that asking for help, whether in group work or individual work, is a very important part of the process. I can often feel that I must figure everything out on my own to qualify my work as successful, however openness and flexibility can lead me to a much more fulfilling outcome.