Begining generative research
We started our generative research this week after presenting the exploratory research findings.
Brainstorm ideas
As a first step, we had a brainstorm session in which everyone proposed potential design directions and artifacts based on what we learned so far. Each of us sourced several inspiration images and shared them in Figma. This helped us get on the same page about what the team is interested in as well as having a sense of what the artifact might be.
We found four themes in the proposed ideas:
- Imaging future self How might we help students envision who they want to be in…
Beginning exploratory research
After identifying “Future-Ready Learner” in the graduate portrait as our focus area, we realized that the primary task is to have an operational definition of future-ready for the Santa Clara Unified School District (SCUSD). What skills do students need to have in order to be adaptable to the changing job market? Should the main focus be on getting prepared for future work or individual resilience and agency? What does future-ready mean for students from different backgrounds, including the privileged and unprivileged?
We then came up with a more focused and structured research question to guide our research and help identify…
Learnings and reflections from CMU’s Communication Design Studio in Fall 2020
Week 1
For this project, I’ll be investigating climate data to explore and visualize sources of greenhouse gas emissions and how might each contributor help to reach net zero carbon emission.
Analyzing existing visualization
We started the project by analyzing existing visualization on the website Information Is Beautiful. Questions to consider include:
- What data is introduced? The visualization presents the information in three panels. The left panel that occupies half of the space shows different sources of CO₂ emission. Each source is in a card with the source name, the percentage and number of…
Moving Towards Embodying Bodily Movements In A Remote Setting
Original Idea–Remote rehearsal collaboration between a director and two actors
Based on our interviews and research on remote theater performance, we worked on refining our ideas in areas including the problem context, target users, and what technologies are involved. We first listed all the potential options and then discussed the pros and cons of each.
Our discussion led to several consensuses:
- Technology: We will focus on a tangible interface and perhaps with the inclusion of AR and a wearable device. We will not be working with VR since it’s mainly emphasizing the visual experience.
- Target Users: We will design for the remote collaboration between staff (i.e. directors, choreographers) and performers.
- …
Learnings and reflections from CMU’s Communication Design Studio in Fall 2020
In Project 2, we are tasked with explaining an abstract concept in a short video. And the topic I received is — Internet Cookies!
Week 1 — Thu 10/1
Internet Cookies — What are they?
Understanding internet cookies first requires an understanding of the client-server model of the internet. This model is the standard method of communication between a browser on a computer and the web server. The web server is a centralized location where data is stored. It distributes data to each individual client, or browser, after receiving the request from the client.
An internet cookie is the means by which web servers recognize the client. It is in the…
Learnings and reflections from CMU’s Communication Design Studio in Fall 2020
Week 1 — Tue 9/1 Course Overview
Kicking off the semester in the time of quarantine is both challenging and interesting. Especially for a class on communication design, the pandemic limits our ability to communicate the way we are used to but in the meantime challenges us to reflect on what is communication and how we can improve it for people living in this new reality. I am looking forward to taking on the challenges and exciting opportunities in this studio.
Activity 1: Exploring the appearance and mechanism of different toys
We started the first class by virtually exploring the…
Written by Team Resilience:
Hillary Carey, Alex Klein, Nandini Nair, Yuchuan ShanRacial Inequity in Pittsburgh, Transition Design Seminar 2020, CMU
Introduction — Applying a Causal Layered Analysis
For Assignment #3 of the Transition Design (TD) Seminar, we use Sohail Inayatullah’s framework, Causal Layered Analysis, as a new frame to understand our wicked problem of racial inequity in Pittsburgh, PA. The TD instructors encourage this method because it is a way “to ‘deconstruct’ the problem” in “the way in which the problem is viewed/accepted in mainstream society as well as the deeper, less understood (or even hidden) roots of the problem (TransitionDesignSeminarCMU.net, 2020).” …
