With so much discussion, interaction, reflection and emphasis on process, I wondered if my thoughts and actions could be random. Perhaps not. Maybe all this talk about processes have left the deepest, emptiest crevasses in my mind filled with processed thoughts… What I thought were random thoughts, images…well anything that came to mind….werent actually random. Is process in design akin to say processed food? Devoid of spontaneity and freshness? Perhaps thats too random an analogy to draw simply because the phrases sound similar with words to match.

Kelli Anderson’s genius with her disruptive wonder, is a bandwagon we would all like to join. Its a comforting thought to consider that perhaps with defined process in place, this is actually possible to be done by anyone. But is it really that simple?

Its much more complex than we think it is. Its a way of thinking which if we manage to implement deep in our psyche, could prove to help us with, in our context, design solutions. Yesterday I was watching the documentary, ‘Exit Through The Gift Shop’ the Banksy film, where Thierry Guetta, the self-proclaimed film-maker, originally a clothes store owner, develops this habit of carrying his video camera wherever he goes, filming anything and anyone that he comes across, anywhere and everywhere. He films hundreds and hundreds of hours of footage of street artists and their art in process. And he never watches his footage. It simply goes into a storage box where it is kept in sequence. I found it interesting that his process of filming and storing in this manner came from his childhood experiences, when as a young boy he lost his mother. That she had been ill for the longest time, was an information that was kept away from him. He regrets the moments of time which could have been spent together which was now lost to him forever. So, when he chanced upon the video camera, he began to record every minute of his interaction with life. He did not want to miss out on even a second.

I found it intriguing how Thierry Guetta had his own personal process which developed from his own personal experiences. Are more of these kind of directions in process out there? Stories of people doing things that they never themselves would analyse as process. However, interesting stories about different ways of approaching process that shed light on the fact that process need not just be about a linear or non-linear process that is listed out in a book or jotted down on a piece of paper or shared on a forum. It can also stem from a personal experience or perhaps, who knows, a cultural tradition….

Jane Dorn in her process book clearly explains the linear process that she follows in her project from input to final outcome. Her process moves from, as she puts it, chaos to clarity and along the way she has encounters with brainstorming, synthesis/actualisation/incubation with a linear narrative leading to her final outcome.

April Biss’ project for dogs on leash, followed a chain of process stages broadly going through observation, thought and finally ‘make’. Her documentation of her process was exhaustive and detailed. She mentioned conceptualisation/gathering information/looking at statistics/conducting interviews/word play/collaborative thinking/mind-mapping/ideating through thumbnails/brainstorming/re-visiting research/going over demographic survey and a complete circular return to thumbnails/ideation/prototype/final outcome.

Jamie Turpin’s project with typefaces mentioned immersion in content/schematic phases in her process. These included brainstorming/inspirational images relating to the design problem/thumbnails/design-looking at form/colour/flow/type-history/materials+textures/working out of ones’ comfort zone to come up with new ideas as she looked at different materials/final outcome.

All three projects followed process in different ways that suited each project individually, taking into account the chosen direction as well as personal journeys. As Jamie Turpin summed it up well in her presentation when she mentioned that essentially all processes have the same basic premises of input-analysis-synthesis-output. Its what one does in between these steps depending on the requirement of each unique individual project, that’s what adds to the richness of the final outcome. She also mentions how important it is to move away from one’s comfort zones to make new choices and new decisions so as to come up with a more fulfilling outcome that works in newer directions.

I can already sense a change in the way I have been approaching process in this semester. I am beginning to appreciate the detailed approach. My favourite way to do this has been to sketch as I love to sketch. I find that when I am on the starting blocks, my mind is a complete blank. However, as I gather information and use illustrated mind-mapping tool as a means to an end, I actually begin to see the order in the chaotic maze of words and images that conjure in my mind from the information gathered. I guess, when the process becomes second nature and one is not looking at specifics of what each stage is named, one can really and truly immerse oneself in the journey of discovery rather than concentrating on reaching the destination.

Jenny Holzer, Rives’s typographic narrative and Taryn SImon’s images left me with thoughts about the many aspects of the inclusion of cultural values in design and how we as designers, shoulder the enormous responsibility of what we convey in our visual communication. Taryn Simon’s work is an apt example of how images alone can be deceiving. However, a narrative can anchor the image with an interesting story that is accompanied with research and fact. Rives’ typographic narration makes use of references in the current context with the verbal narration that accompanies visual symbols that uses current short messaging system symbols to form the story. Jenny Holzer’s views on staying engaged with a single subject and being true to its interpretation is relevant in the context of cultural values.

As we move along the course, I realise the focus on process follows a random yet linear format. And as I make the transition towards the final output, the stages of analysis and synthesis take into account the cultural values of the subject. The approach also requires an understanding and empathy that can possibly bring out the best in the concept. These are exercises in developing an approach that is meaningful and based on ideas with which people can connect at a deeper level with the outcome. When connecting the work at hand with cultural values, it also creates a multiple interaction with its audience, which is why when we came up with ideas for our outcome in the current exploration in Unit 6, we were asked to reflect upon who was our audience, whether the medium and concept that we were working with, connecting with the target audience. In the end, communication is about making that connection with the target audience. And one of the ways to make an effective connect is cultural values.

All That Process

All this discussion, reading, reflection and writing on the importance of process and the different ways in which process can be refined reminds me of the fact that even grief is a process. At least as per Kübler-Ross’ model which defines the process of grieving as the five stages of grief : anger, denial, bargaining, depression and acceptance. It conjures up  in my mind, images of the character of Joe Gideon (Roy Schider) from Bob Fosse’s film, ‘All That Jazz’. 

On reading Hugh Dubberly’s ‘How Do You Design?’, I found it interesting, initially, to see the different diagrams that added steps to create complex patterns for process. Process is not meant to be spontaneous. That I do understand. I also understand the benefits of following process. However, as the book went on to analyse academic approaches and approaches adopted for architecture or engineering projects, it somehow seemed to me that I was viewing design as a definite science. The romance, the accidental eureka moment, the fun seemed to be lost in a maze of very formula oriented approach to solving a design problem. I do understand that the underlying purpose of emphasis on process lies in learning to gather and assess information at hand to come up with the best possible solutions, I just suddenly find that I am missing the spontaneity in design. As my question is, does design have to be always process oriented? If it is not, does it become art? Is that the difference we are looking at?

To see then that grief too has a process…I am left with wondering if we view all aspects of our life as process? I guess I am going through my own process of anger, denial, bargaining, depression and acceptance when dealing with these questions. And I dont have any definite answers.

Hugh Dubberly’s ‘How Do You Design?’ is a meeting ground for thoughts on details in process with the assumption that processes determine the quality of products and to improve the quality of products and encouraging the culture of re-design, we also need to improve the way we design. Which is why design process is so important.

This has by itself, been a huge learning for me. Over the years of continually doing client assignments, I ceased to challenge myself any further than meeting the requirements of the clients. I would, of course, follow process, however, this would be a simplified format, following the path of least resistance. During the course of the Units in this Semester for both courses, I have come to realize how important it is to be innovative with process in order to be innovative with the outcome.

While going through the material in this book, I observed that while all processes basically have the similar components of input-process-output, it was the analysis/synthesis of the input and process that leads to the output. And it is the analysis/synthesis steps  that I need to include in my process depending on the kind of assignment I am handling. Within analysis/synthesis there are more steps that can be added in order to shed light on and give clarity to the direction where the project is headed. For example, like how it is explained in the ‘Expanding the Two-Step Process’ after Don Kober and Jim Bagnall (1972) where they add the following :

Analyse-define-ideate-select-implement-accept and then again analyse-define-ideate-select-implement-evaluate-synthesise.

When one considers the Dynamics of Divergence and Convergence after Bela H. Banathy (1996) it analyses boundaries, design options, core values and core ideas before converging by making choices.

Or when one considers Decomposition and Recombination after VDI 2221 (from Cross 1990) where the problem is analysed by breaking it down to its basics before rebuilding the synthesis of the solution.

Then when one looks at Academic models of processes across different streams, one realizes that processes whether simple or complex given the number of steps involved, more or less follows the similar premise of diagramming the process.

Design-Build-Test after Alice Agogino for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab is an interesting example of building into the simple three steps with further deeper analysis.

I found the Eight Phases of a Project interesting

1. Project Initiation
2. Wild Enthusiasm
3. Disillusionment
4. Chaos
5. Search for the Guilty
6. Punishment of the Innocent
7. Promotion of Non Participants
8. Definition of Requirements

Many times I have fallen into the same trap of step 2, 3, 4. Finding myself frustrated, disenchanted before being able to work through the problem. Sometimes the clients come in the way of processes as just when one thinks one has cracked it, along comes the client with a requirement or an addition or omission, which changes the course of the process.

I do realize the importance of process and also, that I need to add more levels of complexity depending on the project at hand, to the input-analysis-synthesis-output. It helps breakdown information on hand, and create alternate patterns to come up with a synthesis that ultimately provides an output.

When I watched Kelli Anderson’s TED Talk where she speaks of disruptive wonder, along with the examples of the work that she showed, what struck me was that the ideas were so very simple. The medium did not resort to using a complicated method to achieve the outcome but however, using simple techniques and a conceptual approach, the outcome presented a disruptive wonder. Aptly named so, as it was a disruption that was produced spank in the middle of an otherwise seemingly conventional approach. The ‘wonder’ in the ideas presented were further proof of the possible positive outcome of this method of design thinking.

Disruptive wonder is perhaps not a new idea as when one sees a well-solved, well-conceptualised logo or symbol perhaps, there is the whole process of disruptive wonder that is introduced in a typeface for the logo to create an extraordinary outcome from an otherwise ordinary typeface. Or a simple twist in an illustration goes on to create a disruptive wonder in the final visual outcome. To apply this method to larger concepts of entire design projects produces surprising results, successfully achieving an interaction with the outcome that is filled with wonderment.

It would be fun to apply this method of thinking to all kinds of different design assignments. I do wonder, though, whether even if I followed process work, even if I worked hand in hand with a team, would we come up with similar brilliant outcome/s? Or are Kelli Anderson’s works strokes of a genius, one that cannot be replicated? I do agree that it is a method of approach, thinking and solution that offers wonderful results. My point is that in trying to replicate a process of disruptive wonder not everyone may yield results as successfully as Kelli Andersons’ attempts.

While I have been aware of the concept of flow, I did not know that it was also referred to as flow. I have known of it in the context of losing oneself in something that one is intensely involved in.

I experience flow, more so now than ever before. I tend to do only what I like to do, as far as is possible. And this makes it easy to lose myself in the ‘flow’ of things. Complete immersion. It leaves me with a sense of deep satisfaction. And I don’t even need for the outcome of what I am doing to be necessarily fruitful. It could be an intense interaction with an article that I find engaging. Or a problem that I am trying to work my way through. It’s a very meditative process. Gautama Buddha has said that the mind is a monkey. To calm the mind and concentrate is meditative.

Concentrated, effortless concentration, I believe, comes only when one loves what one is doing and is completely immersed in the interaction.

Creative Process

Attached above is the link to the diagram which details the Creative Process followed

when creating the direction, content for the thesis.

CREATIVE PROCESS FOR THE THESIS

The Creative Process for the Thesis followed, what I considered, a thorough detailed process which was systematic in helping me to understand the importance of a logical sequence leading up to the final thesis write-up. It honestly makes life amazingly simple when one is taken through the detailed process and made to break down the steps to help create the content and also, at the same time, validate the reference materials and citations. Alongside this thorough process, there is constant peer and faculty review, which eases the process of creating content and writing the final paper.

This detailed process of analysis also helps to find areas that one may have missed out on, or find aspects of the subject that one had never thought existed earlier.

PERSONAL DESIGN APPROACH

I have, for the many years that I was freelancing, been used to working on my own. There was a time when I thought that that was a good way to work as there was less intrusion. However, what I realized over time, is that less intrusion also meant less interaction and that I was the one losing out. While solitary approach works upto an extent, collaborative projects with people in a team who are carefully selected, and are diverse in their approach, an excellent way to tackle a major design project.

The importance of process involved in doing a research piece, saw yet another layer added in this Unit. This time it was a vocal/visual presentation of our thesis topic with an overview of our thesis included in the presentation.

I struggled to think of what I could possibly want to do. I wanted to try out something that I had not done before. I finally hit upon an idea, based on one of the old Bob Dylan music videos where there are these minimal text boards that are revealed as the music progresses. After doing the writeup, however, I realised that the writing needed to be a mirror image and I need to rectify that. It took me over 25 takes before I got some semblance of what I was looking for in the presentation.

I was happy with the outcome of my work. However, I could have done better work with the filming of the clip as also the presentation boards that I held in my hand. I could have worked on the typography and maybe added some more elements of visual interest. But overall, I am happy with the outcome as it was a huge learning in terms of not only the content but mainly the execution. It was nervewracking to see myself speaking into the camera and to look at myself to judge whether the piece was coming along fine or not. To check the tone and the pace of the delivery….Its easier to interact live in real time with my students than to film myself giving a presentation!

I have been up for almost two nights in a row and not slept very much this week. Once a thought permeates my head, it refuses to leave as I seem to weave a mind map inside my brains until I figure a solution.

I wanted a narrative, a story that would unfold with the outcome. I didnt know at the beginning of this Unit what this story was going to be. It still seemed like words were all over the place. My words that I was focussing on, like war, peace, destruction, death, slay, kill, defeat, victory were leading me in a direction where I wanted to explore the idea that we are doomed to repeat history and doomed to repeat our mistakes. That we never learn. Further explorations lead me towards outcomes like perhaps an illustrative book with an interactive element like envelopes within the pages that would hold illustrated cards with information, something to do with rulers/dictators who have left their ‘mark’ in history leaving a trail of death and destruction. Or perhaps a board game…chess?….maybe a different kind of chess??…or how about monopoly? a different kind of monopoly, one that would involve kingdoms.

Suddenly like an epiphany appearing from nowhere, it struck me. What about the fatal game of dice in the Indian epic, the Mahabharata? Where Yudhishthira is invited by his conniving cousins to play a game of dice with their uncle, Shakuni. The stakes are high as Yudhishthira loses his kingdom and finally his wife, Draupadi. The outcome of this game leads to an exile and a fourteen day battle which is a bloodbath. While Yudhishthira and his brothers avenge the defeat of the game of dice, when they finally win the war against their evil cousins, it feels flat and emotionless.

I thought this would be the perfect platform for the game I had in mind. The final outcome shaped into the game of dice that followed the ancient cross shaped board, hand illustrated in Madhubani style (Madhya Pradesh, India). Dice. Player cards, where players choose whom they want to play as (dictators/conquerors). High stakes by the players symbolised by empty pistachio nut shells and a rule sheet. Whoever reaches the centre of the board first wins. However, the winner has a choice : he/she can either lay claim to the stake or return it to its rightful owner, the opponent. This questions the very premise of the game of dice, which is about winning, losing, humiliation, victory. When the winner has the choice of returning the stakes, does it dilute the excitement? the adrenalin rush of the win??

I wanted the outcome to be open-ended, engaging, interactive, thoughtful. I have tried my best and enjoyed the process of the telling of a story while doing so. It has been an interesting journey. I never envisaged the outcome that I ended up with when I first began the explorations. These last few weeks have thrown open new doors to ways in which one can approach concepts with a free mind and play with the elements as they build up. Have fun with work.

It has been an exciting, exasperating, frustrating and rewarding five weeks.