Collaborative Design Practice | Task 1 - Empathy Map and Problem Statement

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3/4/2023 | Week 1
Collaborative Design Practice | Bachelor of Design in Creative Media
Shofwa Alyadiena | 0350019

Lecture Notes 

Introduction

We were introduced to how the module is constructed for the first week. Files were given prior to the start of the meeting, so information was easily digestible and resulted in no problem catching up to the topic. 

The module coordinator showed us the theme for our collaborative design, which was further explained by guest lecturers from GSK. The request was an art installation with the thought of recycling inhalers and blister packages in mind, which otherwise would end up with the rest of the landfill causing damage to the environment. We then split into groups, starting our discussion.


Instructions 


Research 

In this module, we are split into groups which will then collaborate with IN.Deed Communications for a campaign by GSK. The main idea is to recycle unused blister packages and produce an art piece that benefits the environment.


Process Week 1

1. Create an Empathy Map and Identify the Problem Statement.

Following design thinking rules, we start by creating an empathy map and then identifying the problem statement. The requirement for this first step is to produce questionnaires for the collaborator to find out as much as possible and then compile everything we've found in the form of a proposal presentation.

My group mates and I- currently named The Blister Bunch- opened a collaborative MIRO board and started a discussion immediately. Starting with the first task- an empathy map. Researching what it really means, we've concluded that an empathy map explores feelings, thoughts, and actions in a spread-out graph that easily encompasses our ideas.


Fig. 1.1 Target Audience (Left) and First Empathy Map (Right)(3/4/2023)

After identifying the thoughts, feelings and observations, we compiled surface research and created a problem statement. Writing the problem statement brought questions as well, thus we wrote it down too.


Fig. 1.2 Problem Statement (3/4/2023)

Fig. 1.3 Problem Questions (3/4/2023)


2. Brainstorm and Ideate A Solution for the Problem Statement.

Along with the problem statement's draft completion, we compiled ideas and brainstormed for our next step. Since we were drawn toward the effects it has towards water and nature, we gathered a lot of inspiration from watery aesthetics as well as land environment-centred ideas.


Fig. 1.4 Collected References (Oceans)


Fig. 1.5 Collected References (Land)


Feedback

There were a lot of readjustments needed for this task, but generally went well enough that most were quick fixes:

  • Adapt the 'empathy map' to fit only one fictional person's needs and thoughts for a relatable and logical situation.
  • Split the references into two: water and land-based inspirations.
  • Consider combining every meaning for a fleshed-out final sketch and meaning that will encompass everything that's needed.

Process Week 2

1. Target Audience

As per last week's feedback, we gathered in a group meeting to re-consider the target audience's perspective for task 1. 

The empathy map was created with both a specific and expanded audience in mind. After the feedback session, we realized the empathy map is supposed to be from one individual's thoughts and perspective, and not a general idea of the situation. We separated it by the specific and expanded target audience that was previously determined.



Fig. 2.1 Adjusted Empathy Map (10/4/2023)

This week as well, we compiled everything into a presentation form.

Fig. 2.2 Presentation Progress (10/4/2023)

As we finished up, we discussed the presentation and separated the speech roles between us. I was in charge of a bit of the research and closing statement. 


Feedback

There were a lot of readjustments needed for this task, but generally went well enough that most were quick fixes:

  • Further refine the Target Audience.
  • Keep the brainstorming in task 2.


Process Week 3

1. Presentation

This week, we presented our findings and ideas. Feedback was given to us, and we realised we left out a huge important chunk of information- which were the Personas. We quickly discussed that day to create and re-adjust relevant information to create personas and see if the target audience's perspective is apparent in our empathy map while considering if any of the personas reminded us of real-life people. 


2. Amendments: Personas and Project Documents

We came up with 3 personas, each persona with a pair working on them. My groupmate Metta and I worked on 'Nurul Mazlan', which was lightly based on one of my roommates. 

Fig. 3.1 Persona Creation (17/4/2023)


We then proceeded to do our weekly meeting that night to recap and review everything before submitting the work. 

Fig. 3.2 Persona Creation 2 (17/4/2023)
Fig. 3.3 Persona Creation 3 (17/4/2023)

There was a slight problem though, which lies in the personas' goals and frustrations. As I was reviewing them, I realize my teammates might have not understood what to write in there, and explained to them that the goals and frustrations are meant to support and back up the project's purpose, which is to get the people to give back their unused medical waste. They understood quickly, and we all made amendments together. 

We then moved most of the presentation into the PROJECT DOCUMENT slides.

Feedback

There were a lot of readjustments needed for this task, but generally went well enough that most were quick fixes:

  • Create Personas

Next course of action

The next course of action is to come up with two or three more sketches and then decide on one to refine.


Submission 

Fig. 4.1 Task 1 Final Submission (17/4/2023)
Fig. 4.2 Task 1 Project Document Final Submission (17/4/2023)

Reflection: 

Experience 

The immediate reaction to the first introduction to this module and project was mostly pleasant surprises. The lecturer is very kind, and the groupmates I ended up with were mostly cooperative and left me with little to complain about. I was a bit disappointed that they didn't seem to understand what the goals and frustrations were, but as they quickly fixed it, it was really all a good experience from then on. 

Observation 

By looking around and taking examples from real-life situations, I figured that many things are symbolic and it doesn't take much for one thing to mean something. This is something I've tried implementing with the first sketches for the next task. 

Findings

Relating to the subject of collaborative design, I realized that I used blister packs more often than not. Since I realized this, it brought my attention to the colours and small details that are on it, and I found that it's possible to create something out of it without changing too much if we utilize the already existing pattern. 



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