I'm encouraged

Everyone is struggling with the prospect of this studio finishing. I, although it may sound odd, am greatly encouraged by this. Is the general response to the end of classes not of great jubilation? Hence instilling within me the idea that other classes, other studios, were that which we would rather forget. We will not forget the 'Corporation Game'. It has altered our perception, improved our motivation and imbued a sense of community within all of us. So no, this is not the end. It will not end until I cease to think as it has impacted on my acuity greatly.
I thank Soumitri. Not just for the lectures, not just for the structure he provided, not just for opening the door and arranging the tables on a Monday morning. Numerous tutors/sessional staff have suggested that their only real purpose was to unlock the door and this was hard for me to comprehend. It was Soumitri that explained it the clearest to me. University is learner centered. It is about me and what I want. I learnt this through reflection. Reflection upon my own feelings of struggling and misinterpretation, of realization of the necessity of self-motivation and reflection upon success and how it was achieved.
These blogs I’ve also noted the great apprehension we all felt in the beginning. Now it will be our main form of communication, I believe, over the next four months. Continue reflecting, whether it’d be on what you ate for dinner or about the trials you continue to face with Flash. Enjoy your holidays and come back as enthusiastic and as open as when you left.

Our Game 'Outside the Square'-Kel

Our game description for First Issue...

In the beginning of 'Outside the Square" there existed badges. Not any old badges but badges that dictated your position within the corporation and the content of your contribution so it was vital that each player chose their badge wisely. The gambit however was that they were unable to view the front of the badge hence instilling an element of chance. Positions included the following:

• The Director
• Sales and Finance, responsible for the marketing and sale of the product, whilst upholding complete awareness of cost of materials.
• Research and development
• Production

Before any reason was imbued towards the result of the game, each group (dictated by position held), was given two random images. These served as a source of inspiration. Each group was to describe in as much detail what they saw in each picture, what they felt, emotions expressed via colour or use of light etc.

Once positions were delegated and each member was inspired, a competition was elected. This would be the basis for the design process and intention. The intended outcome was first discussed before the entire corporation and then further embellished within the smaller groups.

It was the director's job to communicate problems and ideas between each group hence ensuring that each idea did not stray too far from that which was intended by the others. To emphasize this point also, numerous boardroom style meetings were held to re-evaluate progress and product development.

The purpose of the game, to experience Design in a changing way through images, stimulus and role playing; to understand design practices, group systems and experience idea generation. Divulgence in the anxiety of risk and chance.

So far

This year has been one hell of a ride and i do feel that I have grown from it. I'm tired, a little bit over it, stress is a major factor and I'm bewildered at the speed that which this year has passed. I've not felt so far behind and hopeless for a while and yet so many people claim to have such profound faith in me. Thankyou to those who do, hopefully i can prove you right, if for no other reason but to please myself.