During the first
lecture of this week’s theme we discussed problem
solving to a great extent. Problem solving consists of two questions or two
parts; how to define a problem and how to solve a problem and according to the
lecturer, defining the problem is 90% of the issue and solving the problem is
10% of the issue. To explain this, the lecturer talked about how a large part
of solving the problem is figuring out what the actual core problem is, which
may not be the same as the at first perceived problem.
During the end of
the lecture I felt that the entire lecture itself was summarized with five
points. These points represent common problems and simply enough, how to solve
those problems:
1) How
to come up with an idea – Re-state the problem
2) How
to filter ideas – Use a business mind
3) How
to validate an idea – Proof of concept
4) How
to evaluate an idea – Prototype
5) How
to communicate your idea – Elevator pitch
During the second
lecture we mainly discussed prototypes
and why prototypes are useful. When brainstorming with the entire class we
talked about using prototypes for conveying and idea, testing an idea and using
prototypes for the evaluation of a proof of concept.
An aspect that I
felt was a core concept during the lecture was what the purpose is of proving a
concept. We discussed that the purpose
of research is to find an answer, solve a problem, test a theory and most
importantly, to gain knowledge.
As the theme of the
week was design research we of course talked about how design and prototypes
fit together. Through design, the prototype that searches for a certain answer
is shaped. However, the prototype itself does not have to provide an answer to
the research question but its purpose could be to provoke and test a situation
in order to gain knowledge. A question posed during the lecture that I found
interesting was if a prototype can provoke new knowledge?
An aspect that I
think is important when conducting research is the way you think about the
research process. During the lecture we talked about how choosing a method does
not in itself mean that research is being conducted. It is the analysis that turns something into research. The chosen
method only defines how the data is collected but when that data is analyzed
then research is being conducted.
Since I have already
studied this week’s theme during my Bachelor I found this week to be a
repetition rather than learning something new. However, I still appreciated
having this course and this theme as I was reminded of things that I had
forgotten.
You did a great job summarizing the most important points about last weeks theme. I agree with you that the five points you listed summarize pretty much everything we learnt about solving problems. It is good to hear that you already learnt about this topic in your Bachelor and that you felt like it was a good repetition for you. For me the part about the prototypes was new and it was interesting to see the difference uses for prototype. Of course when it comes to research the main goal is to gain knowledge, but for the industry prototypes are very important to create and develop a good product and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for sharing your thoughts! Your reflection is always well executed and interesting to read. I also found the different steps for a design research interesting - especially the case of the hungry bear was very entertaining. Luckily, this week's theme was a Repetition for you - too me this was pretty new. Good Job!
ReplyDeleteHi! You've made great reflection. You summarized the most important points of both lectures. I like that you highlighted the question about prototype as source of knowledge. For me topic of design research was quite new, and I don't know for sure the answer for that question, but I think that prototype can provoke a new knowledge. When researchers explore the limitations, they can find out new features and functions that haven't been considered in theory,
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteYou have made a good reflection that is easy to follow and contains great thoughts and facts about this theme. You say something very interesting that I fully support by stating that it is analysis that turns something into research. Just as you say the method only defines the data. But I also believe that the choice of method also dictates what kind of answer you will get.
Hi Denise,
ReplyDeleteThank you for a great blog post with good reflections and summary of the lectures. I think that you have found and wrote about the most important key points of the theme and I think that prototypes can, during the right circumstances, have a huge role in the developing process for companies that for example are searching for investors or just want to do a market research. So when we talk about gaining knowledge you could see it from a customer point of view when it comes to usability. I also founds it interesting that those five points that was presented during the first lecture could be a good tool for the future if you have a problem that you need to solve. Good work Denise, keep it up!
Hi Denise,
ReplyDeleteYour reflection is very well structured and summarized and hence easy to follow. In my opinion you covered all the main aspects of theme five and it also shows that you understood the essence of this theme. I agree to your opinion that the first lecture can be summarized in the five mentioned points and maybe these five points will support us once we have to take care of our ideas. Even if that was nothing new to you as you already had this during your bachelor studies…
Hi!
ReplyDeleteYou have managed to write a really good and coherent reflection of theme 5. It's easy to read and follow what you have picked up from this theme. To add about Haibo's lecture I also felt that he wanted to point out that in order to define a complex problem you also need to look at it from different perspective. His bear example was really good, which showed that by only taking a step back and really understanding the problem you can more easily come up with the best solution.
Keep up the good work!
Hi Denise,
ReplyDeleteYour reflection is so well-organized and neatly-written as usual. I like your summary and agree with you a lot. Besides the five main points for the first lecture, I found your highlights for second lecture very interesting and worthy to be noted. Although this theme might not be totally new to you as you said, it is great that you pointed out again that 'the purpose of research is to find an answer, solve a problem, test a theory and most importantly, to gain knowledge.' and 'It is the analysis that turns something into research.' Thanks for sharing. Well done!
Hey!
ReplyDeleteNice reflection on the theme 5. I think you pointed out all the key concepts of the theme. I am sorry that you found this theme repetitive, but you know what they say, Repetitio mater studiorum est. :)
The question, can prototype provoke new knowledge, is indeed interesting. My point of view is that is certainly can. Be it by mistake (or better say happy coincidence) or just by proving that concept on which the prototype is built on is wrong. Happy coincidences are common, I think, in creative process (which I think building a prototype is) and they can steer the development in a unpredictable way and provide new knowledge.
Thanks for sharing us with your thoughts! Your thinking was very impressive. You get a good understanding on the two lectures, and I enjoyed reading through your reflections. Good job!
ReplyDelete