This week I would be a therapist dream client. Afraid to start because the failure factor looms. However survivor will kick in — the feeling will pass. Most designers experience this overwhelming feeling at times. Giving voice helps yet what most likely will help is tackling a research project as one would any other, through process, methodologies and a strategy.
Ironic then that in reading through bootcamp bootleg, put together by the d.school at the Institute of Design at Stanford, that one of the first methods speaking the loudest is DEFINE.
DEFINE as put forth by the d.school is this, “The define mode is when you unpack and synthesize your empathy findings into compelling needs and insights, and scope a specific and meaningful challenge. It is a mode of ‘focus’ rather than ‘flaring.’” My research is leading me to a paper that will defend or propose a position on the education of graphic designers in a changing technological environment. Before I can investigate how we might anything I need to pull together a defined statement or purpose.
This step will take care of the fear of getting started, or fear of failing. The very act of figuring out what it is I have and what it means will undoubtedly help me pull it all together.
WHAT HOW WHY would be secondary. Perhaps this is basic yet as I compile and read, especially a challenge for me in digital format, I am not tying the pieces together. Despite having a mind map or in addition, the areas of the map need to be explained.
Once regrouped and back on track with determination other bootcamp bootleg methods will be employed.
Resources
d.school, Institute of Design at Stanford, “bootcamp, bootleg.” Accessed October 5, 2012. http://dschool.stanford.edu/use-our-methods/.