Think Lab Activity 7: Thinking Tools-Part1
- Poulomi Sen
- Oct 15, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 28, 2020
'Knowledge is a tool, and like all tools, its impact is in the hand of the user.'
- Dan Brown
This Think Lab activity was unlike what we had experienced so far. We were gradually moving onto specific tools used in design. We discussed 3 thinking tools which we had to put to use:
Slice And Dice
Idea Box
Crossbreeding
Main Activity
We had to use the given tools to our chosen object without thinking of a extraordinary outcome. We were divided into groups of 5; Harmeet Kaur, Nanki Singh, Mohak Goel, Shreya Sharma and myself. Even though we were divided into groups this was mainly an individual activity.
Soon after, I quickly started with the first thinking tool that is Slice and Dice. The object that I choose was an X-Acto knife. This was the most time consuming out of all the thinking tools. I had to sit and thinking of the chosen object into 5 categories; Descriptive Attributes, Functional Attribute, Emotional Attributes, Process Attributes and Social Attributes.
As I was writing the attributes down I immediately had the urge to change the smooth texture and material of the object therefore I went ahead and made a sketch of what was on my mind.
The next thinking tool was Idea Box. This was very similar to the previous one. Here as well, we had to list down the properties of the object, only difference being that the categories were up to us to decide.
After categorizing I still wanted to stick to the idea I had through slice and dice and kept the material and texture same, but changed the shape of the object.
The last thinking tool was Crossbreeding. For this thinking tool we had to merge 2 ideas together eg: an object with a landform or something which doesn't come in the category of the chosen object. I quickly made a small mind map of things I can combine with an X-Acto knife.
After jotting everything down I decided to chose 2 things from it ; bunch of hair and mountain and applied it to the knife. The end of the knife is shaped like a mountain and blades stored in it resembles the bunch of hair.
OUTCOME:
Group Achievements:
Even though it was an individual activity peers were willing to help each other and discuss different ideas.
We all kept each other on track so that we don't drift away or loose out on time
Group Struggles:
None
Learning Mantra
Crazy ideas often lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Reflection:
This activity was enjoyable in its own unique way. We were forced to not think about the outcome and have trust in the process. We usually don't value the process and don't realize its worth therefore for me at least, it was hard to keep working without thinking of a perfect outcome derived from it. I think each thinking tool when used correctly will provide a so called 'out of the box' idea while fulling our crazy thoughts to be crazier. Recently I tried to keep up with the inktober challenge where I unknowingly crossbred a human with blade hands. I think we all know these tools deep down but don't consciously use it and now that we know about it we can use these tools to get our ideas out and crazier. It is essential to have good tools, but it is also essential that the tools should be used in the right way. Even the simplest tools can empower people to do great things.
Glossary
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