My Role

Project Director

Project Duration

2.5 Days

Description

Just before taking on a challenging Alternative Spring Break design project, students from The Savannah College of Art and Design participated in a Project M Blitz. The goal, to boost their creativity.

The event was led by Project M Advisors Louis Baker, Professor of Graphic Design and Service Design, SCAD, and Bernard Canniffe, Graphic Design Department Chair, Iowa State University.

Project M is an organization that harnesses the desire to make the world a better place through the use of non-linear ‘Think Wrong’ methodology. A Project M Blitz is a 2.5 day charette that has three challenges and one purpose. These include team building, community immersion, and a community project—the purpose is to have fun, generate fresh ideas and good will in the community.

Challenge 1: Team Building

What better way to introduced to one another than by engaging in fun. On the first evening, participants were asked to solve crazy problems .

Afterward they were divided into teams and tasked with creating and presenting a unique team cheer, dance, or drama the following morning. Their goal, to make us laugh.

Challenge 2: Community Immersion

The next day each team was required to venture into the community to engage and interview local citizens, make a list of positive and negative comments, and to create a visual expression their findings. There was only one rule. Do not use a computer.

Challenge 3: Community Project

During this final challenge, participants were asked to create a community project. They were told not to worry about creating award-winning projects, or typical design solutions. Instead, they were to harness the concept of ‘think wrong,’ where design solutions become rooted in abstraction. The advisors encouraged random, playful connections and narratives, and required each team to employ rapid prototyping in the field.

Result

Everyone had a great time while learning how ‘Think Wrong’ methodology can be used to create innovative design solutions. Those with the power to make a difference in the lives of others.