Project: In-Class Ideation

Objective: collectively brainstorm project ideas.

This in-class ideation exercise is intended to generate and share an abundance of potential project ideas related to physical computing and the course project.

We will consider all the themes we might explore through physical computing: human needs for expression, communication, learning, life support, and delight; the embodiment of computation, measurement, time, signals, and algorithm; and the nature of processes which flow from physical to digital forms and back.

Some general heuristics for brainstorming success can be found in the Ideation and Brainstorming resource section.

Please come to class prepared to imagine and draw. I will provide a large sheet of paper to each person for the following exercise.

Exercise

  1. Round 1: five initial ideas (five minutes)

    1. Please write five brief (one-line) descriptions, each of a project idea related to the theme and context we have been discussing.

    2. Please don’t worry about technical feasibility; at this stage I encourage broad, unbounded thinking.

    3. You have five quiet minutes.

    4. Before starting the next round, we’ll establish a passing order.

  2. Round 2: synthesis (one minute per person). During each phase:

    1. Please pass the paper you have to the next person and receive one from the previous person.

    2. Quickly read all the ideas.

    3. Formulate a new brief idea in response and add it as a new line.

    4. You have one minute.

  3. Round 3: drawing (two minutes per person). During each phase:

    1. Please pass the paper you have to the next person and receive one from the previous person.

    2. Quickly read all the ideas.

    3. Choose one idea and sketch a small cartoonish representation of how it might be implemented. Please leave space for other drawings.

    4. You have two minutes.

    5. You will not be judged on your drawing quality; please focus on conveying the essential concept rather than accurate rendering. You may add labels if that helps.

    6. If you need more paper, please ask.

  4. Round 4: reporting

    1. Please look at the concepts developed based on your original seed ideas.

    2. Please choose one which you find appealing.

    3. Each student will in turn read their preferred concept aloud to the whole class and briefly explain why they find it appealing.

  5. Round 5: project focus

    1. Please consider all the ideas you have heard and write a few sentences and a quick sketch of one you believe would be feasible within the constraints of the class.

  6. Round 6: reporting

    1. Each student will in turn read their feasible concept aloud to the whole class.

    2. Does anything you hear relate to your own ideas?

    3. Please provide constructive feedback: how can we elaborate and refine these ideas?

  7. At the conclusion, please turn in all brainstorming sheets.