A step forward

We finally got down to it.

What could we create using a lady's skills and resources that would be practical and profitable as a business venture? We looked into her services. She was willing to offer her painting and embroidery skills to anyone who wanted to make use of them. Putting that out to the people and publicizing her interests were only a part of the solution. We needed to think of something more innovative that would take it a step further. A lot of women have painting and stitching skills. What would make her stand out?

  An idea. An innovative, unusual and novel idea.

We examined our daily lives, every moment of it, to see if a product or service needed to exist where it did not. It was extremely difficult to pinpoint such a thing. We didn't know in which direction to look. Do we look into the needs and create a product surrounding that, or are we to create a product building from the materials and skills? It was a question I grabbled with a lot in the time we spent ideating. In the end the product has to cater to the customers. It would make more sense to look into their needs and their desires while designing a product. On the other hand, the products focussed on the woman's skills would make proper use and application of them. The other products seemed to stray from the lady's abilities and resources. The other approach tried was that of the materials involved. The idea was to take the materials that she could possibly work on, list its properties & characteristics and try to build a product out of that information. This too had its problems and 'creativity-blocks' were common upon our minds. 

We had initially thought about simply expanding her services to other objects than just the sari. We waded through thoughts of selling design patterns, teaching art to interested people and even simple products like unusual greeting cards, poster designs and painting on any products commissioned by customers. The USP of this system would be that  she would remain open to a lot of different options for the people and would display an unusual mix of art and textiles. Being a very basic and simple strategy, we feared it would not be strong enough to achieve the desired results.

It was then that we were asked to look into technology as another option. After researching into the field of interactive textiles,  we began to consider it a strong option. We came up with a couple of ideas that used LEDs, sounds, and other possible electrical interventions for art and crafts. Taking a few ideas ahead, we created sketches and iterations. Taking help from Victor, we began to realize the immense possibilities that lay before us within each idea. We recognized the most practical and decided to take it forward.

The lamp with a soft touch sensor and LEDs on its surface instead of the usual bulb inside, was the basic idea. Siting with Victor, we learnt that there was a lot more we could do with it. There were so many different sensor techniques that seemed exciting and unusual to us. We would first have to work on the LEDs. We got an extremely short and quick course on LEDs and circuits, to get us started. We worked on the circuits, getting the feel of it. We unsoldered and soldered bits together to form a circuit of LEDs and resistors. Seeing it work, we proceeded to work on the designing of the product. We  went through quite a few textile books and patterns before  drawing out a few patterns. We also made note along the way of techniques we thought of that might help enhance the lamp. Mirrors and sequins, for example, we hoped would reflect some of the LED light creating more brightness, while button holes would allow light to pass through the cloth itself. We made swatches of them to get a better idea of how possible and practical these techniques would be. We also created a prototype of  the lamp on a small patch of cloth, hoping to see the effect of the LEDs through the fabric alongside embroidery. Apart from that, we worked on the logistics of it. We calculated the cost of the electronics, met an electrician who has the resources to do the entire soldering work, and looked into availability of materials close by. We also kept an eye on shops in the city that sell such products, for later when we would require an ally for the sale of the final product.

The other products which also incorporated technology in them were also considered and discussed. A book with an inbuilt bookmark cum reading light was one of the ideas we thought was interesting and possible enough. We worked on the basic prototype but did not go into the circuitry just yet. Knowing that it was possible to make and work was enough at that point. We also thought of other ideas based on need. We wondered about a purse and the difficulty of finding items inside in the dark. The presence of an LED inside  would greatly help the situation. Yet, we had to think about how it would require the skills of Krishnavenai aunty. The closest idea possible seemed to be a cloth drawstring purse. Yet, the mechanics of it are difficult and are still in the process of being worked upon.

We also realized, keeping our client in mind, that Krishnaiveni aunty would also like products in line that did not require any technology at all. We thought about various products and again wandered down the path of wondering which path to take to arrive at an idea. Do we work keeping the material in mind, the skills in mind or needs of the final customers in mind? Although all three need to be kept in mind, it was the question of where to start from. Jumping from one process to the other hoping to see them converge somewhere seemed to get us nowhere. Despite that, we did manage to get a few products into the list. The 'binder' was one that we took forward. Creating a long band of cloth with buttons and a loop on the other end was a simple enough product, but with en-numerous uses. It can be used to keep papers intact, clothes into a bundle or to hold multiple things together. It is aesthetically beautiful, simple to make, cheap, a novel idea and uses the skills of the lady while keeping it open for her to work on it the way she prefers later.

With drawings, samples and few prototypes in place, it is easier to move forward knowing little most definitely the direction in which to head.

Brainstorming & Ideas...

  Working on my new project brief, I came across the idea of working with people with time to spare. The guards, the people working in shops, and all the others who spent a part of their time idle.

 Looking around me I noticed a lot of people that fit into my category. I decided to look into the warden of PPG- Krishnaveni aunty. She is confined to the building all day long. With her movements being restricted to within the PG, she had much time on her hand during the late afternoon. I began to wonder where I could take this. Addressing the need for an activity to occupy her time alongside providing her a second source of income was an interesting place to begin. 

Speaking to her, we realized that her interests and talents include painting and embroidery. Often she would paint on her saris and on paper as a hobby. We tried to think how she could turn this into a business proposition. It was easy to think that we could facilitate her current activities by promoting her work, creating a wider base of demand and a wider range of products/services. Breaking out of it and looking into what else can be achieved is what we had to work on.

Thoughts behind my brief

I had an idea in mind about what I wanted to do: taking an already existing business and optimizing its system. The systems of a business or its service is sometimes neglected, I feel. Certain businesses follow a system either because of years of doing it a specific way, or by copying business models from ones around them. Not much time is spent looking into the newer ways of thing being done. This interested me. I have always believed in the fact that a designer is not one who comes up with 'pretty' looking designs, but is one who finds solutions to problems that may spread across more than one disciplines. I felt that this was an opportunity for me to work on exactly that. 

Although I do not deny the fact that everyone has a designer inside them. Every businessman will look into the problems his business has and comes up with a creative solution to it. They are not designer, most are not even literate. Yet, being human, we all try to solve problems, bring order and method into everyday life. As businessmen, we all try to save more and spend less. 

Despite knowing this, I felt a desire to look into the systems of a business. I wished to act as an insider and peer into what really goes on. Yet as an outsider see if I could find a solution that they as insiders could not.

There was danger in going ahead with my brief. I could have just as easily reached a dead end. I could have landed up banging my head against a wall begging for a problem that wasn't there. Four weeks could have passed by with me still running from pillar to pole wishing to design something, to do absolutely anything. Yet, my interest prevented me from letting go of the idea and moving on to something more substantial. 

Then came the day of the feedback.

It threw up a lot of questions, and I am glad it did. It gave me a basis to work on. The guidelines were mentioned and what was expected was a lot more clearer. I asked myself a couple of questions as I took another look into my project.

What are the logistics..? who am I keeping in mind-- who am I designing for?

Who will carry on after I leave?

Where does innovation come in?

What is so special about what I am planning to do that makes me a 'designer'?

What other understanding or knowledge do I have that other people don't have?

What am I contributing?

Is it something that has already be done before?

Keeping these in mind I set out again, to create another brief and work on something new that would work better within the space provided by the course.

Assignment 9: Working on our project outline

Outline 1:

Considering a space based upon the livelihood of a certain group of people. To look into its systems and patterns and to enhance or increase its efficiency. This is to occur based on the requirements of the players involved and the emergence of new ideas/thoughts through knowledge and experience of that space.

Objectives to be considered:

*To look into sustainability of the space

*To observe the practicality, logistics and better use of resources available

*To imagine the future of that space while creating a strong base to work towards the desirable future

*To look into the standard of living, health and welfare of the residents

Threats:

* Having an already set, concrete system in place created unconsciously by the people and their lifestyles

Outline 2:

To consider a space based solely upon their livelihood. To look into the logistics and work related topics to work towards improving their current business position.

 

Objectives to work towards:

·      To look into the strengths and weaknesses of the product and its systems.

·      Identification of the product placements and work towards it in a more focused and direct manner.

·      To promote the product by creating a brand identity

·      Working towards the advertising, packaging, and creation of network of people willing to act as middlemen for the product

·      Identifying potentials for the a service, product, material, technique or skill, and broadening the demand base by making such a service or product available

Threats:

* Non-availability of facility or resources while working towards the brief 

After writing down the basic ideas for the brief, I picked one and looked at it a little more. It is based on the place I go to, the system of working I find there, and the scope for change. Hence, the project brief is a detailed 'outline', yet vague in the sense of the place and the actual work to be done. 

PROJECT OUTLINE:

 To look into the inner workings and entire network of interactions of a system of a business. Analyzing, comparing and to enhance the process of working.

Objectives:

To identify the main objectives of the business and their achievements

To identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current system

To increase efficiency such that it benefits either the employer, employees or the customer

Places of work: catering, dhobi ghat, grocery store, big libraries, stores, car wash

SWOT Analysis:

Strengths: To look into a system that has being created unconsciously rather than developed;

Opportunity for improvements and to create a selling point for the business

Weakness: Cost constraints

Opportunity: Possibility of collaborations, expansion/ reduction of service

Threats: To find an already existing efficient system in place created unconsciously by the people;

To disrupt the efficiency and service due to introduction of changes

Assignment 8: Creating a brief

Usually we, as designers, work from a given brief. Going backwards and creating a brief ourselves was unusual.  Yet, that was our assignment: to take any existing product or service and visualize what the initial brief would have been. We had to take into consideration that the information and knowledge of material and technique that came out while designing the service or product did not exist at the time of the brief.

I chose to recreate the brief for a Gel pen. Going back to the time when only fountain ink pens and ball-point pens existed, I considered myself to be in the fountain ink pen business. Coming from that background I designed the brief.

The brief was:

To re-design or create an entirely new writing instrument such that it overcomes most or all of the current problems of ink pens yet incorporating all the advantages.

The problems to be addressed are:

1) leaks in the cartridge

2) requirement of refilling ink every few uses

3) brittle and easily damageable nib

4) small glitches cause large number of defect pieces during manufacture (= loss) 

Advantages to be incorporated are:

1) smooth and easy flow or ink

2) requiring less pressure while writing (as compared to a ball point)

3) easy to carry around

SWOT: Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats

Strength: Broadness allows larger number of iterations

Weakness: Problems and advantages very specifically mentioned

Opportunities: Possibilities for structure, shape and design iterations; look into newer technologies and methods; can rethink entire system of how it works

Threats: price of each writing instrument; requirement of a completely different production unit and system

Assignment 7: Movie Making!

Making a movie...

Here was an assignment I was looking forward to with some excitement and some uncertainty. Making a film is a combination of a lot of things: brain-storming, script writing, story boarding, shooting, editing. The prospect of doing it for the very first time was extremely exciting. The fact that I had no knowledge of the editing software led to the uncertainty.

Yet, here we were, making not one but two movies! One was to be a documentary and the second was to be a fiction. And all in 3 days flat.

We got into groups of three, putting our heads together for any brilliant ideas. Truthfully, we hadn't a clue as to what we were going to do in the beginning. The documentary, we decided would be based in Narayanpura, but when it came to the fiction we were still prowling around in the dark. What we needed was inspiration- as the wise would say! But inspiration lurks further away from you the more you try to forcefully hunt it down.

DOCUMENTARY: 

My frequent trips to Narayanpur had made it a somewhat familiar place. I felt that being with the people and asking them the awkward questions that we did, had already forced me to break down that certain barrier that we each carry with us. The conversations we had had and the tools we used were not just to gain information, it also helped break the ice.

The others in my group, Neha and Rudransh had also stuck with Narayanpura since the beginning for all the assignments. They too had formed a bond with the place, and together we came to a quick decision that Narayanpura would be the place for our film.

We made a few more trips to the place a few days before shooting. We made a few friends, collected a whole lot more of information and promised to return. 

Their way of life and surroundings made it all very foreign and strange in the beginning. We all have heard of the village life and their routines; we all accept it. Yet if we were to live in the village for a few days, each one of us would be uncomfortable.

It was a feeling that I consciously noticed a change in over the days. The more times I spent in Narayanpura, the more I began to enjoy, respect and understand the surroundings. We may have visited Narayanpura well over 8-9 times, just for the filming. Each time we returned, the more we connected with the place. 

 

It was a refreshing and exciting to know that the people had accepted us. Sure, we stuck out like a sore thumb with a fancy bike, western clothes and absolutely no knowledge of kannada- yet their reactions to us were far better than what I had expected. They were helpful and patient with us and our sometimes bizarre requests.

While thinking about the format of the documentary, we came up with:

1) documenting a space (like the chai-kadai or water pump)

2) documenting a person's daily life

3) documenting the chain of interactions that happen between people by switching people to follow each time they came in contact.

4) documenting hot spots around the entire village.

After spending time siting around on the fields, having bananas and one rupee snacks with tea from  the chai-kadai, interacting with the over-excited children, chatting with the villagers while lazying around and dodging unfriendly overprotective cows, we felt like a part of Narayanpura. We realized that we didn't really want to document just one space or one person's life. It would not effectively represent all that made Narayanpur what it is. Thus we decided to create a montage of various spaces around the village that we felt gave an insight into the lives of the people there.

Creating a montage without a story and yet keeping the audience with us in the movie all the way is difficult. To overcome that we thought of ways to tie everything together and connect the unconnected. We thought then, of using a monkey as a guide to guide us through all the sights and sounds of the village. We drew from the fact that there were a lot of monkeys around the village and parents kept their children in check using monkey stories to scare them. 

We wrote out our final script and detailed storyboard. After a couple of trial shots to get the movement of the camera (as monkey) right, we began shooting.

On our last day at Narayanpura, we gave Ramkrishnaappa photographs of the villagers with masks of various personalities. They were from our previous assignment that we did in that place. The people were absolutely thrilled to receive their photographs, and it was interesting to see the way three or four children ran about the village passing the photographs over to whomever they belonged. The reactions we received felt like a wonderful end to our last day in Narayanpura.

ANIMATION:

Our exposure and experiences in Narayanpura gave us a lot more unconsciously. We got quite a few ideas for our fiction during our first few visits to Narayanpura. We ideated and came up with couple of stories:

1) a foreigner completely lost in translation in a village

2) a man herding cows unable to pull convince one of the cows to cross over the train tracks in time

3) a young village girl struggling with her talent and love to work at the wheel while everyone tries convincing her otherwise as she is a female.

4) a man at a train crossing

We finally zeroed onto the story of the man at the railway crossing, with the job of lowering the level to block the roads when a train is approaching.

The story shaped into something that we could see happening in the settings around Narayanpura. Being a comparatively new village, Narayanpura did not have any stories or legends of their own that a community settled in a place for centuries usually has. We tried to create one of our own through the movie.

Since the setting of our movie was at night, all the shooting would need to be done in the dark. After checking it out on our cameras, we realized that shooting in the dark would be extremely difficult and may not produce the results we wanted. We thus turned towards animation as another means of showcasing our story. Shifting to animation was a big decision since it is a time consuming process, and doing it along with another movie in 3 days is difficult. Yet we stuck to it.

We created an entire script, and made many iterations for the storyboard. Choosing one that would be effective yet not over complicated, we began work. We scanned out the basic hand drawn images, and began 3 days of Photoshop and Flash work. The compilation was done on Final Cut Pro with music, sound effects and commentary.

Although we were happy with the final results of our films,  there is always scope for improvement. The pointers Ulrique and Victor provided helped us see our movies in a different way. Often when one creates something, they look at it in comparision to what they had initially imagined. Getting feedback from someone else therefore, was interesting and gave us a few more things to think about for our films.