PARENTING IN THE DIGITAL ERA
POORVI DAS FACILITATING CREATIVE THINKING (DMGT 732 - OL) PROFESSOR : CHRISTINE FISH
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TABLE OF CONTENTS PART 1: PROJECT OVERVIEW........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 04 – 07 Project Overview............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 04 Project Goals and Expectations.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 05 The Workshop Environment................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 05 The Group Entity................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 06 The Problem........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 07
PART 2: WARM UP ACTIVITY..............................................................................................................................................................................................................08 – 19 Project Activity Plan....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 09 Part A - Introductory Session............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 Part B - Warm Up Activity.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 1 Part C - Wouldn’t it Be Nice If Branstorm.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Part D: Closing Summary..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 09 Peer Feedback for Warm Up Activity Plan......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 09 Activity Outcome............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 13 Part A - Introductory Session............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13 Part B - Warm Up Activity.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Part C - Wouldn’t it Be Nice If Branstorm.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Conclusion............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17 Peer Feedback for Warm Up Activity Outcome................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 19
PART 3: VISUAL STORYTELLING ACTIVITY..................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 – 34 Project Activity Plan........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21 Part A -Pictionary.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 22 Part B - Posters..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23 Part C - Playful Reminders................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Part D: Closing Summary & Key Takeaways...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 25 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS Activity Outcome............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 26 Part A - Pictionary................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 26 Part B - Posters..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29 Part C - Playful Reminders................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32 Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 34 Peer Feedback for Visual Storytelling Activity Outcome................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 34
PART 4: CONCLUSION......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 35 - 36 Conclusion....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36
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PART 1 PROJECT OVERVIEW
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PROJECT OVERVIEW PROJECT OVERVIEW GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS The workshop explores and brings to surface the perspectives (thoughts, fears, assurances) that parents have vis a vis the digital world we live in. At the end of Part 1 of the workshop, we will get familiar with the dominating concerns parents have, as well as begin brainstorming on ways in which these can be addressed. For Part 2, the team will split into sub teams and explore either a few different concepts that surfaced, or the one most strongly felt by the group. The workshop will conclude with a take-away goal or concept.
THE WORKSHOP ENVIRONMENT The workshop will take place in the living room of the facilitator, which should be able to comofortably house the participants. Since it is in the same apartment complex as the participants, it is a convenient location. The venue is equipped with tables and chairs.
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PROJECT OVERVIEW THE GROUP ENTITY THE GROUP ENTITY The group comprises of 5 female and 1 male participant to make 6 in all. The age range of parents is between 30 and 50 and all reside in Bengaluru, India. The age range of the children of the participating parents are 4 to 27 years. Both the parents and children use digital devices. All the participants stay in the same apartment complex and are familiar with each other. Nishita, who was present for Part 1, (Warm Up session), was unable to make it for the following session (Visual Storytelling). Nazhat was happy to replace her for Part 2.
SARAH
SUCHETA
Age of Kids: 17 & 22
Age of Kids: 21 & 26
Nishita, who was present for Part 1, (Warm Up session), was unable to make it for the following session (Visual Storytelling). Nazhat was happy to replace her for Part 2.
PREETHI
AKSHAT
USHA
NISHITA
NAZHAT
Age of Kids: 5 & 11
Age of Kids: 5 & 7
Age of Kids: 8 & 12
Age of Kid: 4
Age of Kid: 11
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PROJECT OVERVIEW THE PROBLEM THE PROBLEM As the first generation of parents in the Digital Era, we face a challenging dilemma of not having a parenting model for reference, and infact take on the role of being the pioneers to that extent. As we get more familiar with this ‘new’ world that constantly grows around us, taking a stance on its benefit or harm is a puzzling riddle. Where at one side one cannot deny that technology is here to stay and we ought to empower our kids to adapt to this transformational era, there are issues of the harmful effects on concentration, security, addiction, lack of social connect in the real world, and, often the lack of enough information as yet of the harmful effects this could have on the present children during their adult lives. As parents, this then becomes one of the trickiest dilemmas of our age. During the workshop we will address these problems, seeking out the prime concerns that parents have and explore possible solutions to either one or some of these concerns (that surface) as a team.
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PART 2 WARM UP ACTIVITY
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WARM UP ACTIVITY PROJECT ACTIVITY PLAN GENERAL OVERVIEW: Considering the main Challenge Question, ‘Children in the Digital Era’, and based on the secondary research I have done so far, parents are torn between the decision of allowing their children to be engulfed by the virtual world as a means of being well equipped for the future on one side, and, the emerging negative consequences one sees as an outcome of the growing dependency of children to these gadgets, such as reduced concentration, lack of real world social skills, etc on the other. One article I came across interestingly mentioned how present day parents do not have a reference parental model for this problem as yet and are in their own right the pioneers of parenting for the Digital age. Some articles talk about the need to empower children and at the same time be vigilant of the quantity and quality of digital input. By the end of part 1 of the workshop I would like to know what people’s fears or thoughts are with regards to the subject. I plan to separate the workshops (Part 1 & Part 2) in such a way that in the first part we will address the Challenge unto Brainstorming portion of the ‘Innovation Solving Process’ as shown in the diagram in Chapter 4 of ‘The Manager’s Guide to Fostering Innovation and Creativity in Teams’. In the second workshop, we will work on pattern breaking, idea pool, idea grid and improved idea. For Part 1, I intend to have an introductory session and warm up activity that will help participants share their views on Digital devices with regards to parenting. After this, every participant will be asked to write in a few ‘wouldn’t it be nice if’ scenarios for the concerns that have emerged. These will then be placed under the different categories on the board and participants will be asked to vote on the ideas they like best. To round off, we will summarize our findings for the day. For Part 2, we will take some key takeaways from Part 1 and work on the Pattern Breaking thinking process. Some tools I plan to explore are reversing hidden assumptions, force associations, or start from an outrageous idea.
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WARM UP ACTIVITY PROJECT ACTIVITY PLAN PART A: INTRODUCTORY SESSION (8 MINS.) While people are familiar with each other to some extent, I thought of having this activity as an introduction so as to help the participants feel at ease and bring them into the creative thinking framework. A cape will be passed around and each particpant will wear the cape and introduce themselves in the following way: • State their name • Share an incident/ experience where they overcame a challenging situation with their child, without having to use tough discipline; Reason for exercise: I intended to have this activity to make parents enter the workshop feeling empowered and positive as opposed to feeling run down by the problem. This will also be a nice way to get to know something new about the participant. Materials Required: Adult size Superhero cape
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WARM UP ACTIVITY PROJECT ACTIVITY PLAN PART B: WARM UP ACTIVITY (10 MINS.) The Activity: Each Participant will be given a Superhero Template Book and asked to customize it to their choice. The first page will have a super hero figure and they will be asked to write in their parenting super power or what makes them connect with their kid the most. The second page will be a short survey comprising the following three questions: 1. What are some of the challenges you face vis a vis raising kids in the digital era? 2. What are some ways that can help you cope with these issues? 3. What stops you from implementing this? On the third page particpants will put down the children’s superpowers (or their strengths/ hobbies and activities they like/ what makes them unique) Reason for exercise: The templates will help me gain insights into the specific issues faced by this group of participants vis a vis the problem, as well as bring to surface key areas to take ahead for the next stage. Materials Required: Superhero templates, markers, paper
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WARM UP ACTIVITY PROJECT ACTIVITY PLAN PART C: ‘WOULDN’T IT BE NICE IF’ - BRAINSTORM? (15 MINS.) Based on the response of the the SuperHero template (Part B), the prime challenging concerns will be put up on the ‘Superhero Challenge focus list’. Taking into consideration the main topics on the list, the participants will be asked to write in their thoughts starting with ‘wouldn’t it be nice if..’. There is no limit to the number of topics they can choose, except that it has to be done within 8 minutes. The responses will then be put up on the board under the respective headings. Everyone is then given one red colored sticker and 3 green colored stickers to vote. The red one depicts one main idea that the group likes. The green dots are for aspects of the ideas participants might like of different ideas. Reason for exercise: This exercise will help bring out a number of solutions based on the problem areas that surfaced in the previous part as well as create a good place to begin with for the visual storytelling part of the workshop. Materials Required: Post-it notes, markers, paper roll, masking tape
CLOSING SUMMARY (5 MINS.) The session ends with a wrap up summary of our activities and insights of the day.
PEER FEEDBACK RECEIVED FOR WARM-UP ACTIVITY PLAN A very helpful feedback I received for my activity plan was including the purpose and benefit of the activity. This really made a lot of sense and helped me streamline my activity further. I also incorporated this information in all the documentation henceforth.I also extended the time a little for Part C of the activity based on peer feedback.
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WARM UP ACTIVITY ACTIVITY OUTCOME PART A: INTRODUCTORY SESSION Before we began I briefly explained the aim of our exercise and a little about lateral thinking. I also explained how as parents we are all superheroes and this made the participants faces light up. After this I demonstrated how we would each introduce ourselves and made use of a cape, which everyone would wear, tell their name and share either of the following information: Their parenting superpower, a challenging situation with their kid which they got out of without using harsh discipline and/or their favorite superhero. It needn’t be a fictional character. During the demonstration and while introducing myself, I stated all three pieces of information. Interestingly, except for one, everyone in the group stated all the three pieces of information, even though they had the option of stating any one. I think this was because the person after me stated all three and the people following just continued in the same way. Another aspect I improvised during the introductions was an applause after each person introduced themselves. This could have been done in a more creative manner, although here, I resorted to everyone clapping. I realized during the process that it is good to acknowledge an introduction and a person’s effort in doing the same.
Participants introducing themselve using the cape. 13
WARM UP ACTIVITY ACTIVITY OUTCOME PART B: WARM UP ACTIVITY After introductions, the team was led to the table, which was ready with booklets to be filled out. I explained what had to be filled out in the workbooks and distributed the workbooks amongst the participants. Everyone began working on their workbooks quietly, but slowly a discussion amongst themselves began. Two participants who had children who were much older found a few questions difficult to relate to. Overall, the participants really reflected on the questions while filling out the booklet. Once done, everyone took turns to explain the specific challenges they face vis a vis the subject. From the information shared, the three main areas that the participants found challenging were • time management/ discipline; • safety; and • content/ age appropriateness; We decided to take these three topics for the next part.
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WARM UP ACTIVITY ACTIVITY OUTCOME
Templates were designed to understand parents and the issues they face. The cover page of the template had a space for the participants to write their name and choose a superhero image for their identity. Page 2 had a space for parents to write their ‘Parenting Superpower’. Page 3 had questions that would help one get a better understanding of the issues faced by parents. Page 4 enquired into children’s interests and hobbies. 15
WARM UP ACTIVITY ACTIVITY OUTCOME
Three questions were asked to understand main challenges faced by participating parents which were: 1. What are some of the challenges you face vis a vis raising kids in the digital age? 2. What are some ways that can help you cope with these issues? 3. What stops you from implementing them? TIME MANAGEMENT / DISCIPLINE, SAFETY, and CONTENT / AGE APPROPIATENESS came up as the three main challenges that parents faced.
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WARM UP ACTIVITY ACTIVITY OUTCOME PART C: ‘WOULDN’T IT BE NICE IF...’- BRAINSTORM
Participants put up their ideas on the sheet under the three main headings of ‘Time Management/ Disciplie’, ‘Safety’ & ‘Content/ Age Appropriateness’.
The participants were given about 7 minutes to come up with ‘wouldn’t it be nice if’ ideas for the three main areas. I gave them an example. Somehow I forgot to put the timer. However, at one point of time, when the participants were done writing and began conversing, everyone mutually agreed to put up their views on the idea board on the wall. The three main areas were highlighted and ideas relating to each were put under the corresponding main heading. The participants were then asked to vote using markers for their favorite idea. I think with the number of participants and the way the ideas were spread out on the board, it worked well. I would have like to have some more ideas and perhaps using a timer and encouraging people during the process might have pushed them to breaking a pattern of thought.
CONCLUSION In the end, I think part 1 of the workshop went off very well and smooth and I was able to get the information I required from this process. This gives me a god amount of information to base the second part of my workshop. By the end of the warm up session, we had narrowed in on the main ideas that appealed to the participants and I also had a lot of extra valuable information through the booklets and introductory session. I took extra time and effort while creating the activity plan. The thoroughness of it in my head as well an understanding of the participants helped me organize it and helped with the flow of the workshop.
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WARM UP ACTIVITY ACTIVITY OUTCOME Participants put up their ideas on the sheet under the three main headings of ‘Time Management/ Disciplie’, ‘Safety’ & ‘Content/ Age Appropriateness’ and then voted for the one’s they liked the most.
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WARM UP ACTIVITY ACTIVITY OUTCOME I also like the outcome of the process. One realizes how users can play such an important role in the design process. We had some interesting ideas including having an app that makes the parents picture pop up and say ‘time up!’ and age specific channels on you tube. I thought these are highly implementable! I think for a warm-up, I did go beyond the time limit, but I was satisfied by the results we got from the process. If I were to do this again, I would try to attain the same results in a shorter duration.
PEER FEEDBACK RECEIVED FOR WARM-UP ACTIVITY OUTCOME On seeing the video, my peers thought the addition of the cape was a good idea which helped lighten the mood and also strenghten the theme of feeling empowered. I received positive comments on the activity designed, including the templates and my facilitation skills. One of the feedback I received was the desire to hear some audio from the workshop in progress. As this was my first time filming, I was not so happy about my capabilities in the area. I also feel it would be better to have someone experienced to film, so that the facilitator can concentrate on the workshop. Still, I will try an incorporate a part of the workshop in progress along with the audio for the final video.
Some of the ‘Wouldn’t it be Nice..’ scenarios the particpants came up with and voted for.
Another feedback query I received was if I found the single guy to have an impact on the outcome of the workshop. To be honest, I don’t think so. And that is pretty interesting and reflective of our current culture, where men and women play an almost equal role in parenting. But yes, apart from convincing my husband to participate, I wasn’t able to get any other guy onboard. So perhaps, the difference may lie there.
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PART 3 VISUAL STORYTELLING ACTIVITY
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VISUAL STORYTELLING ACTIVITY PROJECT ACTIVITY PLAN A few days after the warm up session of the workshop, I received some feedback indirectly from some of the participants. One person asked if there would be as much writing involved as was the last time. Another person asked me what Part 2 was all about, so they could come prepared. I got the feeling that the warm up session might have been a little mentally tiring for the participants. It did go overboard time-wise a bit, and there was a good amount of writing and analyzing. So, I decided to differ from my original plan of using reverse hidden assumptions and forced associations into something more playful and hands-on. I looked over the outcome of the warm up session and narrowed in on the ‘wouldn’t it be nice scenarios’ which had got the maximum votes from the participants. There were five in all with three unique ideas. Two ideas spoke about a ‘pop up’ screen that reminds the user of inappropriate content or time being up. The word ‘pop up’ seemed like an interesting concept to explore. The five ideas from the Warm Up session which got the maximum votes.
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VISUAL STORYTELLING ACTIVITY PROJECT ACTIVITY PLAN PART A: PICTIONARY (15 MINS.) The session would begin with a game of Pictionary. The group will be divided into two. A participant will be called from each group and be asked to draw out amongst the following six words and given 1.5 minutes to help their team mates guess the word: • • • • • •
Stranger Danger In appropriate/ Not for you Ask for help Be Cautious Time’s Up I care
After the drawings, each sheet/ attempt will be put up for reference on the wall. Reason for exercise: Since participants have a non-design background, I feel the game will help participants flex out their drawing skills a bit and this will also create a visual library for the upcoming exercises. Materials Required: sheets of paper, markers, masking tape, timer, bowl for the chits, paper for the chits.
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VISUAL STORYTELLING ACTIVITY PROJECT ACTIVITY PLAN PART B: POSTERS (30 + 10 MINS.) The group will again be divided into two. Each group will be asked to make a separate poster for their children, using visuals from magazines, words, or drawings to communicate the following: • The advantages of the internet / positive aspects • The disadvantages of the internet / negative aspects Once done, each group will present their work. Reason for exercise: This exercise will again build the visual vocabulary of the participants to use in the upcoming exercise. Materials Required: poster paper, markers, glue stick, magazines to cut from, scissors, markers, masking tape.
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VISUAL STORYTELLING ACTIVITY PROJECT ACTIVITY PLAN PART C: PLAYFUL REMINDER (45 + 10 MINS.) Here the group will be split into teams of two. Each groups will be asked to come up with an object which serves as a reminder to their kids. So it could be a poster that goes up on the wall, an artifact that’s kept on their desk, a playful/ interactive toy or a sleeve for their gadget. Through a few examples, they will be urged to think out of the box. The product will also have to have the following three elements: 1. be playful and fun 2. pop-up or grab attention 3. remind their kids about any one of the following: • be cautious; • time’s up; • ask for help; or • not for you; Reason for exercise: While an app to pop up and remind children would be great, I thought the same could be achieved with a reminder artifact kept close to kids. Communication is a key aspect of a parent and child relationship and this could perhaps be one of the ways to communicate with children. Materials Required: papers: thick and thin, glue, tape, markers, magazines to cut from, scissors, markers, masking tape.
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VISUAL STORYTELLING ACTIVITY PROJECT ACTIVITY PLAN PART D: CLOSING SUMMARIES & KEY TAKEAWAYS (10 MINS.) As a closing summary we will have a short discussion on the subject and the key take-aways that parents can implement. We will also loosen the session by listening to people’s views on what’s worked and what hasn’t. The session will end with the facilitator thanking everyone and giving a small token of appreciation. Reason for exercise: To bring the session to a close and discuss what people got from it. Materials Required: none.
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VISUAL STORYTELLING ACTIVITY ACTIVITY OUTCOME I began the session by welcoming everyone and discussing where we had left off in the last session. I briefly explained the plan for the workshop and told them to keep the word pop up brewing in their minds till we reached the final part of the workshop. The initial two parts of the workshop were designed so as to get the participants to loosen up their drawing and communication skills for the final part.
PART A: PICTIONARY The first part of the workshop was a game of Pictionary. Based on the templates filled by participants in the warm up session, I narrowed down on six words that participants would be asked to illustrate. These were • • • • • • The Pictionary round in progress
Stranger Danger In appropriate/ Not for you Ask for help Be Cautious Time’s Up I care
We began by dividing the group into two teams of three. For this I used a random chit with color codes of blue and orange. I decided to use a random division of teams as I found the group fairly homogenous and thought this would not make anyone feel it was unfair in anyway. A participant from each team was then asked to take a look at the chosen word and then return and illustrate it for their group to guess. They were given 2 minutes. 26
VISUAL STORYTELLING ACTIVITY ACTIVITY OUTCOME While people were skeptical in the first round, the game really picked up and people started enjoying themselves. I was a little afraid of the complexity of words, but the groups managed them pretty well. By the end of the game, participants were pumped up and into the session. I left the illustrations on the wall and just marked the words corresponding to each illustration for reference in the next two parts.
The Pictionary round in progress
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VISUAL STORYTELLING ACTIVITY ACTIVITY OUTCOME
The Pictionary illustrations with corresponding words put up on the wall for reference in the following activities.
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VISUAL STORYTELLING ACTIVITY ACTIVITY OUTCOME PART B: POSTERS For part 2, the group was again divided into 2. Once again we used the random chit session. Ironically everyone ended up in the same teams again. So we took another turn of picking up chits and guess what, they were the same teams again. So this time, I decided to go with it. In the second part each group was given a chart paper, with drawing and visual materials. One group had to make a chart on the advantages of the digital ages, while the other had to represent the disadvantages. Both groups mutually agreed to which perspective they would represent. They each had 30 minutes to do it. This is where it was particularly interesting to see how the teams worked together. They were very different in their approach when they began. One team decided to discuss and make a list of the points they would mention and spent a substantial amount of time doing this. The other team started by discussing, but then just delved into the visual materials and starting sorting out what was useful. They kept discussing while sorting out the visuals. I think one of the reasons this group was pretty dynamic was because there was a good mix of leadership, sharing of opinion and a mutually shared focus on the task at hand. In the other group, one member, who has very good leadership and thinking skills, had to leave for a few minutes. While the remaining two members were discussing and working together, I feel the third participant would have been helpful in quickening things up. As time was running out, I stepped in place of the third participant. This is where it got a little tricky and I feel there is scope for me to improve as a facilitator. The two participants started telling me about what they were thinking and asking if it was alright. However, as I was handling a number of things including recording, and facilitating, I found it very difficult to focus on what they were saying. I also wasn’t sure if I should be involved to the extent of deciding their content, so at one point of 29
VISUAL STORYTELLING ACTIVITY ACTIVITY OUTCOME time I said, just give me what you need to cut, and I’ll cut it for you, thereby being as helpful as I could, yet not swaying their thought process. In retrospect however, I feel a good facilitator is open to discussion and providing feedback. And I will be able to better this skill over practice of similar workshops. One of the participants from the other group joined in to help and one could see how she brought an energy unique to her personality into the exercise. Both posters translated the matter in a very similar way, but had touched upon some unique aspects of the advantages and disadvantages. We were unable to go over each group presenting their work as time was short. However, seeing that the posters were quite self-explanatory and that I didn’t want to run out of time for the third part, we moved on.
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VISUAL STORYTELLING ACTIVITY ACTIVITY OUTCOME
Posters representing the disadvantages and advantages of the digital age, made by the participants and put up on the wall.
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VISUAL STORYTELLING ACTIVITY ACTIVITY OUTCOME PART C: PLAYFUL REMINDER Initially I had hoped the third part of the workshop would be a prototype of a product. However, as we were running out of time, I decided to leave it as ideation sketches of a concept. For the third part of the workshop, this time, the group was divided into three teams of two participants each. Each team had to come up with a product idea which would serve as a reminder to their children. The idea would have to incorporate three aspects which were be playful, pop or grab their child’s attention and include one or more of the words we had used in Pictionary. The teams were given 15 minutes to complete their concept drawings.
Part C of the workshop in progress
While two teams were pretty comfortable about the expected task, one team wanted to discuss further. As I had revised this in my mind a couple of times, I didn’t find it difficult to focus while discussing as I had earlier. I spent a few more minutes going into the objective of the exercise, and also giving a few examples of how they could think about a product, but leaving it open for them to explore. They found the discussion very helpful and were on their way. Once done, final concepts were put up on the wall and presented. One team used Jack in the Box as their inspiration and designed a cube that would randomly open up in different directions. Each direction of the cube had a different reminder. SO they incorporated all the reminders into the product Another team worked on popular characters that appealed to kids like the Wimpy Kid and thought of incorporating it into an app that would recognize inappropriate content, or stranger danger or time exhausted with custom pop-ups on the screen. The third team worked on a pen holder for their child’s desk, which would have a reminder for their child. It was interesting to see the different and unique ideas people came up with.
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VISUAL STORYTELLING ACTIVITY ACTIVITY OUTCOME
Part C of the workshop and presentation of final concepts in progress
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VISUAL STORYTELLING ACTIVITY ACTIVITY OUTCOME CONCLUSION There were positive responses from everyone, saying they enjoyed the workshop very much and hoped for some more similar sessions with a longer round of Pictionary. Most participants said the workshop was a good learning experience. One participant was unsure why we had the Pictionary round. I explained it was to open out our hands to draw and visualize for the subsequent parts.
PEER FEEDBACK ON VISUAL STORYTELLING ACTIVITY My peers also felt that changing my original plan was a good idea, as they mentioned this in their feedback. They found the visual activities I had planned, show good results, especially the posters, which as Toni correctly remarked, provides a lot of insights about how the group approaches parenting in the digital age.
Final concepts from Part C of the Visual Storytelling Workshop 34
PART 4 CONCLUSION
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CONCLUSION FACILITATING CREATIVE THINKING In conclusion, I really enjoyed the process of creating and conducting a workshop. One begins with a clean slate. Creating the framework, a key element, that gives structure and yet allows for the workshop to evolve in an organic and rich way through the collaboration of participants and facilitation of engaging activities. I was lucky to have a team of very co-operative participants. I feel asking them before hand on the issue they would like to tackle did make a huge difference in their level of engagement. The Innovation Solving Process from the ‘Manager’s Guide to Fostering Innovation and Creativity in Teams’ was a great resource and really helped me find direction while planning the workshop. I feel the the workshop could have been handled in many different ways and this would vary depending on the objective as well as the team participating. I am glad I changed my initial activity plan for Part 2 based on feedback to a more hands-on and lighter approach. The participants seemed quite happy and were curious if there would be more workshops. From a facilitator’s point of view, I learnt that it’s always helpful to be thorough about the activity plan as well as the subject matter. This helps the workshop run more smoothly. It is also helpful to distribute responsibilities when needed, so that the level of engagement is good. I think it’s also important to ask for feedback after the workshop to see how the participants felt about it, so as to analyze areas of improvement. Lastly, it’s a great idea to continuously stock up on activities and other ideas through attending workshops as well as collecting resources online. I was very impressed with the outcome of the workshop. Both during the ‘wouldn’t it be nice phase’ as well as the final exercise, the participants came up with interesting ideas which can be implemented successfully. Interestingly, a few weeks after we were discussing one of the idea, YouTube announced their kids channel. Participant’s felt pleased that they were thinking on the same lines. One realizes here the importance of bringing users into the design process and that good companies are ever alert about what their users are experience and would like to experience.
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