Creativity in Design
Final Reflection
Design is a fascinating realm, brimming with possibilities and fuelled by human creativity. It's a captivating process that transforms ideas into tangible solutions, shaping the world around us. As I reflect on the journey through our Creativity in Design module, from the initial thoughts on smart cities to the culmination of our project ideation and refinement, I am struck by the intricate process of creativity inherent in design. The creative design journey spans exploration, experimentation, critique, and adaptation, ultimately leading to innovative solutions that address real-world challenges. I initially approached the module with a mix of curiosity and concerns. Although I had doubts about my own creative capabilities and whether I could truly innovate in this space, I was able to get over the hill with the help of my group and the module leaders.
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Our exploration began with a paradox – the allure of smart cities juxtaposed with the risk of exclusion and obsolescence. The exploration on the tension between technological advancement and social inclusion prompted me to reflect on the role of technology in urban development and the importance of considering diverse perspectives in design. Through introspection and engagement with the module’s readings and independent exploration on creativity and design thinking, such as The Creative Process by James Webb Young, I began to recognise the inherent creativity within myself. These readings emphasised the importance of divergent thinking, experimentation, and iteration in the design process, encouraging me to embrace uncertainty and explore unconventional solutions. Additionally, conversations with my fellow group members and module leaders gave me valuable insights and support, and the sense of community and collaboration boosted the confidence in my creative abilities.
As we moved into workshops and project ideation, the hands-on approach solidified a crucial lesson: design is a continuous process of refinement. Mistakes became stepping stones, not failures - as expressed in the book Creative Confidence, “failure sucks, but instructs.” I adopted a growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. This change fuelled my enthusiasm, leading to breakthroughs in creativity and innovation. But the journey wasn't entirely smooth sailing. Peer and instructor feedback challenged our assumptions, pushing me to refine concepts, consider different viewpoints, and dig deeper and explore alternative perspectives. Working as a group was amazing in such moments, we pushed each other and brought out the best in us. All of us were incredibly proactive and took initiative in different phases of the project. It has been an absolute joy to work alongside Alina, Djey, Karen and Shreyas!
Reflecting on this design adventure would have been almost impossible without the process of writing these blog posts. Each post acted as a checkpoint, giving me a moment to pause, organise my thoughts and synthesise the whirlwind of ideas and experiences. Looking back at these posts now serves as a roadmap of my creative growth and it shows how the blog has shaped and solidified my newfound creative confidence.
All in all, the Creativity in Design module was a transformative experience. It pushed me to confront my doubts and embrace the creative potential within myself. By exploring, experimenting, and reflecting, I learned the importance of iteration, resilience, and the importance of making the most of your resources in a pragmatic way. As I continue this journey, I'm committed to nurturing my creativity and pushing boundaries, knowing that every challenge brings an opportunity to grow and improve.
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