Week 6 Collaboration

Relinquishing Ownership - Discuss these questions in relation to a group creating a design in collaboration

01 - Do you usually think your ideas are the best?

No, I’m willing to consider other people’s ideas. The more ideas the better.

02 - Are you shy in presenting ideas?

Yes, I’m an introvert. I’m getting better as I get older and learn more about design.

03 - Do you hold back your best ideas?

If I am sure of something, I wont. Ideas don’t come so quickly to me – sometimes they come too late.

04 - Are you happy when others want to change your ideas?

If I am happy with my design or it looks really good, I might be a bit reluctant. Other peoples ideas can be good – can lead to a better end result.

05 - Are you totally truthful when you are asked for opinions on other’s work?

Mostly. However I might be tactful if it is crap.

06 - Would you ever present somebody else’s idea as your own?

No you would get caught out. Give credit where its due.

07 - Would you borrow just a little bit?

Inspiration, and influence maybe, but not directly using there idea.

08 - How would you feel if somebody borrowed just a little bit of your idea?

Annoyed.

09 - Do you think you have any ideas that are totally original?

Sometimes – generally its highly possible its already been thought of somewhere in the world.

10 - Would you feel the same way about that original idea in 30 years?

No.

11 - Does a knowledge of design history help or hinder your idea originality?

It could inspire you.

12 - Would you be prepared to sell an idea?

Yes my light in the handbag idea – but I googled it one day and its been done.
http://www.popgadget.net/2005/10/sun_trap_handba.php

 

 

 The Legal Framework / Creative Content

Understanding the law

The Berne Convention

‘The Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, usually known as the Berne Convention, is an international agreement governing copyright, which was first accepted in Bern, Switzerland in 1886’. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berne_Convention_for_the_Protection_of_Literary_and_Artistic_Works)

IP (Intellectual Property) legislation in Australia

 IP Australia is the government agency responsible for the registration of patents, trade marks and designs

Australian Copyright Law


The copyright law of Australia defines the legally enforceable rights of creators of creative and artistic works under Australian law. The scope of copyright in Australia is defined in the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (as amended), which applies the national law throughout Australia. Designs may be covered by the Copyright Act (as sculptures or drawings) as well as by the Design Act.

Creative Commons

Creative Commons is an international non-profit organisation that provides free licences and tools that copyright owners can use to allow others to share, reuse and remix their material, legally.

Creative Commons Australia is the affiliate that supports Creative Commons in Australia and administers the Australian Creative Commons licences.

(broader range than ACL – allow others to share)

P2P networks and software licences

Stands for "Peer to Peer." In a P2P network, the "peers" are computer systems which are connected to each other via the Internet. Files can be shared directly between systems on the network without the need of a central server. In other words, each computer on a P2P network becomes a file server as well as a client.

The only requirements for a computer to join a peer-to-peer network are an Internet connection and P2P software. Common P2P software programs include Kazaa, Limewire, BearShare, Morpheus, and Acquisition. These programs connect to a P2P network, such as "Gnutella," which allows the computer to access thousands of other systems on the network.

Once connected to the network, P2P software allows you to search for files on other people's computers. Meanwhile, other users on the network can search for files on your computer, but typically only within a single folder that you have designated to share. While P2P networking makes file sharing easy and convenient, is also has led to a lot of software piracy and illegal music downloads. Therefore, it is best to be on the safe side and only download software and music from legitimate websites.

A software license (“software licence” in Commonwealth English) is a legal instrument (usually by way of contract law) governing the usage or redistribution of software. All software is copyright protected, except material in the public domain. Contractual confidentiality is another way of protecting software. A typical software license grants an end-user permission to use one or more copies of software in ways where such a use would otherwise potentially constitute copyright infringement of the software owner's exclusive rights under copyright law.

 

I saw a program a few years ago about an Australian inventor, Ric Richardson who took on the might of Microsoft and scored a remarkable victory.

Seventeen years ago, he came up with a product that enabled computer software companies to prevent pirating of their programs.

But when he discovered that Microsoft had used his invention without his knowledge or permission he went to court and was awarded a victory worth an astonishing half a billion dollars.

http://www.news.com.au/technology/ric-richardson-wins-multi-million-dolar-legal-battle-with-microsoft/story-e6frfro0-1226300488597

Defining your own ethical approach

Is it illegal to copy a design?

Yes.

Is it ethical to sell a non-original design as your own?

No

What is the difference between ethics and law?

Personal morals vs legal framework.

Do you value others intellectual property the same as your own?

Yes

Committing to applying your own code of conduct in the workplace

Make a list of 5 behaviour principles you consider essential for each of these:

At CDU in the MacLabs

No food or drink, no swearing, turn your phones off. Respect of nationality.

Outside class in a social setting

Respect others, be considerate, don’t swear, listen, don’t interrupt.

In a professional workplace in which you may be employed after studies

Dress appropriately, don’t be lazy, Put in the effort, don’t gossip, always improve your learning (self development.

Week 6 Origination

Reading Quiz - John Maeda, Laws of Simplicity: Law 5 – Differences

Describe the relationship between complexity and simplicity

Simplicity and complexity need each other. The more complexity there is in the market, the more that something simpler stands out.

Simplicity and complexity  are meaningless by themselves.

What analogy does Maeda use to demonstrate this relationship?

Child with ice cream - eventially gets tired of having ice cream all the time

The concept of rhythm – balanced waves of complexity and simplicity

The business card that had a simple picture and an unusual shape.

The weird shape tea cup which made the other tools of tea as pure perfection.

In what context does Maeda discuss rhythm / beat in relation to the fifth law Contextualise this relationship and discuss how this can be used in relation to the Student Exhibition - giving specific examples

Music rhythm – ta ta ta ta ta vs simplicity simplicity simplicity simplicity simplicity – no one would stick around for the last ta – There is no way to connet with simplicity when how complexity feels has been forgotten. Simplicity simplicity simplicity complexity simplicity simplicity complexity simplicity complexity. It is the rhythm of simple and complex that matters the most.

Exhibition – The exhibition Theme is the unifying common element that ties it all together (the simplicity). The complexity would be the different design elements and mediums.

HOMEWORK: Find visual examples - pieces of design & multimedia work that demonstrate the relationship between simplicity and complexity – post the results on your blog, with contextual analysis (analyze in your own words) and reflection.

http://iamhugo.wordpress.com/category/nwsad/

This print was a students assignment to depict John Maeda’s laws of simplicity titled simplicity and complexity need each other.  It shows a very balanced combination of the words complexity and simplicity.

Research

BLOG TASK - Research Edward de Bono’s “6 Thinking Hats”
In your blog write a short description of each of the 6 hats - Contextualize each description to your specific exhibition group task

http://bossysmile.wordpress.com/resources/debonos-6-thinking-hats/

“Six Thinking Hats is a book by Edward de Bono. The term Six Thinking Hats is also used to describe the tool for group discussion and individual thinking that is the subject of the book. Each hat has a different meaning. Combined with the idea of parallel thinking which is associated with it, the thinking hat tool provides a means for groups to think together more effectively, and a means to plan thinking processes in a detailed and cohesive way.” (reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six_Thinking_Hats)

specific exhibition group task: Queenie and Denise to write, illustrate, design and exhibit a children’s book about a teddy bear

White Hat:  (Information available and needed, facts, data)
We had to think of a design piece to produce and exhibit at the end of the semester. We looked at what skills we both had that we could use to produce an exhibition piece. We both are doing the hand illustration class and I have a bit of experience in publication layout (indesign).  As Queenie is better at hand drawing than me, we decided that she would do most of the hand illustrations, although I would have a go at drawing some of the images also.  I will then scan the images into Illustrator and manipulate to improve colour and layout into a children’s story book. 

Red Hat: (Intuition, hunches, feelings, emotions)
We have both contributed ideas for the story and discussed how best we can work together to achieve the result.

Black Hat: (caution, difficulties, risks, weaknesses0
Our initial story was of a teddy bear and his adventures when going to the shop. One of the weaknesses of this project was that teddy bears stories have been done so often, so we decided to give the story a Darwin flavor and showing the fun Teddy can have in Darwin on his holiday.

Yellow Hat: (benefits, value, positive aspects)
Having changed the story line made the project much more valuable in that the story shows some of the things for children and families to do in Darwin on holidays. It can be of interest to local families with young children on school holidays or visiting families with young children.

Green Hat: (create ideas, alternatives, possibilities)
We have now drafted a story, which now enables us to create the illustrations for the book.

Blue Hat: (managing the thinking, focus, summary)
We decided that it will be a real struggle to meet the deadline with the product so we decided that rather than illustrating each page by hand in great detail, we would just illustrate the major characters and components using outline and then scanning and enhancing on the computer. Hopefully this will be the quickest way.

 

Week 5 Collaboration

CULTURAL IDENTITY

Acknowledging Differences – CROSSING THE LINE

We did an exercise where we stood in a line and Mark read out scenarios, if we felt it related to us we had to cross the line (if we wanted to – no pressure).

Scenarios included Are you unattractive, Want more money, religion, how many siblings, family class, wear glasses, feel like a hug, made friends at cdu in the last year, had a failed relationship since starting uni, had a regrettable sexual experience, questioned your sexuality, who you vote for etc .

Write about your feelings

Interesting exercise, finding out about other people, however don’t think it was giving away too much personal info.  I felt embarrassed – about being the only one thinking they were unattractive.

Write about how you think other people felt

I think everyone felt comfortable and were truthful.

Write about how the exercise helps you understand and accept differences. Give examples (from the exercise or your own life) for all 3 topics above

The exercise showed that we have different experiences and beliefs and these differences should be accepted

Professional discretion (KNOWING WHEN NOT TO SAY SOMETHING) and judgement (FORM AN OPINION) may relate to:

·        Assessing when to keep quiet.

o   eg: I’ve found out it is best not to take part in gossip in the work place. Generally if people gossip to me, I am not interested in spreading it. I’m usually too damn busy for that.

·        Being aware of and responding to different personality types.

o   eg: I am lucky to work in team of people with many differing personalities. We have a fair share of introvert and extroverts with differing backgrounds and experiences, however we all have different skill to effective contibute to our team of awesomeness.

·        Knowing when it is appropriate or inappropriate to share information.

o   eg: It is appropriate to share information if it is not detrimental to other people or the teams purpose.

·        knowing with whom information should be shared

o   eg: If there is a problem with a persons actions that is really affecting the teams purpose, perhaps you could talk to your manager in confidence, but only if you feel that a positive outcome will occur.

·        Have empathy - Once we have figured out how another person feels, we show empathy by acknowledging the emotion. We may say, for example,

o   - I can see you are really uncomfortable about this.
- I can understand why you would be upset.

·        Listen but Don’t take sides – if someone is having a bitch about someone, its best not to take part and bitch also. Things you might say are ‘Gosh I would never have thought that,’ or ‘that’s interesting,’ or ‘Oh what an awful situation.’

What is the difference between “discretion” and “judgement” in your own words?

Discretion is knowing when to disclose information and judgement is forming an opinion.

Why do you use these two things in a professional setting?
(explain by using examples)

See my previous examples as I related them to a professional setting before I saw this question!

I’m Blogged out.

Oh yeah here is a saying I found on the internet ‘Discretion is the better part of valour’

This idiom means that it is often better to think carefully and not act than to do something that may cause problems. (reference: http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/discretion+is+the+better+part+of+valour.html)

I think it somes up everything nicely. It means it is wise to be careful and avoid unnecessary risks. It is wise to be careful and avoid unnecessary risks. Look before you leap. Think before you stick your nose into someone elses business. Or as my mother used to say - if you haven't got anything nice to say - Don't say anything at all.

Week 5 Origination

Reading Quiz - John Maeda, Laws of Simplicity: Law 4 – Learn

Describe the relationship between teaching and learning according to Maeda?

Experience side of learning. Putting yourself as a student. Learning occurs if your passionate about it.

Gives heap of homework.

Describe the importance of the use of metaphors in learning, why would you use them, how, give an example?

Having a common experience upon which to map your own.

Being familiar with a concept and able to relate it to yourself.

A symbolic comparison.

Metaphors serve to relate-translate a key concept.

Examples:

·        As easy as a piece of cake.

·        he teenage boy's stomach was a bottomless pit.

·        Her mind is a sponge that absorbs all details.

·        The inside of the car was a refrigerator.

‘metaphors use knowledge that the learner already has of the surrounding world to illustrate some property of the unfamiliar topic. Thus learning takes place by building on that previously held knowledge’
(reference: http://theteachingtomtom.wordpress.com/2011/10/26/the-use-of-metaphors-in-teaching-and-learning/)

This  You tube video clip defines a metaphor as comparing two things without using the words like or as. The two things are usually pretty dissimilar.

I feel that care needs to be taken with using too many metaphors or hard to decipher metaphors, as this could distract from the simple meaning of the subject!

BRAIN - what does the acronym stand for – why is it important?

Basics – are the beginning. Assume the position of the first time learner.

Repeat yourself often – Repetition works – its easier to remember if it is said over and over again. Hearing, seeing, doing.

Avoid creating desperation. Don’t create anxiety of the overwhelming aspects of the new. A gentle, inspired start is the best way to draw students or even a new customer, into the immersive process of learning.

Inspire with examples. Strong belief in someone else, helps to fuel belief in yourself and gives you direction.

Never forget to repeat yourself.

Describe a situation where you have been required to teach someone a skill. How could you apply the BRAIN principle to it?

The BRAIN principle can be used when teaching a child to tie shoe laces. Basics, show a child sitting with them side by side, or sit them between your legs so she can see you tie your shoes from the same angle.  Repetition can be used by singing a song or rhyming the lesson.  Avoid creating desperation by being gentle and not showing any impatience. Inspire with examples of yourself or another family member tying laces.

 

Task 03 Exhibition

Queenie and I presented our exhibition project, A childrens book about a teddy bear (Little Brownie) and his adventures, (A4 size). Queenie has done some pencil drawings.  Mark mentioned pencil drawing may look a little washed out.  Perhaps we can just draw an outline, scan in to Illustrator and add colour. It was mentioned that Teddy Bear stories have been done a lot. Perhaps we could give it a bit of a Darwin flavor to it.

Queenie and I are getting together this weekend to try and nut out the story.

Separately I also showed a page of another childrens book I would like to exhibit – Captain Ron goes to sea. In a previous unit for certificate (a few years ago), I did some concept drawings, which I would like to fine tune and see it come to print.  I have scanned the images and traced them with the pen tool in Illustrator (hours and hours of work) and added some colour. Paul said there are easier ways and mentioned a tutorial. I’ve tried all the tracing options in illustrator, never really found the right results.  I’ve emailed Paul to find out more about this tutorial

Week 4 - Collaboration

ETHICS – code of behavior generally recognized.

Ethical behaviour

Trustworthy and ethical behaviour in collaboration may relate to:

•        acknowledging discomfort or anger
•        being prepared to fully participate
•        communicating in an open way
•        honesty
•        honouring commitments
•        sensitivity to social, cultural, personal situations and dynamics
•        showing respect
•        understanding of the consequences of actions
•        Kindness – don’t be mean
•        Be flexible and open to ideas

We were asked to add two items to the list (highlighted above) and also split into two groups – essential and secondary, however I have chosen to put them all in the essential group as I believe they are all equally important in collaborating effectively.

A couple of examples of these behaviours are:

•        Be flexible and open to ideas – someone may give there opinions on your design.  Considering some opinions could add value to your design.  Totally dismissing other ideas could jeapordise the success of you final design.
•        Honouring commitments – if you commit to a task in a collaboration project such as layouting out a publication you have both worked on, you need to follow through and actually do it, otherwise the project will not come to fruition and deemed a failure for the whole group/team.

Trust & creative partnerships - GROUP EXERCISE

PART 1: Who’s Got a Dollar?

• Demo

• Silent Reflection

Would you volunteer your money - that is, take risk?

Yes probably if I had it on me.

How did you feel?

Fine, as I didn’t have any money on me, I probably would of for this exercise although I’m not sure what the point of the money exchange was – was it if you gave a good answer you got given the money?

Did you feel a little sheepish?

No as I had a good excuse of not having any money.

What about when the ante was upped to ten dollars?

I probably would of wanted my money back at the end of the exercise or something in return for the money

Twenty?

I probably would not have given $20 as I was unsure if I would get it back?

Did you think the volunteers were foolish?

No, I think they were just taking part in the exercise and doing what was asked of them.

Trust & creative partnerships - GROUP EXERCISE

PART 2: Eye Contact

Ethical Behaviour: We both fully participated in this exercise

Trust: Staring each other in the eyes is difficult with people you hardly know. My first partner looked away over 10 times, I think I looked away a few times too.  It was very uncomfortable.

PART 3: Eye Contact with Touch

Ethical Behaviour: We both fully participated in this exercise

Trust: We were both getting a little more confident with this excercise.  It was still a little uncomfortable as it is unusual to hold hands and stare in each others eyes with people that you hardly know.

PART 4: Proximity – comfortable / closer / further

Ethical Behaviour: We both fully participated in this exercise

Trust: We were both getting a little more confident with this excercise. It was still a little uncomfortable as it is unusual to hold hands and stare in each others eyes with people that you hardly know.  Overall even though there was no real communiction point (conveying a message) I think these exercises brought us together more as a group and to be able to fully participate in group tasks with more confidence and enthusiasm.

PART 5: Blog

•        draw quick icons / diagrams to represent the above exercises

•        comment on your feelings and observations

•        in relation to creative partnerships, address these 2 items for each exercise
1. ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR 2. TRUST

In this video she talks about eye contact being important for interpersonal relationships, it:

• secures attention
• signals nature of the relationship
• shows interest
• regulate the conversation