Image by Midjourney "reading and discussing dissertations in class, anime style"
Dissertation discussion

This week, the class got together to read through examples of dissertations and analyse them. Honestly, I was really glad we got to look at the works of previous students and learn from them, because I have no idea what is too much or too little.

Mindful Eating

In the examined dissertation, the incorporation of aesthetically pleasing sketches and thorough descriptions adds a visually engaging dimension, providing readers with insights into potential design outcomes. The experiments undertaken are intentionally manageable, featuring minor technology usage like Arduino for subtle enhancements such as screen blurring. The dissertation demonstrates a commitment to a wide variety of experiments, showcasing a diverse range of creative approaches. Notably, the author adopts a focused strategy by addressing specific eating habits individually, avoiding the attempt to encompass all habits within a single experiment. Throughout the document, the writing style and tone remain clear, simple, and easy to scan through, ensuring accessibility for readers to navigate and comprehend the nuances of each experiment in the creative process.

Urban spaces

In exploring the dynamics of urban space, particularly the interaction between people and trash cans, the idea of installing cameras around the space for a few days emerges as a compelling method. This approach aims to observe and document the intricate interactions between society and waste disposal. The primary focus revolves around understanding the nature of these interactions — is it driven by curiosity, and if so, curiosity about what? By employing this observational technique, the study seeks to unravel the complex relationship between individuals and their disposal of waste in urban settings, shedding light on the underlying motivations, behaviors, and perhaps the broader societal implications that may be intertwined with such everyday activities.

Flaneur

Within the research, the author adopts a multifaceted approach by conducting various experiments that explore different ideas. Notably, these diverse experiments are treated uniformly in terms of analysis, showcasing a consistent and rigorous methodology. The author extends beyond mere ideation, transforming the exploration into a comprehensive report that delves into the intricacies of each concept. Emphasizing the significance of user input, the research places a strong emphasis on user testing, even if the sample size is limited to two people. This intentional effort to gather feedback contributes to a rich understanding of user experiences, providing valuable insights that contribute to the overall depth and applicability of the study.

Thursday consult

These were some inspiration images I collected to show Andreas. I was getting an idea of building miniature interactive rooms based on the room task. I wanted to keep myself in the mood for making, even if the idea may not directly address my research topic. If I can make something, that is good enough for me.

My RPO currently lacks clarity, necessitating a more precise definition and articulation of the research problem to guide the investigation effectively. The distinction between micro-interactions in physical and digital realms should be explicitly addressed, highlighting the unique approaches employed in each context. Additionally, clarity is needed on the accessibility to the youth demographic for the study — where and how can this target audience be reached?

Providing concrete examples and instances of its integration will enhance the understanding of its role in shaping the research and design methodologies. The central focus on micro-interactions and their impact on motivated individuals should be clearly emphasized.

Furthermore, the placeholder on the Creative Process Journal (CPJ) website needs removal for a more polished presentation. Additionally, it is recommended to initiate a case study promptly, delving into one example each for micro-interactions in the physical and digital domains to provide tangible illustrations of the concepts explored. These adjustments will contribute to a more precise and compelling Research Problem Statement and set the groundwork for a comprehensive and focused research endeavor.