Back to the grindstone

My Alexanderplatz project team had a formative assessment yesterday. I think it went well. One of the things I've been insisting to the group to do is to think further. If there's anything I think I've brought to the project is to keep asking questions and to suggest possibilities. Unfortunately the team tend to look at it as too much debate or simple negativity. At one point someone suggested we put a suggestion to the vote. Huh? I don't see this a democracy. I just want some more thought put into ideas.

We had these metal and glass tree-like structures that fill part of the square like a forest. The large translucent 'leaves' move, reacting to atmospheric conditions, acting as a shield from the rain, a barrier from the wind, filtering sunlight while also reacting to people's incidental movement, 'swaying' as the public passed by . I liked the idea of it being reactive rather than interactive. Just because i'm an interactive designer doesn't mean I want to add a keypad to everything. My objection was I thought they were too low. I felt uncomfortable that it was only two foot above my head. The assessment panel felt uncomfortable at the size and bulk of it; like having a JCB standing over you and following you. Would anyone actually use it?

Anyway, after the assessment everyone now agrees that the ideas need more thought. I have realised that in order to get my ideas across I've got to build them. Doesn't look like anyone understands them without something in their hand or something physical in their field of vision. I've spoken to two people on the product design course (Kristian and Gilmore, funnily enough not on my team) who are more than willing to show me how to best realise my ideas.

I'm running late. As well as being a student I also freelance as a graphic designer. I've just sent a proof to the National Autistic Society of the first edition of their new look staff and volunteer newsletter, NAS Voice. I'm expecting it'll come back with a hundred amendments but that's how it works in a team: we work towards the same goals.