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Process Journal: Process Reflection

I found the Seven Steps to Universal Creative Problem Solving to be a thorough method for project development and specifically effective for a collaborative group effort. I would improve it by not prohibiting the natural flow of ideas, but embrace the flow by creating a parking lot for ideation when creative thoughts pop up. Perhaps even incorporate ideation after each stage so no creativity is ever lost or forgotten.

Since ideas are unstoppable, why not allow them to flow, collect them, revisit them, then incorporate them into the project if it supports the definition statement.

Mandatory steps for each stage include:

- Open mindedness

- Supporting data or at least a rationale

- Empathy

- Acceptance

As with any process, support for it is mandatory.

Process Journal: Evaluation

This week the Homies reviewed the feedback from our classmates and applied the comments that we found valid and helpful. We also critically reviewed our solution and brainstormed on what else we could do to bring it further into fruition. Although we realize Triquetra is a living, breathing project that will always need iteration, we agreed on a few additional measures to bring our presentation to life.

The methods and techniques to best evaluate the group’s implementation are Measurable Goals, Polls, Voting and Ranking, and Iterative Design.

For me personally, I assess the process of the project and the phases the solution has gone through by the Problem Definition statement. If we as a group have accurately stated our claim and thereby accurately delivered a solution, then we have accomplished the task.

I have found the creative problem solving process to be an excellent tool for accomplishing a goal and working with a team.

Process Journal: Implementation

The Homies plan to use a form of Data Visualization to bring the research and user experience to life, along with modeling.

With a project of this magnitude it is near impossible to implement an actual pilot program. Therefore, we’ll create a small scaled composite of the community’s layout. Since the newly homeless are in need of immediate answers to help them get their lives back on track, our restorative rehabilitation community requires funding and a greenlight to begin construction. We believe it is possible to achieve based on the great need for housing the homeless, as well as, our affordable and low-cost solution.

Therefore, we hope to do an interior layout of the housing containers showing how a single person and a family may utilize the space. From sleeping quarters, to bathrooms and possibly even storage units, we’ll show how the living areas can remain relatively small yet, able to meet the needs of the residents. We’ll focus on the community spaces designed for group gatherings and neighborly connectedness.

Additionally, we’ll bring the customer segments to life by showing a customer life-cycle, from assessment to personal development planning, and from a community job assignment to engaging in community recreation at Triquetra. Each member of the Homies will embody one customer segment in order to convey what their experience can be at the restorative community as caretakers properly assess their needs and provide the proper services to allow residents to achieve their goals.

Process Journal - Selection

This week the Homies really came together to select an idea that delivers a unique and compelling solution.

After asking, “How might we deliver an innovative temporary housing solution for the newly homeless,” and conducting an Ideation phase that was presented as if we already made a selection (per the class feedback)... the Homies conducted another Ideation session to really focus on the innovative aspect of our solution.

Since we knew there are a variety of housing initiatives for the homeless already, we would have to be more than just shelter, we would have be community. After considering a variety of communities that ranged from frat houses to cults and from theme parks to vacation bible schools, we honed in on really thinking about what a newly homeless person would want. Since their world is in upheaval, they probably want peace and security while they get a grip on life again. The process of empathizing with the newly homeless brought one idea to the forefront. We answered our “How might we...” with the following:

By creating a holistic rehabilitation temporary housing community using health, wellness and mindfulness techniques to help the newly homeless, rejuvenate and revitalize their mind, body and spirit to prompt and prepare them for independent living and workforce reengagement.

This idea allows for implementation of innovative housing units, programs and services while calming the lives of those whose world has been turned upside down.

I’m excited to implement and execute on this selection.

PROCESS JOURNAL: IDEATION

The Homies did not articulate another idea-generating question. Instead, we used our morphological grid and the Problem Definition statement (How might we…) to begin the brainstorming process. Everyone unloaded their pent up thoughts held since the earlier stages of the project. Then, we built off of each others’ ideas.

The standout ideas include wanting residents to have a sense of pride while living in the temporary community. As a group we feel one of the ways to accomplish this goal is to have people work at various community jobs. If everyone has to work, then everyone will have something at stake.

We organized our ideas in the following fashion:

· Kathy provided 5 community layouts inspired from everything from the International Space Station to her own experience in a refugee camp.

· Brett calculated the space requirements for each layout

· Nick presented 5 mood boards based on the following design motifs: Urban Industrialism (exposed vents and brick), Modernism, Futuristic (Jetsons), Log Cabin/Naturalism (Norman Rockwell), Minimalism

· Candace presented 5 different service offerings that ranged from servicing all needs to specializing in one or two, i.e., substance abuse and the physically challenged.

Everyone shared ideas on services, layouts, designs. Here are a few of the contributing thoughts and ideas:

o We discussed the size of the units, whether or not to have storage units, private or public bathrooms, private or public kitchens, safety issues, types of community jobs to make available, gated or not, type of services to offer, recreation and therapies, length of stay, criteria to apply, wanting people to be comfortable – but encouraged to move out, etc.

o Brett had thoughts about how people would move through the facility as their different needs were serviced.

o Nick shared ideas around different motifs and decorating styles, having an affinity for the postmodernism or the futuristic look.

o Kathy really wanted people to contribute by working in the community.

o Candace thought it was important for residents to have a sense of pride vs. shame about living in the community.

Our group met remotely on Zoom. We used Trello, Slack, Google Drive to capture and share our ideas. As a group our ideas were written, drawn, Adobe Illustrated and captured with pictures and videos.

ASSIGNMENT: PROCESS JOURNAL: PROBLEM DEFINITION (The Homies group assignment)

1. Individual attempts to define the problem:

Kathy: Homelessness is a problem that affects millions of people around the country and needs to be dealt with. As we attempt to reimagine a better solution for homelessness, we prioritize the problem definition by focusing on our stakeholders and our objective(s). In order to successfully reduce or eliminate homelessness we have to treat the core cause(s) homelessness. Our “plan” cannot be a one size fits all model and has to provide assistance to each individual admitted according to his/her specific needs. In focusing on the users, stakeholders, and “plan”, we can offer safer housing, provide proper medical and mental support, and customize skill building needs to successfully transition users to obtain a normal life. Our special interest areas are to provide short term homeless shelter, with resources and skill building to help people who have lost their jobs and homes due to a variety of causes. Our housing project will be a safe haven community where users agree to participate in maintaining the facility through building community, daily chores, gardening and skill building classes.

Candace: The Los Angeles County homeless epidemic increased by 12 percent last year. Today in 2019, 23% of unsheltered people are homeless for the first time, according to the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority, and more are on the way unless immediate innovative solutions are deployed. To this end, funds from the $460 Million Measure H initiative have been earmarked for various strategies, including $73 Million to expand the Rapid Re-Housing program, but more shelters are needed.

Nick: What is an innovative solution to immediately provide relief to the temporary homeless in order to keep them from becoming chronically homeless?

Brett: Problem Definition: How might we create temporary housing for the homeless so that they may get back on their feet?

2. Our path to consensus:

To arrive at our group problem statement, we used several convergent techniques to prioritize and synthesize information around the issue.

The Homies collectively agreed to narrow the project to temporary housing. However, the wide spectrum of homelessness required us to narrow our target customer and corresponding services, as well. To this end, we used the Direct Analogy approach to consider how homelessness can lead to a variety of mental issues. Still, we wanted to focus on providing shelter as a top priority. We also considered a Personal Analogy enabling our group to empathize and relate to the problem as if we were in a homeless situation ourselves.

Next, we knew not to ‘recreate the wheel,’ so we took into account the existing solutions catering to homelessness and found a gap we believe we can fill. Throughout our conversation over the week, we not only ‘talked it out,’ but ‘wrote out’ statements on our Slack group page. This process allowed us to quickly review and agree to the How Might We definition statement which specifies a narrowed target audience, while leaving room for a robust Ideation phase.

3. Similarities, differences, outliers.

After receiving additional direction, the definitions were similar in their attempt to address the housing needs of a segment within the homeless population. We agreed both individuals and families would be served and the cause of homelessness (whether unemployment or underemployment) would have no consequence. We also narrowed our scope providing social services by agreeing on job training, job placement, life skills and therapy.

THE HOMIES GROUP PROBLEM STATEMENT: How might we design an innovative temporary housing solution for the newly homeless?

PROCESS JOURNAL: DEFINITION - Reflection

To arrive at our group problem statement of ‘How might we design an innovative temporary housing solution for the newly homeless,’ our group used several convergence techniques to prioritize the objective and synthesize data in order to arrive at a consensus.

The Homies already decided on providing temporary housing, however, since the homelessness spectrum ranges from the chronically challenged to those suffering from a recent job loss or some other tragic event, we had to quickly narrow this broad customer base.

We used the Direct Analogy approach to consider how homelessness can lead to depression and other mental issues. Still, focusing on providing shelter was a top priority. We also considered the Personal Analogy approach enabling our group to empathize and relate to the problem as if we were in a homeless situation ourselves.

Next, we knew there was no need to recreate the wheel, so we took into account the existing solutions catering to the myriad of homelessness problems and found a gap we believe we can fill. Throughout our conversation over the last week, we not only ‘talked it out,’ but wrote out statements on our Slack group page. This process allowed us to quickly agree to the How Might We problem definition statement which specifies a narrowed target audience, yet, leaves room for a robust Ideation phase.

Conjunction Junction

My TV is made by Westinghouse and is a perfect size for my night stand. It’s an older model and now the screen has a line of digital garbage along the left edge. I only watch it to catch up on cable news.

My TV is made by Westinghouse, but is a perfect size for my night stand. It’s an older model, but now the screen has a line of digital garbage along the left edge, but I only watch it to catch up on cable news.

I have a bottle of D3 1000 IU vitamins and it sits on my desk. I use to take one every day and now I have stopped. My doctor recommended them and now he no longer does.

I have a bottle of D3 1000 IU vitamins but it sits on my desk. I use to take one every day, but now I have stopped. My doctor recommended them, but now he no longer does.

My pencil is yellow and considered mechanical because I don’t have to sharpen it. It’s my favorite writing instrument and I usually can’t find it.

My pencil is yellow, but considered mechanical because I don’t have to sharpen it. It’s my favorite writing instrument, but I usually can’t find it.

My headphones I use for class are black and adjustable. They provide great sound and they’re a little tight on my ears.

My headphones I use for class are black, but adjustable. The provide great sound, but they’re a little tight on my ears.

My laundry is getting piled up and I need to wash. A lot of my clothes are dirty and I’m getting low on available options to wear.

My laundry is getting piled up, but I need to wash. A lot of my clothes are dirty, but I’m getting low on available options to wear.

PROCESS JOURNAL: PROBLEM DEFINITION

The Los Angeles County homeless epidemic increased by 12 percent last year. Today in 2019, 23% of unsheltered people are homeless for the first time, according to the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority, and more are on the way unless immediate innovative solutions are deployed. To this end, funds from the $460 Million Measure H initiative have been earmarked for various strategies, including $73 Million to expand the Rapid Re-Housing program, but more shelters are needed.

#P&P H4H

Process Journal: Analysis

The problem of homelessness in America is vast and multi-layered. Since our group (Team One) has chosen to focus on housing for the homeless, I’ve began to analyze the problem using the following techniques: Origin Story, Micro & Macro, Look It Up, The Packrat and the Collector and Morphology.

Origin Story – To examine the root of the problem, I looked at the bible and what it says about homelessness. Verses in both the Old and New Testaments require believers to care for those in need and points out that there will always be a need. However, Paul in the New Testament says “…that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10, KJV). This sets up a dichotomy of sorts, urging all able bodies to work for their food and shelter, and just receive handouts. To this end, our group is also analyzing how we might employ homeless individuals as part of the workforce to assemble our housing solution.

Micro & Macro – provided an opportunity to consider the vastness of homelessness while also considering its parts, specifically housing. Our group considers the need for shelter ground zero in addressing the issue. Getting people off the street first could exponentially improve the overall related health conditions of those affected with homelessness.

Look It Up – allowed for learning from others who have researched this subject and the many works already done. By using the internet to implement this technique I was able to lay out some of the attempted solutions and see what has worked and what still needs improvements.

The Packrat and the Collector – technique created a method to gather, review and select applicable research addressing the housing issue specifically.

Morphology – enabled our group to examine some of the overarching areas to address, set against the processes required to execute a plan. Our X Axis consists of shelter, community, jobs, sustainability, recreation and pride. The Y Axis includes funding, regulatory, materials, stakeholders, time and location.

So far, I have seen a lot of innovation around the problem. From various materials used to provide both permanent and mobile shelter units, to municipalities awarding millions for creative solutions that address housing needs, homelessness seems to be among the top social issues receiving attention. Another insight I gathered is the apparent change in the public’s desire and actions taken to permanently fix the problem, as evident in the passing of Proposition H in Los Angeles County. The measure contributes a quarter-cent sales tax countywide to support ending homelessness for good.

Although the bible contends that homelessness and hunger will always be among us, I’m excited to take on this project to provide a solution definitively making shelter available for everyone.

ASSIGNMENT: PROCESS JOURNAL: CONTINGENCY MANAGEMENT (Individual Response)

Impedances:

1. Force Majeure: Acts of God

2. Illnesses

3. Family Emergencies

4. Power outages

5. Death

My capabilities:

1. Write the narrative for the project

2. Contribute to the ideation process

3. Develop the marketing strategy and materials

4. Work on the budget assumptions

5. Dive into other areas to assist follow team mates as needed.

Team capabilities

Based on our initial group conversation, our team is capable of delivering this assignment by providing the engineering, construction design, modeling, strategy (marketing and partnerships), research, budgeting, forecasting and other areas to present a compelling report.

Rules of Engagement

1. Give each other the benefit of the doubt

2. Open and honest communication

3. Do not take feedback personally

4. Open-mindedness

5. Motto: For the good of the group

6. Aim for consensus, settle for majority

7. Hear each other out

My Limitations

1. Getting up to speed on Slack and other programs

2. Time – My plate is very full

Goals and Standards

1. Establish regular meeting times

2. Establish communication mode (Slack)

3. Everyone provides constructive feedback on a team member’s work

4. Make it a point to ask if anyone needs help

5. (all of Kathy’s)

Rewards

1. Acts of kindness to self and team mates (TBD)

2. Celebrate!

Process Journal: ACCEPTANCE

The lack of housing for the homeless is a problem of epidemic proportion.

To be a part of a team representing other members of cohort 6, that effectively presents a possible solution which can favorably impact the crisis would be an amazing accomplishment.

The immediate results could range from receiving a high grade in the class, to getting an audience with city and state officials who could actually provide funding and other resources to implement the team’s solution.

The success of our team project would benefit the more than half million homeless population in the United States, 20% in California. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development's Annual Homeless Assessment Report, as of 2017 there were around 554,000 homeless people in the US on a given night, or 0.17% of the population.

Should our solution work domestically, it could possibly impact developing nations around the world and areas where populations are left homeless due to natural disasters.

For producing excellent results, the team could receive accolades representing financial rewards and recognition from local and federal government agencies, private industries, as well as coverage by press outlets.

Individually, each team member could be in a position to select their next project at a rate commensurate to their demonstrated skill set and on par with the success of accomplishing a grand scale project.

Heads of companies and government alike could contact us with offers of employment and/or consulting contracts.

I’m motivated to succeed because this project could potentially be part of the solution to end homelessness for good. I’m also motivated by the potential impact the project could have on the environment. By using waste materials from construction sites as our building supplies, the project would help with recycling and lesson the burden on landfill usage. In addition, I’m motivated by the overall undertaking and my innate desire to accomplish any task I take on.

Seeing the process through to the end would provide great personal satisfaction in meeting the class objectives and honing creative problem-solving skills and techniques.

Creativity

1. Soul awakening

2. Mystery revealing

3. Boundary removing

#uscdesign

The result of processing information fueled by imagination is creativity.

#uscdesign

Yay!

#uscdesign

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