#projcomm openinovators

[syeenaboodesign]

Eeeek week 7 already!

Hey Guys!

It’s hard to believe it was 7 weeks ago that we were first introduced to our NGO and given our task, time has flown. Over those 7 weeks we have been introduced to a number of new (for some of us) themes/concepts which our guides thought would help us in developing a solution to our and our NGO’s Challenge. Last week Maarten discussed with us “killing the darlings”, as cruel as this sounds, this weeks blog post is going to carry on that theme. We have been asked which of the themes up till now, we personally believe, will be the most useful in terms of finding a solution for our NGO.  As soon as I read this question I had an answer in mind, Crowd sourcing.

  Our challenge originally stated, “How do we improve the platform’s user experience & usability? How to set up a user group & create a development cycling of continuous improvement & experience?”  The key focus in this task was improving usability for users and also developing a “development cycling of continuous improvement & experience”. This is where Crowd Sourcing steps in.

  Just as a reminder crowdsourcing is the act of outsourcing to a “crowd” of people via an open call for assistance. Through Solidaridad harnessing crowdsourcing in terms of development feed back on their new platform, they will discover (in a timely manner) where their weak spots lye in their new platform. If they give users an opportunity to review and give feed back, progressively they will be able to update these weak spots bettering the platform continuously,  until it is entirely user friendly. Further more Crowdsourcing also allows global experts, who may have experienced platform development to enlighten Solidaridad on wear any weak spots lie in their platform. Crowdsourcing also gives a voice to those who may not have specific expertise in the field and this is invaluable as way of creating a true sense of community, diminishing any sense of hierarchy.

Cultural diversity is also dealt with through crowdsourcing as people belonging to different cultures are able to communicate their unique needs which may not have been considered by those of another culture.

  As for what I believe the solution is going to be, to be frank, I still don’t know. Due to some difficulties communicating with our client (he was out of the country and unable to return our mails) we are still waiting on some vital information. Until we get this it is hard to say. However the finish line is approaching us even more each and every day, so decisions are going to have to be made and soon. I have set up a Skype meeting with our client tomorrow and if all goes to plan we should have all the information we need. If, for some reason, we are unable to get what we need, I think my group should go off assumptions as I would rather us end with a few inapplicable solutions than none what so ever.

  Is anyone else having problems contacting clients? If so please enlighten me with any possible solutions you have found.

  Until next time,

Siras  

[syeenaboodesign]

THE SHRINKING WORLD.

It seems like only yesterday I was sitting in front of my mums yellow stained desktop computer (which now seems the size of a small hummer) listening to the dial up tone for 5 minutes all to look something up for school... Thank god times have changed! Today we are discussing our “own network”, or how we used/use the Internet in terms of  “Me, We, Network”.  

  The “Me, We, Network” concept coincidentally coincides with my personal development into the world of the internet. “Me” refers to an individual using the internet for “hunting and harvesting” information or data without interacting with others. This was my initial introduction to the internet as a child. Whether at school or at home I would use the internet as a tool for research. However my knowledge, the painfully slow speed and lack of available programs meant I used it purely for “hunting and harvesting”. Although accessibility and tools available have developed even today I use the internet as a “Me” – researching and developing ideas. Also coming from a country with a huge café culture and large influence on trend based design I have found the internet invaluable using websites like www.lookbook.nu or www.booooooom.com to research up and coming trends.  Even in our Solidaridad project we are using the internet as a “Me”, researching and documenting information we find relevant to our project.

  “We” refers to defined and bounded groups.  This is small-scale interaction with others who share something in common with you. This was my next step into the internet world and now is my main use of the internet. Starting with www.bebo.co.nz (a website very similar to Facebook) I began interacting with people who went to my school or I had met through out my life. This soon led on to facebook in which I am now part of at least a dozen different groups ranging from school/group peers, exclusive friend groups, accommodation information and groups discussing graphics developments. Since moving to Europe “We” has been my main use of the internet. Allowing me to keep in touch with people all around the globe at the touch of a button, this has been invaluable. This is what many refer to as the shrinking world. The internet has made the world smaller by developing access to people globally, now people in China are able to converse and conduct business with those in America with ease. This is invaluable to our customer Solidaridad, allowing them to interact internationally, communicating data from developed western regions to third world countries looking for help.

  Thirdly and finally we are discussing the “Network” which refers to the wider internet network. This is where I, in the last couple of years, have slowly been becoming more and more confident in.  Its where you interact with people worldwide regardless of any common denominator. I’m yet to feel completely confident in this area as it is vast in size and as discussed last week what we post on the Internet is scarily permanent. However I foresee myself gaining more and more confidence in this sector and eventually having it as my main tool when it comes to internet access.

  Good luck to all and catch you next week!

  Siras.