Week 09: Society and Purpose
Service Design and saving the World
Weekly Learning Objectives
You will be working towards achieving the following learning outcomes detailed in the Assignments tab:
LO2: Contextualise – appraise the social, political and historical contexts in which design practice operates.
LO3: Analyse – evaluate research findings and use sound judgment informed by critical debate at the forefront of the academic discipline.
LO4: Distil – position a creative strategic insight that has been distilled and refined through an informed investigation.
LO6: Make – select and utilise relevant tools, skills and technologies in the delivery, iteration and sustainable production of an outcome.
LO7: Collaborate – demonstrate inclusive and empathetic strategies to plan and execute a project across distributed collaborative situations.
LO8: Design – realise a final solution that evidences its strategic journey and clear relationship between form and function.
Lecture - Service Design
In this weeks lecture we will explore:
the field of service design
and examine the role artists and designers have played in disrupting political movements, through historical and contemporary case studies.
analyse the impact design thinking can have to reveal in-depth and often highly sensitive social problems.
My own notes from the lecture
In this weeks lecture, Stuart encourages us to discover how by engaging with the resources provided by the "Service Design Tools" could significantly benefit own projects by aiding in the thorough examination of the current service experience.
By meticulously studying the existing process, including actions required, touchpoints involved, and emerging pain points, I could construct a comprehensive journey map that highlights critical areas needing improvement. Additionally, by employing tools such as ‘service blueprints’ can offer insights into the Repair Cafe service structure, giving a clearer understanding of underlying components and issues.
This knowledge is key to enabling the volunteer team to identify missing connections, inefficiencies, giving way for future improvements. Also, by setting specific goals grounded in the analysis could help my redesign efforts and generate new ideas and solutions through addressing pain points or service/skill gaps to enhance the Repair Cafe experience.
Resources:
https://servicedesigntools.org/
https://servicedesigntools.org/tutorials/how-to-improve-an-existing-service-experience
Reflection:
Whether exploring journey mapping, persona development, or prototyping, using ‘Service Design Tools’ can allow me to craft specific solutions that engage, satisfy, and create loyalty and enthusiasm among Repair Cafe customers, which can contribute considerably to the success of The Repair Cafe initiative.
Working my own Customer Journey Map
Using the previous processes discussed in the lecture series and further learning, I conducted my own journey map that outlines the typical process that visitors to The Repair Cafe East Grinstead undergo when seeking repairs for their items, encompassing various scenarios ranging from quick fixes to items that cannot be repaired on-site. (From left to right…)
Then back to the beginning, ready to repeat again…
Can Art Stop a War and Save the Planet? | Carol A. Wells | TED talk
To avoid working on my dissertation, I watched the TedTalk about Carol A Wells who talks about her work that she initially created for Nicaragua literacy crusade (to avoid working on her dissertation) and her work that followed with posters that challenge people’s preconceptions.
Carol talks about how, in a world where we are saturated with information, how we cut through the noise to engage and inspire action? She has worked for over three decades, to champion political posters, a unique medium that breaks language barriers, societal divides, and cultural boundaries and how these vibrant, dynamic graphics serve as catalysts for change, by creating apathy and interest in political dialogue.
Anti Iraq War Protest poster: Artist Bruce Gilbert. Satirising the first set of iPod posters. With the Apple logo replaced by a hand grenade, text reads 10,000 Iraqi's killed, 773 US soldiers dead. The yellow poster uses an image of Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse by the United States military.
Graphic Designer, Shepard Fairey portrait of Barack Obama, Hope
Shepard Fairey created this visionary portrait of then Senator Barack Obama in 2008 as a form of grassroots activism to support Obama’s first presidential campaign. Inspired by the political message and bold graphics of Soviet Socialist Realism. First created as a street poster, the image was later used on stickers and T-shirts and was widely circulated online.
Reflection:
Transformative political posters have the potential to change and be champions of democracy. As a designer, we have the ability to evoke reaction by our artworks that can shock, communicate and transcend borders.
Week 9: Resources - Read | Watch | Listen
I had a quick read of the Research Integrity and Ethics Handbook on the reading list supplied by Falmouth University.
The guidance on research ethics and integrity emphasises universal principles applicable to students, staff, and postgraduate researchers, highlighting the necessity of upholding core values regardless of research level. It offers practical guidance aligning with the University’s Research and Innovation Integrity and Ethics Policy, reflecting the institution's commitment to the five core principles of the Concordat to Support Research Integrity.
These principles include rigor, integrity, adherence to ethical, legal, and professional obligations, with a supportive research environment, transparent handling of misconduct allegations, and continuous improvement of mechanisms ensuring research integrity. This is crucial for safeguarding the rights and dignity of all involved in research projects, minimising any environmental impact, and fulfilling obligations to funders, partners, the law, and society.
I need to consider the importance of maintaining ethical standards and integrity in my research for the Repair Cafe and careful consideration adhering to ethical guidelines is necessary to ensure a reliable outcome to my research findings being credible.
Research: