Week 7 (Planning) - For the second RI event, I want to rectify and adjust a few previous issues. Firstly, I want to experiment with creative fostering techniques I am yet to use, such as 'Crazy Eights' or 'SCAMPER'. In addition, I believe I can benefit from adhering to the 'ICEDIP' method to gain a structure that was desperately missing. Furthermore, I want to keep the idea manageable and achievable - I will continue to use Trello in this regard. Finally, I want to focus my skills on design and programming. These are my initial goals, although they could alter when the theme gets announced! My overall aim is to submit a well-managed project and not to be burnout doing it.
Theme A: COP-Out (Figure 1)
The second rapid ideation event has officially begun! Like before, we have two weeks (starting from the 9th of March) to prepare and develop an artefact based on 'Theme A' (Figure 1) or 'Theme B' that were pre-determined.
'Theme A' was to recreate your artefact from RI/E1 (Rapid ideation event 1), and 'Theme B' was to develop an artefact based on Cop26/environment. Initially, 'Theme A' did appeal to me, as this presented a rare opportunity to go back and amend issues to achieve unsuccessful goals. However, after much consideration, I have decided to choose 'Theme B'. I want to start the process from the beginning and hope I manage and deliver a better project.
To kick off this event, I started by once again using Trello (Kanban software) to organise my tasks. I created four initial objectives (with the inclusion of deadlines to manage the project overall) (Figure 2):
Produce a Collage
Use 'Crazy Eights' to generate ideas from collage
Define Goals
Refine Idea
Rather than labelling objectives 'Proof of Concept', 'Pre-Production', 'Production' and 'Post-Production' (such as in RI/E1), I have decided to adhere to the ICEDIP method for that much-needed sense of direction.
Preparation (Trello)
Figure 2: Trello Board (RI/E2)
After abandoning Trello in RI/E1, I have decided to give the Kanban software another chance by using it again for RI/E2 (Figure 2). I have decided to do this for a multitude of reasons:
It was effective during the 'Proof of Concept' phase.
It coincides with one of my SMART goals.
It adds stability to the project.
Offers experience using popular Kanban software.
For Trello to continue, I have added time constraints on all objectives and kept dependencies from RI/E1.
ICEDIP Method
Inspiration
The initial phase of ICEDIP is called 'Inspiration'. This phase is about using a range of different ideation techniques to help foster creativity. For RI/E2, I have decided to create a collage using pictures that relate to the earth (Figure 3). I will then take inspiration from the collage and use it to produce ideas via 'Crazy Eights' (Figure 4).
I purposely selected ideation techniques that I was unfamiliar with or had little experience using, from the CRJ post, "What IS Creativity?" - I then chose two at random from that pool. I used this as an opportunity to experiment. Although working on unfamiliar techniques at random could be an unnecessary risk, which may potentially damage the overall process.
Collage (GIMP)
Figure 3: COP26/Environment Collage (GIMP)
The collage above (Figure 3) depicts images associated with the environment, notably, it is a mixture of both positive and negative impacts on our planet. In the middle of the collage is a logo from the UN Climate Change Conference. I wanted the collage to contain a range of different images (not entirely disassociated from one another) so it could prompt a variety of game jam ideas. One thing I would take away and implement into the game would be the vibrant colour palette of the collage (Green, blue and white).
Crazy Eights
Figure 4: Crazy Eight Ideas
Once I had completed the collage, I started to generate a range of ideas via 'Crazy Eights' (Figure 4), using the collage for inspiration. I believe this ideation process to be a success, although some ideas are less viable than others. For instance, I included three mobile ideas, which will add much-needed revision time for mobile development. Furthermore, I do not wish to create another 2D game for this event.
Although using 'Crazy Eights' proved successful in this scenario, I believe it's better suited for a group exercise, which focuses on specific design elements such as UI design. I feel as if I could have reached the same themes using a mind-map.
Clarification
The second phase of ICEDIP is called 'Clarification'. This phase is about defining goals such as, what would I like to achieve? In addition, this phase highlights valuable thoughts that transpired during the 'Inspiration' phase.
Goals
Goals for this rapid ideation event are as follows:
To experiment with creative fostering techniques I am yet to use.
To adhere to ICEDIP methodology.
To continue to use Trello.
To enhance my design and programming skills.
To maintain a healthy balance of work and relaxation.
The themes that appealed most to me during the 'Inspiration' phase are the use of 3D, physics, and scoring. I like the concept of throwing litter into a container and receiving a score.
Evaluation
The 'Evaluation' phase is about coming up with a rough idea using the previous stages and then asking questions such as what is good about the concept and what could I improve?
Idea
My initial thoughts are to create a score-based game where the player has to collect litter and dispose of it within a time limit. It would be a fun minigame-like experience using physics. Moreover, I believe it would be relatively simple to implement. There are two variables I could manipulate to make the gameplay more engaging. The first variable would be the 'litter' you pick up, and the second would be the 'destination' in which you dispose of it. For instance, I could alter the rate at which litter spawns and add movement speed to the destination. I could even go one step further and have multiple destinations, each one yielding a different point return depending on their maximum speed.
I plan to keep the idea relatively simple to implement. Although, if I have time to spare, I could add features to enhance the gameplay experience, such as creating a scoreboard, a difficulty/wave system, and random/specific litter modes.
Future Plans
I intend to refine the idea using the latter stages of the ICEDIP methodology (Distillation, Incubation and Perspiration). During these phases, I will develop low fidelity wireframes to help create UI. I will then proceed to prototype the game in Unity and make changes accordingly. If I have time to spare, I will expand the idea and implement more features.
Conclusion & Reflection
In conclusion, I have already achieved a goal by using "creative fostering techniques I am yet to use, such as 'Crazy Eights' " and created a scope, which I have deemed achievable. Moreover, I will continue to use Trello (with deadlines) and adhere to the ICEDIP methodology to maintain structure throughout the course of the event. I feel good about heading into development with a clear idea in mind.
References
ukcop26.org. 2021. UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) at the SEC – Glasgow 2021. [online] Available at: <https://ukcop26.org/> [Accessed 11 March 2022].
2021. How to generate more UX design ideas with Crazy Eights. [video] Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LwvsWljr9g&ab_channel=femke.design> [Accessed 11 March 2022].
Maddox, C., 2019. 4 Key Benefits of Working Under Deadlines. [online] Calendar. Available at: <https://www.calendar.com/blog/4-key-benefits-of-working-under-deadlines/#:~:text=Get%20the%20Momentum%20Going,to%20get%20the%20task%20done.> [Accessed 12 March 2022].
#week7 #planning #sparkforum #rapid #ideation #copout #icedip #environment #dispositional #cognitive
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