Ideation themes

Each workshop has an ideation theme or task agreed beforehand. Themes can take on many forms, appearing differently depending on the context. They can relate to place, function, artefact, or narrative, and be either common, universal or specific. Common themes often resonate across genres or disciplines, whereas a universal theme is a central idea or concept resonating with people across cultures and periods. Unlike more specific themes, which may be tied to a particular story or culture, universal themes explore fundamental aspects of the human condition that reflect real-life experiences. A good idea typically  involves making connections between concepts and life experiences. Inspiration for ideas can come from the past, future, or the world around you, and there is a range of devices to help achieve this. For example, physical and digital tools including drawing, modelling and computing. Or literary devices like metaphor, symbolism, and character development to explore deeper meaning. But whatever theme, they can inspire us to explore ideas which reflect the essence of our human experience and place in the world.

Face-to-face-interaction

Viewing design as a social and cultural pursuit, coupled with knowledge, skills and experience, central to the workshop is face-to-face interaction. This seems especially relevant when the internet allows us to work from anywhere in the world. Indeed, going online has diminished the need to talk to our colleagues in person and increased time spent attached to digital devices and screens - and often a lot of those hours are spent alone. Moreover, as most commercial and social transactions have migrated online, where they’re cheaper and quicker, the design office, or the studio is going virtual too. Also, digital computation, including apps and generative AI, is challenging raw brain power when it comes to searching, gathering and sorting information as well as generating new ideas from extensive data sets. So, when electronic media informs, stimulates, and guides creativity, who needs face-to-face-interaction? Now, designers themselves have to find answers to that question. But while digital devices are great for sharing information, they are not necessarily great for deepening human connections and social cohesion, particularly when considering the misuse, and abuse of social media platforms. In short, the workshop suggests that we should use our mobile devices and digital tools to augment, not to replace, face-to-face interaction – that is, if we want to create in healthier and happier ways.