The Process

This activity was a fascinating journey of exploration and collaboration. It all started with a simple task: bringing in images that resonated with our design space. My choice of images focused on technology for equality, rural futures, and solar energy-related products, reflecting my initial thoughts and my design space. The process of categorizing these images within subtopics was enlightening. It allowed us to see the diverse ideas within the class and identify potential intersections within each other.

The creation of the mind map board, connecting all these images, was a visual representation of the collective creative landscape. It revealed commonalities and areas where we could collaborate effectively. This initial exercise not only helped me understand my classmates' perspectives but also led to the formation of our group.

Our initial idea of simplifying refugee life using solar energy and technology was ambitious but challenging to accomplish within the given timeframe. So, we took a step back and realized that, in many ways, we were expats in a new city ourselves, each with a unique background. This shift in perspective led us to focus on a more practical intervention – transportation and identity.

We then decided to create posters in multiple languages (English, Spanish and Catalan) and spreading awareness about the importance of official identification for accessing public transportation in Barcelona. We  placed these posters in populated metro stops, engaging people and gauging their reactions.

Seeing our intervention succeed in raising awareness about the necessity of official identification for public transport access was fulfilling. It highlighted the power of design thinking and collective action in making a positive impact on a real-world issue.

This activity emphasized the importance of starting with a personal connection to the problem, gradually expanding our scope, and leveraging collective creativity to create meaningful interventions. It was a valuable learning experience that demonstrated how design can translate into practical solutions.