I appreciated the critical insights that Robert Krulwich provided to all of our presentations because we can take what he said and apply it to all aspects of creating for people.
Some things that he said reminded me of what we should be paying attention to when coming up with interactives, installations, activities, exhibits, anything that you want someone to be engaged with pretty much.
- Don’t panic when coming up with ideas or following through on an idea because what you produce may not be your best work…take some time to process your thoughts before you begin. Or come up with a different idea that falls under the constraints you’re given.
- Let people know what or why they are doing something. It gives them a sense of understanding even when the outcome is a surprise. Not knowing why you have to do a specific task can take away from the experience instead of giving a sense of curiosity.
- Sometimes less is more; don’t force all the requirements you should have in a concept to make an idea work, but explore what you already have especially if it’s well composed and has an understandable or intuitive flow to it.
- Be thoughtful about what you’re putting out for people to use because you want them to participate.
- Fun and simple as well as personally motivating experiences work really really well.
- Creating intimate moments can unknowingly link people together and give everyone the knowledge that other people have experienced what they experience which can give comfort.
The main thing that I’ve taken away from this round of presentations is that sometimes what we intend to build or make isn’t what is needed or seen. Be open to changes and take the good parts of your design and learn from the not-so-great- or the parts that need improvement.