Public Discussion Board
Audience: UC Davis Design Students
Location: Cruess Hall Entry Corridor
Purpose: Gathering student feedback on the department is difficult when there is no existing channel to communicate their needs other than class evaluations and speaking directly to a professor, which can be intimidating. Utilizing interactive experiences bridges the communication gap between the hierarchical positions that exist within academia. This project was created to build community around discussions created by student voices. Having a format to answer questions about Design will lead to more critical thinking and awareness around curriculum and the future of the industry.
Designer: Jadzia Pho
Concept Creation
Literary Review
Audience Interviews
Audience Interviews
After my literary review focused on designing for belonging and inclusive spaces I developed the interactive survey concept. My main sources were Decolonizing Design by Dori Tunstall and Design for Belonging by Susan Wise.
Audience Interviews
Audience Interviews
Audience Interviews
I spoke with my peers throughout the academic quarter about the department and spaces for critique. I then brought the concept of positionality and found that it was difficult to explain with only words.
Ideation
Question Development
Question Development
Question Development
The starting list of questions to pitch the project are meant to guide student reflection on their Design thinking. They are structured to be answered on a scale of 1-5 for fast candid responses.
Audience Interviews
Question Development
Question Development
The interactive survey board has large circular modules to cast votes that do not require intense strength or grip to move in order to make the activity more playful and accessible, similar to playground games.
Design Process
Board Prototyping
Board Prototyping
Board Prototyping
I used mat board for early piece and structural prototypes, Once the design was finalized I started testing 1/4" standard plywood and Sande plywood. The final interactive was made with Sande Plywood.
Graphics
Board Prototyping
Board Prototyping
The graphics needed to include a brief of the project, a QR code for recruitment and feedback, and create a frame for the interactive. My goal was to draw attention to the interactive and have a clear hierarchy.
Final Interactive & Future Plans
Concluding Thoughts
The board generates in-person discussion as people pass and answer prompts. The public display of responses builds empathy amongst participants because one can think about a different perspective. The graphic has a clear hierarchy and strong colors to draw attention. The interactive is easy to move and designed to be a playful experience. Finally, the questions were developed to create active discussion and encourage engagement in the Department of Design by providing space to create more questions and the ability to join the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
Critique
I would spend more time testing the interactive with more students to get more feedback on what would incentivize participation.