Think Lab are weekly sessions that are conducted to help us get over our “inhibitions of thinking”. It enables us to think rapidly, think on our feet, and think out-of-the-box. These sessions also focus on our soft skills.
The first activity in our Think Lab sessions was based on perception.
Perception and Creativity
Perception and Creativity are two peas in a pod.
Perception is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression.” Great design requires creativity and imagination, and creativity and imagination begin with perception.
In the first activity, we did mind mapping of a 2D pentagon.
These are some of the ideas we came up with:
Warm-up Activity
This activity was followed by a warm-up activity. For this activity, we were divided into smaller groups. Afterwards, each group was assigned a particular shape and they had to come up with numerous associations that they connect with.
We were asked to sketch, draw, cut, paste, fold, color, use other papers or materials freely available on our premises to represent our shape.
I came up with ideas like:
Main Activity
The warm-up activity was an insight into the main activity. According to the instructions, we had to observe our surroundings and sketch objects that are in the form of letters, that each group was assigned. Our group was assigned with the letter 'T'. We had to divide our work and make at least 5 sketches each. This time the activity was slightly lengthier but never short of fun.
Ideas that I came up with:
My group members ideas:
Strategic Discussions
“Hard skills are vital for designers to be effective. Yet too many overlook the importance of soft skills in their careers. These soft skills are important for applying for jobs and freelance designers.”
For these sessions, they divided us into small groups and encouraged us to discuss our ideas and feedback with our group members.
Group Achievements
Challenges:
Reflection
Equipping us with some tried and tested thinking tools and techniques, think lab develops our creative as well as critical thinking skills that are essential for us to undertake any creative task. I had an amazing session with remarkable faculties (Hemanshi Sagar and Pranay Mangrati). At the end of the day, I learned a different kind of skill set.
LEARNING MANTRAS
· Importance of interaction with peers
· Time Management
· Distribution of work
· Observe our surroundings closely