As Big As Our Ideas, As Far As Our Actions

AS BIG AS OUR IDEAS, AS FAR AS OUR ACTIONS

Ideas Made Possible

M.F.A. Thesis in Graphic Design

SCAD, March 2014

The goal of my thesis is to study stories as interactive systems whose inherent cogency to engage, empower, communicate and provide meaning, can be applied to the design of tools for group engagement and creative problem solving. The thesis brings together ideas from storytelling, script writing, game theory, social psychology, design thinking and community development and proposes that prompts such as communicating that more is possible, play, collaboration and becoming a part of something larger than ourselves, can activate intrinsic sources of meaning, encourage engagement and inspire for action.

As a result of the research and exploration, I created 2 collaborative tools - an ideation tool to help groups discover opportunities for solving a challenge, and a collaborative planning tool to help plan the execution of an idea.

To read more about the exploration and process, visit http://marinapetrovablog.wordpress.com/

AS BIG AS OUR IDEAS

Ideation Tool

A tool for discovering possibilities that otherwise would be impossible to imagine. It helps groups harness their will for positive change by seeing fresh perspectives and building on each other’s ideas to come up with creative solutions.

THE LOGO

THE TOOL

HOW TO USE IT

1. Select a challenge that you would like to solve

Write the challenge on the board or use a Post-it note.

2. Give everyone cards

There are 4 types of cards - for needs, obstacles, motivations and ideas

3. Answer the three questions at the top
Answer one question at a time and write the answers on cards of the respective color. Read the answers to each question aloud.

4. Randomly combine needs, obstacles and motivations
Shuffle the cards in each group and randomly pick one card from each stack. Work as a group to combine a need, an obstacle and a motivation in an actionable solution. Repeat until you run out of time or cards.

5. Grow the ideas
Group ideas that are similar. Select the most surprising ones. Combine obvious with surprising ideas to come up with even more unusual solutions.

6. Use as a notice board
Keep the most interesting ideas on the board. Make notes, move things around, add new insights. Keep growing your ideas.

AS FAR AS OUR ACTIONS

Planning Tool

As Far As Our Actions helps groups and communities develop the potential of their ideas and discover resources and opportunities for making them happen.

THE LOGO

THE TOOL

HOW TO USE IT

1. Select an idea that you would like to execute

Write your idea on the board or use a Post-it note.

2. Give everyone cards for goals, challenges, resources and actions

3. Answer the three questions at the top
Answer one question at a time and write the answers on cards of the same color. Read all answers aloud.

4. Randomly combine goals, obstacles and resources
Shuffle the cards in each group and randomly pick one card from each stack. Work as a group to combine a goal, a challenge and a resource in an actionable step. Repeat until you run out of time or cards.

5. Plan your actions
Write down your next steps. Assign responsibilities and timeframes. Use the board to help you plan your actions.

5. Use as a notice board
Keep information and ideas handy. Use the tool to adjust your steps and rally your team.

RESEARCH INFLUENCING THEMES

The Abundant Community
John McKnight and Peter Block

The Hero’s Journey
Joseph Campbell

Structure and Character
Christopher Vogler and David McKenna

Persuasive Presentation Structure
Nancy Duarte

Intrinsic Rewards
Jane McGonigal

Story-editing
Timothy Wilson

Learning Journeys
Peter Senge

Insight Combination and Reframing

Jon Kolko

THE HERO"S JOURNEY

“You find about yourself as you go along.”
~Joseph Campbell

.

By going through the Journey and overcoming obstacles, the Hero realizes her potential and in doing so brings positive change to her life and her world.

THE CHARACTER FORMULA

“It is the specifics of choice which create character.”
~David McKenna

The Character Formula is another way of summarizing the Hero's Journey. The transition of "what is" to "what could be" is by way of building character.

BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER

The Hero's Journey = Character Formula + Intrinsic Rewards

“(The) intrinsic rewards are the foundation for optimal human experience. They are the most powerful motivations we have other than our basic survival needs.”

~Jane McGonigal

DISCOVERIES

In order for a group collaborative experience to be engaging and facilitate personal and communal growth, it should provide:

- mechanisms for skills and interests to be manifested and combined;

- ways for a community to see new opportunities and value in working together;

- mechanisms for understanding and negotiating a diversity of wants, for example – business interests and community concerns;

- a sense of ownership and autonomy in making decisions;

- incremental affirmations of success;

- sources of intrinsic rewards (satisfying work, the experience of being successful, social connection and becoming a part of something larger than ourselves);

- internal support mechanisms – self-confidence, group support, learning-by-doing - that help redirect people’s self-narratives towards sustained positive behaviors;

- untraditional methods of envisioning and self-expression to subvert stereotypes and habitual behaviors;

- choices in order to encourage taking action.

Thanks fr watching!