Conditional Design - Participation

In this seminar, we experimented with games from the 'Conditional design workbook. Amsterdam: Valiz.'

For the first task, in groups of 4 we took it in turns to try and make the circle as round as possible until we had made the 'perfect circle'. We found this quite challenging as the bigger the circle got the harder it was to make it perfect. This questions our perception of what is perfect and highlights that each individual may have a different view of this. This is the result of the investigation.

'The Beach'- In the second task, we took it in turns to put a dot in the middle of the largest space on the page until it didn't look empty but not too overcrowded. 'Beaches are ordered without being controlled. No one is in charge.' Leadbeater.C., 2007) This emphasises the uncertainty of result for this exercise. Uncertainty being a key aspect for animator, William Kentridge. This serendipitous approach to working can often lead you to an end point you would have never firstly considered. We each played a part in the creation of this piece therefore, it was unpredictable where other members of the group would put a dot.

 This is the result.

Through observing the results of other groups, we discovered how each group had completed the task differently.

 This shows that people create different outcomes to others when given a task. We all don't see everything the same. This links back to my summary after reading a chapter of Umberto Eco's book, the 'Open Works'. This is also demonstrated when presenting our own approach to design briefs as nobody's work is ever the same. Our interpretations and influences are different therefore, when completing a design brief, we will never conclude with a same end result.

Reference:  Maurer, L.. Paulus, E., Puckey, J., & Wouters, R. Conditional design workbook. Valiz. Amsterdam. Retrieved from https://workbook.conditionaldesign.org/

Leadbeater, C. (2007). The Beach Ethic. In D. Garcia, B. Ferran, C. Brickwood & T. Putnam, (Un) Common ground creative encounters across sectors and disciplines (1st ed.). Amsterdam: Book industry services.