What goes into a space that promotes creativity and big ideas? Design thinkers are familiar with the impact a space can have on the dynamic of a team, ideas being generated, and the mood we feel.
“The spaces we occupy deeply influence our experiences, our feelings, and our behaviors. Our state of health, psychology, productivity, mood, and creativity spaces influence us on many levels and also influence our interactions with each other. The spaces in which we journey through Design Thinking and Ideation sessions must be set up in such a way that they facilitate the purpose behind each phase or step appropriately.” (Interaction Design Foundation)
The Ashesi D:Lab is about the community we work in – the students, faculty, staff, and partners – and so we wanted to include you! With the D:Lab moving to the brand new Fab Lab building, we have a fresh canvas to build our space.
Using the design thinking way, we put the people that we are designing for at the core of this projects and hosted a drop in engagement session in the new space. Being resourceful of the materials available, we recreated the floor plan on flip chart paper that was used to open possibilities of ideas and suggestions.
Some core needs of a design thinking space are to encourage creative thinking in an open concept that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration. We can create this space by having tables and boards that aren’t stationed, and free walls to pin up your bright ideas to share while also providing adamant space for prototyping. In this space, everyone can feel comfortable and equal to their peers which can encourage divergent thinking.
The beauty of the Fab Lab building is the spectacular view all around. With the blinds up, we are surrounded by the open fields and Accra from down the hill. The natural lighting all around can create a sense of calming to what can be a feeling of pressure that comes with design thinking.
There were intervals of different students and faculty interns that stopped by the session to give their input. There was one student in particular who’s excitement radiated. She was a freshman student and the last participant of the day. She came in a bit frazzled as the end of the session was approaching but came in with many ideas. She wanted art covering the walls, and the walls covered in a bright paint. There would be a workshed full of supplies for prototyping and pillows laid out on the floor for comfortable and cozy brainstorming. One corner would be designated as the “problem space” where you can get lost in. Overall, the general vision communicated was that there needed to be a variety of comfortable seating and tables for different working environments and every person that came by agreed that bean bags were a priority! We encouraged big dreams and one of the ideas was to include a chocolate fountain.
We hope that through the feedback of the people we work with and the background and expertise of co-founder Dr. Gordon Adomdza and myself as a design lab coordinator, we can lead the way in design thinking as it emerges in the African market. We are constantly inspired by those around us and what they do such as Dr. Rael Futerman and the d.school at the University of Cape Town. Throughout the next year, the new design lab will be transforming and we hope to see you around brainstorming innovative ideas and modelling new prototypes!