Perpetual Metamorphosis
Posted on April 7, 2011 | posted by:
I began my investigation with a question that asked: how might designers learn from fine artist’s methodologies in relation to representing complexity? I wanted to investigate this topic through researching precedents. I created a visual audit as a way to understand representation techniques linked to words and ideas in regards to complexity. I chose three artists to investigate: Matthew Ritchie, Mark Lombardy and Julie Merehtu.
I initially attempted to organize the ideas through a mind map targeting common words associated with these artists’ work. I then organized these words into categories and arranged them along a spectrum, a panorama, with terms that could have possible relationships to one another. During this process, I noted any patterns and redundanices and captured any new relationships and questions arising from the process of visualizing the words all at once.
Reflecting on this way of working, I am left with a sense of both the strengths and weaknesses of mind maps, or whatever this map eventually became. Through this method I was able to accumulate an infinite amount of choices and ideas. I could intuitively direct the process and opportunistically include quite odd associations. This became a divergent practice of exploration. I also imagined someone practicing this technique must also be aware that the divergence can beget divergence. A participant must have the constraints in place to end the openess of this method (close the flu, a la a fireplace) and shift the focus back to a tangible answer to the initial question. I see that this excersize as a benefit to myself and others who might find themselves rushing to decisions too early on. It can allow for time to uncover unusual relationships.
In the following stage of mapping and question generating, I settled on a new question. The new question is perhaps influenced by the unlikely coupling of terms I found in the first round of investigation. I want to consider the intersection and combination of various characteristics in regards to narrative, game mechanics and theater design. I want to understand their relationship to one another and illustration. The new question has revealed itself as thus: how might one combine different narrative techiniques: game mechanics (creating meaning?), theater design (supporting performance?) and illustration (panoamic views?) to propel inquiry forward?