FINAL POST (Creative Thinking Reflection)

Everything comes to an end, just like this Creative Thinking class. There's a lot that I've learnt and they consists of strategies, techniques and many more. Let's go all the way back to the first lesson, breaking the rule. I've learnt that we can do things far from normal, we can do things different from the way it is. Someday in the future, when creating something, I will surely apply this. Before this, I've never thought that we can actually create something if we do things different from the way it is. Now we move on to brainstorming. I realise that no matter how comfortable I am doing things by myself, there will always be times where I'll need to work in groups. In groups, I will work with people from different cultures and background and how I speak my mind to them that matters. Next, is thinking outside the box or lateral thinking. Through this process, I actually find this interesting as the technique enable me to solve problems in a creative approach and not the step by step or obvious way. In this way, I can easily think of ways to solve a problem. Then comes analogical thinking. I learnt how to use similes, metaphors and analogies when describing something like my work. This can be a crucial part in my future especially as a graphic designer when I present my work to clients. There are many ways that you can describe something and one of them is fantasy analogy, which I find it really interesting as it lets you loosen up your mind. Last one is force connection. It is one of techniques that I find really useful and effective as it helps you a lot in your future when creating a product. Force connection makes you think differently like getting original ideas from both things that are not related at all to each other. This is one of the technique that I will surely use because if you are creating something new, it must be different, unique yet give a good message. To end off, Creative Thinking class has changed me to become a better person. Someone much braver to say out my thoughts, someone who thinks far from normal and someone who gets creative ideas through techniques. I will surely miss the fun classes and of course, writing blogs, which makes me feel good every time I post something. This is it, the end.

"Ends are not bad things, they just mean that something else is about to begin." - C.Joybell

PICTURE OF THE WEEK (11)

 juxtaposition

This picture is taken recently and when I was doing my 3D Fundamentals final assignment.  The topic is on juxtaposition and the first thing that comes to my mind is how to make things far from normal. My aim was to create something unusual, something mind blowing yet simple to understand. I though of how humans are huge compared to insects. What if I turn that fact around? I selected an insect, a cockroach. A cockroach often relates to rubbish bin and litters and I want to show a message here. Human nowadays tend to litter or just junk everything. Through past experience, I noticed how my neighbours threw their rubbish and some of them tried to force them in only to see it scattered all around the bin. Of course they can't be bothered and left. Now comes all the cockroach one by one. Here I thought, how else can one be reminded? What if they take some unusual advice? My work here shows it all as I compared the small size of the human to the large size of cockroach. I showed that the cockroach is dominating the world and this only comes from human's irresponsible actions. To end off, my work titled "Take Over" is inspired by past experiences and wild imagination and I hope that it gives a strong and clear message.

PICTURE OF THE WEEK (10)

change

This picture is taken recently during Drawing Fundamentals class. We did figure drawing and it was really interesting. During my secondary school art days, we learny figure drawing but somehow I found it hard to understand. Here in Drawing Fundamentals class, it's actually easier to understand and aware of the different parts. There are parts where we need to be aware of first before anything like the spine. I used to do human figures during secondary school but the confidence was not there compare to now. Actually, Drawing Fundamentals class helped me to be more free and easy in my drawings. To end off, I think I gained confidence in doing my art now then I was in secondary school, which is a good thing.

Force Connection 2 (New Kitchen Appliance)

fridge monitor

My product is the fridge monitor. Often when we're outside and at the supermarket, we always wonder if we still have the product at home. This always happen to my parents. For example buying eggs, they can't remember whether we still have eggs in the fridge. Well now they do not need to worry as the fridge monitor keeps track of what goes in and out of the fridge. Only thing is that you need to key in what enters and the quantity in the special pad outside the fridge. How do we use it even when we're outside? The pad actually has wireless connection to phones and you can connect it even when you're outside. One does not need to worry about overspending anymore!

Force Connection 2 (Class)

In this week's Creative Thinking class,  we were showed videos of an American tv show called Shark Tank. Shark Tank is a show where contestants present their business or new products to a panel of investors. If they are able to persuade the investors, a deal will be made between the both of them. This shows how important good representation of your work is. Not only that, I truly believe that even first impression matters. We were then told to create a product, either toy or kitchen appliances and that they must not exist yet. My group brainstormed and just said out all the crazy things that we could think of and eventually, came out with a new toy. "What's Inside Bag" is a toy that has a shape of a snake or a dragon and the fun thing is that when you flip it, you don't know what animal you can get on the other side! It's made out of cotton and is friendly to be used from children aged 2 and above. Not only that the child won't get bored of only one animal, this 'What's Inside Bag" can also storage all the small toys that the kids have. Say no more to parents stepping on them whenever they are cleaning the room! To sum up, I think that it is actually fun to think of something new, something out of the ordinary. It actually helps my mind to think deeper and good thing is that I have my group to help me develop my ideas. 

here is our new toy, "What's Inside Bag"

Shawn Achor TED Talk: The happy secret to better work

In this video, Shawn Achor explained how we can change the current formula of attaining happiness and also how one can become happier and successful. Here are some of the key points from the video. 

Amy unicorn 

• Shawn's younger sister fell from the top of the bed and crashed to the floor with all four legs and hands instead of letting her sister cry and wake up their parents, shawn manipulated and told her sister how she's like a unicorn
•  her sister's thought immediately changed 

Current formula 

• students has this mindset of "if work harder, i'll be more successful and when i'm more successful, i'll be happier" 
• they tend to set their mind of what happiness is and they increase it's standard of attaining it
• for example if they get good grades, the next time they need to get better grades this mindset or formula does not really helps in attaining happiness 

New formula

• Shawn stated that if one can influence and raise the positivity of someone, then that someone will get a happier advantage 
• the brain performs better with positivity rather than under negativity or stress with positivity, the brain is much more productive where your intelligence and creativity increases 

To sum up, Shawn really did the opposite thing. He countered the current formula and created his own based on statistics. Personally, I found and agree on one of his statement of that the brain tends to be less productive when under negativity or stress because I encountered it before. His new formulas are what people to observe and try it out.

PICTURE OF THE WEEK (9)

interests

This is a picture taken recently when I went cycling with my relatives at Punggol Waterway. I just love outdoor activities as I'm an active kind of person. Swimming, cycling or sports in general are stuffs that I rather do than going to a cinema and catch some stupid horror movies. Without fail I'll record moments of these with either my phone or my GoPro and this, I'll get the best of both worlds as I get to do outdoor activity and videography, which is one of my favourite things to do, at the same time. Maybe I was raised by my parents that way, who love to spend time at the beach almost every weekend. We get to spend time with each other as a family at the same time and I think that is really important. To end this, words can't describe how much I love the outdoors and things I can adventure and do.

Object with good representation

cookie mug

Who would ever thought of having a slot in a mug for cookies? Well this designer clearly went through certain process in creating this brilliant product. The process could be Force Connection where two unrelated things combine together to create something fresh and new. In this case, mug and the cookies are two separate and unrelated items and they are being combined to create something new. This product is also user friendly as consumers now can get their cookies under their mug instead of taking it one by one from the package. However one must drink the opposite way of the cookies and there's a slight disadvantage in this as there's a need to readjust. Nevertheless, this product is awesome as two unexpected things can combine together and come out with an awesome outcome.

Force Connection

In this week's Creative Thinking class, we learnt about Force Connection. Force Connection is a process where we combine two unrelated things to create something new and fresh. For example hanger and a teabag. Both of them are two very unrelated things but what if we combine them together. We get a mini hanger tea bag that prevents your teabag from falling in your hot drinks! Original ideas comes from related and non related items combine together and this is what we get, something out of the box. In my opinion, I really think that this process can be very useful for me in the future. When thinking of a new design, this process can helps me in my design process and thoughts. I can get two different items that are unrelated and combine them. Who knows I can create something phenomenal that can be useful for people to use. To sum up, this process helps me to open up my mind and think of things that are unexpected, unusual and unbelievable.

an example of a product that the designer came out with the process of Force Connection

PICTURE OF THE WEEK (8)

short getaway

This is a picture taken recently during my short vacation to Malacca. My father thought the family needs some relax time and we decided to go here. The journey to Malacca was longer than I expected it to be. We actually left Singapore around 5(after the voting) and reached the hotel at 11. The hotel is beautiful except that you can see others bathing because of the glass doors that they have(hahahah). Malacca is always a nice place to go because of it's Asam Pedas which is so good and the famous Coconut Shake which I've been craving for before the trip. To sum up, it was a great vacation as we got to spend time with each other (well actually our family always do so). Actually, it was great because the currency was good.

Analogical Thinking 2 (POV)

Tension. The first thing that came across my mind when I heard the word tension was pressure. When there is tension, there is pressure. They come in many kind of forms and some of them are problems that many countries are facing in the world. For example the article then the class went through. It is when a particular designer critics and compares his country, Hong Kong, towards China. This little statement can actually creat tension and this may lead to further consequences for the designer. Personally, I think we can find problems almost everywhere and without a doubt some are hard to solve them. However, it is how you counter it that matters because it may be the simpliest of things that a human can do that could actually solve the problem. To sum up, I think tensions and pressures can be countered if we analyse the problem and get ways to solve it.

Analogical Thinking 2 (Class)

our group discussion on the article

In this week's Creative Thinking class, we were once again discussing on Analogical Thinking. However this time the main topic is on tension. In our groups, we were tasked to discuss on an article which was about this graphic designer's illustrations that portray and tells about the Chinese and Hong Kongers. He totally sided his country, Hong Kong and was critical on China and it's people. Some of them were really offensive such as portraying a shattered heart describing how Chinese can't take in criticisms. The designer's work made us think as a group on how does the designer benefit from the illustrations and was he being too offensive. As a group, we finally agreed that the designer stereotyped the Chinese thoroughly.

Analogical Thinking Video Review

This video basically tells about the benefits of Analogical Thinking. The first benefit is that it allows us to open up, connect and share ideas with people. The process is also a great way to learn difficult concept much more effectively. Analogical Thinking is also a skill that can be better when you practice it. It organise, integrates information and at the same time, enhances creative output. I personally feel that this process can help me in my design and thinking process. If I were to come out with a design, I would need to open up my mind and collect information before getting the outcome. This process truly can help any designer to think more creatively and expand ideas to create something out of the box.

FACES AROUND US (HOME)

HOME  

confused

frightened

surprised

shocked

                   

  overwhelmed 

hopeful

using fantasy analogy, the process frees my imagination as I observed things around me that looks like a shape of a face

FACES AROUND US (PUBLIC)

PUBLIC

evil

shock

surprised

ecstatic

suspicious

depressed

hysterical

using fantasy analogy, the process frees my imagination as I observed things around me that looks like a shape of a face

Battle Royale Movie Review

Battle Royale

Battle Royale was one of the most "bloody" violent yet exciting movie that I've ever watched. There were scenes that were really gore for example the flying head that has grenade in its mouth. The flying was literally like it was flying its way into the room. Then there we shooting scenes and the victims' blood were overflowing like a tap water. If it were to be our class, I think I'll have a chance to be the only survivor. The weapon of my choice would definitely be a tracking device simply because I can know who is around or near me so that I can standby incase of any attacks. However I think I could really need to find a way to kill someone which is a hard thing to do. I guess I'll change my mind of saying that I'll survive in that island? I SURELY WILL DIE WITHOUT A DOUBT WITH CRUEL AND VIOLENT FRIENDS LIKE THAT. Maybe Seul Ong will survive because he really think through something before he attempt on it(hahahah). To sum up, the movie was really good and it's my first time watching those kind of movies because honestly, i don't really watch movies. It needs to be comedy type of movie for me to watch it but after watching Battle Royale, I really think I need to explore different type of genres of movies!

Analogical Thinking

In this week's Creative Thinking class, we were once again introduced to something new called Analogical thinking. Anological thinking consists of similies, metaphors and anologies. It is actually looking at things and describing it in your own manner. For example by using similies, we can create sentences such as "as smooth as silk". This can help me in the future where I can explain to others about my work/product. I can use similies to describe them in detail and at the same time the listeners would actually feel much more attracted to my work. One of the class activities was to search products that was inspired by nature or things around us. This is called Direct Anology and one of the interesting inventions that we searched was bullet trains that were inspired by hummingbirds and kingfisher. I find it amazing that inventions are mostly inspired by nature and sometimes just the little things that we might not really bother to notice. I really feel that by using similes, metaphors or anologies, we can improve ourselves especially when describing something. To sum up, Anological thinking not only helps me to describe objects in detail but actually can help us to further improve on our thinking process as we go on to create something.

PICTURE OF THE WEEK (7)

if you never try, you'll never know

This picture was taken recently when I went to my last workshop, which was Ceramic workshop. Ceramic is something I've never put any interest in and I don't even know why I booked it in the first place. Probably cause I have no other choice. Anyways, it was super fun as it was my first time doing ceramic and with all the clay. I actually learnt alot from the workshop like the different process and how long it takes to complete one product. To me, this is why we need to explore and try new things in life. We may think that it bores us but you can't say that without trying it first. I hope this will not be my first and last time doing ceramic because I really would like to know more in depth. 

Edward De Bono Lateral Thinking Review

Dr. Edward De Bono explains how creativity is a skill where everyone can learn. This is where lateral thinking comes to place when the brain works systematically in the creative thinking process. Some traditional step by step methods may not work and this is where we need to think outside the box. There is a need to go beyond the problem to get new ideas and concepts to solve a problem. He explained further that it is not matter of sitting around waiting for a new idea because you can actually take a step by step method. He compared lateral thinking to traditional brainstorming and how traditional brainstorming is a weak process. To sum up, lateral thinking is where you can generate new and better ideas which can be a skill that we can learn and re-learn.

If I am not in NAFA, I would....

1. Enter a design course in ITE

2. Take private O'Levels

3. Work part time in Nike

4. Enter Lasalle (hahaha)                                          

5. Laze at home

6. Help out with my secondary school events

7. Enter NATIONAL SERVICE

8. Migrate to Bangkok and sell Malay food there

9. Join my favourite band on their world tour

10. Join World Wrestling Entertainment 

Lateral Thinking

In this week's Creativing Thinking class, we were introduced to something new which is Lateral Thinking. Lateral thinking is thinking outside of the box. It consists of two factors which is solving problems through creative approach and the other is traditional step by step. We were given a few questions that made us think through. These questions consist of problems and we need to come out with either obvious methods or craziest ones. To me, I find it great that we now know more about Lateral Thinking as we can use it in the future especially for me. With lateral thinking process, it actually help me out in my process of designing something. I can use traditional step by step or obvious methods and I can also use something crazy and out of the box to help me solve a problem.

PICTURE OF THE WEEK (6)

contribution

This picture was taken recently when I sold tote bags in my secondary school for its Arts Week. We had 50 bags and they were specially designed by a few of my friends. The sales was pretty good as we only left with 3 bags. I feel proud of my team with all our efforts put in to this despite our busy schedule. All of our funds will go to the school's Financial Assistance funds. I feel like I want to contribute more to my secondary school and at the same time having fun especially when it involves Art. I hope our team can get a chance like this once again. Maybe more bags or more varities of items to sell? We'll never know.

Ted Talk Review: Seth Godin & Amy Tan

Amy Tan: Where does creativity hide?

Seth Godin: How to get your ideas to spread

Both of the talks by Seth Godin & Amy Tan has different contents and purposes to it. Seth Godin's talk was about creating something remarkable to sell in the market while Amy Tan's talk was more to how she got her ideas from through her life experiences, childhood, family and science. Both of them has their own focus of a particular subject and as for Seth Godin, he talked on how one can sell their products well in the market and that is being different. People have little time to care for advertising and the only way for you to be able to sell your products is by being remarkable and unique. Meanwhile for Amy Tan, nature, nurture and nightmares inspire her and is where she gets creativity from. Comparing to these two videos, Seth Godin and Amy Tan has their own way of doing things. Seth Godin has more of a method mindset where he thinks of a specific way that prevents him from traditional ideas of marketing. Amy Tan however loves to be uncertain as to her, that is when she gets ideas and discover new things. I personally feel that I can imply both of their methods in the future. It is just that I need to know the right timing to use them. At some time, I can be aware of others selling their products so that I can improve and strategise myself while at some other times, I can let loose my mind and go through adventures and explore myself.

Singapore Night Festival 2015

my own mindmap of Singapore Night  Festival 2015 & 
the places I went to at different timings

In terms of design aesthetics, I think that the booklets that were given out was well designed. Eventhough it is simple, it still lightens up the mood for the festival with the whole booklet in blue and black representing night time. I love how every performance/events are stated in the booklet. There are also different venues for different performances so they are being categorized in different zones which I think is useful for the audience. To sum up, the booklet itself is complete with performance's details, timings, venues and ways to get there.

PICTURE OF THE WEEK (5)

do it for the love

This picture is a mini gallery in a library at Coral Secondary School. The gallery was set up by me and my other friends. Ever since after O levels, our art teacher wanted us to create something different in the school. We thought that we can help out in the school's arts week. We came up with different plans and it all came down to having a mini gallery, art therapy workshop by Red Pencil, booths selling tote bags that are designed by some of us with linography and lastly, a photography competition on Instagram. The competition was kind of my idea as I thought that students are actively using social medias so why not get the hype of arts week through social media. All of the things that we did for arts week were plainly for the love of art. We know that most of the students in our school do not really appreciate art and we want to change that a little at least with arts week. The actual dates are next week and I'm pretty excited to see how students would react. Whatever the outcome is, I really think that our team had made lots of efforts especially my friends who are mostly studying in polytechnic. With their busy schedule, they actually took time off just for group discussions and setting up. I hope all of our efforts will be worth it and I would be more than happy if Coralites feel the love for art as much as how we feel.

Mindmapping & Critique

Mind mapping to me is a process whereby we expand ideas in a visual manner. We can expand the ideas by having main points that later branched out to key little points. Mind map makes me explore my mind as I get to list down my ideas or key details that I want to remember. It also gives a certain focus to where you would want to emphasise at. There are many forms of mind mapping and personally, I like it to be more visual. Less words and more pictures/illustrations is good to me.

in class when we were told to draw a mind map about ourself

In class, we got to visit other group member's blog and see their works throughout these 4 weeks. We were told to list 5 things that they did well in and 5 things that they need to improve. Honestly, I do not like to criticise other's work as I believe that he/she had done or put in effort in producing the work. However, I thought to myself that if there's no one to voice out a particular thing, how are things going to move forward. For example, if there is no leader in Singapore, how will the country do economically, socially and other aspects. Surely there must be one who voices out. This is the same thing as our blog. If we keep ourselves in our comfort zone, there will be no progress. Good progress is what we want in life and one of the ways is to be critiqued. When we are being critiqued, it is actually a way to improve ourselves as we know our weakness and won't repeat it again. To sum up, yes being critiqued can bring your confidence down but it will eventually pay off as we improve ourselves better than last time.

Perspective

This week we were instructed to lie down on the floor infront of Lim Hak Tai Gallery. Yes, my first thought was why am I supposed to do this because firstly, the floor is quite dirty and secondly, other students would be watching us and of course, laugh at us. However, it was all different from what I expected it to be. Lying down on the floor was actually comfortable and I did not feel embarrassed at all when other students walked past us. I looked up seeing the building's roof. I asked myself, "when can I ever get this view again". Surely I will not lie down again to get that view. We were then told to lie down sideways. Now this got me feeling weird. My view, was not what it was supposed to be. Everything was the opposite. Buildings were horizontal and tables were vertical. I imagined myself as an ant on the floor and how big everything is and how small I could be. Here I realised that different things will be seen differently and there will be an effect. This can be related to our role as a designer as what we do will more or less affect others. If we planned on something, we do have to think about others and how it can affect them, that to me is the main role of becoming a designer. Being able to notice the surroundings and care about others perspectives will build me to become a great designer.

this is what I wrote while lying on the floor