WHERE I STAND
11/4/2014
After the completion of my sketches I feel pretty confident that I have a solid Idea to work with and to elaborate on. My concern with my other ideas was that I wasn’t sure if i could actually develop a story or feasible problem behind them. Then I realized with the one I presented in class the Kickstarter publication and campaign, I actually had one with some “meat” in it. What I mean by this is even though I have a pretty good grasp at what I think I am going to do, there is opportunity to go into a completely different direction if needed. I can develop a pretty decent design problem and dive into the research to back it up.
One of my concerns, is that when I present my idea to other faculty members, they seem to say that someone has already done something similar and that it is doable. What bothers me the most is that I don’t want to be recognized as following in someone else’s footsteps but rather, I’d like to present and unveil new ideas. With further research into projects that have similar subjects and deliverables, I will develop and shape my project into something that is unique and innovative, figuring out what steps they took and utilizing them in a greater way to present my final idea.
One of the perks to this, is that I already have a starting point. I can look into things that people have done previously and figure out how to improve my own execution. Because my general idea is already different from what has been done, I can piece their projects into mine and use it to solidify my points and ideas.
Another positive thing to note is that I have some potential mentors already that are willing to lend their expertise and guidance. Some have pitched ideas for actual Kickstarter campaigns and others have actual references and contacts needing funds raised for projects.
I know that the research in my project is and will be crucial so If this project is definitive, I will have to start soon, as I will need to prepare an actual campaign in order to have a valid and complete thesis.
WHITE PAPER O1
Thesis has been on my mind for a while now, not that I have an idea or anything. The very thought of thesis makes me nervous because I am not completely sure about a topic yet. I have considered a few things but have not thoroughly thought anything through.
My first idea derives from my recent travels to Central America, specifically, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. I went to these two countries to participate in humanitarian relief efforts and missionary type work. I also got the opportunity to take photos and create video content for the organization. As I was on these trips, touring the slums, the amount of poverty, sickness, and homelessness was overwhelming. What really made an impact on me was the amount of children living under the same conditions. Being a father of two, I felt really compelled to want to do something about it. The statistics for orphans in this region are over the top.
I know that there are programs out there to help and contribute to these types of things but I also wondered if they really make a difference. I am not sure exactly what I can do to help or how I can be apart of a movement that makes real change but the idea rests around this subject.
Some thoughts that I had involved creating or rebranding an existing support system. A lot of programs out there suffer in the ways they approach the problem. Design has a lot to do with it. How exactly do you ask people for money, when money is such a sensitive subject? How do you keep story involved, to help resonate with the audience. Is this a call to action type piece or not? I am not sure but the subject itself interests me.
I have also thought about creating a buzz or awareness campaign. The thought is similar to larger projects such as KONY 2012 campaign or even something as recent as the ALS challenge. Creating that sort of movement that goes viral could be successful as well.
Another thought involved the invention of a brand that would generate revenue in which profits would go into funding or generating an account for the creating or planting of an orphanage. I know this is a long shot but could be interesting.
Aside from this topic, other things that I have considered are a title sequence of some sort or app development. The problem with this is I have no context in which to apply them to yet.