27.DecathlonDesign2

The process of issue driven design was a very interesting experience. Our job for stage 2 of the design process required that I, and two other classmates, team up to polish one of our designs. We had to learn how to work with one another and instigate good patterns of production. The trials and tribulations we faced were few, but significant. Overall the journey of teamwork and coordination proved to be successful, at least from my point of view. I hope the same was felt by my other teammates.


In terms of communication, I believe that my partners, Tony Gaskell and Gregory Burgess, and I performed quite well. We managed to contact each other through the America Online Internet Messaging service to ask for tips and insight on features that should be included in the mockups. We also coordinated a bit during class. Tony provided the layout knowledge as his design was selected by Professor Johnson for us to work on. We summarily delegated tasks to each other. I performed the design for the Aquaponics and Lighting systems of the house. Here is a link to our project's website : http://code.google.com/p/solar-decathlon-teamhawaii-2/

The hardest part of this assignment was methodically writing down each issue as they came to mind. I noticed that during the time I was designing, I was in a sort of a creative flow. I did not want to break the flow to write down each issue I came across and implemented. I feel like the act of writing would take me out of my zone and it would often take a while to get back into the zone. Perhaps with more practice, I will be able to self document these ideas as they come, but I found it quite hindering at this point in time.



In the end, I believe the whole process of this exercise was very useful. Setting tasks for oneself and accomplishing them in a timely manner is very conducive to a professional persona. Hopefully with more practice I will be able to show that I have predictable production as it seems like this type of issue driven development incorporates this. It should be noted that I feel like there are a few more things I would like to add to my systems, and I don't feel like they are ready for presentation at this point in time. They soon, however, will be ready.