Week 3 Journey

[Figure 1: The Integrated Reflective Cycle (Bassot, 2013) ]

This week, I have decided to use a slightly easier model in steps than Gibbs' reflective model for my reflective process.

The Experience

This week, I continued researching successful precedents of green roof projects around Auckland to evaluate their survival and performance. I also surveyed classmates and peers living in and outside of the CBD for persona development. The survey included questions about general knowledge of wild bees' importance and green roofs, potential problems people might foresee with implementing green roofs, and suggestions for improvement. This foundation helped develop design concepts to support wild bee populations, an essential aspect of boosting biodiversity. I utilised the double diamond methodology and organised my work on Miro, collaborating with my peers to refine our ideas.

[Figure 2&3: Survey on Green Roofs, My Miro ]

Reflection on Action

What went well?

The survey process was highly insightful. Engaging with classmates and peers provided diverse perspectives that enriched the project such as also considering the people living around the CBD how they could be impacted from the Green roofs. The use of Miro facilitated effective organisation and visualisation of ideas, while the double diamond methodology ensured a structured approach to problem-solving.

What could be improved?

Balancing different perspectives during team discussions was challenging. Sometimes, reaching a consensus on key design elements took time. Additionally, managing the volume of survey feedback and integrating it into the design process required more time and effort than anticipated.

Thoughts, feelings, and assumptions:

I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety throughout the week. The excitement stemmed from the potential positive impact on urban biodiversity and the new ideas and perspectives that could help me improve my project, while the anxiety was due to the project's complexity. Initially, I assumed most people would understand the importance of wild bees and green roofs. Still, the survey revealed varying levels of knowledge, challenging my assumptions.

Why?

The challenges in balancing perspectives arose because team members had different focus areas and expertise. The diverse survey feedback indicated that people have various awareness and concerns about green roofs, necessitating a more comprehensive and inclusive approach.

Theory

This experience has significantly contributed to my professional and theoretical knowledge by highlighting the importance of community engagement and diverse perspectives in urban design projects, as supported by theoretical literature on collaborative design and urban ecology. This experience reinforced the value of iterative processes like the double-diamond methodology, allowing continuous feedback and refinement. I will prioritise effective communication and stakeholder engagement in future projects, ensuring that diverse perspectives are integrated. Utilising tools like Miro and methodologies like the double diamond will be crucial in organising and refining ideas. Overall, I have learned that successful design projects require a balance of structured methods, effective communication, and community involvement, enhancing the quality of the design and ensuring its relevance and acceptance by the community.

Preparation

1. Enhance Communication Strategies: Schedule regular team check-ins and establish clear communication channels especially people living in the CBD close to my selected location Queen Street to ensure everyone's perspectives are heard and integrated smoothly

2. Conduct Further Research: Research urban biodiversity to inform our design decisions with up-to-date knowledge.

3. Seek External Feedback: Engage with external experts early who have done green roofs projects in Auckland to validate my concepts and gain new insights.

4. Time Management: Allocate more time for integrating feedback into the develop phrase to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach.

Reflecting on this week's experiences, I am better prepared to navigate the complexities of collaborative design projects and contribute effectively to our green roofs initiative.

References:

DES301. (2024). miro.com. https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVKwhlN3g=/

The Integrated Reflective Cycle. (2023, August 8). The University of Edinburgh. https://www.ed.ac.uk/reflection/reflectors-toolkit/reflecting-on-experience/the-integrated-reflective-cycle