Method & Madness

If we accept that human communication is closely related to the uniquely human habit of and, perhaps, need for storytelling, it is particularly useful as a lens (and measuring stick) through which to consider many contexts and scenarios human beings encounter in day-to-day life interactions. Given that education and the practice of teaching is inherently reliant on transferring information from one party to another, it would also appear to be applicable to the profession as well.

The Valdosta School method v1 [alpha]

1. Framing: articulate the challenge and identify the driving question then draft a “big ideal” that defines how you plan to approach it (and inspires others to search for creative solutions).
2. Discovery: search (keywords + operators + iterations), collect (take photos, sketch, etc.), and document (create domain taxonomies, etc.).
3. Interpretation: contextualize, curate and map what you’ve learned, converting it into tangible form (shot selection, image systems, etc.).
4. Ideation: identify opportunities and generate ideas, pushing past obvious solutions to get to breakthrough ideas about what to create.
5. Experimentation: apply concepts, tools and techniques (assembly edits, etc)
6. Evolution: iterate, revise and refine

meta methodology. Assuming uncertainty, confusion, disillusionment is a built in facet of professional media practice, what can be done when it happens? To “get unstuck” consider asking questions, trying something (relevant), etc.— by engaging, NEVER going underground, flying under the radar, etc.

Research methodologies facilitate structured, rational thinking tailored for their intended context of application, but regardless of flavor all methodologies are predicated on active looking and listening to identify and analyze the relationships discovered. Those not looking for connections are certain not to find them. Distinct from looking for something already known or selecting pre-defined things from a field, a research mindset is sensitized to emerging patterns and relationships wherever and whenever they happen to occur.

Despite the fact that voyeurism, spying, and staring are generally considered bad things, introduce the lens between the looker and subject and it’s acceptable and often even preferred by both parties. Cameras essentially sanction looking, which is interesting. This is interesting in terms of its connection with media and also media research looking and digging for details.

Thinkering

Mapping out how to go about telling your story

Design Thinking. A newer permutation of this approach is described as: Empathise, Define (the problem), Ideate, Prototype, and Test. 

1. Discovery (gather inspiration): Inspire new thinking by discovering what people really need.
2. Interpretation : *contextualize discovered info perhaps?
3. Ideation (generate ideas): Push past obvious solutions to get to breakthrough ideas.
4. Experimentation (make ideas tangible): Test and learn in real contexts of use including building rough prototypes to learn how to make ideas better.
5. Evolution: Iterate and revise to improve solutions for the intended audience/users.