Juan Bakker Group - Confidential

Peer-graded Assignment: Reflection – Visualization    Challenge and selection.    One of the tools I have used in problem solving/idea generation is the tool of visualization or visual  thinking, to understand a research problem and areas to work on before attempting to come up with  different solutions to the problem. In order to design the solution, first we must build a good  understanding of the problem that we are trying to solve. Visualization tool helps to build connections  between different findings and understand the bigger picture. I have used the technique of using a  research wall to display all the relevant research outputs, in one place. The visual aspect of the wall  triggers idea generation and enables project members to better understand research insights.    Application    I start the process by creating a graphic of the problem domain. To develop the graphic, I will draw from  any existing material available to understand the environment. The existing material may be existing  research data, manufacturing methods, market data and/or customer feedback.     For the activity, I will divide the researchers into groups of 2-3 participants each specialized in a different  area of study, such as chemistry, engineering and biology. Each group receives a copy of the graphic of  the problem domain that they can write on directly. They will get following questions to answer,

1. What are the customer pains and weaknesses of the existing problem?  2. What are the improvements you would make to eliminate existing pains and weaknesses?

Each group gets 30 minutes to discuss and answer the questions on the graphic. Then each group gets to  display their answers on a white board which helps to identify the commonalities of different solutions.  The research wall created at the end of the session is used to identify the most suitable solution to the  problem presented.    Insight and approach     What I have learned from conduction this exercise is that while the graphics with their feedback is  important in understanding the problem they are working to solve, more importantly this activity helps  to share insights of individuals from different disciplines among their groups and encourage learning and  using a multidisciplinary approach to solve the problem at hand. The graphic/research wall initiates  discussion and encourages individuals of different disciplines to come up with a much more informed  solution. During the final group discussion, they can clearly compare the different solutions suggested by  different groups and pick the most suitable solution to the problem.    The most valuable aspect of this activity is the shared insights and learning.

