Benjamin, Robert, Jacques
You are all correct.
It is the system that does not allow a proper "critique" to develop,
therefore, especially with large student numbers, you have to focus on
developmental progress feedbacks, as much as possibile, instead of one
"crit" session after the fact.
The only "fair" way (not subjective, not objective) to "grade" (mark)
student progress is to calibrate their work using a systems approach,
which is why user-centred design works.
If a student project stands up to user scrutiny it passes 'the test',
and proof of user involvement (co-designing aspects, questionnaires,
interviews, focus groups, anything) becomes part of the progress
presentations before the final work is done.
The work marks itself as it were, because the work speaks to the
research process that was followed, successfully or not, as the case may
be.
And, John, our students seem to benefit quite a lot from organising
their own presentations - which means they "own" the process.
Johann
Johann van der Merwe
HOD: Research, History & Theory of Design
Faculty of Informatics and Design
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
South Africa
>>> Benjamin Pratt <[log in to unmask]> 09/11/09 8:51 PM >>>
First of all, let me say that I don't have a phd, and don't even teach
graduate students, so my viewpoint may be different, and I may have no
right to be here. I subscribed because I am on sabbatical, and have
more time for discourse. The ID forum list I subscribe to is almost
completely inactive. Please let me know if there are other active
lists where I should subscribe.
I teach all levels of industrial design, as well as entry-level art
and design courses for students in many disciplines (excluding
Architecture). In this context I see no reason for the displays of
egotism (on the part of the critics and students) that I've witnessed
and experienced in academic settings. I emphasize collaboration,
listening to the client, and for the final presentation, clear
communication. Also, as a minor departure, I can't stand the whole
idea of celebrity designers, and the goal of seeking fame as a
designer. There are designers that I respect and admire, but there are
also the Paris Hilton's of the profession, and the designers who love
them. I understand why this occurs in our culture, but, personally, it
is one of the most annoying things I have to deal with in this
profession. This is part of the reason I don't like to put up with
egotism.
Also, to further agree with Jacques, I prefer the word "review", or
"presentation," although I do use the term "Critique" on occasion.
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