week 13, #ed113
I was chatting in my Instructional Design class last night with a classmate about how your brain consolidates in the background of your reality. In class, we talk a lot about how you can’t force process and evolution-growth happens with action (some see it as *destroying* then building up).
My #ed113 project has me thinking about how to foster neural underpinning and looking at manipulatives (sorta like “brain” toys, but not like a rubric’s cube or other crap you put on your desk-which has it’s moments-but that’s not quite it!) So, I was thinking about interviewing/exploring with my work team, trying to het a better handle on my big idea via initiating mini experiments/exercises at work.
I thought of the Exquisite Corpse from DADA and how it’s corralling the creativity of our subconscious via collective assembly. Just now, I tested out an idea on my work team of 4, each person very passionate about UX, creative, analytical, and collaborative. I asked them to do a quick Exquisite Corpse, and explained the process. I think my classmate said the phrase “Brain break,” which I like. (“Break” like a jaunt to Cabo, not break like a foot.)
The Exquisite Corpse rules if you need a refresher:
Accordion fold a piece of paper. One by one, each person gets to see only one fold, and each drawing a portion of a body per fold. No peaking! Then’s the reveal.
At first, it was pulling teeth from a trapped animal, but in the end, they all participated like champs! It’s amazing how it feels to have a system, i.e. feeling/behaving/believing that you are locked in-physically/mentally-to creating a power point presentation. Then, some disruptive jerk (me) says, “Everyone, stop what you’re doing! Try my game! Right now!” It’s really jarring for the system! It was a bit clunky to rouse their energy and cajole them to participate. I get that feeling, of being totally annoyed that your rhythm is debounced. You also have to share something with your coworkers, which in itself can be a thing.
Result
Call it disjointed and ugly, and everyone’s drawing skills are on display, so it’s emotional…Or is it lovely, nonsensical, hilarious, especially considering the context of our very impersonal cube farm?
It’s not meant to be really anything-loosely a human body. They took it hard-we have two noses, my pink nose above makes the second seem obscene at first glance.
I was attempting to borrow Michelle’s idea, to use a creative, collaborative exercise, not about our power points or insurance sales. Using a bit of your brain power that we never, ever access during the day. For me, it totally infuses some of the work day with silly. It’s a brain break; I’m revived and way better after.
I wonder what other Exquisite Corpse like (speedy, unrelated) activities there are, that work? (MASH anyone?)
XO,
H
Hannahloulou 