Jessica Wilson, DAAP '10
Industrial Design
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I first joined the Live Well Collaborative in the spring of 2009 as a Co-op. I was presented with the unique opportunity to collaborate with clients, students, faculty, and consumers to develop products for the 50+ baby boomer market. I enjoyed my first experience so much that I took a second studio in the summer as an independent study and returned for a second Co-op term in the fall of 2009.
Working in collaborative teams, I was able to share my unique skills with others and learn from students in Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Digital Design, and Business. Each was able to contribute their own talents to make the research and concepts richer. Studios included extensive primary and secondary research, ideation, concept development, prototyping, and presentations. My favorite part was talking with consumers during in-home and in-store interviews. I gained deeper insights because the conversations were more personal. These insights improved and supported the concepts.
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| Collaboration at the Live Well means everyone is responsible to the other collaborators and for the work. Because everyone had a hand in building the pieces, the final products reflect on everyone in the group. The end result is better because individuals challenge each other to take responsibility and contribute their best. This could be offering ideas to improve someone else’s concept, becoming a team leader, or helping others build their final models at 2:00 AM. Because you are working with others who have busy schedules, collaboration also means coming in on your nights, days off, and weekends to prepare for presentations at times when everyone is available. Being with each other so much you learn to respect their different perspectives, bond with them through shared experiences, and develop a deep passion for completing a common goal. |
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