Transformative workshop
BACKGROUND:
Wicked problem/Root problem
Solving a problem at the root can be difficult when you have problems defining the root cause, or that the root cause is a complex systemic structure resting on old governance or systems, or natural causes that is very hard to change.
Wicked problems are not straightforward at all. They don't have clear goals or easy solutions, and they get even trickier because they're tied up with all sorts of real-world limitations. This makes it really hard to try and find an answer without taking big risks. A couple of good examples of wicked problems are: Climate change, ageing population, poverty etc.
Solving problems through the indirect lens of their shadow instances is a fascinating approach that offers new dimensions to the art of problem-solving. Instead of fixating on the problem itself, this method involves focusing on the subtle yet revealing shadows it casts in various aspects of its surroundings.
Imagine a puzzle with pieces missing. Traditional problem-solving would entail scrutinizing each piece to find the missing ones. However, the shadow method encourages us to observe the negative spaces, the empty spots where pieces should be. By studying these voids, we can deduce the shapes and sizes of the missing components, leading us closer to solving the puzzle.
Similarly, in real-world challenges, looking at the "shadows" involves observing the effects, consequences, and peripheral issues the problem generates. These secondary outcomes can provide crucial insights into the nature and dimensions of the core issue. By addressing these shadows—such as unintended consequences, side effects, or connected problems—we not only tackle immediate concerns but also gain a more comprehensive understanding of the root problem.
This approach requires a shift in perspective, nudging us to explore the problem's ecosystem rather than fixating on its surface. It's like understanding the health of a tree by observing the condition of its leaves and branches. The shadows cast by a problem offer hidden clues, guiding us to innovative solutions that address the problem holistically and prevent future issues from taking root. ( Text edited and generated from prompts by Marcus Bader using CHATGPT.)
So, how do we address these problems. Here are some examples:
Design Thinking:
Use a human-centered approach that emphasizes empathy and creativity to develop innovative solutions. It involves understanding users' needs, brainstorming ideas, and prototyping solutions.
One way is System Thinking:
Systems thinking is an approach to understanding and solving complex problems by viewing them as interconnected systems of components that influence each other. It emphasizes looking beyond individual parts to grasp the relationships, feedback loops, and dynamics that shape the behavior of the whole system. Systems thinking helps uncover hidden patterns, unintended consequences, and leverage points for creating effective solutions.
Creating a workshop that wants to explore and be transformative
Since we are in the context of music business/artist etc we have the target group or the group that is affected by the core problems i. e the musicians/managers/musi business stakeholders. So intuitively and perhaps inherently this group will, on a subconscious level, solve problems in an experimental exercise that rests upon music business related issues. Bu putting this group in a context where they for example cannot use their inherent expertice or are being limited to use other tools besides their inherent artist/music business tools they can unfold new perspectives on how the problem solve without using their regular skills. This limitation can enable the individual and group to:
By limitation, find new ways of solving problems
Discovering new perspectives
Discovering their core driving forces
Unfolding new ways of collaboration in a group
Identifying their own core strengths in a group
After workshop:
Sit quiet for a couple of minutes. Gather data by asking about the groups experience. Just listen do not ask follow up questions.
Take notes or record and transcript it later.
After a week:
Interviews with some of the participants and/or prepare an online reflective document
Analyse the collected data and prepare ideation session
Create an ideation session on creating ideas and concepts from key findings from the collected data
Applying these qualities and concepts on your wicked problem and see if it matches and correlates with an instance in the wicked problem
Create Lo-Fi prototypes from concepts
Test the prototypes in IRL
Package and communicate the prototypes
IDEATION METHODS
ON PAPER PROTOTYPES, LO-FI PROTOTYPES
