Centre for Creativity
Type: Group Project
Timeframe: Spring 2021
Description: The Centre for Creativity was a project completed as part of the Design Thinking coursework at the University of Georgia. With a group of three, we sought to answer the question: “How do we increase creative confidence among UGA students?” Our proposed solution is the Centre for Creativity - a new building to be constructed at the center of UGA’s popular Lake Herrick area.
The Process
As a group and on an individual basis, we interviewed fourteen students and faculty across a variety of disciplines. We also conducted secondary research to explore the psychology of creative confidence. These research methods allowed us to create user profiles. We then constructed individual components of a creative journey to inform our design process.
The Results
Through interviews, we found that students do not feel creatively challenged in the traditional classroom setting. Key insights from our conversations were:
Students struggle to see the value in passion projects if those projects don’t land them a job.
Instructors and employers want to see the application of skills outside of school work.
Students often won’t attempt a new skill if it’s not part of their school’s identity.
Evaluations are dependent on strict guidelines and rubrics.
We had to create user stories based on our interviews to create a product. We made two profiles, the active thinker and the contemplative thinker. The active thinker is a student who thrives in doing, whether the actual project or through movement to seek inspiration. The contemplative thinker is a student who enjoys sitting and reflecting. Both of these profiles benefit from being near nature - a natural, serene escape.
Proposed Solution
The Centre for Creativity is a multi-phased project that seeks to capitalize on one of UGA’s most unique features, a lake and trail system. The Centre would feature high-end productivity and creativity resources available to all students. More importantly, the building would have multiple rooms and studios where students can practice their skills and produce completed projects without the burden of renting space.