Well, these have been really busy/crazy months since November. Before that, everything was a bit slow, still shaken up, unsure. When Palomar5 started, I was invited to contribute as an external expert for prototyping. This gave me some new, exciting, and quicker challenges.
The very first day I met the P5 residents was nice, but it was only a start. That day was only about showing some work and an outlook on a possible prototyping workshop. The week after that, I came back for the “prototype everything” workshop. The residents had the choice between a couple of directions.
One of them was to make an object, an interface, or anything in cardboard, possibly in different versions, within a very short amount of time. The aim was to have let’s say 3-5 different versions of a chair/interface/camera in cardboard, all done in 3 hours. Once you’ve got this, you can compare, discuss it, detail them out, get some very quick feedback. Speed-prototyping, to help your ideas evolve in a quicker way. Here we had an iphone app interface, a couple of windmills and chairs, cinematic goggles, concepts for mobile working spaces…
The other direction was to give everyone the same kit (plastic cup, rubber band, screws, piece of paper, a cork, straws, piece of wood), and ask them to make one object using all the pieces given. The object had to be recognizable, and working if possible. This one was more challenging, because you have to play around before you can have a precise idea of what it is going to be. Some rocket-prototypes, rubber finger traps, straw lights, ..
The last direction was just free. Some ended up making a LED-light, some concepts for electronic devices, coat-hangers and umbrellas that tell you if the weather is good or not before you go out, material prototypes …
It was very exciting to see all these things created, made, or just discussed. At the end of the day, I met loads of interesting people, felt the amazing energy in the place and between the people.
–
After that, I came back a couple of times to listen to friends and interesting lectures that same week, like Jerszy Seymour’s. The reality-checks were really the highlight for the projects. The residents had to present themselves and their project in 6-7 minutes. The experts (me included) had to give a quick, honest, constructive feedback on the project, the presentation, the spirit behind it. The first reality check was a real slap in my face. I was just overwhelmed by the quality and energy. Well everything wasn’t perfect, but already good. The two other reality-checks were more fine-tuning, support, and focus-oriented. The best part in these days were the discussions afterwards,and even better on the following days. Informal moments and chats were the most constructive for concepts and ideas.
I also came to support and help during the prototyping days, mainly on the projects that involved objects, products, electronics, arduinos.. I also had email contact with some residents, as well as nice late sessions, laughs, discussions and fun. Really met loads of incredible people there. The Palomar5-core-team really rocked in organizing this whole thing. All in all it was a fantastic experience to do again and again. The network grew exponentially for all of us.
Finally there was the summit, the press, the presentations, the parties. Thank you all, #p5, the residents, the other experts, the supporters and visitors. It was just fantastic.
During that time, i kept working on new 3d printed rings, new packaging ideas, wrote around some exhibitions concepts for the next year, followed up some other freelance projects, and buffed up my material collection.
Now, i’m making plans for the next year, finishing all the unfinished and drawing. Because drawing just is the quickest way to lay down ideas right now. - pics coming soon.
