Going Solo
By megan dealOctober 31st, 2007
By: Megan Deal
I live alone. I grocery shop by myself. I prefer to drive without any passengers, and normally, I do. I have, on occasion, dined companionless, and despite constant warning from both of my parents, I sometimes go on an unaccompanied bike ride, (Though never past dark, and always with a keen eye for suspicious looking vans).
My self-imposed aloneness, has come with a lot of unexpected baggage. When my toilet won’t flush, I’m left unassisted. When I’m stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire, it’s me, myself, and I, (and that weird “x” shaped tire jack thing). Likewise, when my sink is overflowing with dirty dishes I have no one to yell at except for myself. Yes, being solo most of the time is not always easy; but for now, I prefer it.
In design, I am also partial to singleness. I often feel that my best ideas manifest when I’m by myself, in the solitude of my own space. Working alone means that I can set my own schedule, be in complete control along every step of the process, and be held accountable for all outcomes; even the bad ones. Sure, I like to collaborate informally, turning to trustworthy friends for advice or assistance when necessary. But for the most part, I find involuntary or forced collaboration a painful ordeal.
Of course, one cannot hide from group projects forever. In class, we are frequently asked to work in teams, sometimes during certain portions of the design process, or on numerous occasions for the entire duration of the project. Working in partnership, whether with one other person or with an entire group, introduces a whole new level of complexity to any project. Yes, two minds are often better then one, (though I prefer to say “different” then “better”), and usually more can be accomplished when multiple hands are working in succession. But what about the adversity brought forth by collaboration? The uneven distribution of tasks. The myriad of individual ideas. The competing voices. These are some of the less talked about factors of group projects; the ones that live beneath the surface, overshadowed by the wonderment collaboration usually denotes. These are the painful components of group work that go unnoticed until one actually experiences them firsthand.
In the workplace, it would seem that everyone has a well-defined role, based upon their individual strengths, and their obtainment of a particular skill set. Whether or not everyone puts forth the same effort is another story, but these defined roles issue certain responsibilities to certain individuals. Each person is granted ownership over a particular task, an engagement they must complete if the project is to succeed. This is how work gets done.
However, as students, we are all equals. If our projects are left incomplete, we don’t get fired, and we don’t get demoted. Irresponsibility for students effects no one except the student themselves. Yet with group projects, the dynamic is suddenly different. Failure to complete certain tasks effects others on the team. Being negligent or undependable, causes strife amongst the group members. Often times, I feel like collaborative projects are equivalent in nature to multiple headless chickens running in circles around a barnyard. Lucky for the chickens, they’re not under an intense timeline.
At the student level, it’s not enough to force group situations upon us; we must also be taught how to EFFECTIVELY work collaboratively so as to maintain productivity. If students are to ever learn how to trust the collaborative process, it will take more then just experience. We must learn how to assign roles, divide work, and obtain levels of ownership over certain tasks. Then perhaps all of us control freaks will be able to loosen our grips on solitude and uphold confidence within collaboration.
I share a lot of the same feelings as you for group projects. The feeling of being dependent upon others gives you a sense of hopeless/helplessness. Because of knowing how I feel, I almost feel that I do even better, or put myself out there even more in group projects. I refuse the be the weak link of any group, but yet I have no problem disappointing myself when its just me concerned. It seems kind of backwards but honestly and perhaps shamefully, thats how I seem to work.
here is another way to look at the collaboration juggernaut you speak of. when i assign group projects and students are able to pick their own teams, naturally, the team performs well together. they know each other and understand each others weaknesses, strengths and design tendencies. the alpha dog personality arises from within to lead, not necessarily out of the desire to control, but the group recognizes that the person is probably more articulate, organized or simply has more design talent. this is a model of your workplace theory where “everyone has a well-defined role….” the similarity is whether you are at a workplace with colleagues or in the classroom with friends, proximity and relationships help promote a healthy collaborative environment.
before i continue, let me get back to the classroom. so what happens when i pick teams that aren’t comprised of friends or past collaborators? the teams usually struggle with a level of uncertainty and inability to feed off of each other’s talents. struggles emerge because teams have the tendency to work together but not communicate. before the project begins, students usually exchange aim, email or cell numbers, but 9 times out of 10, the students immediately disperse and continue the conversation when the deadlines are looming and the team is in remote locations. this will inevitably lead to problems because without an established comfort or a level of familiarity, it becomes extremely difficult to be an efficient team that can achieve effective results.
schedules are tight, deadlines in other classes loom, and the boss at work wants you to be, well, at work. just like your project research, i propose that students actually build time into the process to investigate who their teammates are and to understand their backgrounds. call it research. just like an assignment, get to know for example: who it is you are working with, learn about their previous experiences, interests in design, favorite bands, and where they live. when the project begins get your team together and grab a cup of coffee or go out for a beer. spending time with your teammates might seem like a sacrifice at first, but it will pay dividends in the end when you are able to effectively communicate and develop a great project because you were willing invest a little of yourself.
I would agree with chad on this one. Knowing who you’re working with is perhaps more important than what you’re actually working on.
I wish they were all group projects. I’m not even somebody with those slick People Skills, but I feel so much better with 2 or 3 other people to get dirty with. It almost seems like I’m more inclined to spit out weird ideas to a group, than I am to accept and run with weird ideas by myself. I do much more censoring when I’m alone. Weird.
group work. I think it is essential to design. it is nice to throw out an idea and have people look at you like what the hell are you talking about. then giving you a chance to explain and make sense of it all. working in groups also gives people a chance to make bigger ideas happen. “investing a little of yourself” don’t be so selfish with your self and ideas. they come to life when other people can relate. which makes the end solution much more gratifying.
Rach and The Quatz: you both touch on an interesting point. I think we’ve all experienced that dreadful moment when we attempt to explain our ideas during crit, only to find that the seemingly genius thoughts in our heads, make absolutely no sense to anyone else. This 1) Makes us reevaluate our ideas or 2) re-articulate the idea so others comprehend. Certainly, working within a group allows us to “test” these ideas first, while also creating an opportunity for others to contribute their own perspective and bring new insight. When speaking of the generation and/or scrutinization of ideas, and then, of course the fabrication of such ideas, I think teamwork is the key to innovative outcomes.
I suppose my struggle then, comes from the uncreative portion of group work. The practical side. Trusting that everyone will do their part, and depending on individual follow-through when it’s needed most. I should join a soccer team. Maybe that would help.
tusting that people will do their part. yes an issue but it becomes interesting when you are faced with this problem and have to bounce back from it…using your quick thinking skills/problem solving which all apart of design and i think now more then ever rising more in graphic design. We are problem solvers, thinkers..and so on.
Possibly, the reason that so many of us students are uncomfortable working in groups is because we don’t have very much experience in doing so. I don’t think many design studios function similarly as a classroom – 1 boss, 17 employees working on 17 individual projects, each with complete and total freedom. Therefore, I think working regularly in groups would be beneficial for students to experience starting in their first year as an undergrad, and continuing throughout their program.
Rach K…I think that’s a really valuable point. We all work very seperate for at least half of our undergraduate education. Should we be exposed to group projects from day 1? Chad?
Yes. It took until my junior year to be comfortable working in a group. Although you weren’t into it, Megan (heh), Team Spine was one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had yet.
I wouldn’t say I “wasn’t into it.” For me it just was not as comfortable, and I struggled with this new and discomforting thing for 9 long months. (Spine really is our baby…weird) Spine was challenging for many reasons, the team aspect, making up only a portion of these challenges. Regardless, I agree with you Ken…to date, working on that project was the most valuable experience I’ve had. It’s mind-boggling to think about all the ups and downs, good and bads, tears and frusturation that came along with that little 8×8.5 square. It’s more valuable knowing that someone else experienced those same feelings right along with me.
I definitely think that having some kind of group project as a freshman or sophomore would be a really good idea. Even if we were just required to come up with ideas or something like that in groups, that would be better than working solo for 2-3 years and than throwing you with someone else. I understand that we should figure out our own methods and grow in design before working with others but I think that it would still be a good idea to create some form of interaction with other people other than in critiques.
It’s a funny thing.
I feel collaborative efforts are where its at. I’m
sick of doing things alone and not having
influences upon me. I’ve been baging out work
daily for the past 5 years and I’m at a point
where just doing work which I have full control
over has lost its magic. I’m not saying that
solo work is over for me, but I feel in order to
takethings to another level, I need to do things
in a collaborative environment. I’m not saying
that doing work with ANYONE is a smart idea,
but with designers whom are on your level
or beyond it is always a delight. I’m not always
thinking openly, My opinionated bias points
at times are NOT correct. I feel that having
other, solid designers working with you is a
win\win situation. Rregardless, yea solidtude.
I spent alot of the past 5 years pretty much
on that tip. I can recall days and nights which
rolled into one sitting with me alone, feeling
accomplished via work. I’m interested in living
my life now. I want to see my friends and fam
more. I feel I’ve neglected ALOT of people in
pursuit of me getting better.
It’s funny, I am, as of late trying to find the
BALANCE of a more full filling social life
and still doing work, both personal
and other wise.