Week 3: Wicked Problems 4/9/14

During this tutorial we discussed how to redesign a watch. Within our groups we framed this problem so that it no longer was restricted to the creation of a watch. We did this by defining the problem as we needed something to tell us the time efficiently, as well as be comfortable. By framing the problem this way it opens up new ways to tell time utilizing different senses to tell the time such as having smell tell us when it is dinner time. 

Another option was to implement a way to tell time in earrings, rings, necklaces or various other accessories. Since within our group we kept asking the question of why do we need a watch if we just have a phone. With the accessory concept you can now have a watch within your favourite accessory, increasing the speed you check the time as well as reducing the amount items you need to carry. The accessory idea was inspired by why we wear watches when you have a phone, the reason being it was a fashion statement. This naturally lead to the time telling accessory idea. 

Before going to the tutorial, the way I approached redesigning the watch was completely different. I was only focused on improving the watch itself, so I thought of ways to improve readability and functionality. I did not think of improving the way we comprehend time or ways to create a watch within different objects of everyday life. The tutorial helped me understand the importance of framing a question in order to open up new solutions. 

Here is a image of a watch that is a solution to the problem of creating something to tell the time efficiently as well as being convenient. This reinforces the importance of framing the question correctly, as it opens up a new perspective upon a problem.

Bibliography: Thehottestgadgets.com,. (2014). Retrieved 4 September 2014, from http://thehottestgadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/nailwatch1.jpg