Week 1 Readings

We Are Superman!
Oh My God! This documentary was so great. The message that was being spread was interesting and spectacular. It visually captured Kansas city at its best. The individuals involved in the programs was amazing and I appreciate what they are doing for the community. I think things like this can save humanity on so many levels. Not only does it restores society but it creates a social society that was taught to never happen. I think small nonprofit organizations like these are taking small steps. But steps are being made so progress is in development. I wish things like this was being promoted on the mainstream level like other corporations. This film is so relatable to where I come from.

Designing for Social Change:
Immerse yourself- I think this is an important aspect of the project. If you are working on anything it is good to immerse yourself in to the situation. Like the article said this is applied to many levels. If you are working on a community good project. It is important that you are able to analyze data that you saw. And it is also important that you experience things inside the community so you can have a first hand look on issues and positives.
Build Trust- Building trust with the community you are entering is one of the most essential things. This can help in so many ways. If you are accepted you are introduced to a whole new side of the community. They will welcome you like one of their own. You will be able to get a close hand look on how the people in that community interact with each other. Also how they communicate.
I think stereotyping is something that will always be around and everyone knows some form of it. It is important that you leave all preconceived knowledge of a culture behind before working with them. You must observe and do fresh research from the source it self. Doing personal research will strengthen your design and concept.
Promise what you can give: I think this is very important. Understanding your personal strengths and weaknesses will help you in this case. If you know a community is looking for something out of your capability. Let them know and do not promise them something that you cant deliver. This goes along side building trust with the community. If you are able to complete what you told them then you should be able to build trust. Like the article said, when you are immersed in something. You may get ambitious and promise something you think will make everyone happy. Understand your position sometimes and don't bite off more than you can chew.


Design Thinking:
I think this article described my thinking path perfectly. I also think the myth is alive it lingers around our school today. Other departments do not like us because they say we dress nice. Designers do promote professionalism but we are snobs. I also agree with the article when they say designers can give insight to any situation or problem. We can contribute something to help create an solution. And I think this is true because we look at situations differently. We specialize in visual communication we have the ability to create visual solutions.

What does designing for good mean? 
I think this was a great article it was spot on with a lot of things.  Such as "In many ways it is up to designers to maintain this positive movement and continue to practice social design." This is correct designers are the visual communicators who can help communicate whatever the situation may be. Whether is advocating, promoting, interface development or visual experiences.  The designers are the ones who can help promote the message. There is no way to succeed with out visual promotion. 


Neighborhoods

Independence & Paseo
Mount Hope
Troost & 63rd

• What is the existing situation?

These areas lack in visual street signage. Such as street signs and car signals.  This is making it hard to differentiate streets and increases the risk of car accidents.  

• What specific problem are you wanting to solve or change are you trying to make?

Increase signage and visual communication in the neighborhood. This will give the neighborhood a fresh look. Also adding organization in an unorganized area.  

• Why?

These areas are forgotten about and left alone. The government feel as though there is no need to fix them up because the neighborhood will not keep up with it. This mentality then falls back on the community creating a never ending cycle. I think restoring hope is the greatest thing possible, and small things like this can help. 

• What changes could improve the situation? (this will evolve as you do research)

Add color to the neighborhood with way-finders and restore small signs. 

• Identifying a need?

There is a need for signs and organization. A neighborhood branding almost.