Sorting helps to tame the kind of confusing diversity which we come to face very often in our work as designers. As soon as three of a kind are collected together, comparisons begin to suggest themselves. What is different? What belongs together? What commonalities are shared? »According to their kinds« – God’s refreshingly simple approach in the creation of the universe, gives clarity, structure, and good ideas. Almost automatically design possibilities and necessities show up. »Well sorted is half designed.« Could it be as simple as that? Yes!
We live in a time and in a world of increasing excess. We are endlessly bombarded with seemingly infinite analogue and digital content. The capability of recognizing and creating connections and order, gives us poise and orientation, though always only partially and temporarily. »Those who achieve order, will achieve meaning.«, says Juli Zeh. God was surely aware of this when she created the cosmos. Before she created anything, she ended chaos: she matched same and same, and provided a place for everything. The greek word »cosmos« by the way, translates as »order«. And there we have the hub of this method workshop.
In the course of this method workshop, we collect what is available. We compare apples and oranges, and separate the wheat from the chaff. We categorise, sort, and arrange. We start with obvious and standard sorting methods, continue with unusual criteria, and end up with absurd ones. We experience how simple steps can build a reliable base for a whole creative working life. Thus we discover what is »normal«, and how unconventional our own designs are in comparison. We reduce complexity by structuring and evaluating. We set the course for our creative work. Being simultaneously archaic and refreshing, collecting and sorting prove to be fascinating methods for gaining insights.
procedure
Practical tasks alternate with theoretical digressions and short presentations. The participants work in groups, in twos and on their own, using what either I, or they bring. Individual perceptions and creations go hand-in-hand with analysis and reflection.
aim
To construct a personal range of sorting methods as a stimulus for future projects, and as an intelligent tool for efficient work. Participants will gain clarity, precision, and structure in their thinking and practice, as well as a basic understanding of how a wise combination of the open and the playful can bear astonishing fruit. They will realise the fireworks of conceptual and creative possibilities that the basic activities of collecting and sorting can ignite.
compatibility
I am looking forward to come to your university, studio, institution, company. Just send me a mail so we can arrange details and dates.
I had a lot of fun. All day long. I liked how everything took place. I liked how the beginning seemed to be almost too simple, and then I understood that there is much more behind it.
Konstanze, bachelor student, Krefeld
It wasn’t until the afternoon that the penny finally dropped for me. In the morning, I wondered what all of that has to do with design. But then I realised: you won’t realise it other than by doing what we did. I find that everything was super prepared and super structured. For me it was a good mix of do-it-yourself and theory.
Lena, bachelor student, Krefeld