a workshop for (prospective) designers, commissioners and customers
Differentiated, respectful communication is of central importance, both written and verbal. Especially when commissioning design services and purchasing design. From the wording of the briefing and feedback during the work process to the evaluation and external presentation of the result. The more successful the exchange between all those involved, the higher the chance that everyone will be satisfied with the result.
How can the desired and the undesired be articulated in an understandable way? What aspects need to be taken into account?
It is anything but easy to express one’s own perception of a design. Judging is even more difficult. There is no ruler with which to measure the value of a design. I consider this to be a big chance. The more we find differentiated ways to talk about what we perceive, the more alert our sights, and the more knowledgeable our judgement.
Talking is golden.
That is why, in this method workshop, we weigh our words. We talk about designs of all kinds, be they unremarkable or exceptional, simple or complex. We adopt various perspectives, we test, we examine features, effects, and contexts. We consider adequacy, we think aloud, and we question facts.
We practise both unemotional perception, and purely individual opinion – and try to distinguish consciously and wisely between the two. We note what of the two we can put into words, and ponder how we can say it matter-of-factly and respectfully. We also consider to whom we can say this. Offering criticism requires practise.
Speaking and writing knowledgeably about (one’s own) design work benefits both commissioners and designers individually as well as the esteem and understanding of design in general.
procedure
Practical tasks alternate with theoretical digressions and short presentations. The participants work in groups, in twos and on their own, on things brought either by me or by them. We will describe, paraphrase, talk, and listen to each other in many different ways – to train language skills. We perceive, read, feel, try, and discuss. Both playfully and seriously.
aim
Increased consciousness and enrichment of the individual verbal instrumentarium. Increasing awareness of problems, differentiation and the ability to make judgments using basic tools that enable you to derive conclusions for all conceivable cases in your own everyday working life. A corresponding gain in knowledge as the foundation for confident and competent communication, which, among other things, allows you to represent your own position with integrity and win through convincing arguments.
when & where
I am looking forward to come to your university, studio, institution, company. Just send me a mail so we can arrange details and dates.
Initially, I thought it was some kind of methodology that I could learn. But it was much more than that. It was practical training in which you can reflect on yourself, which I find much more interesting. I found it incredibly helpful for me personally that I had to get out of my comfort zone. That’s actually a horror for me, but I realize how well it actually works. It has really given me self-confidence. I also liked the fact that the group harmonized so well that nobody felt ashamed. Juli gave me the feeling that I can say anything and learn from it.
Simone, communication designer in a publishing house, Munich
For me, it makes sense if I can take action like here. That’s where I learn the most. The feedback in between on how the others in the group perceived what I said and how I wrote I also found really helpful. And the aspects list will certainly help me a lot at work in the future. I had never imagined before that there could be so many aspects of design. I also liked the fact that Juli went into details in between, which led to interesting conversations. I know seminars to be much tighter, much more strict.
Natalie, communication designer in a publishing house, Munich
I super like the variety and the role-playing games. Also the being mirrored. Juli gave us a great deal to work with. Lots of material. Above all, I find the separation of objectivity and opinion exciting. I think I will benefit from that.
Katharina, freelance communication designer, Munich
I really liked the fact that we talked, wrote and were in action so much. I found that incredibly valuable, because that’s how you learn. I’ve already read a lot and dealt with the topic. But instead of listening to long lectures, we now actively lived it.
Johanne, communication designer in a publishing house, Cologne
I found the workshop very versatile and entertaining. It was a lot of fun. I felt there was a good balance between theory and practice. That’s less common in workshops like this, which are usually much more theoretical.
Julia, communication designer in a publishing house, Cologne
Due to the multifaceted approach and the different preparation of the exercises, it was very instructive and I had a lot of fun. I am taking a lot with me and I think that I will remain aware of a lot of what we have done here.
Vanessa, communication designer in a cosmetics company, Innsbruck
I found this workshop extremely enriching. We had a closer look on how we communicate. My take-away is that I should talk more in general. This is much more important than I thought. And I should think more often about how I express something. But mainly I really should talk more.
Sarah, master student, Bielefeld
This workshop was quite an initiator for me. Intense. What I will certainly integrate into my future life is the sender-receiver check. »Was what I said really heard and understood? … Everybody is responsible for ensuring this. I realised that I make many unfounded assumptions. I intend to be more mindful in this respect from now on.
Lea, master student, Bielefeld
I am quite amazed at how much I have to say. Even about things where I thought there is not much to say. It is worth having a close look and asking good questions.
Julia, master student, Bielefeld