Today my thesis class experimented with an alternative critiquing technique in an attempt to have more “honest” conversations about one’s project. The in-class critique has been a challenge at ITP for some time, because many students are expressing their frustrations of not getting enough feedback about their projects. Class critiques often end up with full of “cool” and “interesting” without specific guidance or suggestions. There is little criticism, because, I think, some students are afraid of breaking the mood. But if we are serious about one’s progress, we should give more honest comments including negative ones. So what is happening right now is that faculties are trying to “recommend” new ways of giving critiques in class. As part of the effort, my professor suggested we write notes and give them to the presenter. The exercise turned out to be pretty effective.

In class, I gave an overview of a general goal and direction for my thesis project. I haven’t figured out what exactly my deliverables are, so I basically presented my inspirations and a little bit of research I did for the past few days. Bullet points below are comments I received. I think all comments are valid. I figured that my task for the next class was to clarify my goal and project details in addition to the market and user research.

  • (What I understood from your presentation was that you are creating) a business aid system for small stores.
  • (What I understood from your presentation was that you are creating) a way to motivate consumers loyalty in physical shopping experience.
  • You should analyze the shopping behaviors.
  • Check out the use of technology in shopping in South Korea (including the use of mobile coupons).
  • What makes your concept different from BeeMe?
  • Read an article about mobile currency by Rushkoff.
  • Currency? Read Douglas Rushkoff’s article.
  • “group buy”
  • Challenges will be competing services(how will they respond to other competitors in the neighborhood?) and currency systems.
  • Nice idea! I think your concept is a way to combine different stores…or something similar to BeeMe or a system for your brother’s store?
  • A technology to help businesses organize inventory? Cash flow system?
  • Business plan?