AFTER THE ‘EXPERIENCE SCAPE’ TALKS, THIS TIME WE WILL REWIND THE WORKSHOP ORGANIZED BY CREATIVE LAB BY MQDC THAT AIMS TO FUEL CREATIVE IDEAS FOR DEVELOPING THE PHRA KHANONG AREA
TEXT: PRATCHAYAPOL LERTWICHA
PHOTO: PHUBETH THARATHRONCHANAKUL
(For Thai, press here)
In the last segment, art4d did a review of the ‘Experience Scape’ event, entitled ‘Code + Craft: Blending Technology & Empathy in Service Design,’ hosted by the Creative Lab by MQDC in the hope of better acquainting not only people in the design industry but also the public with service design, as well as providing updates on the discipline in the current global landscape.
In this update, we present you with a recap of the ‘Bangkok Service Design Jam: LIVABLE SCAPE Workshop.’ Following the initial event on ‘Experience Scape,’ this workshop, organized by the Creative Lab by MQDC, unfolded on February 4, 2024, at True Digital Park. It provided participants with an engaging platform to delve into service design, offering hands-on experiences that facilitated a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved. This immersive learning opportunity, held as part of Bangkok Design Week 2024, seamlessly aligned with the overall theme of ‘Livable Scape,’ advocating the concept that increased civic involvement can lead to the sustainable development of the urban environment.
The Service Design Jam employs a workshop format that challenges participants to find solutions to a vast array of problems using service design processes. These challenges may range from addressing urban complexities to improving service delivery in businesses. Such a workshop model has previously found success in various cities worldwide, be it New York, London, Hong Kong, or Beijing. And it is finally time for the residents of Bangkok to be given the opportunity to experiment with service design tools in search of innovative solutions.
In light of this year’s Bangkok Design Week’s emphasis on urbanism, the challenges presented to participants in the Bangkok Service Design Jam workshop were directly linked to urban issues. The workshop required participants to devise strategies for revitalizing deserted spaces in the Sukhumvit district and returning them to functional use. Creative Lab selected key locations for the workshop, including the market space next to the Phra Khanong district office, the recycling site in proximity to the office, and the open plot of land behind the Wat Wachirathammasatit Worawihan temple. Participants were organized into groups with each group assigned to address the specific challenges associated with their designated area.
The workshop began with a presentation by a special guest speaker, Pisate Virangkabutra, an innovation consultant and the visionary behind Create.ture who shared his perspectives and experiences on the early stages of the service design process. He highlighted the fundamental significance of embracing a user-centric mindset as well as strategies for engaging in substantial dialogues with individuals to unearth profound insights. However, well aware that mere listening wouldn’t suffice, the workshop took participants out of the air-conditioned room, into the real-world setting where they commuted on public transport amid the sweltering and humid climate. This hands-on approach facilitated authentic interactions with people, enabling the collection of primary data that would subsequently be transformed into tangible prototypes.
Pisate Virangkabutra, Innovation consultant and founder of Create.ture
Upon returning from the fieldwork, Pisate discussed effective brainstorming techniques that can assist in identifying and visualizing problems. This includes using the affinity diagram to group the data collected by each participant to help provide a comprehensive view. Another helpful tool is the creation of a user profile, which aids in envisioning the target audience by considering their identity, preferences, and needs. Additionally, the Journey Map is used to sequence the user’s experiences, allowing for opportunities where problem-solving methods can be successfully identified. Another intriguing tool is the Crazy Eights exercise, which challenges participants to generate eight ideas rapidly, regardless of their quality.
After a productive brainstorming session, each group proceeded to develop a prototype. It’s truly remarkable to see how, in just one day, the workshop produced a plethora of captivating ideas deserving further exploration. Among the interesting ones is the transformation of the market space near the Phra Khanong district office into the ‘Nak Market.’ This unique concept incorporates the legend of Mother Nak Phra Khanong, a Thai ghost native to Phra Khanong. The story of her tragic wait for her husband’s return from war will be brought to life through the existence of this market. This entails coordinating activities rooted in local supernatural beliefs, crafting thoughtfully designed souvenirs, establishing aesthetic spots for photos, and hosting an event for the exchange of pre-owned items. Just hearing some of these ideas felt really exhilarating.
One particularly well-received idea in the workshop focuses on enhancing the waste management system in the Phra Khanong district. After visiting the recycling site near the Phra Khanong district office and engaging in conversations with motorcycle taxi riders, who demonstrated impressive skills in separating recyclables, the team assigned to work on the recycling site proposed involving motorcycle taxi riders as mediators for waste management. This role would entail assisting with waste separation, and the additional income generated could serve as a motivating factor for more individuals to actively participate in waste management. The group also introduced an interesting approach to product packaging in local markets, suggesting the use of color-coded labels to simplify waste separation and recycling for consumers.
Not only that, following the workshop, Creative Lab by MQDC plans to present some of these ideas to the Phra Khanong district for potential future implementation. What this workshop has accomplished is being a source of hope and inspiration. It is truly encouraging to witness not just the incredible enthusiasm and dedication of all participants but also how there are still people who aspire to make this city a better place and are willing to take action to turn that dream into reality. Hopefully, we’ll see more workshops like these continue to inspire the people of Bangkok in the long run.
