Experience

I remember the first designs we used to prepare at Central Saint Martins College, when the briefs (author’s note: design instructions) consisted of threefour words randomly picked by our tutors. We would start working in small groups, not knowing each other: at that stage it was impossible to have any prejudices or dislikes. For the same reason, the design itself could not be subject to a priori prejudices: in fact, we were first-year students and knowledge, (i.e. critical ability), was to ripen at a later stage. The results, however, were quite surprising!
My group and I were working on a short film and we were so enthusiastic about the job that we decided to rent a set of disco lights and to improve the soundtrack by adding more loudspeakers. The result was similar to that of a movie hall with theater-like choreography. A unique sight.
I remember that another work group experimented the production of a book with a video taped in the College cafeteria starring … the chefs.
All the groups had spontaneously decided to combined different media to create works which could not be classified under one single category (design, video, photography or web design, as it normally happens); indeed, they were creative blends of all these categories. We were able to produce this kind of work because “pure” experimenters have the advantage that they can voice their feelings and ideas instead of having to respect the pickets and limitations that are necessarily imposed by the various disciplines. I assure you it was an unforgettable experience.