What is COLLABOR8© ?

COLLABOR8© is a project for design students. As a learning tool and methodology it has considerable potential for design colleges and universities worldwide. Our intent is to foster collaborative projects between design education programs using basic web technologies and deep learning approaches. We maintain that through this simple yet multi faceted approach deeper understanding s between cultures and individuals can evolve.

The title of the project COLLABOR8© refers to the group nature of the activity and the number 8 being a fortuitous number in Chinese culture. Responses to the activity have been indicative of a more cohesive and dynamic approach to the online learning idiom. On both cultural sides of the project motivation, interest and activity has resulted in strong outcomes.

Students at participating design faculties are invited to develop collaborative works around a series of designated themes identified in the design brief given to small teams and pairs of students.

The objective is to create a visual dialogue and collaborative rapport while developing a series of images to a specified format suitable for delivery via email or other online messaging systems. Students are encouraged to communicate as much as possible to expand their individual understanding of the other’s culture, approach to design practice, interests, background etc. The concept has in part been developed as a response to a perceived trend toward online collaboration as a means of production utilizing remote teams from different parts of the globe united into a work-team via technology.

COLLABOR8© Products and Outcomes

The design products of COLLABOR8© evolve from a series of works from each team/pair according to the process, themes and methodology outlined in the brief. Work is submitted in digital format to respective staff, and compiled and assessed against learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Less apparent but arguably equally important products of this project are the insights and new awareness of cultural difference that the students establish during this process of exchange and collaboration. In addition to these benefits are the increased understanding, skill and openness to working with online media and technologies and utilizing the potentials for working across physical and cultural borders.

Ian McArthur 2003

Student collaboration [detail], "Time", Liu Jin Liu [China] and Renee Harrison [Australia], COLLABOR8© 1, 2003

Trends exemplified by design teams based in virtual work environments such as Mike Young and Mike Cina of www.weworkforthem.com continue to develop. The educational methodologies alluded to by online design education projects like COLLABOR8© may provide students with the means to establish the appropriate skill base to meet the challenges inherent in a mode of production where there is a heavy emphasis on communication and co-operation.

By immersing the students in a workflow process requiring participation in a “virtual team” comprised of individuals from different cultures, they are encouraged and compelled to develop a greater openness and understanding of “others”. It may be argued that structured learning experiences of this nature can foster greater understanding and productivity across cultures within the design and visual communications industries.