Assignment Description
Study, observe, and gather information on your partner. Based on what you learn about them, design an object (wearable, sculptural, functional, etc) that is specific to their needs. The design is meant to be an apparatus to help and support your partner in some way. It is not meant to be a mass produced item, It is meant to be nuanced and specific to your partner’s life.
Primary Research
We had to study and observe our partners and gather general to personal information that would help us get a better understanding our partners and what we have gone through to where we are now. First, my partner and I chose specific questions we wanted to answer and questions we found interesting. We didn’t have as much time but we attempted sharing our live story to each other in the limited time that we had. As we shared, we gave each other a brief timeline of our transition from childhood, and events that led to a new direction in our lives and decisions we had to make.
This is Connor Coleman. He was born and raised in Texas his entire life. He grew up in a Christian household and lived with his mother most of his life. Something Connor would change the way he grew up was the separation of his parents. He believes that things would have been different if they have split sooner, for the better and wellbeing of himself and his family. Throughout his childhood to middle school, he went to a Christian private school where his artistic talents gave him a reputation as being a “goodie.” He had different interests from his peers, which made it difficult to blend in and build close relationships. He convinced his mother to let him move out of the private school and transfer to high-school that was specialized in art. Once he left, he never looked back and prepared his portfolio in the 8th grade. He was accepted into the school and began working his way up. What I found interesting was how independent and self driven he was in pursue small interests at such a young age. His motivation to one interest lead to another, and resulted in a bigger commitment he would later decide and dedicate himself to. He was motivated and was willing to start over at different place where he can grow.
Throughout high school, Connor focused more on his art work. His dedication and effort brought him recognition as best artist. He surrounded himself with people who are positive and built long lasting friendships. As we were interviewing each other, I realized we have many similarities in terms specific experiences that heightened our awareness of the people we are surrounded by and environments we chose to be in. Uncomfortable situations and learned lessons through the good and bad experiences helped us become more aware and conscious of where we are in our lives, as well as helped us make better decisions in filtering out toxic relationships and surrounding ourselves with positive people.
Transitioning from high school to college was refreshing because of unlimited amount of freedom and the change in lifestyle as a New Yorker. Separating himself from his hometown, Texas and moving into New York city was challenging but necessary change that would bring Connor closer to pursuing his interests and building his new life and family in New York city.
I jotted down notes as I listened and wrote down general information I can look back to reference. Because of our distance, school, and work schedules we weren’t able to meet as frequently. I was able to learn most about my partner when we chose one of the questions that challenged us to share our live stories within 4 minutes. Both of us enjoy spending time with friends and growing stronger relationships with the people around us.
