Rayan Labban - Eportfolio Grade 10 Final Report - Attachment - PDF - Rayan Labban - Eportfolio Grade 10 Final Report

DESIGN E-PORTFOLIO
SYNERGY
AN INTERACTIVE
BRAINSTORMING KIT
RAYAN LABBAN
American British Academy

Oman
"Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and

belonging is having that voice be heard"
Liz Fosslien
CRITERIA A - Investigating
SECTION 1 DESIGN SITUATION
"Belonging is the feeling of security when there is a sense of acceptance, inclusion, and identity for a
member of a certain group. It’s the basic fundamental drive to form and maintain positive and significant
relationships with others. At the workplace, these relationships can be extended to the organization and
its values and to the work itself." (Baumeister & Leary, 1995).
We are social creatures and to be healthy, we need a community where we feel that we belong. People
with a sense of connectedness are more likely to feel valued, esteemed and have a support network.
Referring to my conference call with Oliver El Obeid, Head of Human Resources @
HavasMiddleEast, "Helping employees feel that they belong is crucial, it's the essence to build a positive
working community. It's an area where the management identifies every member's strength and finds
ways that these strengths can be valued so that every member finds his space and contributes making
sure everyone is included because there's no point in building relationships and belonging with some
members and excluding others". He also added: "Good relationships are built through positive regard and
empathy towards everyone. The company should allow everyone the opportunity for real, meaningful and
ongoing participation. This means being held accountable to community standards". The company needs
to create a culture of tolerance, respect and even enthusiasm for individual's differences which means
modeling inclusion for groups whether based on race, culture, sexuality, appearance or whatever other
ways we humans distinguish ourselves from each other.
My project will be focusing on employees working at "Havas Worldwide Muscat", a French
multinational advertising communication agency who is in a unique position to influence society while also
creating a diverse and inclusive work environment for her employees. In an effort to better understand
how colleagues at HAVAS feel about inclusion within their agency, I have built an Organization Culture
Assessment Survey covering topics like connectedness, relationships, community (See Appendix 1). The
survey's results showed that most of the employees were eager to recommend HAVAS as a great place
to work with. This implies that the company's environment is giving them a sense of empowerment. I have
discovered a common metric that was consistently related to their workplace commitment, motivation,
productivity and pride, a sense of belonging. But this particular sense of belonging has divergent
correlations to engagement for a minority of employees. HAVAS is committed to building a diverse
culture where everybody feels they belong, can be themselves, thrive and grow. But despite all the
efforts, some often feel left out, causing them to constantly be unhappy and unproductive. By
working individually and not being team players they are creating an unhealthy working environment for
them and an inefficient work within their division. For those reserved and shy ones, enabling this
participation might require more face to face interaction, courage and incentive thinking on the part of
work management centered around cultivating a sense of overall belonging (See Appendix 2, Q1).
Relationships and belongings are essential and this is an area where small efforts can have greater
impacts on improving workplace engagement. The effects tend to be viral benefiting everyone including
HAVAS staff and management. In an attempt to enhance collaboration between peers and develop a
sense of belonging, I have decided, after consulting HAVAS GM (See Appendix 2, Q2) to create a fun
and interactive brainstorming kit. Bringing people together will help build social bonds and foster
effective communication across teams, creating balance and a level playing field for fruitful dialogue
between members at all levels across different departments, while making sure no one's left out.
SECTION 2 RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND RESEARCH PLAN
RESEARCH PRIORITY WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT SOURCES
QUESTION
Does the work 2 Learning about the company's culture, Primary source:
environment whether they encourage participation and Zoom call with Mr Oliver El
support celebrate collaborative behavior in the Obeid, Head of Human
collaboration workplace or not, will help determine the Resources @
between style of my kit. If the workplace's HavasMiddleEast.
colleagues? structure is more of a traditional and strict I will send an Organization
one then employees might resist change, Culture Assessment Survey
so the transitioning phase in collaborative to HAVAS Muscat Creative
practices should be smoother. So getting team
to know more about the company's Secondary source:
atmosphere will help me implement an Online research
appropriate activity to foster https://www.havasgroup.co
communication and strengthen their m/csr/
sense of belonging
Are you 1 Understanding how colleagues usually Primary source:

comfortable collaborate with each other will allow me Interview with HAVAS
voicing your to tailor the kit to their needs. Not all General Manager.
employees are comfortable in adopting I will send an Organization
ideas or
the same practices, and not everyone has Culture Assessment Survey
opinions in your the faculty to voice out their opinions, to HAVAS Muscat Creative
company? sometimes some may be reluctant to team
speak up. Therefore, this will help me Secondary source:
design a flexible implementation strategy Watch a YouTube video on
so that collaboration works for everyone. I how to better brainstorm to
will focus on the mode of the unleash a team's creativity.
brainstorming to increase https://youtu.be/U2MCAEotz
connectedness and get an entire team m4
involved ensuring everyone gets a say.
Judge less, contribute more.
What are the 8 Knowing what makes teamwork Primary source:

factors that successful and what makes employees Interview with HAVAS
assist in come together, contribute their expertise, General Manager
collaboration perform better will help me in focusing on Secondary source:
with colleagues? integrating these factors in my concept to Online research
create emotional connection and https://www.saybrook.edu/bl
cultivate participation. og/2013/06/10/collaborative-
organizational-cultures-belo
nging-entire-organization/
What are the 9 Being aware of the factors that negatively Primary source: Interview
factors that affect collaborative working and with HAVAS General
hinder effective performance will guide me in finding Manager
collaboration solutions to address specific barriers Secondary source:
with colleagues? before proceeding with my design and Online research
ensure sessions are healthy and https://hatrabbits.com/en/10-
productive. brainstorming-mistakes-1/
What makes a 3 Knowing what motivates participants to Primary source:

brainstorming collaborate, engage in genuine dialogue Questionnaire sent to
session more and develop creative solutions together HAVAS team
engaging? will allow me to customize the kit to fit the Secondary source:
purpose and trigger a storm of ideas. The Online research
kit should be fun and entertaining as https://www.linkedin.com/pul
well as constructive to bring everyone in se/10-brainstorming-tips-kee
on the discussion, encourage open p-your-team-engaged-ideas-
and positive communication and fresh-johnson
generate innovative ideas.
What makes a 4 Being aware of the team's preferred Primary source:

comfortable working spot and setting (whether they I will visit the company
workplace and like to stand at their desks, gather around premises to observe
inspiring a conference table or sit on comfy employees at work and send
work cushions on the floor) while brainstorming a questionnaire to HAVAS
atmosphere? will give me a hint on the shape of the kit team
and where it will be placed during the Secondary source
brainstorming to create a comfortable, Online research
relaxed physical space and increase https://www.archyi-inspiratio
connectedness and team morale. n.com/blog/what-is-the-ideal
-workplace-like-how-to-desig
n-motivating-and-collaborati
ve-workspaces/
What is an area 7 Framing the team's weaknesses will help Primary source:
of weakness that me in combining awareness with an I will observe my target
your team have action plan to avoid specific issues market at their workplace
during (eg.impulsiveness, lack of confidence, and evaluate their
workshops Focus). The kit should help them interaction and behavior
overcome the shortcomings in the towards each other.
workflow and transform their Interview with the General
weaknesses into strengths. Manager.
What are the 6 Searching for different styles of effective Secondary source:
best ideas for brainstorming techniques in modern Online article
designing a working environments will provide me with https://business.tutsplus.co
brainstorming some inspiration on creative ideas to m/articles/top-brainstorming-
Kit optimize my product. By striving to find techniques--cms-27181
solutions that work for everyone, I will
encourage contribution and promote
synergy within the company.
How many 5 Estimating the number of participants in Primary source:

participants are each session will let me determine the I will observe employees
usually involved size of the brainstorming kit for it to be while they go about their
in each meeting/ handy and accessible to all. Each usual gathering and ask the
brainstorming member should be able not just to creative director of HAVAS,
session? observe from distance but to actively and Zakir Muhieddine.
fully exploit the exercise. The kit should Secondary source:
give each participant a chance to be Online research
socially active by participating, https://brainzooming.com/cr
interacting and sharing ideas. eative-thinking-what-is-the-ri
ght-size-for-a-brainstorming-
group/21410/
SECTION 3 PRODUCT ANALYSIS (See Appendix 4 for product comparison)
PRODUCT 1 ROLLING BOARD FOR MIND MAPPING
https://www.ofconnection.com/collections/office-accessories/products/visionary-black-m
agnetic-glass-dry-erase-board
This brainstorming technique is suitable for small and medium groups of employees with no complex
hierarchical structures. It allows the collection of ideas into a grouping structure. It is a good way to take
quick notes during a meeting. Individuals begin by writing the topic in the center of the board which will
serve as the focal point, then break it down into subcategories. The branches on the map could be
expanded by creating more subcategories to add ideas that come along the way, which sometimes can
also make it more complex and confusing. The use of bright lively colours, images, and keywords adds
more fun and excitement and aids in keeping everyone engaged.
Pros: The rolling marker board benefits participants in any environment with the ability to engage the
audience by being closer during brainstorming sessions. Thanks to its flexibility to move around the
room, it can be placed in the center of the group, allowing everyone to collaborate. To be able to fully
understand the meaning of a mind map active participation is important. Everyone participates by
writing down as many ideas as possible. This technique can give the opportunity to HAVAS teammates
to spend face to face time together, in a fun, spontaneous and effective way, paving a way for them to get
to know each other better and creating a foundation for a stronger working relationship and team bonding.
Cons: Co-workers with the strongest personalities might overrule the others. Having the freedom to
object can sometimes send the group into an endless tailspin. For Introverted employees at HAVAS, this
is a chance to sit back and do nothing.
Material: Freestanding 4 wheels board. Ideal for consumers with limited space. Rectangular shaped
magnetic dry-erase board (45.25"W x 54.75"H) with a laminated smooth writing surface which has the
advantage that markings can be erased completely. Easy to wipe with a drying cloth. Great for writing
non-permanent notes. Durable design with aluminium trim and pen tray. This product could be found at
any bookstore. Made with eco-friendly materials. For the green-aware office, this white magnetic glass dry
erase board is the smart choice.
PRODUCT 2 BRAINWRITING
https://www.socialchamp.io/blog/brainstorming-techniques-for-social-media/
This brainstorming technique is suitable for medium or large working groups with shy participants. It
enables participants in any workplace to write down their idea on pieces of paper (Post-it). Then they
pass it to the next member who will elaborate more and add some thoughts. This continues until
everybody gets his original piece of paper back. After generating multiple ideas, the group evaluates the
responses to identify the ones worth pursuing further. While capturing ideas quickly, participants scribble
things down fast so there is no time for aesthetics. However, they can still create sticky notes that stand
out by augmenting their visual explanation and having certain elements drawn on them. This will make
the process more appealing and inspiring for others serving them as powerful means for communication.
Pros: This process can ensure that everyone at HAVAS has the opportunity to contribute and eliminates
the bias toward the first idea. There’s a large group of people involved in the session, including introverts
or reserved people. In culturally diverse groups like in the HAVAS case, this works well because
participants don’t fear exposure for their less well developed ideas. Users keep their identity
anonymous and that helps them to contribute easily. It lets people work together more effectively.
Ideas flow freely without restrictions or judgments.
Cons: Because the responses can be anonymous, there’s no accountability. Since ideas are generated in
silence, enthusiasm and energy levels may be low. Hence, there's less space for spontaneity.
Material: Block of Post-it Note with a re-adherable strip of glue on its back, made for temporarily
attaching notes and reminders to any surface. They are marketed as a space efficient product. They stick
securely, yet remove cleanly. This product is available in various bright colors shapes, sizes and adhesive
strengths to stand out wherever we need them to. Pads (3" x 3"). This product could be found at any
bookstore. Post-it Notes are recyclable. The paper is sourced from certified, renewable and responsibly
managed forests.
PRODUCT 3 MYNDFLO BRAINSTORMING KIT
https://myndflo.com/products/brainstorm-kit-4-6-people
This brainstorm kit has everything work colleagues need for brainstorming during workshop sessions.
Designed for a typical workshop size of up to 12 people. Myndflo static notes are a great visual aid which
provokes and empowers people to think better, perform better, create better and innovate better. The
workshops focus on using the ‘No Bad Ideas’ exercise. Members start their brainstorming with some
prompt questions. The electrostatic notes can be easily repositioned to group and organize thoughts
without falling off or curling. Once they have their first collection of ideas, they stick them to the
whiteboard sheets on the wall for everyone to see. Accordingly, they single out the best and worst ideas
and group them together. This is where the magic happens!
Pros: All participants come together and collaborate to learn, explore, exchange ideas and solve
problems in a more creative, engaging and fun way. Everyone has access to all the materials and is
given the freedom to share his spontaneous ideas. Taking into consideration that participation from
everyone is key for an effective session, this technique can be really effective for HAVAS employees since
each individual's voice is heard.
This handy, sturdy and portable box comes with a modern and minimalistic pack of simple, easy-to-follow
steps on how to make the brainstorming session more effective. Peers can grab their brainstorm box and
brainstorm anytime, anywhere. No need to wait for a vacant meeting room. The product can be used on
virtually any surface and easily be stored since it does not take up too much space.
Cons: The static sheets don't adhere to textured surfaces. They only stick to very smooth surfaces like
glass or plastic.
Material: Myndflo includes coloured dot stickers which are ideal for voting and sorting, a sand timer, 6
medium sized packs of colorful notepads, 6 large sized packs of similar notepads, 4 black markers, and
20 erasable easy to use whiteboard sheets. This static paper is perfect for office meetings, training
sessions, conferences, workshops and brainstorming. It could be used with any dry marker. Sustainable
and practical since users have to wipe and clean and reuse for the next workshop. There are enough
supplies for at least 2-3 workshops. The notes and sheets are made from a thin polypropylene film, which
is 100% recyclable, as the products are all adhesive-free and environmentally friendly.
PRODUCT 4 LCD BRAINSTORMING TABLET
https://www.amazon.in/RemixmartTM-Writing-Tablet-Board-Digital/dp/B07Y5GYLZ3
Designed to help spark, gather and organize ideas in a collaborative space. This electronic brainstorming
notepad has everything one needs to replace pen, paper and sticky notes. Eco-friendly, reusable,
paperless designed device. It allows participants to record simple but comprehensive thoughts on the
writing area in the form of notes or drawings. The harder the pressure is put on the pen, the thicker the
strokes of the bright green neon get. This writing tablet comes with a 90° viewing angle so that people can
see it from different perspectives. The image stays as long as participation needs it to and can be erased
with the touch of a button. Its anti-erasure lock screen prevents data from being lost. It is a fun and
intuitively designed easy tool which enhances speed and efficiency, facilitating more impactful meetings
and workshops. Compact, very easy to carry, ultra-thin and ultra-light product design which makes it ideal
for the office or on-the-go. The tablet is visually appealing due to its sleek design, minimalistic
appearance and professional look. The frames come in a palette of infinite colors. Completely safe
product, no rough edges or splinters.
Pros: This tool encourages employees to collaborate visually and brainstorm solutions and puts everyone
on the same playing field. It serves as a great way to communicate, fosters creativity and ignites the joy of
expression. HAVAS teams can efficiently work together in a way that feels much closer. Suitable for small
groups and groups with shy participants. It facilitates deep collaborative workflow.
Cons: The screen is not wide and big enough, so it can only substitute a notebook for short ideas. Users
cannot undo or erase partial drawing. It erases all or nothing. It uses a special unlit background to prevent
eye fatigue but this means it can only be used in a place that has light.
Material: Package includes: 1 LCD writing tablet (size: 13×22×0.5cm), 2 writing pens, 2 batteries (that
can last long due to the low power consumption of the device), 2 magnets (allowing it to stick on metallic
surfaces).
SECTION 4 DESIGN BRIEF
As an advertising communication company, HAVAS is keen to find more effective ways to involve all
employees in collaborative workshops, making sure that all participants have an equal
contribution while also focusing on the importance of diversity, inclusion, and respect. No one's
purposely making some team members feel they don’t belong, but the management is not proactively
making them feel they do. People will not speak up and say they feel they don’t belong. It’s up to the
company to diagnose the problem and take steps to fix it.
Based on my survey's results (see Appendix 1), HAVAS teams feel like they belong when they are
recognized, allowed to comfortably express their thoughts and have the ability to make contributions,
knowing that eventually their input will be valued.
To make a move to a more belonging culture, I will be creating a brainstorming kit to help with this
matter, because when people feel they truly belong, they will open up their minds and do everything in
their power to make sure the team is successful. They will be able to complement each other's strengths
and weaknesses and eventually become unstoppable.
My goal is to build cooperation amongst this diverse group enabling collective engagement.
Participants will work better together and benefit from each other. The workshop will provide
shareable tools to brainstorm ideas and allow the synthesis of different voices in a process of
co-participation. The Global Context that this belongs to, falls under identities and relationships. I will
be exploring how developing a sense of belonging can promote team synergy within the HAVAS
community and make everyone work towards the same goal and achieve results that are much greater
than the sum of each person’s contributions.
According to my research, it may be emotionally comforting for team members to know that a bond exists
between them, but it would not provide a feeling of full belongingness if there is a lack of interaction
between them. People need a certain minimum quantity of satisfying social interactions; "Mere proximity
and personal interactions are powerful factors in belongingness and contribute greatly to creating
social bonds" (Agarwal, 2019). Therefore, I believe that having this shared medium will surely help in
building a sense of belonging and community among colleagues.
The kit should allow HAVAS teams to come together to share information, learn from each other
and make decisions in a fun, spontaneous and effective way, paving a way for them to get to know
each other better. Inspired by the manoeuvrability of product # 1, my kit will give users the opportunity
to create dynamic or intimate breakout spaces, hold meetings anywhere at any time, always having a
space for inspiration. Employees will have positive opinions about their roles, because they will see
themselves as part of the team, not just as individuals and passive observers. This will be done while
building friendly working conditions.
The kit should allow participants to work independently as well as in groups, hence it will give a
voice to everybody, not just those who speak the loudest. Following my interview with HAVAS
General Manager (see Appendix 2, Q1), I have understood that there are often times when they have
senior leaders in the group and extroverts who, if left to themselves, have the ability to dominate the
discussion, thereby killing the participation and engagement of the juniors and introverts in the team. So,
the brainstorming will work best if I give introverts the time and space to reflect on their own without
having to compete for attention or energy with their extroverted coworkers. Everyone will have the
opportunity to contribute by eliminating the bias toward the first idea (inspired by product # 2). I
will ask individuals to generate ideas separately by themselves and then share and discuss all these
ideas with the team as a group, with clear guidelines on what is acceptable behaviour and what is not, no
criticism, no arguing, no negative feedback will be tolerated (see Appendix 2, Q3). This will allow the
introverts & junior members in the team to get their ideas heard. Another interesting finding in my online
research is that hybrid brainstorming that involves idea generation in groups after individual idea
generation has an important advantage in terms of idea quality and quantity as this "enables
unconstrained ideation in individual idea generation and stimulation of additional ideas by exposure to
ideas of group members" (Paulus & Brown, 2017).
The kit should help in promoting diversity and developing healthy relationships with people they
are working with, people not like them, of different ages, different perspectives and varying backgrounds.
This will allow them to see the challenge from different angles and hence come up with multiple options
and ideas. During my interview with Zakir Muhieddine, the creative director at HAVAS, I have understood
that ideally, brainstorming sessions work really well when they have about 5-6 people as part of each
department group. Any less there wouldn't be any diversity and any more will only add confusion and a lot
of complex group dynamics (Information verified in online sources too).
But this diversity in thoughts can sometimes create conflicts which might prevent healthy communications
and weaken the team. So to help tackle these challenges, I have watched a video on YouTube which
provided me with some tips adopted by GOOGLE'S team for effective brainstorming. First, all activities
will be geared towards extracting as many ideas as possible in a given period between 1h:30- 2h
(inspired by Product #3). Second, to create a safe environment, participants will not pass judgment on
ideas until the completion of the brainstorming session to empower people to share ideas more openly
without the fear of failure or disapproval. No feedback will be allowed until all the ideas are shared. Third,
participants will build on other's ideas (inspired by Product #2). This will create a more collaborative
atmosphere, where good ideas get even more popularity. Similar ideas will be displayed and clustered
together. It's only at this stage that the teams can seek and provide feedback on each cluster.
My extensive investigation and research combined with a thorough product analysis (See Appendix 4 for
product comparison) helped me in finding answers to my questions and in generating an idea of how
my final product should appear based on my customers needs.
The brainstorming kit should look professional to inspire trust, enhance member's participation
and encourage everyone to have an input in the process. It should provide everything one needs to
run a successful workshop.
Participants will have their own kit which consists of a portable acrylic (plexiglass) board, a led-light
base, dry-erase neon markers, a white board eraser and a pack of stickers. The board will have a
glossy surface which can also be wiped off using a dry cloth and standard glass cleaner (inspired by
product #1). A logo will be added to each kit to reinforce the concept of the company's support and
promote a sense of belonging.
In reference to my research findings, the kit should be able to be used on virtually any flat surface,
wherever employees feel comfortable to speak out. Peers can grab their brainstorming board and
brainstorm anytime, anywhere thanks to its compact size. No need to wait for a vacant meeting room
(inspired by product # 4). Its portable nature will allow teams to work collaboratively at desks and
seating areas or move into office or conference rooms for further discussion taking the work with them
(see Appendix 3, Q1). It's compact size and lightweight will be suitable enough to be portable allowing
interaction between departments and teams. The fact that everyone will have similar accessories means
that everyone’s voice will be heard on an equal basis. To develop their ideas, members will have the
opportunity to either place the board horizontally on a table top or put it on the base, switch on the light
and get inspiration.
Participants can start by writing their ideas and comments on the board. Different bright and lively
colored markers will be used to represent different kinds of thinking, to dissociate between different
themes, make links and keep everyone motivated. While being engaged in high-speed creativity with a
group of people, there’s a great advantage to going visual to communicate ideas. In dynamic
brainstorming sessions, a picture is often worth a thousand words and harder to misinterpret. Hence,
participants can also draw pictures or symbols instead of words (inspired by Product #2). The
Interactive brainstorming will be similar to mind mapping in some ways, as there will be themes helping
participants to organise their thinking around a central focus. Everyone can participate at the same time.
Thus keeping them busy in groups by doing a common activity will encourage peer relationships and help
them engage in conversation while building skills together and common interest. This kind of
brainstorming will stimulate both individual and group thinking, which is really crucial for the company. It
will also enable people with differing levels of confidence and ability to engage and share ideas. Users will
have the opportunity to remain anonymous (inspired by Product #2). This will allow them to be
dissociated from the idea. During the process, members can exchange their boards and build up on each
other's ideas to encourage cooperation and dialogue (see Appendix 3, Q2). This interactive kit should
enable participants to build a shared vision of their thinking leading to a shared ownership of ideas.
Finally, participants will vote on the idea they are most excited about by taking two stickers each and
putting those on the idea they like the most. Voting will give everyone a chance to have a democratic
process around which ideas they actually want to develop once the brainstorming session is over.
Even though my product (acrylic board) is not really eco-friendly since it is issued from a chemical
production process, this paperless innovation will help the environment by providing a platform that
eliminates the need for scratch paper hence saving some trees. The board can be wiped out with a dry
piece of cloth, for it to be used again.
To measure the effectiveness of my brainstorming strategy, I will first have to examine how it links to my
goal and the company's objectives. I will then ask members to use the kit for the first time in their
brainstorming sessions and ask them to share their experience to see how comfortable they are while
using it. I will finally conduct an employee satisfaction survey with all the participants to ensure that they
are happy with the product. This survey will be an important tool towards measuring the success of my
brainstorming kit and understanding areas of improvement.
CRITERIA B - Developing Ideas
SECTION 1 DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
TARGET AUDIENCE
● The kit is intended for Havas Muscat team (including shy and introverted members).
● The kit must be unisex which means it will be designed / suitable for both genders.
● The kit must be designed / suitable for participants of different age ranges.
FUNCTION
● Must be able to be used for brainstorming ideas at different stages in a project, such as developing
a brief, branding, creating campaigns, marketing strategy, planning.
● Must allow / invite a mix of participants (5-6 people) who can offer similar or divergent points of view
to foster effective communication, debates and creative engagement.
● Must give participants the opportunity to build on other's ideas by sharing / exchanging their
acrylic panel or paper to create a more collaborative atmosphere.
USERS NEEDS
● Must be able to be used individually or by several team members at a time, as it is healthier to
work in groups.
● Must allow people with different ages, genders, backgrounds and cultures to collaborate with each
other to ensure healthy sessions and promote diversity.
● Must enable face to face interaction. Must assist with team building, help reinforce bonds and
relationships between members and remind everyone that they are stronger together to achieve
better shared outcomes.
● Must encourage the free flow of all sorts of random and unusual ideas to stimulate and empower
everyone to think creatively without interference from judgment and criticism.
● Must allow users to comfortably express their thoughts. Each participant's voice must be heard
(including shy and introverted people), not just those who speak the loudest to encourage real,
meaningful, ongoing, equal participation and create balance.
● Must give users the opportunity to keep their responses anonymous to eliminate areas of weakness
& allow people with different levels of confidence to engage & share ideas.
● Must make participants feel that their contributions and input are valued to build a sense of
belonging and community among colleagues.
AESTHETICS
● Must look professional and robust to inspire trust and drive engagement. Must be made of
premium quality clear acrylic, must have neatly finished edges and sturdy base.
● Must be compact and elegant. Must add a clean and minimal touch to the overall space, especially
in congested places. "Less is more". The transparency of the panel must allow the kit to blend in
easily with the rest of the company's decor.
● Must be aesthetically inspiring with its sleek design. Must have a soft, smooth line.
● Must glow brightly with its high gloss surface to give a simple palpability and a sense of comfort.
● Should be a modern and stylish updated version of the traditional whiteboard to appeal to the target
audience and prevent participants from losing interest.
● Must be unique, original in its format and versatile concept to build a lively atmosphere. Must
have varied uses, serve many functions (allows to write/draw on the plexiglass board or slide the
paper into the panel and build on others ideas. countertop or wall mounted panel. For individual or
group sessions).
● Must be fun & entertaining with its stimulating led light base to capture everyone's attention, keep
users motivated in their workshop and help generate innovative ideas.
● Must include HAVAS logo on the bottom of the front panel to reinforce the concept of the
company's support and promote a sense of belonging.
TOOLS & MATERIALS

● 2 Acrylic sheets for the panels to create a compartment to insert the A3 paper. It will be appropriate
for dry-wipe marker pens and guarantee comfort.
● Reinforcing square strips to join the 2 panels together and to help create a strong support on the
base's aperture.
● Semi-cylindrical acrylic shape for the base.
● Computer and Wifi connection to work on my design.
● CorelDRAW software to layout my design, laser cut it and engrave HAVAS logo.
● Laser cutter and engraving machine to cut 2 panels, 2 mounting holes, the handle, a long narrow
aperture in the base to support the panel and engrave Havas logo.
● Acrylic polishing machine to guarantee a high quality finish.
● Chloroform glue to weld the panels surfaces together.
● Metal binder clips to hold the 2 panels together while waiting for the glue to dry.
● Cordless drill to open a small hole on the base to insert the ON / OFF switch.
● Rigid LED strip (DC 12 V 5054 SMD) to light the base and give dynamic to the brainstorming session
(37 cm × 1.2 cm).
● Diagonal cutting plier to cut the LED strip.
● Snap connector clip lead wires holder
● Wire stripper to remove the casing from the wires.
● Shrink tube to encase and protect the exposed wire
● Micro push button On / Off switch for LEDS
● Soldering iron to solder the leads onto the LED light strip.
● 9V battery
● Neon dry-erase markers (orange, green, blue, pink) to write / draw ideas on the acrylic panel in
order to leverage visual thinking and boost users' mood.
● Bright neon post-it for instant and easy recognition of most popular ideas.
● Whiteboard eraser.
● Stainless steel pegs to fix the panel on the wall in various meeting rooms.
FORM
● The acrylic panel must be rectangular in shape. It must be wide enough to allow users to freely write
random ideas. Width: 43.5 cm Height: 30.5 cm Depth: 3 mm (each).
● Must have a thin double layer (1 cm in total including the empty space) to be able to easily insert A3
paper inside the compartment (4 mm). Users will have the option to directly write on the acrylic panel
or write on a paper & exchange their paper/ideas with other participants.
● Must be transparent to allow good visibility of the information written on the paper so participants can
build on other ideas while the A3 is inserted in the compartment.
● Must have a carry handle in the top middle part of the panel to move from one room/brainstorming
session/meeting to another. Width: 10 cm Height: 2.5 cm
● Must have one hole on each side to allow the panel to be hung on wall mounted pegs to share
information in a group session. Radius: 1.25 cm
● The semi-cylindrical acrylic base must be Width: 54 cm Depth: 11.5 cm Height: 6 cm.
ERGONOMICS
● The base must be sturdy and stable enough to hold the panel during brainstorming.
● The curves at the top of the base will make it easier to grip during workshops.
● The panel must have a handle to be easy to transport from one department to another.
● Must be reusable. It must be able to allow additional entries or correct old ones.
● Must be easy to maintain, must be able to be cleaned with a dry cloth.
● Must be lightweight to be highly portable for long periods of time.
● Should be able to be used on virtually any flat surface wherever participants feel comfortable. Must
be ideal for both standing and seated positions.
● Must have a compact, slim profile to be easily stored when not in use. Must not take up much space.
● Must be quick and easy to set up and pack away for spontaneous meetings.
QUALITY
● Must be durable, heavy duty and damage resistant for long lasting use.
● Should resist marker pressure, no streaks, stains or residual marks.
● Should follow safety standards. Smooth rounded corners (no splinters or sharp edges)
MOOD BOARD
SECTION 2 RANGE OF FEASIBLE DESIGN IDEAS
EXAMPLE 1
WHEELED RACK (STORES UP TO 6 DETACHABLE ACRYLIC PANELS) WITH A CENTRAL
WRITING SURFACE TO GATHER AND ORGANIZE KEY IDEAS DURING BREAKOUT SESSIONS.
CLIENT FEEDBACK
Design Positive Aspect Negative Aspect
1 This 7 in 1 mobile and interactive product The panels are not really functional during
encourages group interaction anywhere individual brainstorming. They might cause
anytime. Its base could be wheeled into discomfort and fatigue to the users because
any office room. they do not have a rest for support while in
Each individual tablet is fully use.
self-contained and could be wall The rack is not really compact and needs
mounted. Easy to use and looks robust. space to pack away for storage.
EXAMPLE 2
FLOOR STANDING / WALL MOUNTED DRY ERASE BRAINSTORMING PANEL
CLIENT FEEDBACK
2 Comfortable, perfect ergonomic Base not sturdy and stable enough.

workspace with the countless stand and Easy to knock over.
panel positions which help participants to Quite heavy.
alternate between different postures. Needs to be carried to be grouped / displayed
The paper could be easily replaced next to the others. Not conducive for breakout
without removing the frame from the sessions.
stand or from the wall.
EXAMPLE 3
V-SHAPE ACRYLIC PANEL WITH 10 DOUBLE SIDED SLEEVES. ALLOWS TO WRITE DIRECTLY ON
THE ACRYLIC SHEET OR WRITE ON AN A3 PAPER WHICH COULD BE SLIDED INSIDE THE VINYL
SLEEVE AND SHARED WITH OTHER PARTICIPANTS TO BUILD ON EACH OTHER'S IDEA.
CLIENT FEEDBACK
3 This design serves its purpose well, Not easy to carry around as the panel can
along with its appealing slip from the handle on the way.
appearance. It looks professional Loose-leaf sleeves cause eyelets / punched
and doesn't seem to wobble. The holes to tear when the pages are frequently
rings can be removed to add more turned.
sleeves. This design perfectly
showcases each member's work
and lets it shine through.
SECTION 3 FINAL DESIGN
VERSATILE DRY ERASE KIT. MODERN AND EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN WHICH ADDS SLEEK
SOPHISTICATION TO THE WORKSPACE. MULTIPURPOSE FUNCTION. ALLOWS TO WRITE /
DRAW ON THE PLEXIGLASS BOARD OR SLIDE THE PAPER INTO THE PANEL AND BUILD ON
OTHERS IDEAS. COUNTERTOP OR WALL MOUNTED PANEL. FOR INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP
SESSIONS.
SECTION 4 JUSTIFICATION
I have chosen this interactive brainstorming kit because it looks professional and inspires trust. It is really
simple and gives me the opportunity to show off my creative skills with the objective of keeping HAVAS
employees connected and engaged in their workspace. As a result of the data collected from my
interview with HAVAS general manager, brainstorming sessions have proven to be an invaluable aid in
bringing people together, increasing connectedness among colleagues and getting an entire team
involved while ensuring everyone gets a say. Hence, this activity should teach employees to
communicate efficiently, trust each other, solve problems in groups and most importantly break the ice.
This modern and fresh version greatly reinvents the classic brainstorming technique and provides some
originality to it. Tailored for all age groups and both genders, and mainly targeting Havas Muscat
employees. It is really inspiring because form and function both dominate. This is crucial to prevent users
from losing interest. The emphasis is on aesthetics and functionality at the same time.
Based on my product analysis and the results of my research, I believe that this design greatly reflects the
motive of my project. It is not only fun and engaging but also gives HAVAS employees the opportunity to
be themselves, thrive and grow. Proceeding from the information gathered during my research, this
design really serves the needs of the users as it is helpful and efficient to use. With its visual appeal and
good ergonomics, this proposal could elicit some excitement amongst employees as well as different
positive outcomes. Not only it offers something new but it truly uses participants' interest to enhance
their collaborative skills and keep them engaged wherever they are.
This product has two parts. One focuses on developing collaborative and communication skills, the other
induces creativity, boosts participants' visual thinking and helps to trigger and develop ideas that
discussion might leave unturned. Every component of this design serves a purpose.
The kit offers a frameless design that looks truly stylish in any room. It consists of a portable acrylic
writing panel (A3 format) made up of a thin transparent double layer allowing to insert papers inside the
compartment. Users will have the option to directly write on their acrylic panel with a dry erase marker or
write on the paper and exchange it with other participants who will in turn, slide it inside their folder and
build on other's ideas by adding their own spin. This slide-in design allows users to quickly & effortlessly
change out papers in no time. Each paper will then be passed to someone else with the possibility of
keeping their responses anonymous to eliminate all areas of weakness and allow people with
different levels of confidence to engage and share their ideas. This will be repeated multiple times
around the group. The whole concept of this innovative tool is to create a more collaborative atmosphere
by exchanging thoughts with the ability to generate ideas or solutions from a single idea or a piece
of information. I have chosen to use an acrylic panel (plexiglass) because it glows brightly due to its high
gloss surface. The edges of the panels will be polished to maintain a professional look that works well
within any environment. Its transparency will make the glow all the more impressive. Participants will also
be able to draw pictures or symbols on its smooth surface, instead of words. Acrylic does not shatter like
glass, it resists pressure and can be easily polished if it gets scratched. Most importantly, its non-staining
surface is suitable for writing on with dry-erase marker pens which saves a lot of scratch paper. Using bits
of paper that get lost or crumpled can make the process feel less worthwhile. Thus, this dry erase acrylic
panel is an environmentally conscious solution that is ideal for repeated use.
Its battery powered LED light base designed to capture everyone's attention will keep users motivated in
their workshop and help them generate innovative ideas. It should give a play element which I believe will
enhance participants' engagement, create a sense of excitement and enable users to enjoy manipulating
it. Unlike design #2, the base should be sturdy enough during the workshop preventing the panel to
pendulate. And this will be the most challenging aspect. The lights glued to the base will add details to the
kit and make it interesting to users who will surely be enthusiastic in trying out something new. To develop
their ideas, members can either place the board horizontally, without the base, on any flat surface (on
tabletops, on their laps, desks, wherever they feel relaxed, as indicated in the design specifications) or
easily adjust it on the base, switch on the light and get some inspiration; A theme that should interest my
target market and even correlate with its function.
The kit will include four colors of bright neon dry-erase markers pink, yellow, green and blue which
strongly glow when exposed to LED light, a good quality whiteboard eraser to clean the content on the
panel with ease and stickers to mark the most popular ideas (as mentioned in the design brief).
With this versatile kit, I will be giving users the right tool for the job to keep their meeting sessions
healthier and more productive. This means I will be encouraging them to freely interact with the product
while making sure that all participants have an equal contribution.
As stated in the design specifications, peers will be able to grab their brainstorming board and brainstorm
anytime, anywhere thanks to its compact size and lightweight. No need to wait for a vacant meeting room.
Since it offers ultimate fluency, usability and flexibility combined, participants will be able to generate a
rich array of ideas. This tool will give users the opportunity to create dynamic or intimate breakout spaces.
Unlike designs #2 & 3, the highly portable nature of the writing panel means users can work
collaboratively at desks while using the led light base, or simply choose a comfortable seating
area (in compliance with my clients expectations), then move into meeting rooms for further
discussion taking the work with them. Since one of the latest essential product trends is portable
product design and consumers are more than ever looking for this convenience (Ludin, 2019), the acrylic
panel will be designed with a carry handle and two holes on the sides to allow the panel to either be
carried or hung on wall mounted pegs. This is great for taking the work away to a desk for individual
reflection or to meetings before bringing the panel back to be shared as part of a group session to explore
further. Presenting and sharing ideas might become the best part of the whole exercise. Taking into
account that identity synergy of employees with multiple team memberships can have a positive
influence on innovative performance, employees will have the opportunity to engage and cooperate with
more than one team or switch between teams in different departments. Bringing everyone in on the
discussion, encouraging open and positive communication and generating innovative ideas will
be crucial for employee's overall engagement within HAVAS as well as for the company's success.
Here lies the strength of this interactive kit.
The wall hanging pegs will be made out of stainless steel to prevent rust. They will be adapted to suit the
premises wall finish, whether it is made out of wood panelling, gypsum board or concrete. These will be
designed to complement the acrylic panel and provide a secure place to display or work on the board.
The pegs will be fitted in pairs all over the company, allowing the acrylic panels to be securely hooked
up in many different locations and moved around the office premises as desired. The placement of
the pegs will allow for multiple panels (Not more than 6 in total, landscape wall mounting as advised by
Havas creative director) to be hung next to each other so that in tight and busy areas there will always be
one to write on.
I have chosen “Synergy” as my product's name as it perfectly relates to the Global Context of this unit.
The kit will be handy and accessible to all. Each member should be able not just to observe from distance
but to actively and fully exploit the exercise. It should give each participant a chance to be socially
active by participating, interacting and sharing ideas at the same time, allowing the synthesis of
different voices in a process of co-participation. The whole concept is to emphasise on creative
freedom where all ideas will be acknowledged and valuable, collaborations will follow. While the panels
and corresponding wall hooks could be installed as an individual panel, they will be particularly effective
when installed in groups to engage users in genuine dialogues and develop creative solutions together.
This will allow participants to come together, contribute to their expertise, build relationships,
perform better and eventually, benefit from each other.
Getting to know more about the company's atmosphere helped me in implementing this appropriate
activity to foster communication and strengthen their sense of belonging. This visually attractive and
stimulating tactile kit will definitely communicate in an eye catching manner. It should be successful
because it solves an existing problem and corresponds to a need which is already felt within the
company. This product will be an effective way to involve all employees in collaborative
workshops. Used as a handheld panel or wall mounted, this design is a contemporary way to move
thinking sessions from individual or small group work to larger group discussion, equally giving
to introverts the time and space to reflect on their own without having to compete for attention or
energy with their extroverted coworkers. That means that it will unlock positive possibilities for all
people. Unlike design #1, the kit can be easily stored when not in use since it does not take up too much
space. It is professional, aesthetically pleasing with its sleek, fully-functional design, dynamic, fun,
entertaining, easy to adopt, easy to manipulate, reusable and caters to a wide experiencing group
and this exceedingly connects with my initial design specifications. Thus, in my opinion, this final
product fully meets my clients needs.
PARTS DRAWING
LED STRIP LIGHT WIRING DIAGRAM (Tools & Materials Needed)

1. Rigid Led strip, Snap Connector, ON/OFF Switch, Separate black & red wires
2. Diagonal cutting plier to cut the LED strip
3. Wire stripper to remove the casing from the wires
4. Shrink tube to incase and protect the exposed wire
5. Electricity, Soldering iron to solder the leads onto the LED light strip
PANELS (Tools & Materials Needed)

1. 2 acrylic sheets for the panels
2. Reinforcing square strips to join the two panels
3. Electricity, computer, keyboard, mouse, CorelDRAW & Illustrator softwares
4. Laser cutter to cut 2 panels, 2 mounting holes, the handle and engrave HAVAS logo
5. Chloroform glue to weld the panels’ surfaces together
6. Ruler, Cutter, Dry-erase Marker
7. Metal binder clips to hold the panels together while waiting for the glue to dry
BASE (Tools & Materials Needed)

1. Semi-cylindrical acrylic shape for the base, Acrylic rod bars to support the panels
2. Electricity, computer, keyboard, mouse, CorelDRAW software
3. Laser cutter to cut a long narrow aperture in the base, Table saw to cut the bars
4. Acrylic scraping & polishing machines to guarantee a high quality finish
5. Chloroform glue to glue the acrylic supporting sticks to the back of the base
6. Cordless drill to open a small hole on the base to insert the on-off switch
7. Measuring tape, Dry-erase Marker
CRITERIA C _ Creating The Solution
PRODUCT TIMELINE
Section 1 Creating the plexiglass panels including the handle and mounting holes
Section 2 Engraving HAVAS logo on the front panel and Joining the panels together
Section 3 Creating the base including the panels' support and the cavity to fit the switch
Section 4 Wiring and powering the LED light strip, fixing it to the base and painting it.
Tips when preparing for cutting and engraving the plexiglass panels
1. Make sure to understand all the safety instructions before using a laser cutter.
2. Run a test cut on some scrap material before running the full job.
3. Do NOT peel off the masking tape from the Plexiglas sheet during the workshop. This will prevent
any unintended chips or cuts in the acrylic.
4. Create a physical prototype of the final product. It will give an idea how the kit will look like and
how it works in its intended environment.
PROTOTYPE
•Transparent vinyl sheet
•Holes perforated with a
paper puncher
•Vinyl suitable for dry
erase marker
•Toilet paper tube
•Led flashlight
Section 1 part 1
DRAW THE PLEXIGLASS PANELS OUTLINE (FRONT AND BACK) ON CORELDRAW
Time allocation 20 minutes
Tools and materials
Electricity, Computer, Keyboard & Mouse
CorelDRAW software
● To draw the front panel, open the rectangle flyout, click the "rectangle" tool and drag it in the drawing
window. Expand to the following size Width: 43.5 cm Height: 30.5 cm.
● Repeat the same steps to design the back panel (same measurements).
Check the dimensions on the numeric input at the top to see the value.
● To design the rectangular base (for an easy insertion in the slot) as shown in the second photo, open
the rectangle flyout, click the "rectangle" tool and drag it in the drawing window. Expand it to the following size
Width: 42cm Height: 2.5cm
Success: All went as planned. I made sure that the corners were rounded (those found at the bottom of each
panel, where they intersect the base) Radius: 2 mm. Rather than leaving the corners sharp, a radius was used
to allow the panels to flow more easily, to eliminate any stress on the corner, distribute it over a broader area
on the panel and absorb the load. It will also help prevent cracking, which leads to premature panel failure.
Section 1 part 2
CUT THE PLEXIGLASS PANELS (FRONT AND BACK PANELS) WITH A LASER CUTTER MACHINE
Time allocation 8 minutes for each panel
Tools and materials
CorelDRAW software
Laser cutter machine
3 mm acrylic sheet
⚠️
Safety Goggles & Vapour/Particulate Respirator P2
⚡🔥
Warning: Beware, the invisible high energy laser beam can cause severe eye damage, including blindness
and serious skin burns .
● Carefully place the 3 mm acrylic sheet on the laser cutter machine. Make sure the edges are well
positioned as shown in the photos below.
● Once ready to use the cutter, on CorelDRAW select "Print" from the "File" menu.
● The laser cutting machine will start the process.
Success: The laser cutting process was quick, as most of the work was automated.
The cuts obtained were really precise with the exact size and fine edges.
Section 1 part 3
DRAW THE HANDLE AND THE TWO MOUNTING HOLES OF THE PLEXIGLASS PANELS (FRONT AND
BACK) ON CORELDRAW
Tools and materials
CorelDRAW software
● To design the outline of the two holes and draw a circle, hold down "Ctrl" while dragging diagonally the
"Ellipse" tool to the following measurement Radius: 1.25 cm
● Position each circle on one side of the layout (2 cm from the top and 2 cm from the side)
● To design the outline of the carry handle, open the "Rectangle" flyout, click the rectangle tool and drag
it in the drawing window until the rectangle is the following size:
Width: 10 cm Height: 2.5 cm. Click on the shape tool and then click on the handles of the rectangle to round
the corners. Radius: 12.5 mm
● Position the handle on the layout (1.5 cm from the top and 17.2 cm from the sides) .
Success: CorelDRAW is an easy to use software . It allowed me to create a beautiful and clear graphic to
illustrate the main idea for my project. The design part worked flawlessly.
Section 1 part 4
CUT THE HANDLE AND THE TWO MOUNTING HOLES ON EACH PANEL WITH A LASER MACHINE
Time allocation 8 minutes for each panel
Tools and materials
CorelDRAW software
Two acrylic panels (previously cut)
● Place the first acrylic panel (front panel) on the laser cutting machine. Make sure the edges are well
● On CorelDRAW select "Print" from the "File" menu. The laser cutter will start its process.
● Repeat the same steps with the second panel (back panel)
Success: The panels are professionally finished. The dimensions are accurate with a precise and consistent
cut from edge to edge. Nice and smooth edges, no chips, no scorch marks or burn signs left on the edges, no
warped. This minimalistic design takes on the overall product which is done to perfection
Section 2 part 1
DRAW HAVAS LOGO WITH CORELDRAW ON THE FRONT PANEL ONLY
Tools and materials
Illustrator & CorelDRAW software
● To import HAVAS logo (vector file) to CorelDRAW, navigate to “File” then select “Import” and follow the
prompts until it figures on the blank CorelDraw document.
● Make sure the logo is selected. Once selected, a new toolbar will appear.
● Click the “Trace Bitmap” button and move the mouse over “Outline Trace”, then "Line art", then remove
color from the entire image. (The colour detail is not important as we are only trying to achieve a detailed
outline of the logo).
● After having a clean vector file, outline the image in red and turn off the "Fill"
● Using the "Pick tool", select the text object and on the property bar, click on "Mirror horizontally". This
will flip the text characters from left to right, allowing to print the logo on the back of the panel before sending
the job to the laser cutter machine.
Success: The logo is now ready to engrave. Engraving on the reverse side (on the back of the panel) will give
the logo a dimensional quality that would really enhance the look of the plexiglass panel.
Section 2 part 2
ENGRAVE HAVAS LOGO WITH A LASER MACHINE (ON THE FRONT PANEL ONLY)
Time allocation 8 minutes for the front panel only
Tools and materials
CorelDRAW software
Front acrylic panel (only)
● Place the front acrylic panel on the laser cutter machine. Make sure the edges are well positioned as
shown in the photo below.
Success: I have achieved a truly outstanding engraved logo with a frosty and solid white color and a satin
finish. This unique and modern design adds a classy touch which will surely appeal to the Havas team. It will
help build strong corporate identity, strengthen the bonds between employees and reinforce their sense of
belonging.
Section 2 part 3
JOIN THE TWO PANELS BY USING ACRYLIC STRIPS
Tools and materials
Two acrylic panels (previously cut front and back panels )
Long acrylic strip
Ruler / Dry erase marker / Cutter / Chloroform glue / Paper clips
⚠️
Warning: Chloroform can harm the eyes, skin and nervous system. It can be highly toxic if inhaled.
Exposure to chloroform may cause cancer. To be used with extreme caution and appropriate ventilation.
● Measure 43.5 cm on the strip, mark it with a dry erase pen and cut it with a cutter.
● Repeat the same process to have two separate strips 30.5 cm long
● Add Chloroform glue on one side of the strip (43.5 cm) and place it at the bottom of the back panel as
shown in the first photo below.
● Repeat the process with the 2 remaining strips (30.5 cm). Place one strip on the left and one on the
right side of the back panel as shown in the second photo below
● Add a small bead of Chloroform along the other sides of the 3 strips. Try to be very sparing with the
glue so it won't smear out over the back panel.
● Carefully position the front panel on top of the back panel.
● Use paper clips to hold the panels firmly together until the glue sets (3 to 5 minutes).
Success: The panels are now ready. Within a few minutes the pieces were neatly glued together without any
marks (The adhesive glue is invisible within the assembly). The panels are perfectly aligned with a nice looking
and clean joint.
Section 3 part 1
POLISH THE PRECUT SEMI-CYLINDRICAL BASE
Tools and materials
Electricity, Edge Scrapping & Buffing polishing machines
Semi-cylindrical base
⚠️
Warning: Machining processes such as scrapping, buffing and polishing are capable of generating small
particles. Safety goggles must be worn during the workshop. Keep both hands behind the cutting edge. Always
apply the work to the lower portion of the mop, never the top. Hold the acrylic piece firmly during the whole
process.
● First use the edge scraper machines to smooth the edge so it polishes easier as well as better. This
step will prepare the acrylic base for buffing.
● Initially, the edge will not be totally clear. The next step will be buffing the scrapped edges by moving
them over the wheel. It is important to buff only the edges of the acrylic base and not the surface which might
affect the clarity .
Success: The buffing procedure helped me to remove all imperfections along the edges of the acrylic base. I
made sure that each side had a smooth and clean cut for a perfect finish. I have achieved highly polished
edges. The base looks strong and robust which really inspires trust.
Section 3 part 2
DRAW THE OUTLINE OF THE BASE APERTURE ON CORELDRAW
Tools and materials
CorelDRAW software
● To design the base aperture, open the rectangle flyout, click the rectangle tool and drag it in the middle
of the rectangle until it is the following size: Length: 42.5 Width: 2 cm.
Success: I made sure that the corners were rounded. Radius: 1.5 mm. Rather than leaving the corners sharp,
a radius was used to allow the panels to flow more easily, to eliminate any stress on the base, distribute it over
a broader area and absorb the load. It will also help prevent cracking, which leads to premature panel failure.
Section 3 part 3
CUT THE APERTURE IN THE BASE WITH A LASER CUTTER MACHINE
Tools and materials
CorelDRAW software
Semi-cylindrical acrylic base
⚠️
Safety goggles & Vapour/Particulate Respirator P2
💨
Warning: Laser cutters will generate fumes, vapors, particulates from substrate that can be highly toxic
(plastics and other combustible materials) .
● Place the semi-cylindrical acrylic base on the laser cutter machine. Make sure the edges are well
Success: This job also needed little manpower as this contemporary laser cutting machine is highly
automated. The base aperture is cut with impressive accuracy.
Section 3 part 4
CUT SMALL ACRYLIC RECTANGULAR ROD BARS TO SUPPORT THE PANELS ON THE BASE
Tools and materials
Electricity
Table saw
Acrylic rectangular rod bars
Measuring tape / Dry Erase Marker
⚠️
Safety Goggles
Warning: Table saws are the most dangerous power tools and can cause catastrophic injuries. Don't
overreach. Always use a 4' inch rule. Turn the blade off and allow it to slowly come to a complete stop before
removing the piece of plexiglass.
● With a measuring tape, measure 42.5 cm from one extremity of the acrylic rod bar and mark the area
intended to be cut with a dry erase marker.
● Set the rod bar on the table saw, release the lock, adjust the bar exactly where the blade should be
during the cut, lock the guide in place and start the saw running.
● Hold the bar tightly by its sides and push it forward in a quick motion, until the blade has cut through it
at the desired measurement.
● Repeat the same process on another rod bar in order to have two identical bars with equivalent
measurements.
● Repeat the same process in order to have a pair of identical rod bars 2 cm long
(In total, there should be two rod bars 42.5 cm long and two 2 cm long)
Success: These highly transparent and glossy bars are ready to be used for reinforcement.
Section 3 part 5
GLUE THE ACRYLIC BARS BELOW THE APERTURE TO SECURE THE PANEL ON THE BASE
Time allocation 20-30 minutes
Tools and materials
Four reinforcement acrylic bars (previously cut)
Chloroform glue and heavy acrylic blocks
Safety goggles & Vapour/Particulate Respirator P2
● Turn the base upside down and fasten it with heavy acrylic blocks for it not to oscillate
● Carefully place the first bar on the edge / boundary of the aperture as demonstrated in the second
photo below. Place the needle of the Chloroform-filled applicator where the two pieces meet and lightly
squeeze on the applicator. Try to be very sparing with the glue so it won't smear out over the back of the base.
● Repeat the same steps with the remaining 3 rod bars.
Success: This was the most challenging part. I needed to efficiently and permanently join the components into
a complete assembly. Luckily, I had succeeded in securing a firm and strong bond between the acrylic bars
and the base by using the chloroform glue. The reinforcement bars will allow an even distribution of the panels
load over a broad area, reducing stress on the joint. The task required meticulous craftsmanship knowing that
the panels had to easily flow in and out the slot while being frequently removed and placed on the base during
workshops.
Section 3 part 6
DRILL A SMALL HOLE ON THE BASE TO INSERT THE ON / OFF SWITCH
Tools and materials
Acrylic semi-cylindrical base
Dry Erase Marker / Ruler
⚠️
Cordless drill
Warning: Tighten the chuck securely. Drill a small "pilot" hole before drilling a larger hole
● Select the bit suitable for the size of the hole and the switch push button (8mm)
● Stabilize the drill vertically and start with a low speed and gradually speed up.
● Firmly hold the drill against the base while gripping it tightly and drill a hole at a distance of 3.5 cm
from the bottom and 2.2 cm from the side as seen in the photo below
Issues: I have succeeded in boring a hole through the plexiglass base. However, I didn't obtain a clear and
smooth surface due to some gouges in the wall of the hole. I believe I should have used a step drill instead of
a standard twist drill.
Changes: I have filled the pilot hole with a wax / oil stick, then redrilled to the final diameter.
Success: The wax has lubricated the cut and expelled chips during the drilling.
Section 4 part 1
CUT THE LED STRIP
Tools and Materials
Rigid LED strip (DC 12 V 5054 SMD).
Diagonal cutting plier to cut the LED strip.
● Measure the area where I plan on fixing the LEDs.
● Cut the LEDs to size using the dotted guideline on the strip. (Choose the line closest to the aperture
length).
Success: I have cut the strip with the cutting plier exactly along the cutting line (37 cm), which ensured both
cutting ends of the strip have enough size of copper pads. These pads will work as a base for connection
points.
Section 4 part 2
DETERMINE THE STRIP POWER CONSUMPTION
Tools and Materials
LED strip
Internet connection & Google (for research)
● Check the LEDs to see what kind of voltage they require to determine the power consumption of the
strip (To keep the LEDs running long-term, the power supply should match).
Success: Typical 9V batteries provide 500-800 mA. Each LED uses about 20 mA which is about 25-30 LED's.
My 37 cm panel strip includes 27 LEDS so 27 × 20 = 540 mA. Under-driving the LED strip by using a lower
voltage than its rated voltage (12V) is completely safe and has no detrimental effects on the LEDs or the
circuitry. By driving them below their rated current, the LED strips' lifetime will be even longer.
Section 4 part 3
CONNECT THE WIRES TO THE SNAP
Tools and Materials
Wire stripper to remove the casing from the wires.
Snap connector clip lead wires holder (+) (-) (12 cm)
Separate black wire cable extension (-) (6 cm)
Shrink tube to encase and protect the exposed wire (2cm)
Electricity & Soldering iron to heat up and melt the shrink tube
● Use a wire stripper to remove 1 cm of the insulation from each wire (-) (+).
● Clamp the wire between the tool’s jaw, press down to break through the casing, pull off the casing and
strip the remaining wire.
● Twist the black leads (-) on the snap with the black leads of the separate wire extension
● Protect the connection with a shrink tube and slightly melt it with the soldering iron.
Success: The wiring installation was smooth and fast. The shrink tube has encased the exposed wire and
protected it (It's crucial to prevent users from shock hazards at the workplace)
Section 4 part 4
SOLDER THE LED STRIP TO THE SWITCH AND SNAP CONNECTOR
Tools and Materials
LED strip (previously cut to desired dimension: 37 cm)
Separate red wire cable extension (+) (6 cm)
Micro push button On / Off switch for LEDS.
Snap connector clip lead wires holder (+) (-)
🔋
Electricity & Soldering iron to solder the leads onto the LED light strip.
⚠️
9V battery .
Warning: Never touch the tip of the iron. It's extremely hot (400°C) and will burn.
● Plug the soldering iron and wait for it to heat until it is ready to melt the copper (make sure to handle it
with caution).
● Solder the red lead (+) of the separate wire extension to the two poles of the On / Off switch terminals.
Hold the soldering iron at a 45° angle, then, lightly touch it to the wire until it melts and sticks in place.
● To melt the other extremities of both wires (+) and (-) onto the LED strip’s copper dots, position the red
wire over the dot marked as (+) positive and the black wire over the (-) negative dot, hold the soldering iron at
a 45° angle, then, lightly touch it to the wire until it melts and sticks in place.
● Once it melts, take off the heat and hold it in place until it cools off and solidifies.
Success: soldering provided a perfect bridge for the current flow. I have plugged in the 9V battery to the LED
lights to test them and they worked perfectly as intended. The test allowed me to make sure that all the
connections work well, preventing undesirable surprises after I mount the strip lights.
Section 4 part 5
GLUE THE LED LIGHT SYSTEM TO THE BASE
Tools and Materials
Led light system
⚠️
Electricity, Glue gun & hot glue stick
Warning: Try to keep the nozzle at a safe distance from the plexiglas base as it is very hot and could leave
burn marks.
● Turn the base upside down and fasten it with heavy objects for it not to oscillate
● Plug the glue gun and wait for it to heat until it is ready to melt the hot glue
● Pull the trigger gently to control the flow of the hot glue and apply it on the edge of the four bars and
bond the LED light strip to them (LEDS facing upwards). The glue is quick to set but allows few seconds of
flexibility to precisely adjust the strip before it hardens.
● Put hot glue on the ON/OFF switch and insert it in the designated spot.
Section 4 part 6
PAINTING THE BASE TO HIDE THE WIRES OF THE LED LIGHTS.
Tools and Materials
Sandpaper
Acrylic based primer, Acrylic paint & Roller
Vapour/Particulate Respirator P2, Safety goggles & latex painters gloves
● Use a sandpaper to lightly scuff the area that will be painted.
● Use a primer to ensure that the paint adheres to the surface and doesn’t flake or peel. Hold it about 2
feet from the acrylic base and spray the surface as evenly as possible.
Wait until the primer has dried, then the sheet will be ready for painting.
● Apply the paint with a roller on the acrylic base. Repeat the process for a good finish.
Changes: Before running the full job, I tested the paint on a small acrylic scrap. One downside to it is that I
couldn't ensure an even and uniform coat. The paint didn't adhere well even after scuffing. It didn't allow for a
perfect blend on the second application. I'm afraid that once the LED lights will be "On", these imperfections
would be easily pronounced. Another disadvantage is that the acrylic paint could be easily scraped off during
workshops. For these reasons, I have decided to use Aironfix, a self adhesive vinyl laminate which can adhere
very well to acrylic sheets and provide a perfect velvet finish to my design.
Tools and Materials
Aironfix self adhesive vinyl (suede-velvet greige color)
Cutter / Scissors / Single hole puncher / Pencil / ruler
● Measure the surface to be covered (base) L:53 W:19 cm
● Using scissors, cut the vinyl sticker to the size of the base.
● Take the print of the "On/Off" switch area. Punch a hole in the vinyl using a hole puncher.
● Detach several millimeters of the sticker along its whole width. Attach the uncovered adhesive vinyl on
one extremity of the base and separate the protecting paper as the vinyl is sticking to the base. if some
bubbles occur rub the sheet with a dry cloth.
● Turn the base upside down. With a cutter, cut the rectangle's outline (panel aperture)
Success: Aironfix's exceptional material perfectly conforms with the curves of the base. Its soft velvety suede
touch provides a pleasing feel, easy handling and greater physical comfort. It is opaque (it conceals the wiring
system) waterproof, stain resistant (easy to clean with a dry cloth) and heat resistant (no need to worry when
Led Lights get warm).
Final justification for having done very few changes to the original plan: I had a good understanding of
my project's goal and objectives. I had identified my clients needs and visualized ideas that could solve their
problem through concept drawings, brainstorming and a 3D product prototype to test my design usability
and functionality and make appropriate refinements to improve on it. It offered me a broad and clear vision of
my product's optimal form and the tasks and steps needed to achieve it. I was not tempted to skip directly to
the creation stage which would have surely guaranteed a poor performance. Rather, I have spent ample time
to plan properly. My patience, good time management and critical thinking skills were necessary to prevent
unjustified investments, avoid common mistakes and increase my product's chances of success. I was at all
times clearly focused on developing a finished product of high quality and specifications. I had enough
resources to get the job neatly done since I have realised my project in a plexiglass factory which was highly
equipped with advanced machines. All this helped me to make focused decisions which dictated the entirety of
my product’s development process.
CRITERIA D_Reflection
This kit was created to fulfill the needs of HAVAS employees and
solve some of their collaborative issues. I have made significant
efforts to provide them with a positive experience. The management
& team's feedback will be one of the most essential components for
its success. A keen understanding of participants' experience with the
kit is the key to improved product quality and greater users'
satisfaction. I need to gain insight on the areas of interests and
identify problems, if any. It will later allow me to develop an action
plan to rectify possible weaknesses and build on the product's
strengths to help everyone get the most value out of it. In order to do
that, I will use a series of qualitative and quantitative testing methods.
TESTING METHOD 1 HAVAS TEAM SATISFACTION SURVEY

I will conduct a short survey with 10 multiple choice questions which will be sent via email to 20 team
members at HAVAS, following their interaction with the kit. The product evaluation survey will be the most
straightforward tool to measure its success. It will help me gauge the interest of my target audience and
discover whether I have moved forward with the right features and benefits. The survey should be
inviting and quick to fill in (See supporting document Appendix 6 to view the survey’s results)
Results: The answers collected show that a great number of participants gave very high ratings to almost all
the aspects of my kit. Results highlighted the importance of combining aesthetics with functionality & good
quality to keep participants totally engaged in my new product. 85% (Fig.10) of users claimed that they were
at all times inspired and 80% (Fig.6) felt extremely comfortable while using it to express their thoughts. A
score of 100% satisfaction rate on Fig.4 & Fig.7 (See supporting document, Appendix 6) is a great indicator
of my project's favourable outcome. The impressive
majority of participants found that using this kit benefited
the team and empowered each participant. This tool
served as a great way to get people's minds together to
produce better results. It encouraged communication,
fostered creativity and ignited the joy of expression
which is largely the purpose of my mission. The questions
were designed to create data that are easily interpreted but
I will not stop at this survey alone to present my insights. Figure. 4 Figure. 7
TESTING METHOD 2 HAVAS GENERAL MANAGER FEEDBACK
I need to make sure that my product is delivering maximum value to HAVAS employees and the
company alike. HAVAS GM will observe his team during their workshops to evaluate the kit's effectiveness.
What people (employees) say can be different from what people do.
The interview should retrieve relevant, concrete and genuine information on participants’ thoughts,
feelings and behaviours as well. Here is my question: What's your impression at first glance? How would you
rate your team's interaction with the kit?
"This elegant, innovative and flexible product differentiates itself from the competition out there. It offers a
total solution for the majority, especially for the reserved ones and introverts who may be concerned about
being seen as “unfit” in front of peers or managers. It is equally effective for people with impulsive
behaviors. Unlike "traditional" brainstorming techniques which might create potential for tension and friction
due to misunderstanding or misalignments in points of views, this versatile kit gives them the freedom to get
creative and express their ideas however and wherever they feel like while getting good use out of that
item. In fact, the traditional brainstorming may harm their productivity and result in a performance failure which
is quite the opposite of synergy. Hence, this powerful tool undeniably reduces barriers to productivity and
failures in communication between colleagues during individual workshops. A company's most valuable
asset is its employees and today more than ever we at HAVAS are realizing this and are trying to benefit from
the collaboration of all of our staff. This product is more inclusive than any other brainstorming technique
because it supports a full range of people diversity. It has specifically made the process easier and more
productive by encouraging unrestricted thinking because it has the ability to understand differences in
communication preferences and is highly adapted to make everyone feel confident and receptive, creating
effective and more constructive relationships. Subsequently, during breakout sessions, employees find it
far easier to work with others toward shared organisational goals".
TESTING METHOD 3 EXPERT APPRAISAL

The best way to understand if my product is successful is to take the opinion of Mr. Muhieddine, the
creative director at HAVAS Muscat whose responsibilities include directing brainstorming meetings and
creative sessions by allowing him to try and use my product more than once among his team. I need to know
if my design created conditions and opportunities for members to freely express their thoughts and
develop their relationships and to what extent they have profited from these experiences which will
eventually contribute to give them a sense of belonging in the workspace. For best results, the product
will be tested in the environment they will use it in. Here's what he had to say:
"My team and I have enjoyed every second of our interaction with this tool. It really looks professional and
trustworthy. Highly comfortable and intuitive as it conveys its major benefits quickly. Everyone immediately
understands how to manipulate it, within a few seconds, and without any explanation. It is distinguished by the
fact that it's extremely versatile. It could be used either on tabletops or wall mounted and is easily
transportable. This unique feature is particularly relevant for my team as they often move from one office to
another and from one department to another for breakout sessions. Gone are the days when we had a special
room for brainstorming and discussions with gigantic white boards. Now with this new kit we can convert any
place into a conference room, all we need is flat surfaces and dispersed wall-mounted hooks in all the work
spaces. This kit is an excellent, user friendly way of quickly gathering thoughts and ideas and brings
great benefit for all participants. It helps people to communicate while exchanging their ideas and gives
a voice to the quieter individuals while balancing the contributions of the more vocal. It also helps us to
prevent potentially very chaotic meetings especially for participants who are against some ideas during the
brainstorming. A slight downside to this product is that once the A3 paper is inserted in the compartment, it
obstructs the handle's aperture as well as the holes on the sides preventing the panel from being easily carried
or wall mounted (Watch the video interview with Mr Muhieddine to spot the flaw in the panels' dimensions).
This kit offers a great way to help the team to feel engaged in the process giving them a common purpose
while collaborating together. It is easy for employees to not feel confident when working, so making sure that
everyone is able to have an input in group discussions and that their contribution is valued is an
important consideration for the company. All in all, it is fun to use, highly productive and a bit addictive".
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS FROM THE TWO INTERVIEWS: I am delighted that the feedback is really
positive. As clearly demonstrated above, apart from a minor detail (highlighted in red), my minimalist and
innovative design is highly successful in terms of the purpose of the product. It looks professional with its
elegant and eye-catching appearance and strongly meets my customers needs. As the GM mentioned,
choosing this kit was a great way to bring people together, including reserved ones, in a creative and efficient
way. It encouraged everyone's participation and promoted synergy among teams which in turn strengthened
their sense of belonging and boosted their productivity and commitment. It made everyone feel that they fit in,
are valued and share a common purpose and connection with their colleagues.
EVALUATION AGAINST THE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS

By measuring the success of each feature throughout the users' journey, I got a clear picture of what worked
well and what needed to be improved. My target audience had a few opinions on their own. I will highlight in
green areas of success and in red areas of improvement I can make within my product to secure participants'
engagement and retention.
Classification TARGET AUDIENCE
Specifications •The kit must be for HAVAS Muscat team

•The kit must be unisex.
Evaluation The kit was specifically designed for HAVAS team to help manage workshops and
brainstorming sessions. In reference to my interview with HAVAS GM (testing method 2), It
brought all colleagues together, helped build social bonds and fostered effective
communication across teams. It made it easy for people of all ages (20-55 years), genders
(Men-Women) and abilities (Extroverts/social- introverts/shy) to follow the process. The
company's logo "HAVAS" identified and communicated ownership of the team and
business it was designed for. The overall conception of the product was created through
different qualities with a balanced combination of features for a genderless neutral design.
The panel's shiny reflectiveness, smooth texture, soft surface, slim proportions,
lightweight, the base's round shape and handle's curvy lines enhanced the perception
of a product's femininity. Whereas, the panel's geometrical and angular shapes, the
straight lines and hard surface enhanced the perception of a product's masculinity.
Focusing on shared values kept my product interesting and appealing to a broad audience
and helped to elicit a positive affective attitude for everyone.
Classification FUNCTION
Specifications •Must be able to be used for brainstorming ideas at different stages in a project
•Must allow people with different ages, genders, backgrounds, cultures to collaborate with
each other to ensure healthy sessions & promote diversity
•Must allow a mix of participants who can offer similar or divergent points of view to foster
effective communication, debates & creative engagement.
•Must give participants the opportunity to build on other's ideas by sharing / exchanging their
acrylic panel or paper to create a more collaborative atmosphere.
Evaluation The survey's result (testing method 1) highlighted the importance users attach to this
attribute. This tool was ideal to provide interactive, respectful and inclusive breakout
sessions keeping in mind that Havas attracts a diverse team of employees, all with unique
expertise and perspective, from different backgrounds, nationalities, age groups and
genders. In reference to my interview with Mr Muhieddine (testing method 3), the kit helped
them collaborate while exchanging their ideas at different stages of the brainstorming
session such as developing a brief, branding, creating campaigns, marketing strategy,
planning. It was used in different situations where teams came together to share
information, learn from each other, made decisions and planned actions. It stimulated both
individual and group thinking which is crucial for the company and gave a voice to each
one of them in a democratic and amiable proces. The kit was used for a large number of
purposes. Participants started by generating their ideas separately on the plexiglass
board. During the process, users were also allowed to exchange their panels to build on
each other's ideas. Participants learned from each other and felt that their ideas were
being listened to. It involved everyone contributing to an idea and evolving it. After having
spent some time separately, the team was invited to collaborate in an open &
non-judgmental environment. They have spent face to face time together, in a fun,
spontaneous & effective manner, paving a way to get to know each other better, creating
a foundation for a stronger working relationship & team bonding.
Classification USER NEEDS
Specifications •Must be able to be used individually or by several team members at a time.

•Must enable face to face interaction.
•Must assist with team building, help reinforce bonds & relationships between members &
remind everyone that they are stronger together to achieve better shared outcomes.
•Must encourage the free flow of all sorts of random & unusual ideas to stimulate & empower
everyone to think creatively without interference from judgment & criticism.
•Must allow users to comfortably express their thoughts. Each participant's voice must be
heard (including shy & introverts), not just those who speak the loudest to encourage real,
meaningful, ongoing, equal participation & create balance.
•Must give users the opportunity to keep their responses anonymous to eliminate areas of
weakness & allow those with different levels of confidence to engage & share ideas.
•Must make participants feel that their contributions & input are valued to build a sense of
belonging & community among colleagues.
Evaluation An overall impressive level of satisfaction (100% rating Fig.4) in the survey (see appendix 6)
indicated that this versatile kit incontestably met users' needs. The simple and
uncomplicated design contributed to its overall functionality. The kit made it easy to bring
together people of different backgrounds, ages and helped them to speak on equal terms.
It specifically made the brainstorming process easier and more productive by
encouraging uninhibited thinking. This brainstorming technique used a dual-stream
approach. It allowed participants to work individually and as a team. In culturally diverse
groups like in the HAVAS case, this worked well, stated HAVAS GM (testing method 2),
because participants, specifically introverts and shy ones, didn't fear exposure for their ideas.
Users had the opportunity to keep their identity anonymous. Their ideas flew freely
without restrictions or judgments and that helped them to contribute easily. Each one of
them had the option to directly write on the acrylic panels or write on a paper and exchange
it with other participants which encouraged cooperation. Later, during group meetings,
panels were hooked to the wall making them accessible to everyone. Ideas were shared
without running into issues of some employees dominating the conversation, or some
criticising each other’s ideas, rather than generating new ones. It ensured that everyone
got a say, including those who felt nervous about speaking up. As highly demonstrated in
the survey's results (testing method 1 Fig.7), it stimulated effective communication across
departments and teams and created a playful mood for constructive dialogues at all
levels in the company. It supported participation and equality. It built employees'
confidence. It was a turn taking process which ensured that everyone had a say. Every
idea had a chance to shine.
Classification AESTHETICS
Specifications •Must look professional & robust to inspire trust & drive engagement.
•Must be made of good quality clear acrylic with neatly finished edges & sturdy base.
•Must be compact & elegant to add a clean & minimal touch to the overall space, especially
in congested places. "Less is more".
•Must be aesthetically inspiring with its sleek design. Must have a soft, smooth line.
•Must glow brightly, have a glossy surface, give a simple palpability & sense of comfort.
•Should be a modern & stylish updated version of the traditional whiteboard to appeal to the
target audience & prevent participants from losing interest.
•Must be unique, versatile & original in its format to build a lively atmosphere.
•Must have varied uses, serve many functions.
•Must be fun & entertaining to capture everyone's attention, keep users motivated in their
workshop and help generate innovative ideas.
•Must include a corporate logo on the bottom of the front panel.
Evaluation Based on Havas GM's evaluation (testing method 2), this is an extremely elegant and eye
catching design which creates a marvelous decor statement hence making maximum
impact wherever placed. Both aesthetically inspiring & functional, this slim kit adds
sleek sophistication & organization to HAVAS desktops & offices. The panels look
absolutely charming against all kinds of wall decor (see photos Appendix 8)
It has the extra appeal of touch and feeling so people are more likely to want to get
involved. As clearly proven in the survey (95% rating Fig.3), it is premium quality with its
highly polished surface and sturdy base. Its flawless finish provides a professional and
trustworthy look that adds style to every location. The minimalist takes on the overall
design which is done to perfection. The panels look beautiful with their transparent and
reflective body that enhances the feeling of space in limited areas. Their cristal clear
transparency allowed the kit to blend in easily with the rest of the company's decor. Designed
to help spark and gather ideas in a collaborative space, this tool has served as a great way
to communicate, foster creativity and ignite the joy of expression in an engaging,
dynamic and fun way. According to Mr Muhieddine (testing method 3), its versatile concept
contributed in building a lively atmosphere. It allowed users to write/draw on their board or
slide an insert and build on others ideas. The kit had the possibility to be used almost
anywhere. Suitable as countertop or wall mounted panels, for individual or group sessions.
Apart from being a product that serves several important purposes, this innovative kit is a
great addition to any office owing to its modern appearance. It presents the information
baldly with clarity and brightness thanks to its stimulating led light base which is ideal to
increase the visual impact (The information is clear and readable, even at a distance.
Every detail and word was fully visible for them to show off). It is a fashionable and
convenient way to showcase each member's work. The panels include HAVAS logo to
reinforce the concept of the company's support & promote a sense of belonging. The logo
looks really impressive in low light conditions.
Classification FORM
Specifications •panels must be rectangular. Width: 43.5cm Height: 30.5cm Depth:3 mm (each).
•Must have a carry handle in the top middle part of the panel to move from one
room/brainstorming session/meeting to another. Width: 10 cm Height: 2.5 cm
•Must have one hole on each side to allow the panel to be hung on wall mounted pegs to
share information in a group session. Radius: 1.25 cm
•The semi-cylindrical acrylic base must be Width: 54cm Depth: 11.5cm Height: 6cm.
•Must have a thin double layer to be able to easily insert A3 paper
•Must be transparent to allow good visibility of the information written on the paper so
participants can build on other ideas while the A3 is inserted in the compartment.
Evaluation The 2 panels, the semi-cylindrical base, the 2 holes and the carrying handle are precisely
cut, as intended with the exact measurements. The rectangular shape of the panels is
wide enough which allows users to freely write random ideas.
The kit looks the same on both sides to accommodate double-sided inserts that can be seen
from both directions on a table.The slide-in design enabled users to exchange inserts as
often as needed but as reported by one of the participants during his interaction with the kit,
this operation couldn't be performed as quickly and effortlessly as expected. Though the
compartment's dimensions are consistent from edge to edge (inner layer 4 mm) the
paper was sometimes stuck between the two panels and could not be easily gripped
unless the panels were turned upside down to slide the insert out of the frame (see potential
solution in strand 3).The panel's frameless appearance looks clean, smart and
professional. The acrylic sheets have a superior diffusion property. Their transparency
ensured an even distribution of light without sacrificing its transmission and a good visibility
of the information during workshops. Wall pegs were fitted in pairs all over the company,
allowing the panels to be securely hooked up in many different places and moved
around as desired.
The placement of the pegs allowed for multiple panels to be hung next to each other to
involve all employees in collaborative workshops, making sure that all participants have an
equal contribution. As underlined by Mr Muhieddine (testing method 3), another downside
to this product is that once the A3 paper was inserted in the compartment, it obstructed the
handle's aperture as well as the holes on the sides preventing the panel from being easily
carried or wall mounted (see potential solution in strand 3).
Classification ERGONOMICS
Specifications •The base must be sturdy & stable enough to hold the panel during brainstorming.
•The panel must have a handle to be easy to transport from 1 department to another.
•Must be reusable. It must be able to allow additional entries or correct old ones.
•Must be easy to maintain, must be able to be cleaned with a dry cloth.
•Must be lightweight to be highly portable for long periods of time.
•Should be able to be used on any flat surface wherever participants feel comfortable.
•Must have a compact, slim profile to be easily stored when not in use.
•Must not take up much space.
•Must be quick & easy to set up & pack away for spontaneous meetings.
Evaluation The freestanding kit is sturdy and easy to set up. Thanks to its wide semi-cylindrical base,
the structure didn't lose its stability during workshops. The panels slotted easily into the
base for a secure display. Ideal for both standing and seated positions. Referring to the
survey results (testing method 1 Fig.6), 80% of participants claimed that they had the
opportunity to use the kit wherever they felt comfortable to speak out. It is extremely
lightweight, 1.2 Kg, which enabled users to carry it comfortably with minimum efforts and
hassles. As Mr Muhieddine said during our meeting (testing method 3), its highly portable
nature allowed users to work collaboratively at desks or seating areas and move into
conference rooms for further discussion taking the work with them. The compact kit offered a
unique space saving design. It was stored in small spaces in the office and taken about
easily anywhere. The panels (width: 1cm) were able to be stacked together to maximise
space. The kit was used by several members, as often as needed, and still didn't not
show any wear and tear. The panels didn't stain, scratch or sustain damages. They are
pretty easy to clean and required users to just wipe away the mess using a dry cloth and it
was ready for the next session, which in turn saved a lot of wasted papers.
Classification QUALITY
Specifications •Must be durable, heavy duty & damage resistant for long lasting use.
•Should resist marker pressure, no streaks, stains or residual marks.
•Should follow safety standards. Smooth rounded corners (no splinters / sharp edges)
Evaluation The kit combines sleek elegance with strong and robust manufacture. The wall mounted
pegs are extremely durable since they are made from solid brass, a corrosion resistant
material with a beautiful satin chrome finish. The panels as well as the base have nice and
smooth glossy polished edges and clean joints. No chips, no scorch marks, no
warped or burn signs were left on the edges. Made from premium grade clear acrylic that
has a great impact strength, they can easily withstand a substantial amount of
brainstorming workshops. The panels have a non porous surface suitable for extended
dry-erase marker usage. They are UV coated, highly resistant to long-term exposure to
sunlight (will not dim / turn yellow) and other elements like water and dust. The electrical
wiring was installed correctly and safely. It is extremely durable and reliable. I made sure
to respect the polarity connection, I chose the appropriate power supply, used a shrink tube
to encase all the exposed wires and kept the sides of the base open to avoid overheating.
CONCLUSION: Looking over the positive aspects of my final product and their impact on the users’ behavior &
experience, this gives quantifiable evidence about my product’s success. Referring to the survey results and
experts' feedback, my product met most of the requirements and achieved its specific goal with a high rate of
effectiveness and participants' satisfaction. It’s functional, easy and delightful to use and aesthetically pleasing.
POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE PRODUCT

During the testing phase, I identified 3 areas that needed to be refined to create a better user experience.
IMPROVEMENT 1: The joined panels have an opening on the top for easy insertion of a standard A3 sheet which
conveniently loads, an ergonomically designed handle for easy transportation and two mounting holes on the
upper-right and upper-left corners for easy installation on walls. But, in accordance with Mr Muhieddine's
constructive feedback, I have realized that I should extend the panels height (which were originally cut to the
exact measurements of an A3 sheet) with 4 additional centimeters so that when users insert their A3 paper in
the compartment, it doesn't obstruct the handle and two mounting holes. This would allow simple, fast and
hassle-free use (Watch the video interview with Mr Muhieddine to spot the flaw in the panels' dimensions and
notice how the handle is blocked).
IMPROVEMENT 2: The compartment's dimensions are consistent from edge to edge which keeps the inserted
sheets in place and fastened securely during workshops and when moving between breakout rooms. However,
during their exploration, participants reported that they had experienced some difficulties when they tried
to pull out the insert from the compartment as it was compressed between the two panels. A little patience was
required. Users had to turn the panels upside down and slightly open them, spacing the layers apart to slide the
paper out. Hence, if parted too hard, the front and back panel could have probably snapped. A possible option
would be to predict a curved die-cut opening in the front lower part of the handle to expose a small portion
of the paper for quick thumb access. This would make it easier to extract and interchange inserts quickly and
effortlessly, as often as needed.
IMPROVEMENT 3: I have used the Mini Push Button Switch , a latching switch which requires users to
push to turn the LED lights on and push again to turn them off. I am assuming that, though it is supposed to
withstand a certain amount of rough handling, with extended use, it could eventually break off the base as it is
mounted in the rear (from underneath the base's surface). Instead, an alternative solution would be to use a
Boat Rocker Switch which is quite easy to install due to its rectangular shaped 2 mm rim and can be
securely placed against the base. Prior to connecting the Led wires to it, the switch bottom could be slided
through the drilled hole and fixed with hot glue, on top of the base surface, instead of underneath it, for a long
lasting usage.
IMPACT OF THE PRODUCT ON THE AUDIENCE

Understanding my clients needs and doing the appropriate research was of paramount strategic value during
the early stages of my kit's development process to prevent unjustified investments and guarantee its success.
Always aiming for an even value exchange among team members where connection, communication,
and collaboration can happen, I thrived to design a new product idea from a functional and creative
perspective, one that's not yet fulfilled by products currently in the market.
During the participants-product interaction process, employees were at all times motivated. The kit brought
some novelty to the old traditional brainstorming version and unanimously elicited different feelings such as
pleasure and excitement. Having reached the right balance between usability and aesthetics played a vital
role to its success. My ergonomically designed product allowed participants to use it conveniently in all
conditions, particularly due to its highly portable nature, its slim proportions and lightweight. Its professional
look inspired trust, enhanced member's participation and encouraged everyone to have an input in the
process (see Survey Appendix 6 results). The minimalist, flawless and charming panels' layout generated
the advantage of a great first impression. The smooth feel and increased comfort of the base pleased
users and boosted their productivity. I have also noticed during the introductory workshops that the usage of
visually attractive and stimulating LED lights gave a 'play' element and increased their curiosity. This unique
feature made them want to learn more about the tool they are experiencing. 2 weaknesses, thoroughly
discussed in strand 3 (Improvement 1 & 2) hindered my design and affected the user's flow, sometimes
slightly retarding the development's process. But despite that, the overall users' experience and feelings they
got from their interaction with the kit were really positive for everyone involved. The impressive majority of
participants found that using this kit benefited the team and empowered each participant despite
differences of strengths, weaknesses, skills, opinions and talents. As the GM claimed during our interview,
it brought everyone in on the discussion, promoted cohesion and engagement, stimulated open and
effective communication across divisions and teams and helped generate innovative ideas. While I was
exchanging information with participants during group activities they described the sessions as "fun and highly
productive". Some valued how the panels could save records of the results stating that "ideas are never
wasted as everything can be written, shared or saved in the slide-in compartment". Comments from Joseph, a
web designer and an active team player included: "Sharing the ideas between participants created energy in
the workshop and boosted the team's performance. There was full engagement of all employees. It broke all
boundaries and encouraged creativity with its strong visual appeal. It provided great results and the group
dynamics were excellent". According to HAVAS GM, "This kit is participative and draws in rather than draws
back and isolates". It gave structure to the session and helped to keep employees focussed, while allowing
them to effectively gather a lot of ideas. People who took part in the workshop sessions had each a portion of
the activity; There was not one person who influenced and dominated everything. Every individual worked and
communicated with the basis of trust, respect and compassion. Everyone put their own weights and
collaboratively reached synergy. "This new product will completely change the way colleagues think and
apply their ideas and thoughts and therefore will deliver added value and contribute significantly to the
success of our company", he added. A key message I kept in mind from Mr. Zakir Muhieddine, the creative
director was that "During brainstorming sessions, a powerful sense of belonging to a community became
dominant. Everyone engaged in the same activity, in unison". This versatile kit allowed team members time to
focus on their thinking, reflect individually while staying connected to one another. It allowed users to develop
their ideas as an individual exercise before being influenced by the group’s thinking. Ideas were discussed and
evaluated at a later stage. The workshop helped peers to learn from each other and to develop new ways of
working together towards better shared outcomes. Keeping them busy in groups by doing a common
activity encouraged peer relationships and helped them engage in conversation while building skills
together and common interest. Ideas were shared without running into circumstances of some people
dominating the sessions, or some criticising and disapproving each other’s ideas, rather than generating new
ones, moving forward and making positive change happen in the organisation. This exercise exemplified that in
a trusting environment all parties are interdependent. They all have the same responsibility to each other. One
member's success is the team's success. Sarah, one of the most shy employees at Havas Muscat said during
the trial period: “This brainstorming kit gave us a real voice and the opportunity to be creative, productive
and more committed. It helped to give those who wouldn't have a voice a chance to participate and even
capture new insights from each". The fact that all of the individual ideas came together on the wall during
break out sessions (see Appendix 8) made participants feel more confident that their ideas are being valued.
This was especially helpful in groups with different levels of abilities and experience to build confidence.
Paulson, an insatiable person who always blames the management for feeling left out and often works solely
commented: “The kit was useful because it fostered team-spirit and helped equalise participation in an
egalitarian process across teams. No one was excluded. It helped in creating a warm collaborative
atmosphere and real debates with rich, lively discussions and dialogues and encouraged the involvement
of everyone" (See Appendix 9).
It was a true competitive advantage to measure the team's satisfaction in a variety of different ways. Based on
my survey's results and the findings from my personal observations and interviews, I believe that my design
greatly succeeded in reflecting the motive of my project and gaining everyone's compassion. It undisputedly
delivered real and unique benefits to all participants. I was able to create an exciting, sustainable and
successful design solution. Quality and differentiation were indeed vital, in fact they were the single biggest
determinant of its success. The overall participants' satisfaction during their interaction was basically the
barometer of my product's success. My passion and the efforts that I had invested in this product has brought
me this far. As Mr. Muhieddine had stated during our interview, my kit will completely change the way peers
interact with each other from now on, as it has appreciably contributed to impact on their emotional
reactions. It’s an incredible feeling to see the team just click. Everyone feels a shared drive toward success.

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DESIGN E-PORTFOLIO

American British Academy

"Diversity is having a seat at the table, inclusion is having a voice, and

SECTION 1 DESIGN SITUATION

Are you 1 Understanding how colleagues usually Primary source:

What are the 8 Knowing what makes teamwork Primary source:

What makes a 3 Knowing what motivates participants to Primary source:

What makes a 4 Being aware of the team's preferred Primary source:

How many 5 Estimating the number of participants in Primary source:

PRODUCT 1 ROLLING BOARD FOR MIND MAPPING

PRODUCT 3 MYNDFLO BRAINSTORMING KIT

PRODUCT 4 LCD BRAINSTORMING TABLET

SECTION 4 DESIGN BRIEF

SECTION 1 DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS

TOOLS & MATERIALS

Design Positive Aspect Negative Aspect

Design Positive Aspect Negative Aspect

2 Comfortable, perfect ergonomic Base not sturdy and stable enough.

Design Positive Aspect Negative Aspect

LED STRIP LIGHT WIRING DIAGRAM (Tools & Materials Needed)

PANELS (Tools & Materials Needed)

BASE (Tools & Materials Needed)

TESTING METHOD 1 HAVAS TEAM SATISFACTION SURVEY

TESTING METHOD 3 EXPERT APPRAISAL

EVALUATION AGAINST THE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications •The kit must be for HAVAS Muscat team

Classification USER NEEDS

Specifications •Must be able to be used individually or by several team members at a time.

POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE PRODUCT

IMPACT OF THE PRODUCT ON THE AUDIENCE

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