This week's session notes - Session 26 (8 November 2018)

Hi everyone

Today we continued with our preparation for Assignment 4.

We did this through a practical exercise, looking at the problem of what to do with old car tyres.

The problem of what to do with old car tyres is something of a wicked problem, with more used tyres being added to landfills around the world, on a daily basis.

Our challenge today was to use some of our problem solving and research skills to find solutions to this problem.

The class used the reduce-reuse-recycle (or re-purpose) approach to this problem. As you know, there are other approaches that we could use, ranging from techniques (such as SCAMPER), through to some of the PSDM models that we looked at earlier this year, and some of the PSDM tools mentioned in the Resource Book.

The class came up with some interesting ideas, ranging from pet beds through to road resurfacing materials. The latter is actually a viable solution, currently in use in cities such as Santa Monica.

This exercise should help you with the brick company task in Assignment 4. Remember that this sort of exercise is more than just a brainstorm, as you need to think carefully about both the problem and the solution(s). This involves some level of validation and justification for your answers, and it is always helpful to put in some solid references to support your work.

Tuesday next week is our last practical for Assignment 4 and, if everything goes to plan, our last formal class session.

Have a good weekend and I will see you all on Tuesday!

Cheers

Phil