Deliverable
Frame Problem Landscape
Effective Communication
Collaboration
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
MA:Pr4.1.iii
Essential Question
Submission Required
Work in small groups to define a user-centered problem that guides your music project. Conduct two quick interviews or conversations with potential users (peers, musicians, or audience members) to gather insights about artistic and musical challenges they value in new compositions. From these insights, craft a POV statement that centers the user, generate 2-3 How Might We questions to open creative possibilities, create two concise user persona profiles, and build a simple systems map or problem tree that visualizes root causes and relationships shaping your direction. Present your artifacts to your group and explain how they frame your upcoming Ableton-based production work.
Plan day
Day 4
Duration
90 min
Grouping
Small Group
Steps
9 steps
Lesson plan
9 steps · 90 min| # | What teachers do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduce the concept of framing a user-centered problem and explain the activity goals. (10 min) |
| 2 | Organize into small groups and prepare for user interviews by brainstorming insightful questions. (25 min) |
| 3 | Conduct two quick interviews with peers, musicians, or audience members to gather artistic insights. (30 min) |
| 4 | Debrief and synthesize interview findings, collaboratively drafting a user-centered Point of View (POV) statement. (35 min) |
| 5 | Generate 2-3 How Might We questions that explore creative possibilities for music production challenges. (20 min) |
| 6 | Develop and refine two user persona profiles based on interviews and discussions. (25 min) |
| 7 | Create a systems map or problem tree to visualize root causes and relationships impacting your music direction. (25 min) |
| 8 | Group presentations: Share your POV statement, How Might We questions, user personas, and systems map. Provide and receive peer feedback. (40 min) |
| 9 | Reflect individually on insights gained and implications for your project direction. Document your thoughts in a project journal. (20 min) |
Preparation (3 items)
- Prepare workspace for group collaboration and ensure access to necessary materials like whiteboards or large paper for systems mapping.
- Prearrange a list of peers, musicians, or audience members available for interviews.
- Ensure all recording devices (phones/laptops) for capturing insights during interviews are operational.
Student-facing instructions
Your task is to work in small groups to define user-centered problems that will guide your music project. Begin by brainstorming interview questions, then conduct interviews with potential users to understand their artistic challenges. Use the insights gained to craft a Point of View statement, generate exploratory How Might We questions, and develop user personas. Create a systems map to visualize influences on your project. Present your findings to your group, receive feedback, and reflect on how these insights shape your project forward.