Deliverable
Frame the Musical Problem
Effective Communication
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
MA:Pr4.1.iii
Core Content
Critique and Revision
Submission Required
Grading Required
Directly engage a musician or listener to uncover the real needs your project will address. In a small group, conduct a focused interview, capture empathy notes and quotes, and translate these insights into a Point-of-View (POV) statement that centers the user. Generate 4–6 How Might We (HMW) questions to open up creative possibilities for your musical problem. Create 1–2 user persona profiles and a simple problem tree or systems map that shows root causes, influences, and constraints shaping your artistic direction. Use feedback from the user to iterate on your artifacts and document a brief reflection on how these insights shaped your framing. Deliverables include the POV, HMW list, personas, problem map, and reflection.
Plan day
Day 5
Duration
90 min
Grouping
Small Group
Steps
8 steps
Lesson plan
8 steps · 90 min| # | What teachers do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Facilitate an introductory discussion about musical problem-framing and potential user needs. (30 min) |
| 2 | Conduct focused interviews with musicians or listeners to capture empathy notes and quotes. (90 min) |
| 3 | Translate insights from interviews into a Point-of-View (POV) statement that articulates the musical problem from the user's perspective. (45 min) |
| 4 | Brainstorm and generate 4–6 How Might We (HMW) questions to explore creative solutions for the problems identified. (60 min) |
| 5 | Create 1–2 user persona profiles based on interview insights. (30 min) |
| 6 | Develop a problem tree or systems map outlining root causes, influences, and constraints impacting your musical direction. (45 min) |
| 7 | Review your artifacts (POV, HMW list, personas, problem map) with feedback from interviewees and refine accordingly. (45 min) |
| 8 | Reflect on how these insights and feedback shaped your framing. Document a brief reflection and share with peers. (45 min) |
Preparation (3 items)
- Prepare interview questions and a recording method for capturing empathy notes during interviews.
- Gather materials for persona profile creation, such as templates or digital tools.
- Arrange for musicians or listeners to participate in interviews; schedule times and locations.
Student-facing instructions
Your task is to frame the musical problem by engaging directly with musicians or listeners to uncover real needs. Use empathy-driven interviews to capture insights and translate them into a concise Point-of-View (POV) statement. Brainstorm How Might We (HMW) questions to open creative possibilities, create user personas, and map the problem systemically. Utilize the feedback collected to refine your artifacts and reflect on the process to understand its impact on your music creation approach. Prepare interview materials, persona templates, and tools necessary for mapping and reflection.