ReflectionLearnings
The ideal solution is not always the best solution
Since 3M is a global manufacturing company, I learned that the implementation of an idea costs a lot of time and money. One of the core learnings from the internship was how designers would strategically create three versions of design solutions as step-jump-leap. The last would be the ideal solution, while the first would be the easiest and simplest way to solve the problem. From this practice, I learned that the ideal solution is not always the best solution. There is a lot of complexity in implementing a new solution. The costs get higher, especially if it is connected to manufacturing. I learned how to think beyond the ideal solution and find if there is any way to make it simpler, faster, and easier. Then, the implementation could happen gradually, improving them step by step.
Learn from everyone
I was lucky to be involved in multiple groups and teams to design solutions. There, I could learn different standpoints and priorities depending on the roles. Marketing, sales, scientists, tour guides, legal team, group interior lead, and more. Through those interactions, I enjoyed listening to their expertise and expanded my perception of the situation. I appreciated how people are willing to share and help with their knowledge and experiences.
Understand the business, but question to find the real problem
Since our AR/VR team worked as an in-house consultancy, it was great to interact and learn new domains for the project. Through this experience, I learned the importance of understanding the business, which is, at the end of the day, the most important thing for the team. However, I learned that in many cases, while the teams will bring a problem and a potential solution as a request, it is important to question and dig out what the real problem is. Sometimes, the problem they think of is not a root cause, and we have to question to find the real problem, which will lead to a real solution.
Questioning 'why AR/VR' leads to unique ideas
One core tip that I learned from the team for good AR/VR design was to ask, 'is it really needed to be in AR/VR?' and 'why AR/VR.' AR/VR technology has a lot of potential and interesting selling points. However, it can end up as a one-time marketing piece that is not sustainable and scalable. I learned the importance of questioning what the purpose of the project is and if it can be done without AR/VR. Through these questions, we could define the unique benefit that only AR/VR can offer and design a meaningful experience that could not be done in the physical world.
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