October 9, 2013

Day 15

What did I do today?
I am starting to get into a rhythm with my class schedule and studies. Wednesdays are turning out to be a lot less stressful then Mondays. A group of us (grad design students) went to the DUB talk by John Porter on An Empirical Study of Issues and Barriers to Mainstream Video Game Accessibility John R. Porter & Julie A. Kientz. It was a lot more interesting and digestible then the previous DUB talk. Accessibility in video games has never been a topic of interest for me, but it made me want to go back and try some video games to see what they have done. Axel, lectured and led a great discussion on interfaces and designer responsibilities in 383. Then I finished off my day with a continued discussion on Tad’s readings. I definitely feel like it would be a good thing for us to start up a discussion group outside of class. We just need to figure out a way to do it with everyone’s busy schedules.

What did I learn today?
I know that I have a lot to learn, but today really reinforced the fact that I need to remain humble, open minded and curious in my personal pursuit of growth at UW. Just over two weeks in, and I realize that I have a long way to go.

What inspired me today?
Axel’s lesson on interfaces and the 3 Mile Island Nuclear Meltdown.

Current Project –
UW Misc.

October 8, 2013

Day 14

What did I do today?
Spent most of my day reading. I found out last week that I will be doing my research fellowship with Axel this quarter. I am really excited to have the opportunity to spend a little bit more 1 on 1 time with him. We met up today to talk about his plan for me this quarter, and it sounds like it should be a lot of fun. I planned on finishing off the day at Suzzallo library studying, but their was a water main rupture near campus that made the fire alarm system go off campus wide. The UW was shut down for a while as they slowly got things reset.

What did I learn today?
Watch what you say around your professors because they remember even the small details.

What inspired me today?
I had a chance to talk to Shaghayegh during the fire alarm. We had a great conversation about basic culture differences and her adjustment to UW. I am excited to talk to her more and hear more about her experiences and her motivations.

Current Project –
UW Misc.

October 7, 2013

Day 13

What did I do today?
Another long day of classes today. For some reason I felt pretty tired today, after having such a nice relaxing and yet productive weekend. Tad’s research class on observational research was great and inspiring. It should be interesting to see how we can take this knowledge and adapt it to our own research projects. I am also interested in watching the videos that he only gave us a snippet on. 383 was a little rough today. I am having some more concerns about how challenging this class is going to be. The two hours of critique was a little bit too long for me. Though, Axel finished off the class strong with his Apollo 13 movie tie in to design problem solving. The final seminar with Tad was definitely interesting, and not what I expected. It should be interesting trying to adapt to each of the professors styles each week. Each week I am kind of left wanting more.

What did I learn today?
That I have to be on my toes each week with each professor. They each have their individual styles and expectations from the readings.

What inspired me today?
Tad had a pretty inspiring day for me overall. He left me wanting to discuss more, and learn more about the individual topics that were discussed today.

Current Project –
UW Misc.

October 6, 2013

Day 12

What did I do today?
I started out the day watching a gutsy performance by the Seahawks. Tough loss, but a great effort on the road. I spent most of the morning watching the game, and putting the research proposal together. I am starting to get an idea of how this research project is going to go, but it is definitely not going to be an easy topic to research. Should be a fun challenge. After the game I spent the afternoon working in the yard, which really needed it! I feel like I had a good balanced day today.

What did I learn today?
This research topic may be harder then I originally anticipated.

What inspired me today?
I inspired myself. I can already see myself growing and pushing myself outside of my normal comfort area.

Current Project –
UW Misc.

October 5, 2013

Day 11

What did I do today?
I spent some time working on the research proposal in the morning, before heading out to help my buddy Corey from into a new apartment. It was nice getting away from school work for a bit to hang out with friends. I spent most of my day away from school work. I need to find that right balance to keep me healthy and productive. After hanging out with friends, I went out to dinner with Andrea at 50 North in the University District. I feel refreshed and rejuvenated, but I can’t help but feel a nagging feeling that I should be doing more.

What did I learn today?
Balance is good.

What inspired me today?
Corey, taking the big step and moving out on his own.

Current Project –
UW Misc.

October 4, 2013

Day 10

What did I do today?
I spent the morning on campus finishing up my seminar paper. Then I had a nice discussion about the readings with Abigail and Kun. Afterwards I met up with Nina to start strategizing our research proposal. We met up at Lighthouse Coffee on Phinney Ridge, which is close to my house. We had a good time talking about our topic and getting to know each other. Afterwards I had a nice relaxing night with Andrea.

What did I learn today?
It has to be extra challenging for the foreign students going through the grad program. I really can’t imagine how difficult it must be to go through this dense reading and have to write about it in a second language.

What inspired me today?
Kun and Shaghayegh as they work they way through these difficult class readings.

Current Project –
UW Misc.

October 3, 2013

Day 9

What did I do today?
I tried to stay home and see how productive I could be working from my house. I found it to be incredibly difficult, and maybe not the best use of my time. Too many distractions, and excuses not to do the reading. I think that I am going to try to focus more at the libraries on campus if I need a quiet place to read and focus.

What did I learn today?
It is hard to read and focus at home.

What inspired me today?
People that can read and work from home.

Current Project –
UW Misc.

October 2, 2013

Day 8

What did I do today?
Third day of class! I met with Nina to talk about our research project, and I am excited to work with her on this project. She definitely brings in a different perspective and new ideas. After meeting with Nina the grad students all went to a DUB talk by Brian Fisher, which was pretty interesting but way over my head. It would have been nice to get some context for the lecture before hand. Afterwards we checked in with Tad on our research ideas. Axel was sick so we had an abbreviated 383 class today where we met in small groups to discuss Google Maps issues. I followed that up with the seminar class. Axel was supposed to continue the discussion that we started on Monday, but since he was sick we talked about it as a group with Linda. We also went to a short lecture by Ben Shown, a former grad student from UW.

What did I learn today?
Posing a good research question is pretty challenging. The topic that we decided on is a lot more complex then I had initially thought it would be… which is both good and bad.

What inspired me today?
Ryan, for trying to manage all of his responsibilities. I am not sure how he plans on doing all of this, but I am rooting for him.

Current Project –
UW Misc.

October 1, 2013

Day 7

What did I do today?
Another day off. It is nice having these days off where I can really stop and focus on what I am reading and doing in class. Axel gave us some additional readings by Ulric Neisser that really relates and ties in some of the lecture from the 383 class. I spent some time in the Suzzallo reading. It was definitely a nice place to get away and read.

What did I learn today?
James J. Gibson influenced a lot of other great thinkers that helped shape how we think of problem solving. I can definitely start to see how this can relate to how we deal with design problems.

What inspired me today?
Axel, and the Ulric Neisser reading.

Current Project –
UW Misc.

September 30, 2013

Day 6

What did I do today?
Second day of actual classroom time. Today was fun and challenging. The grad studio class is a mixture of design grads and MHCI+D students. We presented our initial ideas for our research project to the class, and started making plans for moving forward. I am partnering up on the project with Nina, one of the MHCI+D students. It should be interesting getting her perspective on our project and seeing how we work together. My elective was interesting, but I am curious to see how this class progresses. So far it seems a bit slow, especially compared to the the grad level classes that I am taking. The grad seminar was by far the most interesting class today. Having a chance to discuss the reading with Axel and the other first year grad students was great. I am looking forward to all of us settling in and getting more comfortable talking as a group. I am fascinated by the dynamic, and I am interested to see how the next two years plays out with all of them.

What did I learn today?
It was incredibly interesting seeing how Axel related to the James J. Gibson reading. One week is a pretty quick timeline for reading, writing, and discussing. I wish that there was a little bit more time to digest and follow up.

What inspired me today?
Axel, and the James J. Gibson reading.

Current Project –
UW Misc.

September 29, 2013

Day 5

What did I do today?
Sunday Seahawk football! The day always seems nicer when the Seahawks win. I finished up my paper, and pretty much watched football or read the whole day. I wonder if this is what it is going to be like every week, or if some weeks I will have less reading. I am also interested to see what tomorrow’s seminar class is going to be like.

What did I learn today?
The Ecological Approach to Visual Perception by James J. Gibson is a crazy book. I have only read a few chapters, but I am intrigued enough to continue reading.

What inspired me today?
The Seattle Seahawks and James J. Gibson.

Current Project –
UW Misc.

September 28, 2013

Day 4

What did I do today?
Yes! Saturday! Andrea and I went to Miro in Ballard for tea and crepes. I brought all of my homework and we both read and enjoyed the day. I spent most of the day getting up to speed on my reading and writing. I definitely need some practice with my academic writing. I am trying to keep on top of all of my school work, so that I can still focus some time on family and fun.

What did I learn today?
I need to practice my academic writing.

What inspired me today?
Rainy Seattle days and warm tea.

Current Project –
UW Misc.

September 27, 2013

Day 3

What did I do today?
First friday of the school year! I did not go to campus today because I didn’t have any classes. I had a Dr. Appt. This morning, and then I stopped by Teague after lunch and spent the afternoon catching up with my Teague family. I tried to get some work done, but I spent most of the time catching up. It will be interesting to see how things work out with me stopping by about once a week.

What did I learn today?
I already miss my Teague family.

What inspired me today?
Andrea, for bring so strong and supportive.

Current Project –
UW Misc.

September 26, 2013

Day 2

What did I do today?
It is just the second day of school, but really I don’t have any classes. I am still finalizing my schedule, and I think that I am leaning towards a schedule that has all of my classes bunched up together on Monday and Wednesday. It has been great starting to get to know my new classmates. They are definitely an eclectic group of creators. I am going to try to come in Monday – Thursday, and stop by Teague on Fridays.

What did I learn today?
The academic atmosphere is going to be a big shift from the professional atmosphere that I am used to.

What inspired me today?

Kristine Matthew’s lecture at the Henry. She has done some incredibly impressive work, and I am excited about the opportunity to learn and work with her in the future.

Current Project –
UW Misc.