From Masahiro Kunieda
To reflect back on my experience in this industry project which had continued for six months, the first thing which came into my mind was the deep experience immersed in the interaction with “people”. In my opinion, there are three key features of this project differentiating from the other conventional projects. Those were all about “people”. One is the multidisciplinary team work constituting of business, design and engineering background members. Second is the design approach (problem-based-learning) which focus on understanding the context of the challenges which people are facing with in reality. Third is the collaboration with University of Nairobi to drive the problem understanding and the creativity for innovation. To be short, I could have the deep learning experience about how to understand people & how to work with people in order to create the innovative solution to the sustainable challenges.
Before joining in this project, I had been always looking for the best approach to enrich the lives of people by solving the real problem. I started from the engineering approach as civil engineer or civil researcher which derives from my previous master degree and the career experience in the plant engineering company. Then, I also experienced the business solution which drives the economic activity in the developing country, indirectly contributing to the people living. Finally, I could have the sense of fulfillment while doing the work in this project, which utilize the design approach so-called as human-centered approach. There is no fixed best approach to solve any problem which always require the discussion and iterative improvement, but at least I can say that it increases the probability to solve the problem especially about the problem of people by starting from understanding the context and people.
From Maaria Tiensivu
The PBL project has been a truly unique experience in the sense that it has included learning on all aspects of life in such a short period of time. I wanted to really get into the project, since I had always had a deep passion for working on social issues and in international team-settings. However, I could’ve never imagined the level of learning this project would bring me.
I learned so much from my colleagues both from Aalto and from University of Nairobi during the project. When we were in the field, we had deep and meaningful conversations about the dynamics between people, communities and ways of thinking which really shook and questioned the very core of what I had thought about the world until that moment. It was a great shock to the body and mind and even though most of the things weren’t easy to hear, they made me reflect and look for what I most find important in life; both professionally and as a human being.
On a professional level I had the most diverse team around me and among many other things I learned how other designers work, how analysis is done by engineers as well as what is expected of a project manager. I also learned so much about the project themes such as sustainability and social development. I also found a lot to learn and improve in my own ways of working and I’ve tried to reflect on those learnings from a growth mindset point of view ever since.
I also learned how important (as well as difficult) it can be to find the same language with the other person when hitting a wall in a conversation. Trying to always find more than one or two ways of explaining what or why you are saying what you are saying is crucial. It is not about being right or wrong, or having iron clad reasoning behind your argument but rather about trying to speak the language of the other person and trying to find out what are the reasons behind the misunderstanding. When you work with people who have different ways of making sense of problems, uncertainty and culture, the ways you are used to explaining things will not work the way you’re used to.
On a personal level; I learned to smile and embrace the time it sometimes takes to get to places. Patience is key and as long as you know you’re going the right way, you’ll get there in the end.
All in all, I can’t really recommend the PBL East Africa project enough. I think it’s impossible to know just how you’ll learn in the process and that’s the beauty of the experience. Trying to solve a problem in a team of international trans-disciplinary people is something unique and the learning will challenge and change you on all levels!
From Loi Tran
IDBM Food Africa project has been a unique journey that helps me not only develop further my skillset for future professional work but also nurture my life experience in many ways.
Partaking in the trans-disciplinary team work where my team mates have really strong different backgrounds from Design, Engineering and Business, I faced many challenges to adopt myself in the diverse setting of different perspectives while remain original in my field of expertise. I was struggle with multidisciplinary communication and sometimes it leads to misunderstanding in our group discussion. However, over the six months working intensively in the trans-disciplinary setting gradually change the way I collaborate with people from different backgrounds. I call it “open heart, open arms and open minded”. Furthermore, I learned a lot from my teammates about the knowledge of service design, design thinking, system thinking and visual communication and adore them on the strong ownership and leadership that they put in our project work.
On the other hand, working on the project tackling a wicked problem in Africa context helps me to experiment myself in a more open way toward people and society. I realize that life would be more fun and meaningful when we care more for people and let our heart takes over our mind in different circumstances. It helps me feel more real and act toward kindness even in any tough situation in life. That brings happiness for me and people around.
From Hilda Ruijs
This project has been a rollercoaster rocky ride that passes every stop of professional and personal life. I have been challenged to adapt my thinking and communication many times. When you go beyond the cultural and disciplinary framework you usually thrive in, you will gain a new perspective. This reflects through all practices in your professional work. I would say it includes a new pair of eye, that sees things the way things are. Taking this openness in your work is crucial for a deep understanding in a systems flow, futures thinking and human centred design. Baseline is accepting that you actually know nothing and that this is the fertile ground needed to drive social impact.
It was amazing to talk to Kenyans and experience the openness that continued even in tough conversations about government, development, women empowerment, colonisation and inequality. These intimate discussions where there is no right or wrong are a very humbling experience.
The reward of this work lies in collaboration which is a difficult task. How does everyone thrive? Why do some things get interpreted differently? How to fully understand another perspective? The team spirit was incredibly high and the foundation of an emotional safe space enabled people to grow. The journey of getting into unknown waters and going beyond your comfort zone is an incredible experience, go for it when you get the chance!
From Laura Silvanto
What a ride!
After these six months of intensive work, I feel like I have changed a lot as a person.
Our field trip to Kenya was absolutely mind blowing and all workshops back in Finland taught me tons about teamwork, creative thinking and growth mindset.
Getting a chance to travel all the way to Africa and learn about the culture with local students was a privilege. Working with the trans-disciplinary team from University of Nairobi was a fruitful collaboration that taught me about looking at problems from various angles. It was intriguing to see such different ways of doing and approaching – Kenyans are exceptionally hard working people that still always have time for friends and people in need.
The colorful Kenya left an eternal trace on me. The country has a special light, which made photography easy and fun. All photos looked stunning with the perfect exposure. I developed as a photographer, which was one of my main goals for this course. It is not self-evident to be ready with the camera at right moments as they usually run by in just seconds – you have to be fast with your moves. On top, I learned to edit videos as I created a couple of short films for the website and the Impact event.
Most of all I am thoroughly thankful for my team. Many deep conversations leading to serious thinking, questioning and action. Amazing to be surrounded with such talent and curiosity.
I’m ready for new adventures.