Unlocking Insights: Reflecting on PM 1, PM 2 and Thesis Presentations Alongside Faculty Feedback (June 2023 - January 2024)

2024-02-22

Upon reflection on the recent PM presentations (including the current PM 1, Master's Thesis Finals, and last semester's PM 2) and the invaluable feedback from faculty members, I am reminded of the multifaceted journey of academic research. Each phase— from the structured approach to exploring open spaces to the feedback-rich environment of faculty discussions—offers unique insights and opportunities for growth.

During the presentations, I observed a common structure among my peers' presentations. The initial segment (in either presentation - PM 1, or PM 2), lasting between 5-12 minutes, typically introduced the topic, outlined the problem space, and provided insights into the target audience and methodology. Following this, the subsequent segment, ranging from 4-15 minutes (Thesis Presentations part one +/- 3-4 minutes and part 2 +/- 2 minutes), delved into proposed solutions, action plans, and measures of success. Faculty questions during these sessions often revolved around the practicality and impact of the proposed solutions, emphasising the need for clear value propositions and consideration of wider societal issues.

Transitioning to the faculty feedback sessions, presenters were challenged to delve deeper into their research methodologies and the implications of their findings. Questions ranged from the practical application of proposed solutions to the broader societal implications of their work. Faculty members encouraged presenters to consider the wider structural issues within society and to position their research within this broader context.

Finally, drawing from past experiences during the PM2 presentations, I noted a wealth of insights and recommendations for future research endeavours. Faculty feedback emphasised the importance of storytelling, empathy mapping, and empowerment through education. Presenters were encouraged to explore impact levels, leverage points, and future perspectives, ensuring their research had tangible and sustainable outcomes.

As I assimilate these diverse perspectives and experiences, I am grateful for the guidance and mentorship provided by faculty members. Their feedback has not only shaped my understanding of academic inquiry but also inspired me to approach my research with humility and purpose. Moving forward, I am committed to incorporating these insights into my work, ensuring that my research makes a meaningful contribution to both academia and society.

Let's see, how far I get in the end. ;o)

However, let's compile all the insights, notes, and questions into a structured catalogue for easy reference. I hope it makes a difference for all of us:

Insights:

1. Stick to a concise and focused presentation format, aiming for clarity and engagement.

2. Prioritize essential information and avoid unnecessary details to maintain audience interest.

3. Limit the introduction segment to 5-8 minutes to ensure clarity and focus.

4. Maintain professionalism and respect for the audience's time by adhering to predetermined time limits.

5. Consider the complexity of the topic and presentation format when determining the ideal duration.

6. Ensure presentations are clear, well-structured, and accessible to the audience.

7. Use eye contact and interaction with the audience to enhance engagement during the presentation.

8. Link back to sources, theories, and methodologies used in the research to provide context and credibility.

9. Emphasize the value and uniqueness of the research contribution and its relevance in the broader context.

10. Encourage exploration of impact levels, leverage points, and future perspectives to widen the message and potential impact.

Notes:

1. Some presenters did not adhere to the allotted presentation time.

2. Presentations typically included an introduction to the problem, methodology overview, key insights, solution proposal, and future steps.

3. Recommendations included translating research into practical applications, mapping learnings to real cases, and developing an impact model.

4. Feedback from faculty emphasized the need to demonstrate the practical use and value of the presented solution.

5. Presenters were advised to maintain eye contact, interact with the audience, and avoid reading from slides.

6. Consideration was given to incorporating empathy maps (case specific), empowerment through education, and exploring impact levels.

7. Presentations should aim to make museum experiences more engaging and interactive. (very case specifics)

8. Presenters were encouraged to reflect on the journey, demonstrate tangible results, and explore future applications.

9. Risks related to material and process expertise were identified, along with the need to preserve knowledge and cultural diversity. (somewhat case specific)

Questions:

1. What is the use and value of the presented solution, and how confident can it be implemented?

2. How does the research contribute to addressing wider societal issues and systemic patterns?

3. What methodologies and tools are utilized, and how are they relevant to the research?

4. How does the research incorporate indigenous wisdom, cultural diversity, and sustainability principles?

5. What are the key takeaways and learnings from the research, and how do they inform future steps?

6. How can the research be applied in different settings and target audiences?

7. What is the potential impact of the research, and how does it differentiate from existing knowledge?

8. What methods are effective in discovering insights and translating them into actionable solutions?

9. How does the research contribute to preserving knowledge, empowering communities, and fostering sustainable practices?

10. How can the research address challenges such as material sustainability and cultural preservation?

Please, keep in mind this is a collection of notes, questions, and so forth that could be relevant for specific cases, only. I just wrote down, what I thought relevant in any case.

Feel free to put your comments, notes, insights, etc. in the comments below. I'm sure, everyone appreciates that.