ABOUT
This weblog is jointly created by the Masters Program students from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (Singapore) and University of Huddersfield (United Kingdom). The main objective of this blog is to evaluate contemporary design issues in spatial design, particularly in the fields of Innovation & Technology and Critical Design Analysis . In this blog, we will post our research essays and weekly reflections. Do join us in our discussion forum to find out what we do in this virtual studio space!
Cohort 1
MA Spatial Design - Cohort I (2006/07) , graduated
Clockwise , Leena, Joey, Christine and Andy
Degree course leader & moderator of this weblog Kent Neo
Click here to enter the weblog of Cohort II (2007/0 
November 8, 2006 at 10:28 pm
Hi all,
This online research studio is started with the aim of developing metacognition in design. Simply put, metacognition can be defined as ‘thinking about thinking processes’ or ‘thinking about thinking’. In Zen philosophy, for example, observing the mind is really about metacognition. By observing your design processes, you are observing your ‘design mind’. Reflection is a good way of reviewing your actions resulting from previous thoughts. Why is play important? Play induces voluntary learning and collaboration in an enjoyable way. Collaboration increases learning speed - 3 CPUs can generate a radiosity solution faster than 1 CPU using a render farm and that is a real fact. Remember Chris Alexander’s last property, non-separateness? There is a reason why it is the 15th property. So if all of you have understood the importance of play, collaboration and self-reflection, you will be more than a critical designer. You will be real HOT (Higher Order Thinker)!