In week 5's class we learned about the several different ways to approach a problem. We refered to these methods as "hats"; here's what they are and each of them mean:
White Hat focuses on objective facts, data, and information. It encourages thinking in terms of what is known, what can be verified, and what information is still needed. Red Hat allows expression of feelings, emotions, and intuitions without the need for justification. It brings subjective insights into the discussion, such as gut feelings or initial reactions. Black Hat emphasizes critical thinking, focusing on potential problems, risks, and obstacles. This hat encourages caution and helps identify weaknesses or flaws in an idea or plan. Yellow Hat takes a positive and optimistic approach, focusing on the benefits and potential value of an idea. It explores opportunities and seeks reasons why something might work. Green Hat represents creativity and innovation. This mode encourages thinking outside the box, generating new ideas, alternative solutions, and exploring possibilities without limitations. Blue Hat is concerned with the overall management of the thinking process. It organizes the flow of discussion, sets goals, ensures focus, and decides which thinking to apply at different stages.
I think my natural thinking style alligns most with the red hat where I make a lot of decisions regarding my own life a lot of the times based on a gut-feeling I have. This can be really helpful, but also can cause one to be impulsive and not think things through.
My friend helped me realize that although I have the general information about SpongeBob, such as his friends, his job position, where he lives, etc. there are still areas of his life that are unknown or aren't known to the fullest extent. Where are areas SpongeBob has struggled at work, what are the materials he uses to make his career as a fry cook successful? We talked about how I can check out the SpongeBob wiki and watch SpongeBob Squarepants episodes to uncover this information.
My friend really likes the idea since they also, like Spongebob, have a job. They think this could be a useful and entertaining website especially those who struggle to stay positive at work.
Some of the potential problems my friend fears is that Spongebob might have some kind of disorder, that's why he's always so positive. Therefore, what works for Spongebob might not work for others. Also, why should people be positive at work, what would come from it?
My friend thinks a lot of people, including themselves reminisce fondly of watching SpongeBob Squarepants when they were kids and if my website is able to trace back to the series in a way that make people remember certain episodes, their own moments of joy, that could also contribute to the success of the website. The goal of which is to have people foster more positive feelings towards their own work.
Besides having the website focus on SpongeBob's life, it could compare his work ethic to another character's in the show, who isn't as positive (i.e. Squidward). Through Squidward's eyes, work seems like a chore and we see that his negative attitude towards work also affects other aspects of his life.
My friend thought I did a solid job of having outlined the goal of my website and that it has been well thought out. Overall, everything seems to look good for each hat, however I should focus more on the Black and White hat, those are the areas that might be lacking and might need more research.
After my discussion with my friend about the six different hats and applying that to my semester project, there are a few things I would like to add/change to it. For example, on my website, I think it will also include a page on how someone, someone being Squiward, with a negative view towards their work life impacts the other areas of his life. This would further hone in on why one should stay positive at work. I also think throughout my website, I am going to try to implement scenarios from the series, to create that sense of nostalgia for the viewers and make the website more enjoyable.