ALCALDE

al·cal·de /älˈkäldē,alˈkäldē/

In the realm of experiential design, we can view the project leader as akin to an Alcalde, guiding the creative process with a focus on fairness, community, and a broader purpose. The Alcalde's traditional role may not involve creativity in the conventional sense, but the principles of fairness and community resonate in any collaborative setting.

In experiential design projects, leaders become stewards of a collective creative journey, ensuring that decisions made benefit the entire team and contribute positively to the community formed by project collaborators. The emphasis on fairness in the Alcalde tradition aligns with the need for inclusive decision-making in creative projects, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives shape the ultimate experience.

While Alcaldes may come from traditional villages, the essence of their leadership—fairness, community focus, and a commitment to the greater good—can be translated to the world of experiential design. The project leader, like an Alcalde, plays a pivotal role in shaping not just the end product but also the collaborative community and purpose that emerges through the creative process. In essence, the Alcalde's traditional wisdom finds resonance in the modern dynamics of experiential design, where leaders guide projects with a mindful and inclusive approach, fostering a sense of community and purpose among those involved.

The Process

  • Listening & Understanding

    The creative process begins with actively listening to the needs and goals of clients, colleagues, and users. This involves gathering information and insights, asking questions, and seeking to understand the nuances of the problem or opportunity at hand.

  • Research & Exploration

    Once a basic understanding has been established, it is time to conduct research and exploration. This may involve gathering data, conducting user interviews or surveys, or exploring trends and best practices.

  • Ideation & Conceptualization

    Based on the insights gained from listening and research, the creative team begins to generate ideas and concepts. This involves brainstorming, sketching, and prototyping, seeking to identify innovative and effective solutions to the problem at hand.

  • Collaboration & Feedback

    As ideas begin to take shape, it is important to collaborate with stakeholders and seek feedback on the concepts generated. This involves iterating on ideas and incorporating feedback, seeking to refine and improve the solutions being developed.

  • Testing & Evaluation

    Throughout the implementation process, it is important to continually test and evaluate the solutions being developed. This involves gathering user feedback, monitoring performance metrics, and making adjustments as needed.

  • Launch & Maintenance

    Finally, the solution is launched and introduced to the world. However, the creative process does not end here - ongoing maintenance and optimization are critical to ensuring long-term success and impact.