Learning by experience

Following on from the last post I have been thinking about we discussed last night regarding the project pitch idea for the new website and how we tap into what we have learnt so far. I've tried to sum up the initial stage in its most simple form in the diagram below:

Essentially initial idea process for ARKADE worked a bit like this:

1. Laura had an idea
2. We all liked the idea
3. We decided to invite other people to 'get involved' and pitch further ideas
4. Everyone discussed and voted on their favourite ideas
5. We asked everyone to sign up and volunteer time or resources
6. We set a date
7. We had lots of meetings with lots of different people to evolve the idea and problem solve as we went along

OK so it wasn't quite that straight forward but what was apparent that if its a good idea with integrity people want to get involved. What was amazing was the number of people turning up every week - voting with their feet if you like and the amount of time and resources people gave. So I guess I feel the website should have a similar process, something informal, inspirational and above all else fun!

Now the serious bit......so we have a democratic and organic process and we want to evolve it to create opportunities for other people to pitch projects. ARK may potentially invest money and will have a staked interest so how do we manage this pitching process without shutting down creativity? What processes and criteria do we need to put in place?

If anyone has any examples of similar projects we can learn from please let us know.

Developments within thinkARK and ARK LAB

After celebrating our first birthday and in the end zone of our first Professional project we have been looking into how we can develop the group and how we can bring new people with great projects to ARK. A few months ago there was a post about how ARK was envisaged working you can see that article here.

Even in this short time this has been changing and evolving. For us though because of the nature of the group and how it works it was always going to happen. So last night we had a discussion about how we could work in the future and also how this would tie in with a new website. The drawings above and below try to express some of the items we discussed. But in basic terms we have divided the company up into ARK LAB which effectively uses social design within organisations and companies. these projects are hoped to help the thinkARK group with development capital for experimental projects that would not be possible without help from the thinkARK as a group and potentially through a bit of financial support.

We have been looking at a number of schemes that have a similar feel to what we are trying to get to:
openIDEO
wefund



We would really love to hear what everyone else thinks about the idea and what they would want from such a thing. You can see the website in it's current state here (ARK LAB) and the thinkARK section here

To recap on what was thought during the chat:

- We should look at the projects we have already done to look at process
- We need to be clear what we are offering
- We want people to feel like they can develop projects and ideas with us. they don't need to have something finished
- I'll let you decide the rest

The get out @CardiffCycling

Well we managed to get out via out various forms of trailers and trolleys. Took us about five trips and now I am the proud owner of all the items that were onc ein the shop. As you can see there is hardly any space left for me in the flat at the moment. But it is a new challenge to get to the bathroom in the night.

One of the comments about the consultation

We have always tried to make the consultation engaging and interactive. It's always great when it is a bit magical as well. Hopefully through this approach we get to reach a bigger group of people. We have had loads of people coming into the shop but it wasn't until seeing the map last night that we saw exactly how many.

@CardiffCycling - first day

We have had a really positive response from the first day of consultation at our shop on Queen Street this weekend. Here are some fo the images of before and after:


BEFORE:





AFTER:




We still need loads more people to come through the shop and also complete the survey. So come along this Thursday (21st) or Saturday 23rd. the survey can be found on our newly developing website. ark-lab.co.uk/survey

Cycling extra information

The 'Ely Wheelies' – a cycling club with a difference!
Based in Ely but open to people from across Cardiff, the Ely Wheelies is a cycling club for people who have just learned to cycle or have started cycling again after a long time. Some members of the Ely Wheelies had not cycled since they left school over 40 years ago! The club is open to anyone who wants to try cycling as an easy way to get around and for their health and wellbeing.

Members of the Ely Wheelies will be visiting the Cardiff Cycling empty shop project on Queen Street at 1pm on Thursday the 21st of October to talk about what motivated them to get back on their bikes and their thoughts and experiences of cycling in Cardiff.

So if you are thinking about taking up cycling or want to start cycling again, come and meet the Ely Wheelies and be inspired!

Schedule announced

What do you think about cycling in Cardiff?

Come and tell us!

Cardiff Council, in association with ARK LAB are asking for your feedback on Cardiff Council's Draft Cycling Network Strategy. This strategy aims to develop and expand the cycling network within Cardiff and encourage more people to choose cycling more often.

On 16th of October we will be taking over 107 Queen Street (opposite the Capitol Shopping Centre) and we would like to invite you to come and give your opinion.

If you can't make it - don't worry you can still join in! We will be running consultations on Thursday 21st and Saturday 23rd October at the same venue. In addition we will launching an online survey later on in the week which we will keep you up to date with.

We will also be running a variety of fun and useful events, here's the programme so far:

• Saturday 16th October - 10am-5pm
11am -12pm & 3pm - 4pm - drop-in cycle accessories craft workshop suitable for supervised children and adults

• Thursday 21st October – 10am – 7pm
11am -12pm & 3pm - 4pm drop-in cycle accessories craft workshop suitable for supervised children and adults
1pm - 2pm Lunchtime Event - talks from invited guests and groups

• Saturday 23rd October - 10am-5pm
11am -12pm drop-in cycle accessories craft workshop suitable for supervised children and adults
12pm - 1pm - Lunchtime Event - talks from invited guests and groups
1pm -4pm 'Dr. Bike' - bring your bike in and Cycle Training Wales mechanics will diagnose the problem & will take you through basic bike
maintenance demonstrations

Keep your eye out for regular updates on the full programme on our facebook page
and on Twitter @Cardiffcycling

Please pass this information on to anyone who you think might be interested.

Cardiff Cycling - What do you think?

As we have commented on recently we have been asked by Cardiff Council to do some consultation on the Cardiff Council’s Draft Cycling Network Strategy. The strategy aims to develop and expand the cycling network within Cardiff and encourage more people to choose cycling more often. On the 16th, 21st and 23rd of October we will be taking over 107 Queen Street (opposite the Capitol Shopping centre) from 10am to 5pm, and until 7pm on Thursday 21st, and will be asking you to come and give your opinion in a rather unusual way…….

On these days we will also be running a variety of fun and useful events including ‘make your own’ bike accessories and bike maintenance workshops. If you can’t make it – don’t worry you can still join in! As we have an online survey to fill in so you can find out more about the Draft Cycling Network Strategy and give your feedback.

Keep your eye out for regular updates on the full programme on our blog facebook page and on our new twitter account @CardiffCycling

ARK in the PARK - games day

Well the weather was kind and people turned up, what else can you ask for? Our first birthday and our first games festival was a great day with the five hours going so quickly.

Cardiff Design Festival - 2010

Friday just gone saw the launch on the Cardiff Design Festival. We are really happy to be shortlisted with our ARKADE empty shop project. The announcement of winners is at the end of the festival so fingers crossed, although for us as such a young company it's great just to be recognised for doing design work in a slightly different way.