TIMELINE:
TIMELINE:
TIMELINE:
18 MAY - 24 MAY 2026
18 MAY - 24 MAY 2026
18 MAY - 24 MAY 2026
RESEARCH METHODS:
RESEARCH METHODS:
RESEARCH METHODS:
WORKSHOP, CREATIVE TOOLKIT
WORKSHOP, CREATIVE TOOLKIT
WORKSHOP, CREATIVE TOOLKIT
TEAM:
TEAM:
TEAM:
VIBHOOTI • DIYA • CLARA • MARY • OINDRILLA • REVATI • VERONIKA • WALEED • YIFEI
VIBHOOTI • DIYA • CLARA • MARY • OINDRILLA • REVATI • VERONIKA • WALEED • YIFEI
VIBHOOTI • DIYA • CLARA • MARY • OINDRILLA • REVATI • VERONIKA • WALEED • YIFEI

Vitae Curricula:
Week 4
Vitae Curricula:
Week 4
Vitae Curricula:
Week 4
Brief
Brief
Brief
"Design an experiential CV."
"Design an experiential CV."
Overview of Week
Overview of Week
Overview of Week
For this week, we allocated the majority of our time for a high-fidelity workshop. We also split preparation tasks for individual material exploration.
For this week, we allocated the majority of our time for a high-fidelity workshop. We also split preparation tasks for individual material exploration.
For this week, we allocated the majority of our time for a high-fidelity workshop. We also split preparation tasks for individual material exploration.

Preparing for the workshop
Preparing for the workshop
Preparing for the workshop
We had identified early on that grabbing attention is not possible for the majority of participants. This led us to try and make an adaptable framework, potentially through a workshop. Since this could be one of our final outcomes, we wanted to conduct it as professionally and high-fidelity as possible.
We had identified early on that grabbing attention is not possible for the majority of participants. This led us to try and make an adaptable framework, potentially through a workshop. Since this could be one of our final outcomes, we wanted to conduct it as professionally and high-fidelity as possible.
We had identified early on that grabbing attention is not possible for the majority of participants. This led us to try and make an adaptable framework, potentially through a workshop. Since this could be one of our final outcomes, we wanted to conduct it as professionally and high-fidelity as possible.

We refined the structure and timings for the activities by testing it in our group and this was our final flow. It included 4 major activities besides icebreakers. Total duration 1.5h. (Visual credits: Author)
We refined the structure and timings for the activities by testing it in our group and this was our final flow. It included 4 major activities besides icebreakers. Total duration 1.5h. (Visual credits: Author)
We refined the structure and timings for the activities by testing it in our group and this was our final flow. It included 4 major activities besides icebreakers. Total duration 1.5h. (Visual credits: Author)
Initial drafts for the sheets and high-fidelity ones generated through Claude. (Credits: Veronika)
Initial drafts for the sheets and high-fidelity ones generated through Claude. (Credits: Veronika)
Initial drafts for the sheets and high-fidelity ones generated through Claude. (Credits: Veronika)
Presentation for our workshop. We kept it light as we had Oindrilla as the speaker and wanted to give simple context through the slides. (Credits: Author) (Video controls are available)
Presentation for our workshop. We kept it light as we had Oindrilla as the speaker and wanted to give simple context through the slides. (Credits: Author) (Video controls are available)
Presentation for our workshop. We kept it light as we had Oindrilla as the speaker and wanted to give simple context through the slides. (Credits: Author) (Video controls are available)

A selection for refreshments was arranged for the participants. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
A selection for refreshments was arranged for the participants. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
A selection for refreshments was arranged for the participants. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)

We conducted it with 13 classmates due to convenience and to understand gaps. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
We conducted it with 13 classmates due to convenience and to understand gaps. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
We conducted it with 13 classmates due to convenience and to understand gaps. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)

Mary and Yifei took ownership of documentation through photos, audio, and video. (Image credits: Author)
Mary and Yifei took ownership of documentation through photos, audio, and video. (Image credits: Author)
Mary and Yifei took ownership of documentation through photos, audio, and video. (Image credits: Author)

Stationary and sheets were arranged beforehand for consent, warmup, reframing and group discussion. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Stationary and sheets were arranged beforehand for consent, warmup, reframing and group discussion. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Stationary and sheets were arranged beforehand for consent, warmup, reframing and group discussion. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)

Starter pack activity designed as a warmup while gauging personality. We picked it as the format is familiar to most. (Credits: Revati)
Starter pack activity designed as a warmup while gauging personality. We picked it as the format is familiar to most. (Credits: Revati)
Starter pack activity designed as a warmup while gauging personality. We picked it as the format is familiar to most. (Credits: Revati)

To end the experience, we created manifestation cards inspired from Etsy witches. (Credits: Revati, Veronika)
To end the experience, we created manifestation cards inspired from Etsy witches. (Credits: Revati, Veronika)
To end the experience, we created manifestation cards inspired from Etsy witches. (Credits: Revati, Veronika)

We had printed the participants' CVs prior to the workshop and kept them in a folder. (Credits: Revati, Author | (Image credits: Mary, Yifei))
We had printed the participants' CVs prior to the workshop and kept them in a folder. (Credits: Revati, Author | (Image credits: Mary, Yifei))
We had printed the participants' CVs prior to the workshop and kept them in a folder. (Credits: Revati, Author | (Image credits: Mary, Yifei))

Poster for the event was reflective and showed the person's reflection. (Credits: Author)
Poster for the event was reflective and showed the person's reflection. (Credits: Author)
Poster for the event was reflective and showed the person's reflection. (Credits: Author)

Other prints for the windows. (Credits: Revati)
Other prints for the windows. (Credits: Revati)
Other prints for the windows. (Credits: Revati)
Conducting the workshop
Conducting the workshop
Conducting the workshop

1
Introduction & consent
Project objective was explained and consent forms were filled out first. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Project objective was explained and consent forms were filled out first. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Project objective was explained and consent forms were filled out first. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)

2
Warm-up
Participants doing an icebreaker. This let people identify qualities about themselves that they might not know. We followed up with a group discussion on good CV practices. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participants doing an icebreaker. This let people identify qualities about themselves that they might not know. We followed up with a group discussion on good CV practices. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participants doing an icebreaker. This let people identify qualities about themselves that they might not know. We followed up with a group discussion on good CV practices. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
2
Warm-up
Participants discarding their weaknesses in a moving bin. This was a precursor to weakness -> strength. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participants discarding their weaknesses in a moving bin. This was a precursor to weakness -> strength. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participants discarding their weaknesses in a moving bin. This was a precursor to weakness -> strength. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)

3
Exploration: Starter Pack

3
Exploration: Starter Pack

3
Exploration: Starter Pack
Participants drew themselves and added elements that they felt were or should be a part of their professional identity. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participants drew themselves and added elements that they felt were or should be a part of their professional identity. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participants drew themselves and added elements that they felt were or should be a part of their professional identity. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)

3
Exploration: Reframing

3
Exploration: Reframing

3
Exploration: Reframing
Participants analysed their CV and noted gaps, strengths, and other notes. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participants analysed their CV and noted gaps, strengths, and other notes. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participants analysed their CV and noted gaps, strengths, and other notes. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)

3
Exploration: Reframing

3
Exploration: Reframing

3
Exploration: Reframing
Participant reframing their weaknesses and creating metaphors of themselves. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participant reframing their weaknesses and creating metaphors of themselves. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participant reframing their weaknesses and creating metaphors of themselves. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)

4
Creative toolkit

4
Creative toolkit

4
Creative toolkit
Participant constructing their alternative CV. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participant constructing their alternative CV. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participant constructing their alternative CV. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
5
Manifestation & Feedback
Manifestation & Feedback
Manifestation & Feedback
Manifesting dream job and salary and opening the room to feedback. (Video controls are available) (Video credits: Yifei)
Manifesting dream job and salary and opening the room to feedback. (Video controls are available) (Video credits: Yifei)
Manifesting dream job and salary and opening the room to feedback. (Video controls are available) (Video credits: Yifei)
Alternative CVs
Alternative CVs
Alternative CVs
Artefacts produced in the workshop and analysis for a few of them:
Artefacts produced in the workshop and analysis for a few of them:
Artefacts produced in the workshop and analysis for a few of them:

We found a variety of formats and materials explored with clay, paper, string and some used their own CVs and self.
We found a variety of formats and materials explored with clay, paper, string and some used their own CVs and self.
We found a variety of formats and materials explored with clay, paper, string and some used their own CVs and self.

Participant showcasing their universe and adding a telescope for other people to view. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participant showcasing their universe and adding a telescope for other people to view. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participant showcasing their universe and adding a telescope for other people to view. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)

Participant depicting calm during chaos and how they're a team player as their CV. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participant depicting calm during chaos and how they're a team player as their CV. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participant depicting calm during chaos and how they're a team player as their CV. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)

Participant used their metaphor (waves) and wrapped around their CV (right) to show their craft and decorativeness. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participant used their metaphor (waves) and wrapped around their CV (right) to show their craft and decorativeness. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participant used their metaphor (waves) and wrapped around their CV (right) to show their craft and decorativeness. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participant with her crown CV representing playfulness, multitude of skills, and a complete person inside and outside work. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participant with her crown CV representing playfulness, multitude of skills, and a complete person inside and outside work. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participant with her crown CV representing playfulness, multitude of skills, and a complete person inside and outside work. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)

Participant used their metaphor (woven tapestry) with torn bits of her CV to make an alternative. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participant used their metaphor (woven tapestry) with torn bits of her CV to make an alternative. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participant used their metaphor (woven tapestry) with torn bits of her CV to make an alternative. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)

Participant showcasing their multitude of skills and her strength of bringing everything together. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participant showcasing their multitude of skills and her strength of bringing everything together. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Participant showcasing their multitude of skills and her strength of bringing everything together. (Image credits: Mary, Yifei)
Analysis
Analysis
Analysis

We divided the work for analysis and did it over the weekend.
We divided the work for analysis and did it over the weekend.
We divided the work for analysis and did it over the weekend.

Starter pack analysis looked at what they drew (plant, latte, Figma, etc) and found themes (design practice, technology, food, health, etc). We felt that this produced the fewest insights as the elements were far too surface level, but was essential as a warmup. (Image is larger on click)
Starter pack analysis looked at what they drew (plant, latte, Figma, etc) and found themes (design practice, technology, food, health, etc). We felt that this produced the fewest insights as the elements were far too surface level, but was essential as a warmup. (Image is larger on click)
Starter pack analysis looked at what they drew (plant, latte, Figma, etc) and found themes (design practice, technology, food, health, etc). We felt that this produced the fewest insights as the elements were far too surface level, but was essential as a warmup. (Image is larger on click)

Strengths and weaknesses was analysed based on themes (experience, skill gap, authenticity, etc). Part of the synthesis used Claude to create clusters quicker. It revealed common concerns, weaknesses, and strengths. (Image is larger on click)
Strengths and weaknesses was analysed based on themes (experience, skill gap, authenticity, etc). Part of the synthesis used Claude to create clusters quicker. It revealed common concerns, weaknesses, and strengths. (Image is larger on click)
Strengths and weaknesses was analysed based on themes (experience, skill gap, authenticity, etc). Part of the synthesis used Claude to create clusters quicker. It revealed common concerns, weaknesses, and strengths. (Image is larger on click)

Metaphor analysis looked at the reasons to identify the theme (social, abstract, nature, etc) and the emotional tone (curious, responsible, etc). We found that this produced the deepest inquiry with every participant using a unique metaphor and showed deeper descriptions rather than directly explaining it. (Image is larger on click)
Metaphor analysis looked at the reasons to identify the theme (social, abstract, nature, etc) and the emotional tone (curious, responsible, etc). We found that this produced the deepest inquiry with every participant using a unique metaphor and showed deeper descriptions rather than directly explaining it. (Image is larger on click)
Metaphor analysis looked at the reasons to identify the theme (social, abstract, nature, etc) and the emotional tone (curious, responsible, etc). We found that this produced the deepest inquiry with every participant using a unique metaphor and showed deeper descriptions rather than directly explaining it. (Image is larger on click)

Object analysis looked at output (2D, 3D), traits and qualities, and found 5 themes (change with time, multiple skills or background, social behaviour, core trait, and beyond work). (Image is larger on click)
Object analysis looked at output (2D, 3D), traits and qualities, and found 5 themes (change with time, multiple skills or background, social behaviour, core trait, and beyond work). (Image is larger on click)
Object analysis looked at output (2D, 3D), traits and qualities, and found 5 themes (change with time, multiple skills or background, social behaviour, core trait, and beyond work). (Image is larger on click)

Final synthesis was aided by Claude, something we looked at collectively and analysed for gaps, and I made key considerations based on the discussion and data. (Credits: Author)
Final synthesis was aided by Claude, something we looked at collectively and analysed for gaps, and I made key considerations based on the discussion and data. (Credits: Author)
Final synthesis was aided by Claude, something we looked at collectively and analysed for gaps, and I made key considerations based on the discussion and data. (Credits: Author)
Presentation
Presentation
Presentation
We showed the workshop and some of the work done by the participants.
We showed the workshop and some of the work done by the participants.
We showed the workshop and some of the work done by the participants.
Presentation from Thursday. (Video controls are available)
Presentation from Thursday. (Video controls are available)
Presentation from Thursday. (Video controls are available)
Next steps
Next steps
Next steps
Since the metaphors produced interesting results, we want to lean into it more and refine the framework. (In line with feedback)
We want to explore formats a CV can be pushed in and do material exploration (sketches/prototypes/feasibility checks) individually.
Since the metaphors produced interesting results, we want to lean into it more and refine the framework. (In line with feedback)
We want to explore formats a CV can be pushed in and do material exploration (sketches/prototypes/feasibility checks) individually.
Since the metaphors produced interesting results, we want to lean into it more and refine the framework. (In line with feedback)
We want to explore formats a CV can be pushed in and do material exploration (sketches/prototypes/feasibility checks) individually.
Reflection
Reflection
Stepping into real-world contexts offers authentic insights but inevitably introduces messiness, emotional labour, and logistical unpredictability (Koskinen et al., 2011). We felt this while conducting the workshop and were left very fatigued at the end. However, since we divided responsibilities clearly before the workshop, we were able to share that burden.
Moreover, once Veronika, Revati and I were done making the assets, we realised that they all had a very different style. We were short on hands and were designing and printing them as soon as it was done. We only identified the disconnect once a few of them were printed and did not have the liberty to redesign everything. Although this did not affect the workshop and outcomes, it could have been more deliberate if one person oversaw the visual language.
Lakoff (1980) argues that the essence of metaphor is understanding and experiencing one kind of thing in terms of another, and they provide structure to how we perceive, how we think, and what we do. We did not anticipate the metaphors to work well while planning the workshop, they were scaffolding for expression, without being too directing or too vague, while allowing skills and nuances to surface and coexist.
Stepping into real-world contexts offers authentic insights but inevitably introduces messiness, emotional labour, and logistical unpredictability (Koskinen et al., 2011). We felt this while conducting the workshop and were left very fatigued at the end. However, since we divided responsibilities clearly before the workshop, we were able to share that burden.
Moreover, once Veronika, Revati and I were done making the assets, we realised that they all had a very different style. We were short on hands and were designing and printing them as soon as it was done. We only identified the disconnect once a few of them were printed and did not have the liberty to redesign everything. Although this did not affect the workshop and outcomes, it could have been more deliberate if one person oversaw the visual language.
Lakoff (1980) argues that the essence of metaphor is understanding and experiencing one kind of thing in terms of another, and they provide structure to how we perceive, how we think, and what we do. We did not anticipate the metaphors to work well while planning the workshop, they were scaffolding for expression, without being too directing or too vague, while allowing skills and nuances to surface and coexist.
Stepping into real-world contexts offers authentic insights but inevitably introduces messiness, emotional labour, and logistical unpredictability (Koskinen et al., 2011). We felt this while conducting the workshop and were left very fatigued at the end. However, since we divided responsibilities clearly before the workshop, we were able to share that burden.
Moreover, once Veronika, Revati and I were done making the assets, we realised that they all had a very different style. We were short on hands and were designing and printing them as soon as it was done. We only identified the disconnect once a few of them were printed and did not have the liberty to redesign everything. Although this did not affect the workshop and outcomes, it could have been more deliberate if one person oversaw the visual language.
Lakoff (1980) argues that the essence of metaphor is understanding and experiencing one kind of thing in terms of another, and they provide structure to how we perceive, how we think, and what we do. We did not anticipate the metaphors to work well while planning the workshop, they were scaffolding for expression, without being too directing or too vague, while allowing skills and nuances to surface and coexist.
References
References
Koskinen, I., Zimmerman, J., Binder, T., Redström, J. and Wensveen, S. (2011) Design Research Through Practice: From the Lab, Field, and Showroom. Waltham, MA: Morgan Kaufmann.
Lakoff, G. and Johnson, M. (1980) Metaphors We Live By. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Koskinen, I., Zimmerman, J., Binder, T., Redström, J. and Wensveen, S. (2011) Design Research Through Practice: From the Lab, Field, and Showroom. Waltham, MA: Morgan Kaufmann.
Lakoff, G. and Johnson, M. (1980) Metaphors We Live By. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Koskinen, I., Zimmerman, J., Binder, T., Redström, J. and Wensveen, S. (2011) Design Research Through Practice: From the Lab, Field, and Showroom. Waltham, MA: Morgan Kaufmann.
Lakoff, G. and Johnson, M. (1980) Metaphors We Live By. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

