Final assignment reflection

Our topic on this interdisciplinary communication project is ‘Ethics of Modern Technology’. We were placed in a group of four to engage in research, problem solving, idea development, and communication strategies in regards to our chosen topic.

We started off by brainstorming specific types of technology and industry to concentrate on. Our first idea was to focus on industrial technologies and its impact on the workforce, however, we wanted something bigger that could apply to multiple industries but with the same model functions. We then all decided on Artificial intelligence as it is one of the biggest controversies in our modern society and we are highly interested in its impact and ethicality.

My teammate Will did a thorough research on the effects of automated products on human’s lifestyle. Majority of the case studies he found portrayed automated technologies in a negative way. We found out that journalists are more likely to report on the damage technology has caused rather than writing on the benefits it provides to society because the public are more attracted to issues as such. We then came up with the idea of changing people’s mindset and behaviours on modern technology as we think that it is actually enhancing our lives.

Boris came up with the campaign idea of distributing robots to the local community with the intention to reduce fear and promote civilized relationship between human and technology. Romy identified key stakeholders and attempt to analyze their needs and demands. I took charge of the creative communication campaign and set out a timeline of the project.

Our team does not flow coherently as some of us have opposing ideas which made it difficult to come to an agreement. We were too creative and ambitious about our project, making it hard for us to stick to a specific idea. Our indecisiveness takes up a lot of our available time to complete the project making us stress the last minute. We could have started off with a plan to make sure we were on track and communicate better. Some of us had more workload than the other and some do not understand the details.

Overall, this project was challenging for us as a group because we did not work collaboratively well together. However, I am satisfied that we managed to get it done on time. I have learned that in order to accomplish a quality group project, stable relationship bond must be established first and the rest will follow. Although the process was rough, I still enjoyed some parts of the assignment such as writing the communication strategies. I am glad to experience this as I plan to avoid making similar mistakes.