Reflection 2: Post- Service

This service-learning project was a bittersweet experience. I feel that it was bitter in the sense of not being able to see the implementation or results of our work in the community. Similar to many long-term projects, results are not shown immediately but gradually over the time. But it is heartening to know that the birth of the product is out there. On the other hand, this was an experience, unlike any other. Even with the prior experience of volunteering for the seniors’ projects, it could not have prepared us for a project during this pandemic. This was the sweet aspect of the project, it equipped us with the skill to adapt, utilising other tools to innovate and still serve the community in one way or another.

The rewarding part of this project was seeing the ‘blueprint’ of our idea turn into reality. What seems to be close to impossible and way above our capabilities, turned out to be a great starter to our kit. Taking into account that we are not professional video editors nor do we have funds to invest in a 360 camera. Yet upon seeing the trailer and end-product of the kit, I am proud of nVRture’s progress. The way the team adapts and stays on task despite everything being online is very commendable.

However, the constant challenge throughout this project was interacting with the general public, the chances of collaboration are slim. We have reached out to almost 10 organisations and individuals for the project but most simply did not reply. Our trials and feedback were from acquaintances and real-life interactions available. This limits our community mapping phase with our initial target audience; wheelchair-bound users. Hence, the closest engagement available is those with physical restrictions and individuals feeling stress across the different demographic segments.

From this experience, I subconsciously learned that I am someone who is not afraid to change the course of action when the result is beyond our current capability. The term used for how we changed from a 360 VR video to an ordinary narrative film was called a ‘Minimum Viable Product’ also known as MVP in project management. This is a version of a product with minimum features to meet the current needs. The MVP would help the business gather feedback for future product enhancements. This applied to us as this being a long-term project beyond our module, we will be able to provide a future commercialised plan/ collaboration idea for Better Trails.

Whereas the area of improvement I would work on would be my ability to network and community map more efficiently. As if I were to be more involved and interacted frequently with this community, I would have been able to reach out or emphasise with them on a deeper level. On a contextual and technical level, I would improve on how I manage risks. To elaborate on this, it is my lack of experience in using or creating VR headset involved content. This being the first, I am not well-versed on the effects of VR or how a cardboard headset experience would fair. Hence, I could have been more well-versed and thorough with the usage of VR before pitching the idea.

Therefore, overall the specific skill I learnt from this is how to adapt. The skill of adapting can be applied in various ways and situations. But I feel that it was very prevalent in this experience. The unpredictability and circumstance of this entire project involved a lot of changes to our initial plans and collaborations. Testing our skill to adjust on the go was a challenge but also a valuable lesson to us all.

Besides those mentioned above, I realised I am an individual who thinks beyond the issue. I was also able to generate based on a business perspective, about collaborating long-term with a Singaporean based Youtuber. This revealed my influence quotation, as previously learnt in Organisational Behaviour. I appeal to others using logic and I am also someone who rationalises situations with reason. This could be why I am critical of the project’s sustainability. Initially, I thought everyone would feel indifferent about the circuit breaker measures despite hearing of ‘cabin fever’. This does not only impact those physically restricted/disabled but also the general public. Everyone was unable to go out ‘normally’, even until today. Which was why we broaden our target audience, as this pandemic affects individuals differently regardless of ability. This got me to come to terms with how this pandemic unconsciously affected me and those around.

After the realisation of this, I acknowledge that this would become the ‘normal’ for quite a while. The Asian culture is centred around keeping to yourself when a problem arises. Unfortunately, this is still prevalent in this day and age. Hence, keeping in mind that everyone copes with this differently; some might be more vocal than others. This is why the kit caters to different individuals, be it those less vocal or too busy to engage in nature for relaxation. Moving on from this experience, I will think of solutions for the community on a deeper level. Given the time, I would upgrade or search up technological ways to enhance the community. I would definitely be volunteering in the future. As I have planned since the start to involve myself with the various communities to diversify and widen my perspective. Currently, I have volunteered with the elderly (wheelchair/bed-bound and elderly facing isolation), persons with intellectual disability and lower-income children/ families. I feel that by interacting and getting to know different challenges within the community, will help me to figure out or ignite new passions.