3 Modes of Collaboration

What does collaboration look like, in exhibition projects?

Ten people putting up post-its and drawing on floor plans?

That happens. And it’s fun.

But there are at least three more common modes we might not recognize. We'll need to use the right one at the right time.

1. Ping-Pong
Multiple people collaborate, passing the work back and forth “across the net”. Example: a curator writes text and a graphic designer lays out a text panel: draft, layout, final draft, final layout.

2. Relay Race
Multiple people work one after another. One carries the baton to the next, who carries it to the next. Example: that design above, during production. The designer creates the production file and gives it to a printer, who gives the finished panel to a shipper.

3. Crew Team
Multiple people working simultaneously. A crew boat has many rowers, to go faster. Example: that exhibition panel, during installation. A team puts up dozens of panels a day.

Here’s the thing:
There are at least three common collaborative modes: Ping-Pong, Relay Race, and Crew Team.

Which do you experience? Did I miss one?

I’d love to hear. Hit REPLY and let me know.

Warmly,
Jonathan