is-making-problem-solving-or-self-expression DIY Culture

DIY Culture

Is Making Problem-Solving or Self-Expression?

About this topic

The question 'Is making problem-solving or self-expression?' reexamines the essence of DIY and hand-making activities. Viewed as problem-solving, the act of making is a practical means to 'prepare what is needed by oneself,' emphasizing efficiency and functionality. Viewed as self-expression, making is a creative act to 'shape one's own identity,' centering on the expression of emotions and identity. These two aspects are not opposed; in actual DIY experiences, both are intertwined. This question is an entry point for high school students to reflect on their own making activities and deeply consider 'why make?' By understanding the source of the joy of making, one can lead a more fulfilling making life.

Conceptual positions
01 Utilitarian Position

The position that making is primarily a means to solve problems. It prioritizes functionality and efficiency, viewing self-expression as secondary. DIY is positioned as a practice to enhance the convenience of life. A perspective close to school technology classes or vocational education.

02 Expressive Position

The position that making is an expressive act that externalizes one's inner self. Problem-solving is merely a means; the essence lies in 'shaping oneself.' It is especially emphasized in the context of art and craft, where free ideas are valued.

03 Integrated Position

The position that problem-solving and self-expression are not opposed but complement each other. Self-expression naturally emerges in practical making, and better solutions arise through expression. This is a state that many skilled makers naturally reach.

04 Therapeutic/Growth Position

The position that the act of making goes beyond problem-solving or expression to bring personal growth and emotional healing. It views it as fostering resilience and deepening self-understanding through failure and trial and error. It also leads to improved mental health and self-esteem.

Talk entry points

  1. Among things you made recently, was there something where you thought 'This solved the problem!'? Or something where you thought 'I was able to express myself!'? Please tell me how you felt at that time.

  2. What is the difference between the moment in the making process when you thought 'This is practical' and the moment when you thought 'This is like me'? Which moment left a stronger impression?

  3. If you were to make something 'only to solve a problem,' what would you make? Conversely, 'only for self-expression'? What becomes visible from that difference?

  4. Does the balance between problem-solving and self-expression differ between things you made for school assignments or club activities and things you made as a hobby? Why does that difference arise?

  5. Between 'making it my own way even if it's not good' and 'making it so that it properly solves the problem,' which would you prefer to prioritize? Why, and is there a way to achieve both?

  6. When you feel that what you made not only 'solved the problem' but also 'expressed yourself,' how do you feel? Please talk specifically about that experience.

Conceptual tensions
Practicality vsUniqueness
Practical works that solve problems require versatility that anyone can use, but works of self-expression emphasize uniqueness unique to oneself. How to balance these two is both the difficulty and the appeal of DIY. Pursuing practicality too much leads to lack of individuality, while pursuing uniqueness too much makes it unusable—a dilemma.
Result vsProcess
In problem-solving, success comes if a 'usable result' is produced, but in self-expression, discoveries and emotional changes during the process are also important. Whether one prioritizes results or process changes the quality of the joy of making. Seeking only results misses the joy of the process; seeking only the process may not yield results.
Others' Evaluation vsSelf-Satisfaction
Works of problem-solving are easily evaluated by others based on 'does it function properly,' but for self-expression works, 'am I satisfied?' is more important. Which to prioritize reflects the purpose of making. Being too concerned with others' evaluation loses one's own flavor; self-satisfaction alone may lower social value.
Efficiency vsImmersion
Trying to solve problems quickly prioritizes efficiency and makes immersion difficult. On the other hand, in self-expression, immersing oneself forgetting time and efficiency can sometimes produce deep expression. In modern society that values efficiency, how to secure time for immersion is a challenge.
Talk note

This theme is a space for dialogue to reframe the two aspects of the act of making—problem-solving and self-expression—not as opposition but as complement. It would be wonderful if it serves as an opportunity for high school students to deepen their making activities from 'just making' to 'why and how to make.' Let us explore the balance of practicality and uniqueness, efficiency and immersion, result and process, with a gentle gaze.

Glossary
Problem-Solving
The act of addressing issues or needs by implementing concrete solutions. In DIY, it refers to the practical aspect of repairing broken things or making necessary tools. Efficiency and functionality are key.
Self-Expression
The act of expressing one's inner emotions, values, and identity outwardly in tangible form. In DIY, it refers to the creative aspect of infusing one's personality into the work. Uniqueness and emotional expression are emphasized.
Creativity
The ability to create something new beyond existing frameworks. A necessary element for both problem-solving and self-expression, but in self-expression, unique ideas and sensibilities are especially utilized.
Practicality / Utility
The property of being useful in actual life or applications. One of the most important criteria in DIY as problem-solving. Ease of use, durability, and functionality are points of evaluation.
Identity
One's unique way of being that characterizes oneself. Through the act of making, one can confirm, form, and express one's identity. The work becomes a mirror of 'one's own way of being.'
Process
The process of the act of making itself. A perspective that finds meaning not only in the result but in the trial and error and discoveries along the way. In problem-solving, an efficient process is emphasized; in self-expression, an immersive process is emphasized.
Balance
The coexistence of problem-solving and self-expression. In actual making, incorporating both elements in moderation gives birth to richer works and experiences.
Talk prompts
Ice breaker

Recall one work recently made where you felt the most 'like yourself' and one where you felt the most 'I solved the problem.' What kind of works were they? Could you talk a little about the sense of achievement or joy at that time?

Deep dive

In a world where 'solving problems' is the only purpose of making, and a world where 'expressing oneself' is the only purpose of making, which would you like to live in? Please also tell me the reason. If you experienced both worlds, how would you feel?

Bridge

When the other person says 'I tried making this,' quietly ask 'What problem did you want to solve with this work? Or did you want to express yourself?' From their answer, you might catch a glimpse of the motivation and feelings behind the making. If you follow up with 'Both perhaps?', it might develop into an even deeper conversation.

Further questions
  • In an era where AI mass-produces problem-solving type works, what is the value of human-made self-expression? Perhaps in 'traces of handwork' or 'beauty of imperfection' that AI cannot achieve.
  • If school education only teaches 'making as problem-solving,' will opportunities for self-expression be lost? How should the balance in creativity education be taken?
  • When sharing works on SNS, does the reaction change depending on whether problem-solving or self-expression is put forward? Which does the algorithm prefer?
  • Between 'a work that perfectly solves the problem' and 'an imperfect but strongly personal work,' which one is loved longer and remains in memory? The value of perfection and imperfection.
  • When making as a team, how to divide the roles of problem-solving and self-expression? The relationship between leadership and creative direction.
  • How to reclaim making as 'play' or 'expression' rather than 'work' or 'assignment.' The possibility of DIY as leisure.