The RSVP Cycles:

Creative Processes in the Human Environment

Lawrence Halprin

The article explores the R.S.V.P. Cycles, a method developed by Lawrence Halprin for fostering collective creative endeavors. This framework emphasizes a shift from focusing solely on the final performance to valuing the entire creative process. Halprin (2014)“The cycle can start at any point and move in any direction,” highlighting its flexibility and adaptability in various contexts (p. 42).

Key Points:

1. Four Interconnected Components:

   • Resources: This includes the skills, knowledge, and materials participants bring to the table.

   • Score: A plan that guides actions and interactions throughout the creative process.

   • Valuaction: Reflective practices that enhance understanding and allow for continuous development of the project.

   • Performance: The actions taken that embody the creative work.

2. Non-linear Framework: The R.S.V.P. Cycles promote a non-linear approach, allowing for multiple entry points and pathways through the creative process. “The sequence is completely variable depending on the situation, the scorer, and the intent,” encouraging dynamic collaboration.

3. Visibility and Transparency: A central principle of the R.S.V.P. Cycles is making all elements of the creative process visible to participants, fostering engagement and a shared understanding among diverse contributors.

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Designer Takeaways

By incorporating the principles of the R.S.V.P. Cycles, I can create a development process that values participant input and adaptability, crucial for designing an app, tool, or service tailored to the needs of sprinters.

1. Engage Users as Co-Designers: Involve sprinters in the design process, ensuring their experiences and insights directly inform the concept’s features and functionalities.

2. Flexible Design Framework: Implement a non-linear design approach, allowing adaptation to new insights and feedback throughout the development process. This flexibility can enhance the concept’s effectiveness and user satisfaction.

Halprin, L. (2014), ‘The RSVP Cycles: Creative Processes in the Human Environment’, Choreographic Practices 5: 1, pp. 39–47, doi: 10.1386/chor.5.1.39_1