design team 6 concepts -- week 4

TEAM 6 Austrian Folklore - Design Proposals 1 - October 23rd 2013

TEAM 6 As dEsignErs

RE-ImagIng a folkloRE

thE bRownIE


brief recap.

task: design a playful non-digital object that embodies the values of the brownie mythical creature for children aged 3 onwards, preferably in a school or group activity context.

Product image:

- Importance of a Job well done- humble- modest

Product goal:

- Encourage curiosity- Promote sharing and colaboration- Cultivate memories

Product aspect:

- Connect with the past- tactile and engaging product- modern reliavance to traditional Past- free or ‘open Source’ product- Utilise Rapid Prototyping

TEAM 6 As dEsignErs


IDEa 1 : brownie mobile

Such as the brownie who remains mostly invisible during his chores, a huge infrastructure is at work in urban areas to keep them functional, clean and safe...and we mostly take these services for granted.

for example: although children do have reprentations of the tools used in such recycling or desposal infrastructures, these toys do not necessarily mediate the purpose of these tools.

the brownie mobile or brownie box is an attempt at mediating the activity and awareness of various infrastructures and perhaps engaging children to build their own service infrastructure.

+ the advantage of placing oneself in a modern context could promote ancient values more understandably.+ the background or hidden value of a service will be more recognisable if the toy has a similar purpose.

TEAM 6 As dEsignErs



During craft activities at kindergarten or school, many bits and pieces of material are left over from the final creations.these could be collected for future purposes and engage the children in keeping a tidy workspace.

Version 1: the brownie carriage or container could be an incomplete cut-out model to start with. leftovers must be used to complete it.

Version 2: the brownie vehicle could also be a complete set, yet with uncompatible parts, engaging the children to exchange parts in order to have a functioning vehicle.

TEAM 6 As dEsignErs

Version 2: Children have to exchange their respectivedisproportionate parts in order to complete their sets.the more the parts and sets, the more dynamic the exchange.

Version 1



Prototype without tape: just folding

TEAM 6 As dEsignErs


IDEa 2 : helping hands

helping hands consists in a more direct approach to the brownie legend.Reduced to the most common features of the brownie, a give-away doll is sent on a journey.

the figurine delivers a subtle message or a task suggestion, involving help to another classmate,that needs to be carried out by whoever finds the doll. once the deed is done, the helping hands pass on the doll to whoever they want.

TEAM 6 As dEsignErs


IDEa 2 :

helping hands Version 1

a teacher could consider picking a specific date, a brownie Day, at which point dolls are distributed and instructions are given.


a brownie checkpoint, much like an open bookcase, allows children to chose from different brownies or said tasks (think Collectibles).


after completing a task suggested by the brownie, the Doll can be hidden. Challenging someone to find it , by giving hints or coordinates, adds an extra layer of playfulness.

TEAM 6 As dEsignErs


IDEa 2 : helping hands

Structure:

-ergonomic body with a slot

-twistable head (to push out/pull in the message)

-minimalistic features

goals:

-promote helpfulness amongst children

-to perform the task is the reward

- strengthen a sense of independance and responsability

-develop empathy

- revitalize the brownie story

- role play: in helping the brownie, you become one too.

TEAM 6 As dEsignErs


IDEa 3: brownie footprint

In some cases, a noticibly repaired object is given a new esthetic layer. the brownie footprint, a little washable or permanent stamp, can be used to draw attention to little flaws and revive them.In some cases an adult could be called to help fix or clean something.

...we must confess we are not quite sure how to elaborate this idea since it is a more individual activity.

goals:

- share with adults how children perceive details , or redefine decay.

- set little “brownie” reminders into your surroundings

- if the stamp can be designed by a child : “imagine a brownie’s footprint”

TEAM 6 As dEsignErs


Esthetic and Research

...some inspiring elements for further detailing a design language of the toy.

olD or nEw ?

TEAM 6 As dEsignErs


QUEStIon to team 3:

Does the toy have to be targeted at all children from the age of 3 or can we concentrate on smaller targetgroups (for example: 8-12)?

this could be an issue in future prototyping and safety measures, since there is a great gap in behaviour and abilities between certain age groups.

EStablISh nEXt SkYPE SESSIonfridays are good for us from 1pm...

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design team 6 concepts -- week 4

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