This blog provides a forum for students, instructors and others to share information and ideas about the Spring Thesis Program at Parsons the New School for Design in New York City.
I repeated my user testing at a local Preschool using a pasta machine to simulate the experience of making the parts. It seemed to improve interest in the cardboard building toy overall.
Comments and Criticism:
Joel(Laser Shop Tech)
Machine design will bend the cardboard as it is cut. I will need to make the input area for the cardboard parallel to the output area where the cut pieces exit.
Product Design Sophmore
It will need a lot of pieces to make anything big
Tom O'Hare
Mission statement is not a mission statement, mention the problem and my strategy referencing real statistics
Try an older age group, maybe high school kids
Make main image bigger and center of focus
Show and discuss the machine on the board
Seth
There is a die cutting machine in the shop maybe I won't need to build my own
Could promote schools owning laser cutters to produce
Could get packaging factories to insert my shapes into the scrap of their production to generate my parts to distribute.
Kevin(Alumni)
Provide teacher instruction booklet for how to use and for lesson plans
Film user testing to show them building structures with the product
Joel (Alumni)
Design Precedent: Arduno Open Source Circuit Chip
Joe Goldstein-architect
What and how do children learn from making the bridge
What are the learning principles, what can be taught in terms of building a better bridge and how loads are distributed
What else can be built
Should speak with a structural engineer to find out strength limitations
Should plan how it can be set up for loading weights.
Used Paper cutting hand tool(with blade embedded within but protected from human contact) as example of a tool I could make for cutting cardboard to size for machine, but he thinks it should be for teacher use only.
Dave Marin
Additional shape with a flat side would allow for a roadway to be added to the bridge and distribute the weight on the base
Lilly Landau
Concerned about kids using a machine to cut things
Doesn't think it can be safe and should provide precut cardboard
Doesn't think it looks like a bridge
Future Plans:
Meet with external partner to get their feedback, discuss next steps, and learn how to develop a curriculum/lesson plan using these parts.
Talk to die makers about design and estimates of cost for dies. (one quote for a rotary die is $1600-$1800, they recommended another place that may be able to do it cheaper, but it still may not be cost effective, if this is the case I will redesign the machine for a flat die)
Refine machine design, set up parts list and potential suppliers/manufacturers.
Form Studies for machine.
Order die and materials for making working prototype?
Feedback: 1. Revise mission statement to be more specific toward my design strategy 2. Revise graphic to look more like a scientist 3. Develop vehicle concept 4. Convey difference in approach from existing toys. 5. Convey the fun and playful aspects of the project.
Feedback: 1. Contact science teachers about causal relationship between making functional objects and future interest in science. 2. Continue market research, especially along 2 areas of focus that I will pursue: (A)functional but safe tools for making things, (B) DIY vehicles that can be built and ridden by children. 3. Pursue healthy and sustainable building materials as alternatives to blue foam. 4. Develop build able vehicle platform concept
Mission Statement * In one sentence, sum up what you aim to achieve through design.
To renew interest in science in today's youth through DIY toys.
Hypotheses * List the assumptions that you must test in order to support or frame your argument
Engineering is defined as the application of science and mathematics by which the properties of matter and the sources of energy in nature are made useful to people.Simply put it is the use of math and science to make things for people to use.
Though sharing is a quality that should be learned by all children, ownership is a natural inclination. This tendency can be utilized in a positive way by merging value in ownership through pride in craft.
4 years old Ellen, “I like to make stuff because then my older sister can’t use them.She always breaks my stuff, but if it is mine, she can’t use it.”
But the value of making things can also create a spirit of generosity.When a child is able to create for themselves there is no longer a problem of supply.
Research methods * What methods are you employing to learn more about your area of intervention? What do you need to know? Who are you utilizing? Ex: Articles, books, journals, interviews (w/whom?), surveys (of whom?), observations (of whom?), experiments
I have interviewed Kristin Egan a 5th Grade Special needs Teacher, Jane Racoonsin, the Director of Beginnings Nursery School which Is based on the Reggio Emilia teaching method, and Keith Wynne, the Jr. FIRST Lego League Coordinator & Science Specialist at Carroll Elementary School
I have conducted a general survey of parents on what their children’s favorite types of toys are, what type of learners they are (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, tactile), and if an interest in a subject emerged first or did a toy bring about the interest.I conducted a separate survey of engineers and people in technological fields about their early influences which affected their career decisions and the impact of a favorite toy early on and what they were.I have also created discussion groups on the topic in a Mechanical Engineering Group and Industrial Design Group in LinkedIN.
I have been reviewing the FIRST Robotics program which tries to engage today’s youth in engineering through group based robotics competitions.There have also been case studies which have verified the efficacy of the program in meeting their goals of getting more kids into science and engineering.
Analysis * How have your findings shaped your argument?
I tested a bicycle toy which illustrated the basic principles of gears and how a bicycle works.The intention was to stimulate interest through an independent discovery, but my involvement in the explanation seemed necessary for understanding the concepts which may have been too challenging.In showing them the toy I also found that as a toy it did not sufficiently engage them and the learning principles didn’t seem to excite them much.Later I created a small plush model of Earth with a magnet embedded in it to illustrate how a compass works.I first showed
4-5 year olds from Beginnings Nursery School how magnets work, then how a compass works and is affected by magnetism using the magnets and then with the model earth.I then showed them how to make their own magnets.My plan was to survey their interest in science or how things work before and after showing them the toy.It would also be done with instruction by me for some kids and without for others to see the difference in self exploration.However when I went to test with the kids too many of them showed an interest at once and I was unable to conduct the experiment and survey as I originally intended.I went back the next day to try again but in a more controlled environment.This time they could choose which activities they wanted to do.However they didn’t choose my activity, perhaps since others were more appealing or since many had already seen and played with it previously.The toy did not lend to continual play.In talking to one girl she said she liked to make her own toys because then her older sister couldn’t play with them, since she always breaks her stuff.Also several of the kids wanted the magnets.
These experiments have let me to several thoughts about my focus.I have been trying too hard to teach science which may be too challenging for full comprehension at that age.Though some might get it, the kids would be more engaged through the activity more so than a didactic lesson in science through a toy.Also as Engineering is the application of math and science to make useful things for people, if I can create ways for children to create useful things, they can become engaged in the process and the science can come later.
External Relationships * Who are the stakeholders? Who are the experts? Whom have you spoken with?
The stakeholders are children, parents, teachers, colleges, manufacturers who will need talented engineers, and professional engineering societies.I have interviewed teachers, Preschool teachers, an elementary school Science specialist and Jr. FIRST Lego League coordinator.
Design opportunity * How have you defined the appropriate context to apply your skills?
Design Criteria * List the attributes that your design action must have in order to be successful? What are the formal, functional, ethical, material, and cost criteria that you have uncovered through your analysis?
It must become a product that can provide engaging play that employs the creative problem solving skills an provokes a child’s natural inquisitive nature.If my product becomes a method of creating things I need to find appropriate materials which are sustainable but also workable with children who can only use certain tools which can be used safely
Conceptual Development * What are POSSIBLE designed outcomes of your process? Describe possibilities of how design can address the issue you have chosen?
LEGOs are a successful design solution for my issue, but I need to differentiate from the way this product is used.One approach may be to scale up the products size and functionality.One example could be to build ride-able toys which could be designed by the child with the provided parts.Another might be an system of instruction to build Rube Goldberg machines out of commonhousehold materials
Feedback * Describe the feedback you have gotten so far and how it informs your process.
Is this feedback from the field or from instructors?My feedback from my 3D tools and how it relates to my process has been discussed in the Analysis section.
If it is regarding the instructors feedback, I have made my surveys more focused (only surveying engineers and technology professionals), I have tested my tools with children and observed their interaction.
Next Steps * What are the necessary next steps to achieve your mission?
I need to create more tangible tools that are in line with my possible future designs.
I need to verify the connection between making functional things and the later desire to learn more on how things work to further fuel making more complicated functional objects.
Instructor Feedback:
Review design precedents and do market research. Study comparable toys, what they do and how they are effective.
Board:
Pare down the text and simplify with representational graphics. Highlight the user testing and arrange information with a hierarchy of importance to have primary information that draws the viewers attention first. Illustrate some of my ideas and include to go beyond just 3d tools. Consider making own building materials as part of the DIY toy as alternative to Blue Foam. Identify why I am chosing the 4-5 age group with reasoning backed by evidence. In order to consider toy as a metric for engineering and scientific ability find out how elementary schools identify skill sets. Find evidence for the causal relationship between making functional objects and future interest in science which is a key feature if my proposal.
The fields of science and engineering are critical for the economic future of the United States.However, statistics show a disturbing domestic decline in the performance of students in science as compared to previous generations.Internationally the United States has shown similar declines in math and science and sits at the bottom of the rankings.Despite an overall increase in bachelor degrees there is an decrease in degrees in engineering.
These vacancies erode America’s ability to innovate and develop technological advancements that were once a core strength.
FEEDBACK:
1. International rankings in education show the US declining in Math and Science from a competitive position at 4th grade to falling to the bottom of the rankings by 12th grade. Is my decision to focus on pre-preschoolers the most effective user group to address this issue. What age group is most effective for addressing this issue.
2. Check out "Hole in the wall" as case study for the kind of hands off child generating learning process.
3. Check out non-academic organizations with focus on bringing science to children such as the Liberty Science Museum
I am pursuing several topics, but they mainly fall into 2 categories, biking and education.
Biking Bicycle riding is a healthy form of transportation for the body and the planet. New York City and other dense urban environments can be an ideal means of transport. However, it is the transportation of choice for only a few. Safety is one major concern that is held by all, but theft, weather and other factors can influence decisions on whether or not to bike.
My main focus will be on increasing the usage of bicycles in NYC. This can be achieved by getting new people to choose bicycling as a way of getting around the city or by increasing usage among recreational riders.
Hypothesis: A. Increase bicycle usage through customization and DIY bicycle building. • Develop personal connection between bikes and owners through construction and customization • Reclamation of abandoned bicycle parts
B. Increase bicycle use in NYC by making biking safer
1. Stakeholders: • Bicycle Associations Increased membership and better environment for biking • Environmental Groups Reduced usage of fossil fuel based transportation • Runners and fitness minded individuals interested in using work commute as opportunity for exercise • Bicycle Shops Their stake is increased sales of bicycles and accessories • Department of Transportation
2. Research Plan • Necessary Topic Knowledge • Why: Understanding why current users choose bicycle transport and what prevents others from biking in the city • Biking demographics • Usage statistics • Usage prior to bicycle construction projects vs post construction • Plan for Gathering necessary knowledge • Interview: TIME’S UP Bike Repair Class – interested in construction and repair • Questionnaire for New Yorkers to answer the why some people bike and others don’t. • Plan for utilizing findings to formulate
Education Educating the children of today can make the greatest impact on tomorrow. Therefore, cultivating today’s youth to pursue careers in science can create a generation of capable minds to create solutions to growing problems relating to the environment, health, and economy. Rates of obesity have steadily increased over the years and with it, the occurrence of other health related issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Education in nutritious eating habits at a young age can set children on the path toward good health and prevent the destructive behavior that leads to obesity.
Hypothesis: A. Generate interest among today’s youth in science through education in cooking and food science. B. Reduce obesity by educating children in cooking and nutrition.
1. Stakeholders: • Parents Concern for health of children, participate in homework through kitchen supervision • Children Prevention of future health problems • Board of Education Implementers of the new curriculum • Future employers of • Health Care Providers Interested in lower medical expenses through reinforcing positive behaviors to prevent future Health conditions
2. Research Plan • Necessary Topic Knowledge Metrics for interest in science among children Rates of obesity
• Plan for Gathering necessary knowledge Interview teachers US Census data Statistics for careers in science Standardized test scores
