Exploring Interaction - studio design for end of life cycle 2

Real Heritage
by Vanda Kovacs 4204042

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Process
Research & design exploration

My research exploration concentrated on the understanding of appropriate atmosphere and the art of storytelling which were the cornerstone of my last design goal (cycle 1). In the framework of appropriate atmosphere Ive concentrated on family issues while the art of storytelling I continues exploring the meaning of storytelling in families as well as the mapping the components of storyteller mode.

Family issues importance of family routines improving family communication importance of family meals family disruptions family arguments working parents functioning families changing norms in families family crisis family problems

Art of storytelling the need of storytelling history of storytelling the importance of storytelling in families components of storytelling the audiences needs/wants how to bring a story alive narrative structure

1. table: the main directions of my research exploration

1. figure: The components of storytelling: tone of voice, loudness, rhythm, facial expression, body language, movements, hand gestures,

Based on my research Ive defined the basic principles for having good time with family and did brainstorming sessions for each. With the help of my buddies, friends and family I could test the several ideas. The rope experiment provided surprising and valuable insights and Ive decided to continue my design process with the understanding and evaluation of this idea.

2. figure: Testing the constant eye contact and being a good listener ideas

3. figure: Being connected by holding and straining a rope

It turned out the having the visible and tangible connection in hands can help people to feel the connection between each other even if they are in an awkward situation; far away from each other, sitting back to back or standing in front of each other.

Design Goal

Help families to create the appropriate atmosphere for storytelling in order to facilitate communication with each other via perpetuate real family heritage like knowledge and memories. So storytelling is not the goal anymore but the tool to having good communication between family members via understanding each others feeling, backgrounds, thoughts.

Interaction vision

My interaction vision also changed. Instead of the whole plan-prepare-share process (going to the seaside to flying kites), my new vision concentrates on the actual experience of flying kite together. Sometimes it can start really hard, but with persistent attempts it can be possible. And then not just the result will be important but the way they could reach it as well.

4. figure: The enjoyment and wonder of flying kite

Concept

My concept operates as a family game. Family members can invite each others to play which literally means talk to me, please. Participants wear belts which are connected with a rope. The goal of the game is to reach and open the box in the middle of the rope together. The two sides of the rope have 3-3 different parts. These parts symbolize different levels of communication. In first level family members can ask each other official, work, school, etc. related questions. In second level topics can be childhood, summer memories, health, etc. In the final level the most personal questions can be raised such as fears, dreams, love life, etc. Each participant can decide by themselves when to move to the next level. When they open the box they find the metaphoric key to open the belts and a piece of paper on which they can immortalize the moment/experience of the actual game.

5. figure: The set up of the game and the process of getting closer to each other

6. figure: The reward of the game: the symbolic keys of the belts and a tool to save the moment

7. figure: Saving the special moments on the fridge & adapters to play the game with more players

Plans

During my further exploration I would like to test and refine the game. The main focuses are going to be the starting of the game (how to invite to play); exploring the different levels of this communication (which topic belongs to which level; what kinds of topics possible); materials/colors of the different levels; the reward of the game (what else could be inside the box).