I am about two weeks into a studio project in which I am designing a learning device for young students. Essentially after the critique today it turned into the child’s iPhone. While this really is such a bad thing in terms of design and such, but its not really what I wanted it to come down to.
Essentially, what I wanted to create was a device that had a camera. The kid would use the camera to take a picture of something, say an apple. The device would search either a database of photos or the internet to explain through words and pictures what the object was. In the case of an apple, photos of apples, nutritional information all that jazz. Answers for the child with a thousand questions.
Also, things like GPS connected to the parents phone, and basics like an alarm clock and timer had been talked about as additions. My target age range is 2nd grade through 8th grade I’d say, with possible applications else where.
Any feedback or questions are appreciated. I just need to get the creative juices flowing.
First, “kiddie learning device” strikes me as patronizing. It shows a lack of understanding/empathy for your target market.
Which seems to be true: where is your research? Where is your strategy?
Get out there and talk to some teachers and parents!
Find a problem to solve before you even think about what technologies to apply to solving the problem.
I now realize how that came across. I wasn’t attempting to be patronizing to the target market or children in general. I’m working on research currently and I’ll post some more well prepared information soon.
Also, you might benefit from a more targeted demographic. There are worlds of difference between 2nd-8th grade. One approach might be to literally roll the dice and pick a grade. Then look at the syllabus for that grade and zero in on targeted learning opportunities.
You can also be a bit selfish in choosing a topic that you have some personal interest in. Was there a particular subject in your schooling that you had a hard time with? Why? That could be your starting point for making improvements.
Essentially, what I wanted to create was a device that had a camera. The kid would use the camera to take a picture of something, say an apple. The device would search either a database of photos or the internet to explain through words and pictures what the object was. In the case of an apple, photos of apples, nutritional information all that jazz. Answers for the child with a thousand questions.
Also, things like GPS connected to the parents phone, and basics like an alarm clock and timer had been talked about as additions. My target age range is 2nd grade through 8th grade I’d say, with possible applications else where.
Sounds like you’ve already designed it to me, and based on little research. What you’ve suggested is available, called the computer and the internet. As CG said start of big with the brief and narrow it down, specific age groups etc.
Is there a common problem with learning in schools? Is it universal across all subjects? Do teachers have any specific problems with any particular areas. Does it have to be electronic? If its electronic it could cost alot, schools have very limited budgets unless private. Do parents pay for it? If so I wouldn’t want a 4-5 year old child running about with essentially a PDA in their pocket. Also your potentially removing the social interaction side of learning which would be a massive mistake. Why can’t a child take a picture of an apple and ask their teacher? Is it the fact children when not knowing an anwser feel ashamed to ask for help and pretend they know what they are doing? Who knows you need to ask these types of questions, observe and idenfity the problem before trying to solve it.
^Those are just questions i’ve asked within about 2minutes of reading your post you should be asking lots and lots questions who, what, when, why, how. These are the things you need to find out before you even start designing. Establish the foundations before you start building your house. Without solid foundations the house will collapse.
For me personally I would be much more impressed with a low tech solution that actually solves a specific problem and has a genuine use rather than another flashy styled Yanko.com electronic gizmo. Also don’t know about the states but before you enter a school here in the UK you need to go through a security check (i.e fill out forms and post them of) and generaly taking photo’s can be an issue so get your school\univeristy to help you out with that if that is the case.
So after some research and ideation, I believe I am going to drop back and punt on this one. As both of you noted above, I already designed what I had in mind and it wasn’t a research based project, but more of an escape from the information.
Therefore, I have decided to review the topic for the project - Design for the Recession - and begin again with the intention of designing some that has actual implications in helping people climb out of the Recession and into a recovery. Or I thought about bettering the things that people buy no matter the economic situation. Things like medicine, toothpaste, drugs (non-medicinal), and alcohol are just a few things that haven’t seen a drop in profit from my research.