Throughout week 9 and the semester break, I dedicated my efforts to to the development of the creative toolkit, integrating the new design approach, and reassessing the toolkit's components.
RE-EVALUATING TOOLKIT COMPONENTS
Following the feedback received on the numerous components introduced in Week 6, I have endeavored to enhance the clarity of each element's purpose within the creative toolkit. This calibration and curation of materials aim to streamline the toolkit's usability, significantly benefiting educators, particularly those grappling with time constraints—a concern highlighted in the product specification table.
Initially, the toolkit components were divided into three parts: an instruction guide, a mix-and-match component featuring five interactive tools (Target Tidbit, Value-land Voyages, Brainy Blooms, Collage Caboodle, Reflect and Reboot), and a Visual/Sticker pack. The toolkit has now been streamlined, consolidating into a single-sheet instruction guide, three tools for the Mix N Match component, a separate reflection tool, and the Visual pack as a resource.
COMPONENT 1: INSTRUCTION GUIDE
The first component of the Educators' Creative Toolkit is the instruction guide, which adopts a newspaper-style design, providing a detailed, step-by-step explanation for each creative tool. This instruction guide will be conveniently printed on a single A3-sized for ease of navigation and lower cost.
COMPONENT 2: MIX N MATCH
The second component would be Mix and Match. Comprising three distinct elements – Target Tidbit, Value-Voyages, and Crafty Collage – this component builds upon the tools mentioned in week 6. The mind-map tool has been excluded after careful consideration due to its limited direct contribution to the creative process of designing learning materials.
A: TARGET TIDBIT
Target Tidbit takes the lead as the initial tool in the series. Divided into two key sections—Determine and Action Plan—this tool leverages insights garnered from participatory design research and G.UTS. It serves as a foundation for defining objectives, devising methods to integrate value-based practices, and outlining essential milestones and timelines.
B: VALUE VOYAGES
Value-land Voyages presents a collection of value-based scenarios aligned with the curriculum topics outlined in Target Tidbit. Rooted in real-world contexts, this tool prompts educators to consider creative ways to convey and narrate these values to their students. Currently, two out of five scenarios are shown.
C: CRAFTY COLLAGE
Crafty Collage embraces a "hands-on" approach, aiding educators in visualizing their learning materials through collage creation. Educators have the choice to utilize the provided sticker pack or incorporate their own visuals. It comes with its own set of prompts to spark inspiration.
COMPONENT 3: REFLECTION BOOKLET
The third component within the Educators' Creative Toolkit is the Reflection Booklet, which was distinctively separated from the mix-and-match components due to its unique purpose. While the mix-and-match components are primarily used for visualizing and creating value-based learning materials, the reflection tool serves a distinct role in collecting feedback and refining these materials.
Designed as a tri-fold A3 document, it features a variety of activities, including questionnaires, "student inputs," "bulls-eye," and a rubric. These activities are all tailored to support educators in the process of enhancing their educational materials.
COMPONENT 4: VISUAL PACK
The fourth component serves as a valuable support tool: a Visual Pack containing a variety of visual content and stickers. This resource aids educators in completing activities featured in both the Mix and Match section and the Reflection Booklet.
PACKAGING CONCEPTUALISATION
As for the packaging of my creative toolkit, I'm considering the use of a string and washer envelope adorned with a custom orange button. This choice not only provides a practical and accessible solution for housing the tools but also aligns seamlessly with the vintage design aesthetic I'm aiming for.
UPCOMING TASK
In the coming week, I will engage in consultations and refinements of the toolkit components and product design specifications. Additionally, I will dedicate time to contemplate the layout for the MADA NOW exhibition.