Define

Second Design Thinking Process : Define (State your users' needs and problems)

This step involves synthesizing all the information that was gathered during the previous step and arriving at a group consensus that states what problem needs to be solved. The goal is to identify the scope and true nature of the problem.

Data extracted from Empathy Map to form the general picture of ideal country

The final empathy map

From the final empathy map, I gathered all the data and summarized the overall picture of my ideal country :

My country is prioritized on EQUALITY.
My country encourage people to THINK and INNOVATE.
My country is built in 3 main aspects : ART, TECHNOLOGY and NATURE.
My country is PEACEFUL, HARMONY and UNITE.
Citizens can communicate in MUSIC LANGUAGE and ENGLISH LANGUAGE.
VALUE-BASED EDUCATION for all-round development of citizens.
My country's motto is ALTRUISTIC, INSIGHTFUL and PASSIONATE.

Gather more data!

These videos give me a clearer picture on how to start my own country in reality! Now I am more confident with the areas that I need to take note in order to make my country become functional.

Before I turn my country from imaginary to reality, I listed more detailed questions of different aspects that I need to think of, which are identity, history/politics, economy, and lifestyle.

Now, let us look at the general aspects of my ideal country.

Identity

Country's Name

Country's name directly reflects a country's identity. According to the research of Quartz, most countries in the world have been named after one of four things:

a directional description of the country
a feature of the land
a tribe name
an important person, most likely a man

I want my country to be named after something related in music, so before I name my country, I searched for the tips to name a piece of music. While scrolling down the website, suddenly the word "Prelude" caught my eyes. This give me inspiration to name my country as "Preludy".

Prelude is an introductory piece of music, most commonly an orchestral opening to an act of an opera, the first movement of a suite, or a piece preceding a fugue. Short and simply, but meaningful.

Preludy also sounds like melody, isn't it?

Demonym

As the name of country is Preludy, the demonym will be called as "Preludian".

Country's Flag

Color Symbolism in Flags:

Black: Often used to represent determination, ethnic heritage and/or the defeat of enemies. It can also be used as a symbol of death or mourning.

Red: Stands for power, revolution, vibrancy and war (symbolic of bloodshed). Other meanings include courage and domination, while it can also be viewed as an alert of danger.

Blue: Signifies determination, liberation, alertness and good fortune.

Green: Often seen as a symbol of agricultural influence, as well as prosperity and fertility. It can also be viewed as youthfulness and hope.

Yellow (or Gold): Has long been viewed as a symbol of wealth and energy, as in the sun. It can also be used to represent happiness.

Violet : It symbolizes nobility, spirituality, ceremony, mystery, wisdom, enlightenment, arrogance, mourning. Violet represents the future, imagination, dreams.

I will choose 3 colors to create my country's flag. The process of creating the flag will be shown in ideation stage!

Country's Motto

Altruistic, Insightful and Passionate.

National Flower

Sunflower

Loyalty and strong bonds between two people, as represented by the strong and upright stem
Seeking out positivity and strength, as the bloom turns to face the sun
Good luck and lasting happiness, especially in the Chinese culture

I choose sunflower to be my national flower because I like its color and symbolism, which brings happiness and strength to my country.

National Animal

Parrot (Psittaciformes)

Parrot is symbolic of truth telling. As parrot speaks back you the words you have spoken, you hear your own words with no filter. This is a powerful reflection of self. Parrot symbolism is asking you to stay alert. New ideas which can bring about new growth or a new direction is imminent for you. There are signs and omens around you. With this spirit animal on your side, everything is possible right now. Therefore, it’s the perfect time to go after the dreams you once thought were out of reach.

I choose parrot as my national animal because of its intelligence and the color of its feathers have healing purpose.

Location of Country

My country will not appear in the world map of Earth. It is being hidden in a corner of the world (covered by magic). If there is threaten to the safety of my country, I will change the location of the country immediately. I will not give rise to any unnecessary war.

However, everyone is welcome to visit my country. You might be wondering, how can I visit the country if the country is invisible from the map? Shh...I will tell you the secret to enter my country in presentation stage!

Shape of the island

The shape of the island will probably looks like a music note.

History & Politics

History

On 13th of September 1950, a magical power brings a large group of people together, all of them have the same sense of passionate in their fields, which are art, science and nature. They work hand in hand to build up a strong country with all-round development citizens. The country are consists of 3 states, Arthro (State of Art), Quezro (State of Science & Technology) and Leafro (State of Nature). Since then, 13th of September is determined as the national day of the country.

National Principles

There are 5 principles of my country :

1) Popular Sovereignty - It is defined as "a doctrine in political theory that government is created by and subject to the will of the people".

This simply means that the citizens of the country are in charge of the government and how it is run. People are allowed to vote on who represents them in a government position. Then the person who was elected represents the people of their area and their opinions.

2) Separation of Powers - The separation of powers allows for the government to be separated into different groups. This allows them all to focus on one job only. This also makes it so one group not to have all the power.

In my country, the powers are separated into 3 branches : Quezron (Leader of Quezro), Arthron (Leader of Arthro) and Leafron (Leader of Leafro).

Quezron is in charge of making laws; Arthron is in charge of enforcing the laws; Leafron decides on the punishments for those who break the law.

3) Courtesy and Morality - Individuals and all the people in this country shall conduct their affair such a manners as not to violate and discriminate. Therefore, having a good behavior also includes a high standard morality in both our personal and public life. Respect each other and treat everyone equally in terms of genders, races and social status.

4) Contribution to Society - The leader always encourage all citizens to contribute to society. Sharing specialized knowledge (In Art, Science & Technology, and Nature Care) is a great way to use the higher education we gained to benefit the society. By positively impacting the people around us, we will make our lives better and build a strong country.

5) Equality and Unity - Everyone of my country is being treated in the same way. Say 'No' to any form of discrimination (sexual discrimination, racism, class discrimination). Advocate for equality! Together we unite, together we stand.

Ruling System

How will be the operation system of my country？I am still considering between Democracy, Republican and Theocracy.

Refer the bigger table at ideation stage.

Laws

Law is important because it serves as a norm of conduct for citizens.

There are few important laws in my country :

Law of equality
Law of education
Law of natural environment
Law of illegal activities

Diplomatic Relations

Diplomacy plays an important part in shaping what happens in international relations. Diplomacy provides the spokes for one state’s political interests to interface with those of another without resorting to military force. Diplomacy is used to manage the goals of foreign policy focusing on communication. Diplomacy attempts to manage the goals of foreign policy mostly by implementing goals but also by preparing foreign policy decisions.

My country maintain a good diplomatic ties with all the country of the world. Although we do not rely on any help of countries, we still willing to help any of the countries who are in need. We prioritize on peace and love, thus, we will not involve ourselves in any war.

Organization Chart

The leader of my country can either be King (Prezin) or Queen (Prezory). The power of the Prezory is equal as the Prezin, as the genders do not define one's abilities. Under the power of Prezin or Prezory, there are 3 leaders represent each states. Each leader is in charge of different areas.

Photos taken from : Office of the Science and Technology Adviser and RedDeer

Economy

Currency

Name of currency : Preludy Galactic

My country will be using token and paper notes.

The value of the money will be Galactic 1, 2, 4, 5, 10 (paper notes) and Galactic 20, 50, 100 (tokens).

Population

The population of my country is keep growing every year. Currently, the population reach 25,500,000.

Paying Method

Credit Cards

Merchants can reach out to an international market with credit cards, by integrating a payment gateway into their business.

Bank Transfers

A bank transfer assures customers that their funds are safely used, since each transaction needs to be authenticated and approved first by the customer’s internet banking credentials before a purchase happens.

E-wallets

An e-wallet stores a customer’s personal data and funds, which are then used to purchase from online stores. Signing up for an e-wallet is fast and easy, with customers required just to submit their information once for purchases.

Cash

Fiat, or physical cash, is a payment method often used for physical goods and cash-on-delivery transactions.

These are a few paying methods that are available in my country.

I will also think of other payment methods which is quick and fast by using smart devices.

Lifestyle / Social

Language

In my country, all language is accepted to use in my country. However, the main language will be Music language and English language.

Music Language

Children who reach 5 years old will be sent to Music Language Centre to learn basic knowledge of music theory. They will learn the basic elements of reading sheets music. After 1 year, they will started to learn Music Language, in which the message is being transfer through a chord or pitch with specific rhythm. Every citizens have to pass the Music Language Test before they reach 20 years old. Music language is not only being used to communicate among society, it is also used to communicate with animals.

English Language

English Language is still the international language in the world. Therefore, learning English Language is compulsory in my country.

Lifestyles

All the citizens are living in peace and harmony. There will be a national music festival held in the capital of my country once every year. All details of the lifestyle will be introduced in ideation and prototype stage.

Tribes

They are being called " The Magical Tribes". They are the only clan who know magic. They first group of people who able to convey message through music. According to historical record, they founded the "Music Language" can be understood by animals, so they requested "Music Language" to be the official language of the country because they believed that music will bring a big impact on society and take away bad spirits. Now, they are mostly live in Leafro. They are still promoting the advantages of Music Language and also use magic to protect the country from being harmed.

Infrastructures

What are the infrastructures of a country?

Health services

Health services in my country is free for every citizens aged from 65 years old and above.

The fees of medicines and surgery are 50% off for citizens aged from 50 years old and above.

Citizens are encouraged to have body check-up once every year so that any health problems diagnosed can be solved at initial stage.

Transportation

To reduce pollution, my country's public transportation is well-developed and efficient.

Education

Education is necessary in my country. Unlike other countries, my country's exam is not fully exam-based. Value-based education is implemented in my country.

Value-based education does not focus on how well you excel in exam, but to ensure all-round development of a child. It encourages reflective and inspirational attributes and attitudes. They can be nurtured to help people, discover the very best of themselves which enables them to be good global citizens and prepare them for their working life.

In the other hand, professional certificate is also important because it is a passport to get into the field of professional career.