Ideate is a design process that concentrates on generating ideas. It is not about producing the right idea, it is about generating the broadest range of possibilities.
This step involves sharing ideas – however wild and impractical, and using each other’s ideas as triggers for continuing the ideation process. The goal is to brainstorm solutions to the problem.
From the questions listed in the Define stage, I generate ideas as much as possible and try to visualize them in mostly hand-drawn.
Time for.....brainstorming !!!
I decided to name my country as "Preludy". The inspiration came from the way of classical music composers name a piece of music.
Music that is just one part of several movements or big sections can be named to indicate its place within the overall work. The most common examples are:
Overture: an orchestral piece at the beginning of a large work, for example: ‘Jubilee Overture’ by Weber
Prelude: a short piece at the beginning of a number of pieces, for example: ‘Prelude and Fugue’ in C sharp minor by Bach
Intermezzo: a piece of music that fits in between (bigger, more important) sections, for example ‘Cavalleria Rusticana Intermezzo’ by Mascagni
Interlude: the same role as the intermezzo
Finale: the final movement, or section, of a bigger work (usually a symphony, sonata or a concerto).
The word "Prelude" caught my eyes. I removed the letter 'e' at the end and replaced it with letter 'y'. It is because I think 'dy' at the end of a word sounds graceful and elegant. I also think that "Preludy" sound-alike "melody".
Here's 6 flags that I made for my country, Preludy. I will decide which one is the final flag in prototype stage.
I choose the color blue, purple and green to create my country's flag, but I adjust the value of these 3 colors to make them look more harmony.
Blue : Signifies determination, liberation, alertness and good fortune. Also represents Quezro. (The state of Science & Technology).
Violet : It symbolizes nobility, spirituality, ceremony, mystery, wisdom, enlightenment, arrogance, mourning. Violet represents the future, imagination, dreams. Also represents Arthro. (The state of Art).
Green: A symbol of agricultural influence, as well as prosperity and fertility. It can also be viewed as youthfulness and hope. Also represents Leafro. (The state of Nature).
The flags are separated into three parts to represent 3 states of my country. The 2 vertical / horizontal dividers of each section significate the symbol of equality (=).
The music notes in black (Treble Clef, Bass Clef, Double Quaver) represents the Art of Music, which also indicates that my country focuses on music. Another reason is because one of my country's main language is "Music Language".
I want my country shape related to music, so I come up with 3 different ideas.
Here are 3 choices for the shape of island :
Shape of Treble Clef
Shape of Bass Clef
Shape of Double Quaver
My country is located at somewhere around the world...and it's invisible!
It's covered by magic, so everyone expect the citizens are unable to spot my country!
However... there's a way for you to visit my country...
Initial composition of National Anthem. =)
The final version will be uploaded in YouTube in Prototype stage.
The choices of ruling system : Democracy, Republican and Theocracy.
Laws are implemented to ensure the peace of the country.
Law of Equality : Anyone who practices racism and sexual discrimination, will get penalty of Galactic 10000. They may also be driven out of the country.
Law of Education : Everyone has the chance to be educated. Education is necessary in my country. Citizens are required to learn at least two languages, which are Music Language and English Language.
Law of Natural Environment : Everyone has the responsibility to take care of the natural environment. Open burning, deforestation, slash-and-burn agriculture and other action that may cause pollution are banned in my country.
Law of Illegal Activities : Smoking, taking drugs, vandalism, violet crime, just to mention a few, are banned in my country. The criminals need to do community service for years(based on the seriousness of the crime). If they still do not turn over the new leaf, they will be driven out of my country.
Currency : Preludy Galactic
These are the paper notes and token design.
Although banknotes may be not necessary in physical paper notes, but I still prefer physical paper notes because it represents the history of country and highlight the identity of a country. Producing banknotes also encourage my citizens to keep the hobby of collecting banknotes.
Main Languages used in Preludy :
Music Language
English Language
Other Languages used in Preludy :
Mandarin
Japanese
Arabic
French
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 and fundamental of singing skills. 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.
To encourage my citizens to use music language, the government has set up a new rule! Anyone who can sing a phrase in perfect tune will get 20% discount on purchasing food and drinks! (Only apply on edible items)
English Language
English Language is still the international language in the world. Therefore, learning English Language is compulsory in my country. They should pass the IELTS at least band 6, which is the international standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. It is important to learn English, not only it is an international common tongue, it also serves as a language of academia, which most of the reference books are written in English. It is crucial of understanding the knowledge written in English especially in science and engineering. The citizens should master the speaking, listening, reading and writing skills in English Language.
Mandarin (Chinese Language)
Mandarin is the most widely spoken language in the world. It is not a compulsory for all citizens to learn this language, but is highly recommended to take it as the third language. The language of Mandarin has no alphabets; it uses symbols also called Chinese characters. These characters or symbols represent the oldest writing system in the world. There are about 10,000 existing Chinese characters and they only keep increasing because of the new Chinese symbols that keep adding to the number.
This is the national costume (Prequodo) that I design for the country.
All citizens will wear this national costume to celebrate Preludy National Day.
There are other examples of the fashion costumes in my country.
Each states possess different styles of architectures.
Quezro : A state that is mainly in Science & Technology. The citizens innovate high technology products and conduct scientific researches to improves lifestyles of society. Most of them are scientists, doctors, nurses, engineers, technicians, pilots and astronomers.
Arthro : A state that is mainly in Art. The skillful citizens in Arthro create amazing stuffs. Most of them are artists, film directors, actors, musicians, art therapists, singers, dancers, chefs, writers and educators.
Leafro : A state that is mainly in Nature Environmental. Their passion for nature makes them decided to live in nature. Most of them are agricultural engineers, geoscientist, environmental activists, farmers, fishermen and zoologists.
The public transportation system are highly developed and efficient in my country. It is highly recommended to use public transportation because it is save to use, save costs and nature friendly.
These are the 3 sketches of the public transportation in my country.
They are being called "The Magical Tribes". They are the only clan who know magic. They are responsible to protect the country by applying magic to make the country invisible.
They are the first group of people who are 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.
New Year is the day at which a new calendar year begins.
My country has the culture of celebrating the event at night of 31st December every year. Everyone gather to play fireworks, sing, dance and spray colors to chase away evil spirits before New Year.
1st day of January is also marked as a national holiday.
National Music Festival is celebrated in the Grand Hall of Arthro.
Its objectives are to publicize the importance of music and also promote Music Language as a part of our lives. The festival are held to foster and promote a lifelong interest in music as a basic human experience. All classical musicians are here to share their musical achievements and creativity through a variety of musical instruments.
Marching Band Parade are often carried out among teenagers in primary or secondary schools.
Marching band requires highly discipline and dedication because you will need to spend hours and hours of practice in order to achieve a high standard of performance. To work strenuous hours through tough conditions will definitely instill a mental perseverance that will serve you throughout your entire life.
Trust me, marching band will change your life.
National Day of Preludy falls on 13th of September. It is celebrated every year to remember the efforts of predecessors to bring everyone together.
On this day, all the citizens will wear national costume (Prequodo) and gather at the centre of each states to celebrate the national day. All the citizens sing the National Anthem of Preludy proudly. They will give each other wishes and exchange national flower (sunflower) as a sign of peace.
8th of August is considered as the National Equality Day. It is to raise awareness of the importance of equality among society. Everyone is considered to be equal and treated the same way no matter your races, genders, religions or social statuses.
When there is inequality, it would be difficult for a nation to progress. This National Equality Day ensures that there is no discrimination against anyone.
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