The next step...

RESEARCH THE NEED OR PROBLEM


The next requirement in the design process is to research the need and problem. I assumed this to be to research the art of puppetry: investigate how to do particular skills, tips on how to adjust puppet resources, what the best materials are for what use and would character would best suit the different types of materials. I also wanted to research Little Red Riding Hood to make sure I knew the story correctly. I found various books from the op shop and read the stories provided online. I also ordered a book from the library entitled 'Pretty Salma: A Little Red Riding Hood story from Africa'. This intrigued me and affirmed my desire to create characters out of the normal mould of Little Red Riding Hood.

The school had the movie 'Hoodwinked' available and so I watched it for research sake. I really enjoyed it as it took a twist on the classic tale, as an investigation into the crime of killing Grandma; using the timeless characters as well as introducing fun and modern humour.

Think left and think right and think low and think high.  Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!  ~Dr. Seuss. 

Planning and developing solutions
Planning a solution to the Red Riding Hood problem caused me to think about how I was going to achieve this and in doing so, I collaborated with my team to search for ideas and affirm my thoughts.  After discussing what others were developing for their projects, I decided to map my ideas out so I could visually get my head around the task at hand. I also used popplet.com to brainstorm These planned prototypes are shown below, please click on them to enlarge: 

And so, we have planned each puppet as a different style to test different abilities and find the best solution to portray the story of Little Red Riding Hood, these are: 

1. Finger Puppets

2. Cup puppets

3. Sock puppets

I am also aware that when these puppets perform, there should be such elements as lighting, music backgrounds and props; which will be discussed throughout the design log and whether they would improve or harm their character portrayal. 

Day 1 of my puppetry learning adventure!

What is my interpretation of the technology subject?



After being given the design brief, I worked with my team to come up with a few different ideas. This is where my team came up with the following steps to help reach our goal:

1. Identify the need or problem
2. Research the need or problem 
3. Develop solutions 
4. Select the best solutions
5. Construct prototypes
6. Test and evaluate the solutions
7. Redesign (How could it be better?)  

Identify the need or problem...
We were given the challenge to develop two solutions to a problem, this is: design and create the best way to depict the story of Little Red Riding Hood through the use of puppets made by myself. I also identified that I had a way to do this through the design, develop and evaluate cycle and its above elements. 


I am feeling good about the design brief as I have a good team behind me. I know that we have alot to learn but I am excited about learning about using ICT and technology to construct. 

I wanted to develop puppets that were different and non- stereotypical although manipulated to the traditional Grimms tale of Little Red Riding Hood. I also wanted to maintain my creativeness.  

Failure is success if we learn from it. Malcolm Forbes