User Testing

Following the feedback we received from Ingvild, we organized a user testing session with 4-year-old kindergarten children. At the school, we created a welcoming and comfortable environment for the children by dividing the space into a reading area and a working area, while playing classical music softly in the background. After introducing ourselves and getting to know the children in the class, we presented our project and explained the activities we would be conducting. We then sat in the reading area and read the story of Federico. The children were very engaged, occasionally asking questions or making comments. Once we finished the story, we moved to the tables where we had previously set up the necessary materials. We gave the children their first task, starting with a quick reminder of what a little mouse looks like and showing them an image of Federico as a reference. Even though there wasn’t an elderly character present during the session, we tried to step into that role by collaborating with the children. We offered hints and guidance to those who needed help or were stuck, ensuring they could continue without frustration. The children were attentive and focused, but as we expected, not many showed much interest in coloring the mouse, likely due to their age. With older children, like 5-year-olds, this activity might have been more appealing. Since the first task was completed quickly, we decided on the spot to include an additional activity: drawing the wall of mice. This second task was a big hit! The children were enthusiastic, and many of them asked for extra sheets of paper to continue drawing. After about 40 minutes, we noticed their attention starting to wane. Before wrapping up, we asked the children to help us tidy up the materials they had used. They collaborated willingly and turned the cleanup into a team effort. We wrapped up the session on a positive note, and the classical music that played softly in the background throughout created a calming and pleasant atmosphere for the entire activity.

Continue ReadingUser Testing

FEDERICO BY LEO LIONNI

Along the meadow, where cows once grazed, there was an old wall. Among the stones of the wall, near the barn, some field mice had built their home.Task 1: Create Mouse Federico and implement it with cutoutsMaterials: Gray cardboard and some colored ones to create the details of the face, colored markers. But since the farmers had abandoned the farm, the barn had been left empty. Winter was approaching, and the little mice had to think about stocking up. Day and night, they busily collected nuts and grains, hay, and berries. Task 2: Gather gray materials that represent concrete resources for the winter.Materials: Sheets of paper, crayons, dark-colored markers, buttons. They all worked. Everyone except Federico.So, who is this little mouse who doesn’t worry about gathering supplies and doesn’t help his brothers? What is he doing?His sitting still with his nose in the air certainly doesn’t go unnoticed, and time and again he’s asked:"Federico, why aren’t you working?""How come I’m not working?" Federico replied, a little offended. "I’m gathering the sun’s rays for the cold winter days." Task 3: Draw the sun and its rays.Materials: Crayons, chalk, tempera paints, or wax crayons, paper. "That good-for-nothing Federico is trying to make fun of us," thought the others. "With those words, we’ll have little to eat during the winter."Winter came, and when the first snow fell, the little mice took refuge in their burrow among the stones. Little by little, they began to eat up most of the berries, hay, and grain. They certainly weren't starving, but the green meadows, the games in the field, and the poppies in the golden wheat were just a distant memory. They felt more and more sad in front of the cold winter, and no one felt like chatting anymore. Task 4: Let's build winter with snowy trees.Materials: Strips of paper of different sizes, rounded-tip scissors, scrap paper, upcycled tools such as brushes and sponges of all kinds, tempera paint. It was at that point that Federico spoke up:"Don't be sad, my friends, it's time to enjoy the supplies I gathered during the summer!"Federico cleared his throat, waited for a moment, then took out all the supplies he had collected during the summer. And while Federico talked about the sun’s rays, the little mice began to feel warmer. And when he spoke of the blue of the cornflowers, the red poppies in the yellow wheat, the green leaves of the ivy, they saw the colors as if they had many palettes in their heads. Task 5: The Skin of ThingsMaterials: Sheets of paper, wax crayons, upcycled tools such as brushes and sponges of all kinds, tempera paint. "And the words, Federico?"Federico cleared his throat, waited for a moment, and then, as if on a stage, he said:"Who makes the snow, the meadow, the stream?Who makes the weather bad or good?Who gives color to the roses and the violets?Who lights the moon and the sun?Four little mice, with blue fur,who are up there watching us from the…

Continue ReadingFEDERICO BY LEO LIONNI

Feedback and insights

We received positive feedback from Ingvild, who pointed out that we did a great job. She emphasized that our project is not only well designed, but also entirely feasible. “It would be absolutely possible” she said, highlighting the practicality of our approach. She especially appreciated the way we structured the proposed tasks. According to her, the tasks we proposed are realistic and can be effectively implemented by dividing participants into groups, as we initially planned. This validation reaffirms that our approach is both thoughtful and achievable. Feasibility of the Final Work Our ultimate goal is the creation of the "Silent Book", a personalized project for each participant. Ingvild pointed out that our objective is entirely achievable, because it avoids being overly ambitious or complex. By maintaining simplicity and clarity, we ensure that the project remains accessible and meaningful for both children and elderly participants. Our Research Our research into life in Norway and the challenges faced by our target groups has been both thorough and accurate. Ingvild appreciated our focus on understanding the realities of Norwegian life and the specific difficulties immigrant children may encounter. By exploring these aspects, we were able to build a solid foundation for our project, aligning it closely with the needs of both target groups. Intergenerational Focus Based on our in-depth research, we chose to emphasize intergenerational communication, placing the interactions between participants at the heart of the project. Ingvild recognized this as a key strength of our approach. This focus not only encourages mutual understanding but also contributes to the success and impact of the project. This feedback has been incredibly motivating for us as a team. It confirms that our hard work and planning are on the right track. We are excited to take these insights and continue refining our project, ensuring it delivers a lasting, positive impact for everyone involved.

Continue ReadingFeedback and insights

Team C at Work: Behind the Scenes of Our Presentation Preparation

Our journey as Team C in crafting our project presentation is an exciting mix of brainstorming, collaboration, and creativity. The images depict us in action, working together to bring our ideas to life. Key Discussions: We analyze and debate the most important points of our project, ensuring that our message is clear and impactful. Research & Inspiration: From browsing articles to watching videos on YouTube, we explore various activities that can engage children and seniors, drawing inspiration for interactive and meaningful experiences. Practice Makes Perfect: As we refine our speech and rehearse our delivery, we aim to ensure that every team member feels confident and ready to present. These images capture not only the work we put in but also the dedication that define us as Team C. We are excited to share the results of our hard work with everyone!

Continue ReadingTeam C at Work: Behind the Scenes of Our Presentation Preparation

Checklist

Commentator Checklist Engage with Other Teams' Blogs[X] Review at least five blogs from teams other than your paired teams.[X] Reflect on their ideas/individual profiles through comments that can support or challenge their approach (minimum three comments)[ ] Share a minimum of one relevant information or resource as a post that might be helpful for their projects. Client Team Checklist Develop the Initial Client Brief[X] Outline the project theme: "Celebrating the Daily Joys of Life."[X] Conduct research on the theme and select intended users (e.g., specific family members, mostly grandparents).[X] Collect cultural practices, objects, and observations relevant to user needs.[X] Prepare visually rich materials (e.g., storyboards, videos) for Designer Team reference.[X] Identify design requirements based on your client profile[X] Post the initial design brief on your Designer Team Blog. Communicate over the Initial Client Brief[X] Regularly access the Designer Team’s blog and respond to questions from your Designer Team[X] Provide constructive feedback based and offer insights and cultural context to assist in the design process.[X] Document any new evaluation criteria in a client brief change document. Develop the Finalized Client Brief[X] Upload the revised agreed design brief including deliverables on project site[X] Provide feedback to collaborators when necessary[X] Post the finalized Client Brief Feedback on Design Team’s Concepts[ ] Provide feedback to collaborators on their initial individual design concepts.[ ] Provide feedback to collaborators on their refined two concepts.[ ] Provide feedback to designers on their final concept[ ] Take possession' of the design documentation and relevant files. Designer Team Checklist Initial Setup[X] Create a Design Team Banner (logo, team name, member photos).[X] Set up a Gravatar account for your profile photo to be shown on the blog.[X] Upload personal bios with photos and contact details to the Design Team blog. Respond to Client Brief[X] Review and clarify aspects, tasks in the initial client brief.[X] Ask for additional information and sources where necessary.[X] Review the finalized client brief to proceed with your designer work. Generate Initial Design Concepts[ ] Each team member creates at least 3 initial design concepts (9 or 12 in total).[ ] Post all initial concepts on the blog for Client Team feedback.[ ] Ask for feedback and future directions on the provided concepts. Refine Design Concepts[ ] Review Client Team feedback on initial design concepts[ ] Collaboratively narrow down to 2 refined design solutions.[ ] Document changes and rationale on the blog.[ ] Ask for feedback and future directions on the provided concepts. Finalize Design Solution[ ] Address final Client Team feedback.[ ] Submit a single, finalized design solution to the Client Team which includes: technical drawings, ‘Ikea-style’ instruction on how to assemble the model, description of how the design is promoted, distributed, used and disposed or re-appropriated[ ] Supply your clients with agreed deliverables

Continue ReadingChecklist

Sabatino Ambrosio

Hello everyone, my name is Sabatino Ambrosio. I'm currently studying Psychology at Suor Orsola Benincasa, and I completed my previous three years of university at Federico II. Psychology and the pursuit of knowledge are real passions of mine, and I’m deeply committed to exploring everything this field has to offer. Outside of my academic interests, I'm a big sports enthusiast. I love all types of sports, especially soccer and working out at the gym. I’m also a huge dog lover; I have two wonderful dogs, a pit bull and a mixed breed. Finally, I have a strong connection to my city, Naples, and I’m a dedicated supporter of our soccer team. I absolutely love traveling and discovering new cultures. Here I am rubbing the belly of the “Fat Policeman Statue” in Budapest. Legend has it that rubbing the policeman’s stomach brings good luck, especially in love! In his lifetime, the inspiration behind the statue was said to be a lover of food and women.

Continue ReadingSabatino Ambrosio

Our user personas: Ingrid and Tomek

Meet the two new key figures in our project: Ingrid and Tomek. While they may look like real people in the pictures below, Ingrid and Tomek are actually user personas, thoughtfully crafted to embody the needs, preferences, and challenges of our target groups. What are user personas?A user persona is a fictional character that reflects a segment of our audience based on research and insights. By giving a face, name, and story to our user profiles, we’re able to dive deeper into understanding the perspectives of the people we aim to reach. It’s a way to ensure that our solutions are as user-centric and impactful as possible, guiding our decisions in design, content, and experience. Why Ingrid and Tomek?Ingrid and Tomek each represent distinct types of participants: Ingrid symbolizes Norwegian elders, while Tomek represents 4- and 5-year-old immigrant children, with Polish being the largest single nationality among them. Both personas have unique motivations and challenges. By visualizing their stories, our team can put ourselves in their shoes, ensuring that our project addresses their needs in the most thoughtful and effective way.

Continue ReadingOur user personas: Ingrid and Tomek

The Legacy of Bruno Munari

Bruno Munari, one of Italy's most influential 20th-century artists, transformed the way we think about design and interaction with objects. Munari’s work spanned art, design, and literature, but he is best remembered for his tactile approach, embodied in his philosophy: “If I listen, I forget; if I see, I remember; if I do, I understand.” This idea drove his creations, emphasizing hands-on exploration as a means to connect more profoundly with his art. Munari’s legacy is marked by iconic projects that went beyond mere aesthetics. Scimmietta Zizì, a playful monkey figure crafted from foam rubber, combined flexibility and tactility, allowing users to bend and shape it freely. Created for Pirelli in the 1950s, Zizì showcased Munari’s fascination with form and motion, as well as his commitment to making art approachable and interactive. His Abitacolo design in 1971, a modular bed for children, exemplifies his functional approach to playful design. Abitacolo’s adaptability and minimalism earned it the prestigious Compasso d’Oro in 1979, underscoring Munari’s status as a design visionary. Perhaps one of his most radical concepts was the Libri illeggibili or "illegible books." These works, starting in 1949, abandoned text and instead communicated through color, shape, and texture. By removing words, Munari invited readers to “experience” books visually and rhythmically, making reading a more sensory journey rather than a purely intellectual one. Munari’s work exemplifies his belief that art and design should be experiences rather than passive observations. His tactile experiments continue to inspire creators, reminding us that interaction and play are essential elements of meaningful design. We chose Bruno Munari to convey both our cultural background and a creative approach to the task. Munari's focus on children and creativity is the core concept we want to use, also for the use of tactile and sensorial games that break the intergenerational boundaries putting aside technologies that can be unfamiliar to both children and elderly people. Bruno Munari philosophy is also a central part in our understanding of the task assigned to us, because we are focusing more on doing activities rather than passively absorbing medias.

Continue ReadingThe Legacy of Bruno Munari

Connecting Generations: Reducing Isolation for Elderly Norwegians and Young Immigrants

Background and project overview This project aims to connect two socially isolated groups: elderly individuals and immigrant children aged 4-5. Many elderly people in Bergen, Norway, experience reduced social contact and fewer activities following retirement or life changes, such as the loss of a spouse. This isolation can contribute to feelings of loneliness and depression. On the other hand, young immigrant children often grow up without extended family, missing out on the warmth, guidance, and emotional support that grandparents traditionally provide. By organizing regular meetings between 20 elderly participants and 10 immigrant children, this project seeks to bridge this social gap. Both groups will have the opportunity to form meaningful connections: elderly participants will share their time and experience, while the children will benefit from the affection and attention they might lack. These intergenerational interactions are expected to foster mutual understanding, provide companionship, and create lasting positive impacts on both groups. Research foundation -Population statistics Bergen (Norway): population: 292,516 (2024)● minorities (first and second generation): 58,175 -> 19,93 percent; the biggest: Poland (6755) Ukraine (2384)  Lithuania (2151) Syria (2064) Somalia (2010) Iraq, Eritrea, Germany, India, Romania (below 2000). The project focuses on immigrant children who may experience limited cultural integration and reduced interaction with local elderly individuals. [5] -Depression among the elderly Depression and depressive symptoms are common among elderly people and present a significant public health concern, particularly as the prevalence of depression increases with age. In Norway, studies show that around 20% of those aged 80 and older experience depression. This is often linked to chronic illnesses, which can severely affect their quality of life. A key factor contributing to depression in older adults is a lack of social support. Research shows that social isolation and loneliness are closely associated with psychological distress, highlighting the need for interventions that address these issues. Studies suggest that group programs designed to promote interaction and engagement are highly effective in reducing loneliness. Additionally, activities that involve mental and social stimulation, physical exercise, and nutrition are known to positively impact elderly mental health. Programs like singing groups have shown promise in promoting well-being among older adults in Norway. [1] [2] -Acculturation theory Acculturation theory (4 ways of adaptation: integration, assimilation, separation, marginalization) - usually those who integrate (are engaged in both their heritage culture and the host culture) are better adapted than those who acculturate by orienting themselves to one or the other culture or to neither culture. [3] -Previous interventions A 2012 intervention in Oslo aimed to alleviate elderly loneliness through senior center activities but yielded limited success, suggesting that standard activities may be insufficient. Research indicates that structured intergenerational engagement and collaborative planning are more impactful in reducing isolation. [1] Project Constraints and Considerations -Limitations of the Elderly Elderly individuals in Norway generally enjoy good health compared to their peers in other countries. While they may face age-related challenges, such as bone health issues, the Norwegian healthcare system has protocols to support recovery and maintain physical well-being. [4] -Limitations of…

Continue ReadingConnecting Generations: Reducing Isolation for Elderly Norwegians and Young Immigrants

Gianmaria Longobucco

Hi everyone, I'm Gianmaria. I'm from Italy, and I'm currently pursuing a master's degree in Psychology at Università Suor Orsola Benincasa, while also attending the Apple Developer Academy at Università Federico II. I'm a very curious person who enjoys immersing myself in different fields of study and arts. I love learning and trying new things. I'm passionate about books, especially classic literature and poetry. I love handwriting, and I'm also learning to draw. Currently, design and graphics play a huge role in my studies and have become one of my main passions. I enjoy exploring various forms of art, ranging from classical to modern and performance art, industrial design, and even absurdism. I look forward to meeting and connecting with people from all around the world, delving into different cultures, and collaboratively building solutions to global challenges. In my moodboard, you can see a glimpse of what I'm currently interested in and my overall vibe. I play RPGs, read a lot (as I mentioned earlier), and I'm really into 80s music and aesthetics.

Continue ReadingGianmaria Longobucco

Antonia Cacciola

Hi everyone! I’m Antonia, an Italian student who graduated in Cognitive Ergonomics from Naples. I’m naturally curious and love exploring new ideas, and I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a nerd too! I enjoy diving into technology, psychology, and anything that sparks my interest. I’m excited to be here and look forward to connecting with all of you. For the past year, I lived in Turin, where I split my time between the gym and university. Clinical psychology wasn’t for me, so I returned to Naples to continue studying Cognitive Ergonomics. I graduated in 2022, and I decided to start a new path to figure out what I wanted to do in life. I joined the Apple Developer Academy, where I realized that I want to work in the field of UX/UI. In my free time, I play League of Legends — a love-hate relationship that’s been going on for several years. Brand is my entire mood, cause he burns people with no regrets.

Continue ReadingAntonia Cacciola

Weronika Okninska

Hi everyone! My name is Weronika, and I’m from Warsaw, Poland, where I’m currently in my 5th year of studying Psychology at the University of Warsaw. At the moment, I’m based in Naples for my Erasmus exchange, which I’m very fortunate to be part of, especially since it’s my second Erasmus experience. My first was a couple of years ago in London, UK, at the University College London, which remains a wonderful memory for me. These days, I divide my time mainly between Poland, Italy, and France, where my boyfriend is from, and where we continue our own little 'tour de France', visiting places, friends, and family. I play the piano (I graduated from a music school) and try my hand at composing. I focus best while skiing (which is one of the few reasons I enjoy winter), I like broadening my culinary horizons, making playlists, and taking far too many pictures - something my phone frequently reminds me of with its 'memory almost full' notification. But that’s how I capture moments and revisit them later - it’s my personal time machine! I have a deep appreciation for Italian culture and language, which I hope to improve during my stay here. However, one challenge I’ve faced is adapting to the Italian breakfast. I’m used to a big, savory meal with eggs and tea to start the day, and I just can’t seem to kick it off with coffee! Don't hesitate to reach out to me via: e-mail: weronika.okninska@studenti.unisob.na.it instagram: verandah_97

Continue ReadingWeronika Okninska

Fortuna Quaranta

Hello, I’m Fortuna! I graduated from Suor Orsola Benincasa in cognitive psychology and techniques with a thesis on the Drive Digital Twin, I like the field of automotive and I was lucky enough to undertake a study in virtual reality in a company that does research.  I’m a fan of anime and Batman, always carry my rubber duck because it reminds me of my nieces. I have a passion for piercing and after a long training I work as a current profession the piercer I like manual work that requires patience, in fact in my free time I dedicate myself to the construction of jewelry or other jobs that also concern bricolage.  In my free time I take breaks with good beers both alone and in company, I am sociable and tend to meet new people in all environments.

Continue ReadingFortuna Quaranta

Task | Individual Designers Profiles

You will upload your profile onto your allocated Design Project site. Sharing your profile will enable other participating students and lecturers to find out about you. So, make it an interesting read… The other students might like to know where your hometown is, and what your hobbies are and your future plans after you will graduate. You may like to say something about your favourite design project you have done in the past and share a picture or two. What are your strong skills? Do you have a favourite book, movie or TV series? What is your favourite hiding place where your university is located? Please remember to include your contact details. It is essential that you list your email! However, it would be also useful to indicate what social media you are using such as WhatsApp, WeChat, Signal, Telegram, Line, Kakao Talk, Skype and so on. You can always update your profile post, so you do not need to have it perfect in the first go.

Continue ReadingTask | Individual Designers Profiles

Task | Designers’ Team Banner

Develop a banner for your Design Team. The banner will be used as a Heather for your Design Project Site. The dimensions can be vary from 340x125pixels or 1350 by 270px or 2000x400px The Designers’ Team Banner needs to include the following: design team’s logo design team’s name design team members’ photos and names Examples of the past designers banners are provided on the 2024 Project Master Page. If like you, you can always modify your banners later on.

Continue ReadingTask | Designers’ Team Banner

End of content

No more pages to load