feedback on initial ideas!
here are some notes we took about the ideas you gave us! we think the most interesting idea and the one that speaks the most to us is Furkan's card game. we really enjoyed the concept of cards with prompts that instigate conversation. also, we think it's the most visual-oriented suggestion, especially with the continuous line with different textures on the cards - such a great idea! would there be an "end" to this game? a winner and losers? or is it going to continue on this line of only "ice-breaker" cards?we also talked about our tradition here in brazil with the "chimarrão" (a kind of tea) - a moment when we sit in a circle and share a cup of it with our family - that is being lost throught the generations. maybe you could explore this idea of sharing a meal or some drink while playing it! we would really like to see what you guys come up with on this project!
meeting and refs
hi! last thursday, we had our first meeting! took the worst screenshot, my bad! during the meeting, we talked about a game, made by an ex-student of ufrgs that its main pourpose is to create strong bonds between an older and younger generation. here is the link: https://www.luisafonseca.design/e-como-diz-o-ditado we also talked about sending dem:atelier a little explanation about rodas de chimarrão: Chimarrão is a traditional drink from southern Brazil, made by pouring hot (but not boiling) water over erva-mate leaves in a hollowed gourd called a cuia. It’s drunk through a metal straw, the bomba, which filters the leaves. Sharing chimarrão is a social ritual. People often sit in a circle — known as a roda de chimarrão — and pass the cuia from one person to the next, each taking a turn before returning it to the person who prepares it. It’s considered a moment of connection, hospitality, and unhurried conversation. Among older generations, it’s very common to drink chimarrão in the late afternoon. Families, neighbors, or friends gather to talk about their day, relax, and enjoy the slow rhythm of the tradition. It’s less about the drink itself and more about the warmth and community that come with sharing it. loved to meet you all :)
dem:atelier – Semina Initial Ideas
1. Word of the Day – Two Words, One Story Each round, two cards are drawn:• one with a modern slang word (like “cringe,” “vibe,” “extra”),• and one with an old-fashioned or archaic English word (like “quaint,” “folly,” “rigmarole,” “fortnight”). Players must tell a short story that naturally includes both words. They can improvise, exaggerate, or twist the meaning — as long as the two words appear in the narrative. The charm of the game comes from the contrast:younger players stretch themselves to use old-school vocabulary, while older players experiment with contemporary slang. The mix creates humorous, surprising, and sometimes unexpectedly meaningful stories. It becomes a playful space where two generations blend their language worlds into one shared moment. 2. Real or Tale? Two older players secretly flip a special coin with REAL on one side and TALE on the other.Whatever the coin shows determines the type of story they must tell: • If their coin lands on REAL, they must tell a true memory from their life.• If it lands on TALE, they must tell a completely invented story. A third player — from the younger generation — listens to both stories without knowing who got REAL and who got TALE. After hearing them, the younger player must decide: Which story was real, and which one was made up? The fun comes from the contrast: older players often tell real memories that sound unbelievable, while their made-up stories can feel surprisingly convincing. The younger player tries to read tone, detail, and confidence to uncover the truth — or be delightfully fooled. 3. Generation Boxes The game includes two small boxes:• the Present Day Box, filled with objects and icons from today’s digital culture,• and the Earlier Eras Box, filled with items from past decades. Each round, players draw one card from their assigned box.A card might show something like a TikTok logo, Discord icon, smartphone emoji — or, from the older box, a Nokia 3310, a grocery receipt, a VHS label, a Walkman. Players must tell a short story inspired by the object they drew. The fun comes from the contrast:older players share memories triggered by nostalgic objects, while younger players tell stories shaped by their modern symbols. When these stories meet, they create a playful cultural clash — sometimes funny, sometimes surprisingly heartfelt. It becomes a storytelling bridge between generations, mixing nostalgia with internet culture in a single shared game moment.
dem:atelier – Furkan Initial Ideas
STORY TOKENSDownload Let me know if you can not read. I can post the texts.
Berfin
Hi, I’m Fatma Berfin — an Industrial Design student at Middle East Technical University, and someone who finds comfort in quiet walks, films filled with color, and the feeling of capturing a fleeting moment through a camera lens. I’ve always been a curious person. Curiosity shapes the way I see and feel the world. I notice things that others might overlook — the sound of wind moving through trees, the texture of old stone, the way morning light hits a surface just right. I love spending time outdoors, especially going on nature walks, where everything feels simple yet full of meaning. Nature grounds me, but it also opens up my imagination. It teaches me about harmony, rhythm, and patience. Photography is my way of keeping that connection alive. I take photos not just to record what I see, but to remember how I felt. Each photo carries a small piece of my story — a quiet afternoon, a hidden corner, a passing shadow. I’m drawn to moods, colors, and moments that feel honest, almost poetic. here some of the photos I took., Movies, too, have a special place in my life. I’m especially fascinated by films that use color as a language — where a warm tone can tell you more than a line of dialogue ever could. I think that’s why I love cinema so much; it’s a blend of art, emotion, and storytelling that helps me see the world through new perspectives. Beyond all this, I have a deep love for world cultures — their stories, crafts, and ways of seeing life. I’m endlessly fascinated by how different traditions express beauty, meaning, and belonging. The Middle East, in particular, holds a special place in my heart. Its rich textures, patterns, and layered histories feel both familiar and mysterious to me. I find incredible inspiration in its architecture, its ancient craftsmanship, and the warmth of its people. There’s something timeless about this region — a sense that every object, every color, carries a story passed down through generations. Studying industrial design allows me to explore these interests in my own way. But more than that, it teaches me how to stay observant — how to look closer, think deeper, and stay curious. Whether I’m studying materials, walking through a city, or talking with people from different backgrounds, I’m always searching for connection — between people, places, and emotions. At the end of the day, I think of myself as someone who loves collecting moments and meanings. I find beauty in everyday life — in nature, in stories, in culture, in light. Everything I do, whether it’s taking a photo, watching a film, or sketching an idea, is my way of staying close to that beauty and sharing it with others. feel free to connect with me e-mail: fatma.ograk@metu.edu.tr Instagram: fatma.ograk linkedin: fatma berfin oğrak
A game between children and the elderly: the bridge between generations!
Project Background The core idea is to develop a board game concept that fosters interaction between elderly people and children or teenagers, such as grandparents and grandchildren.The project seeks to create a space for storytelling, laughter, and collaboration — encouraging generations to learn from one another in an equal, engaging, and emotionally rich way.We believe design can serve as a bridge between age groups, not only through aesthetics and usability but also by creating emotional and sensory connections that go beyond words or digital media. Design Objective We are seeking to develop a concept that can inspire connection across generations through tactile, collaborative play.The project should: Encourage communication and shared moments between age groups; Balance simplicity and visual appeal to engage both seniors and children; Incorporate accessibility principles and ergonomic sensitivity; Reflect values of care, memory, and cultural identity. Our goal is to explore how design — in its form, materials, and storytelling — can become a universal language between generations. Expected Outcomes A clear conceptual direction and visual identity that express intergenerational connection; Design proposals for the physical experience and aesthetic approach; Insights that highlight how design can foster empathy, dialogue, and togetherness in Brazilian families and beyond.
Semina
Hello there! I'm Semina, and I'm studying Industrial Design at Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara and Public Relations and Advertising at Anadolu University in Eskişehir. Both Ankara and Eskişehir are known for their cool climates, vibrant student life, and inspiring academic environments. My name, Semina, comes from the Arabic word "Semi," meaning "hearing God" and "light." Also, according to Islamic belief, Semina is the name of the second daughter of Adam, the first human on Earth. My grandmother gave me this name. My father's side immigrated to Turkiye from Bulgaria, and my mother's side is from the inner parts of the Aegean. I was born and raised in Bursa, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Growing up there deeply shaped my appreciation for craftsmanship and everyday aesthetics. Bursa - Cumalıkızık Bursa - Koza Han Bursa - Mudanya Before beginning my design studies, I spent many years as a professional swimmer, which taught me discipline, patience, and the importance of consistency. To this day, I still cannot stay away from water. During summer breaks, I return to my hometown to work as a swimming instructor. I teach swimming mainly to children, which allows me to share what I’ve learned and connect with my community in a meaningful way. With my teammates when I was little Me and my colleagues with our students Outside of design, I love spending time with animals — especially cats, dogs, and parakeets. I grew up surrounded by them, and they’ve always been a big part of my life. Their curiosity and calm presence remind me to slow down and appreciate the small moments. I also enjoy walking and cycling, especially outdoors, where I can clear my mind and find inspiration. These moments help me reconnect with myself and often spark new ideas for my creative projects. Music is also a big part of my life. I love discovering new songs, but I always find myself returning to the Turkish band Pinhâni, whose music feels both nostalgic and sincere. My favorite songs are “Kimse Görmesin Seni,” “Ben Nası Büyük Adam Olucam,” and “Çok Zaman Geçti Ardından.” If you enjoy alternative rock, I strongly recommend listening to the band — they’re truly talented. Everything I love — design, swimming, walking, cycling, spending time with animals, and listening to music — brings me a sense of peace and inspiration. These moments help me stay curious, creative, and connected to life. I believe that the things that make us feel alive are also what make our work meaningful, and I try to carry that feeling into everything I create. If you'd like to talk about anything I've written, or anything else, feel free to contact me!E-mail: seminacaliskan@gmail.com | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seminacaliskan/ | Instagram: @seminacaliskan