Projects 2014 > Trove > Journal
Our aim is to create a kit to enable children to support their own sense of identity through times of change and uncertainty.
The kit will be a physical storage box/bag/chest that will contain a collection of precious objects. The box/bag/chest will allow the child to record stories, songs, messages to an object using RFID (radio frequency identification) technology.
We are designing the product suitable for all children, but in particular using Debbie's research we are going to design the product with children in care and adopted children, as we hope the final product will be particularly helpful for them.
We are aiming to get feedback, test our ideas, break down our assumptions, and test prototypes with a number of different people. We aim to get a wide view of the various challenges children face with their objects, stories and memories by working with the young coaches, children in care, adopted children, adopters, social workers, and a professional group from Coram. With all these experts helping us, including the support of Coram, the UK’s leading adoption agency and charity, we aim to get a well-informed, fit-for-use product.
The main team is made up of Debbie Watson and myself. Debbie specialises in research with children. Her research work about life story books, and the importance of objects in life story work with children in care and adopted children, is providing us with a fantastic knowledge base. Debbie will introduce herself properly in another blog post.
A bit about me: I am a designer based at the Pervasive Media Studio. I have a background in making with wood, metal, ceramics and plastics. This has given me a better understanding/ bias towards tangible authentic objects. My first product, Music Memory Box for people with dementia, uses RFID technology to link precious trinkets to music, as there is a well known established connection between familiar music helping and triggering memories for those with Alzheimer's Disease. This product again has been designed with the people that will eventually be using the product, people with dementia, their families, their carers, care homes and day centres.
We also have other team members: Simon Shaw Miller and Lia Emmanuel who will introduce themselves and their interests in future blog posts.
Some intial questions we have:
What objects do children collect?
What stories will they record onto objects?
