021 Creative Toolkits

Collections of physical elements organized for participatory modeling, visualization, or creative play

• Facilitated participatory exercises can provide people with a tangible artifact on which to project thoughts, feelings, desires, and emotions.

• Flexible or Velcro modeling kits contain a range of three-dimensional forms, buttons, and ambiguous design elements that can be easily configured.

• Interface kits can contain paper or card elements representing design features for flexible arrangement, suggesting mock or ideal web or device interactions.

• Collage kits can contain an inventory of images and words or shape and symbol elements for open interpretation and use relevant to the design inquiry.

• Drawing kits will contain various papers, cards, and writing tools accommodating a range of potential exercises.

• Depending on the intent of the exercise, kits can be built from original materials or from existing parts, toys, or games.

See also   Design Workshops • Generative Research • Participatory Design

Courtesy of Liz Sanders, MakeTools, LLC

Here is a typical Velcro modeling kit with form and element variations designed for physical manipulation and configuration by participants.