The prototype I created brings together my 3 concepts (self-care, self-development & learning, and quality time/engagement with family and friends). When I was first thinking about to make, I knew that I did not want to leave any of these concepts out, but I was curious how to have them together in one prototype when they are all pretty different from one another. As part of my inspiration process and to get in a creative and productive mindset, I went on Instagram and scrolled through my feed. A few days ago, I had followed some lifestyle and other bloggers that I felt like I could relate/connect with to get inspired. I saw some of these posts and read their paragraph story captions which were all really down to earth and real. I also stumbled across some 30 day fitness and 30 day photography challenges, which I am familiar with. But, I felt that for my personal self, I wouldn’t like that predetermined feeling of a planned challenge, and felt myself feeling rebellious in the future towards it when imagining planning one (ex. why do I have to decorate today and dot hat tomorrow, why not switch them based on my mood?). But, I did like that feeling of productivity that was present in the 30 day challenge, and how it really would get me to DO something and not just push it to a later date. So, I first decided to make 3 decks of card (each with a different color theme in case they got jumbled together so I could separate them). One deck per concept. But, I didn’t like how structured this was, and I wanted it to be more “together”, and add to my room decor and aesthetic. My mom gave me a “wish jar” which was sitting on my desk while I was thinking of all this, so I then decided to mix the cards up and put them in a jar that I then decorated. I thought this would be a fun way to give optional structure (I could pick from a certain color category depending on my mood), I could pick as many times a day as I want, or I could pick a card with my eyes closed.
I expect that this concept in my prototype will positively impact experiences during this quarantine time. Not only is it open to change (I can add or replace new ideas and activities inside the jar/decks), but it is also open to different users (I can connect with family by having them use it too if they want, or add ideas of their own that I may have missed). I also shared this prototype with friends and a meeting this morning with the Writing Center staff, and it sounded like some people were motivated and inspired by either the prototype or the 3 concepts I chose and some examples of each. I also think it would be fun to keep the jar evolving by redecorating the jar, moving it to different physical locations, making it a group or partner activity with a family member or friend on facetime, etc. It presents a challenge to motivate me and to work on those 3 concepts in a fun and exciting way.
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