The VR Project, titled Land Of Adventure is an activity course for students to introduce them to emerging technologies and adapt their observations into creative outcomes.
This Activity Class is designed for for 12-16 years old beneficiaries who are new to design field
The Learning Objective for this activity is for participants to develop a basic competency in a diverse range of essential technical skills as a basis for confidently approaching further vocational training leading to employment.
The design process follows 4 steps:
LEARN. IMAGINE. CREATE. TEST.
In this activity, students will learn about a biome and experience it in a Virtual Reality environment. Then they will work in small groups of 2-3 students each to discuss their observations and construct a prototype of a living structure for the user in their respective biomes.
They will be provided with the following materials for the activity:
Land of adVentuRe Booklet, Material Kit, Biome backdrop, phones and VR headsets.
LEARN
Students will be provided a booklet for a selected biome that contains details of its characteristics and introduces a biome buddy who is the user of the house that they eventually construct (as shown above). They will study the booklet and follow the instructions that will allow them to use the VR Headsets to experience the biome.
We have provided the students with visual guides to teach them how to use the 360 Video option on Youtube which is compatible with the VR Headset.
They will be able to move around and experience the biome virtually
IMAGINE
Students will use the designated space available in their booklets to note down observations from the biome which which can inform their design decisions. They will ideate innovative and rigid structures for their designated user and make informed choices about the materials they need to use from the variety of resources provided to them. For example, they have materials such as canvas cloth, bamboo sticks, and tin foil- choosing the right material for the climate of their biome will be important.
CREATE
Students will then work in their groups to create small scale models of their living structures, using the biome backdrops as their base.
TEST
Students will present their creations to the larger group and justify their design choices and why their structure would be suitable for their user.
We conducted some user testing before teaching the students at the Horizon Design Center and incorporate their feedback to improve the activity.
Our group then taught this activity virtually to multiple groups of refugees at the design center.
Here are some results from the activity.
Reflections from teaching this activity included the importance of creating an environment of mutual respect and trust. The students were easily distracted so it was important for us as instructors to maintain the energy of the space. We had to work alongside design instructors who were physically present to assist with the activity, therefore communication was extremely important.
Additionally, we provided resources for the instructors at the Horizon Design Center to prepare the resources and to guide the process. This included a materials list, timeline, slide show to show the students, VR booklets, and tutorial videos.
