4/24 In-class demo
Between the last presentation and this one, many aspects were taken into consideration such as a unified visual language, color scheme, age appropriate text, and practical growing knowledge imbued by Phipps onto us.
Though we still had many contended issues at the time of this demo (for example, more cartoon or more realistic, hand drawn aesthetic), it was great to get feedback from people outside the group on how everything is going.
Notes from the Demo
Poster 1
Make sure it is eye level, think about your target audience height. Even kids in wheel chairs.
Slightly higher fidelity look
What if the kids get really into it, where can they find more information?
Game
Text/font needs to be bigger, it’s hard to read
Highlight (or make it blink) next step for the user. The blurred icon wasn’t clear.
“It doesn’t tell you how to get rid of the worms.”
“Too much watering.”
Language at the end is a little too serious. Change it to something like, “did you know..” or include a fun fact.
Would they know what antioxidants are? That is something you might need to define for them. Make it part of the learning experience.
They liked the idea of a drag, drop, hold interaction for the icons. Hold until finished.
Instead of the progress bar, the watering can should go empty when it’s done.
You could add the noise of water too.
They liked the progress bar on the top right corner.
Asked about time. “Use the sun to change seasons.” Indicate how much time it takes to grow things.
“Tie seed packet back to the game.”
“The style of game veggies is middle ground.”
Voting Wall
“Play with layers.”
If you are able to open up the veggies, you might see the cross section. Or you might integrate some learning inside — could put cheat sheet info in there.
Add visuals to cheat sheet that match your visual style
The word “enhanced” might be too difficult — change to “make strong”
Is it important to add when the decision is going to be made about the veggie? It might encourage people to act and follow the progress more avidly.
You could add funny names to highlight the benefits of the veggies
“For your eyes only carrot”
Each might have a superpower
Seeds
Liked the idea of having one basket for all the seeds — like a grab bag
Add more visuals to the instructions sheet attached to packet, too much text
“Who is this for?”
Add imagery from the experience.
Complicated and hard to understand seed pack
Break down process
Where can you upload pics of your growing process? Instagram — is there a tag?
If you make the voting wall more engaging, the seed pick up can be simpler
Have a call to action to visit the garden
“What would make them want to start a garden?”
Garden signs
Images should associate with content
“Pesticides into waterways” relevant to the kids and their drinking water. “Show a child in the illustration.”
Make sure the language is good for your age group.
Pathway (Labeling things 1–4)
I like the connection and numbering of elements
It could be a vine, to fit with the theme
Learning Models
Competence
Motivation/Attention (Dickens 5)
“Everyone is doing it”
Surprise is the cheat sheet. Shiny objects
McGiggen/Wiggens, 3 circles
Slow skills vs fast skills
Game
Multiple choice
“Now what next?”
“What happens the seed gets wet?”
It germinates
Add worms, they are good for the soil
“Why do you you think they are good for the soil?”
Living ecosystem
“Why do plants need sun?”
Photosynthesis
Plants absorb the sun to make sugar to grow
Role of pollinators in the edible garden
(bee buzzing towards the plant) “What do you think she’s doing?”
Moving pollen
Language needs adjusting: “tomatos are tasty, full of vitamins and minerals that keep out hearts healthy.”
Voting Wall
“Eating the rainbow”
Tops & bottoms > root = carrot, potato
What is a fruit vs a veggie
Add recipes, easy snacks, takeaways
Update on how the plants are doing
Yard Signs
Language needs updating. Focus on the positive.
Kids understand recycling and compost is like recycling your food
“Compost is all organic matter — helps make soil healthy.”
“Organic gardening is a safer alternative because it does not use pesticides. Pesticides are known for killing insects…and…”
Help them share their progress. Kids love projects.
Carlie also met with Phipps on 4/18 and showed them what we currently have. Here are some notes from that experience directly related to our material.
Meeting with Kelliann, Phipps
Use children’s natural affinity for play
Focus on why organic farming is so good (focus on positive)
Healthy soil > keeps plants happy > keeps us healthy
Kids understand “clean”
Learning objectives: garden basics / identify seasonal plants
