Process Documentation: 09

This week, I went back and continued to refine the "victorious" experience and put it back in the stairwell adding the limitations of the sound happening only after the first, bottom step is taken. This will be embedded in the wall of the concrete stairwell. All of the letters/words are made up of the top 100 "classic" books in the USA. Many of the titles are recognizable to bookworms and teachers.

At the beginning, the words will remain completely illegible, jumbled, upside-down and continue up the stairwell until some words are recognizable. This process of ascending the stairs will symbolize the process of learning to read. First, the task is frustrating and difficult—you have no idea where to start and each of the letters looks like an unknown symbol. As the reader continues the process, they become more confident and have the ability to recognize and read smaller words, sounding out syllables, etc. At the end of the learning process, the task may still be difficult, but the reader is able to comprehend multiple words at a time. The process will also be captured by the narrative voice that will sound with each step. The feminine, soft voice will say, "step, spark, courage, memory, excitement, confidence, determination, strengthen, endurance, resolve, certainty, victory."

I have captured both the sound and the video that will accompany the other two experiences. The purpose of these is to enhance each of the experiences. The video (screen shots below) is a key element to the "overwhelmed" experience and will be seen on a 10+ ft tall wall. These are meant to capture personal emotions and expressions that push beyond personal boundaries and appear on a large-scale to overwhelm the viewer. This will include the noise of multiple voices at one time.

From here, I will continue to edit and add to my process document (book, pdf), photograph the library spaces and add dimensions to my plan drawings, and refine the purpose of my "explanation posters"so that they don't distract or clutter the purpose of each experience. These poster refinements will be much different than the previous post and attempt to not clutter or confuse the experience of the viewer. The viewer will be allowed to take in the experience and not told how to feel at the end of it. They will, however, see a simple prompt, literacy kc reference or phrase at the end that will inspire action.

Explanations Posters

I spent some more time with the explanation posters:

Process Documentation: 08

From midterm critique two weeks ago, I have been refining each experience. Embarrassment and overwhelmed are probably the most solid at this point while victory was said to be too forced and needed reconsideration. Advice was given to not use stairs but locate this inside the library as well. To do this, I will place the same experience by building a hallway of book shelves. This would be added to the end of the shelves already in the library and lead the visitor up to the window on the north of the interior space.

In addition to this, I have redesigned each of the three explanations that explain the meaning of the experience to the viewer. Each is different to reflect the experience and are bound together through the literacy kc mark and the purpose.

In addition to this, I have begun to record the sound for each experience (good quality) and capture interpersonal video of faces.

My plan is to build each of the three models within the next two weeks as well as print the explanation "posters" that correspond with them.

Process Documentation: 07

Midterm Presentation

Panic Room

By Tilt

"Design continues to play a more important part in contemporary discourse because it deals with the way we feel.

For all of us, design must be an experience regardless of medium; whether it is print, environmental graphics or identity creation, the outcome must stand out and truly connect.

Our designers are compelled by the view that design is a cultural imperative and so see it as his or her personal responsibility to create a heightened experience that engages emotionally and intellectually.

This view leads to ideas that find form beyond one dimensional expressions, with our designers owning and guiding the multilayered design process; working closely with clients to understand their marketplace and their perspective in order to determine a unique voice that is our client’s – not our own; a unique voice that reflects an enduring, differentiated point of view.

Our work is informed through strategically-driven thinking and research to ensure that it is distinctive and goes beyond the expected; ensuring the outcomes surprise us, delight us, reassure us, engage us.

Such feelings are the product of our broad ranging craft, and the essence of the work detailed in this website."

Fabio Ongarato

Explanations after experience

This information will be placed at the end of the environmental experiences to fully establish the meaning and purpose of the experience. It will introduce the importance of literacy in Kansas City and provide ways to get involved.

Embarrassed?

This is an emotion that over 225, 000 adults in the Kansas City area experience every day because they are not able to read. Without reading comprehension, many are able to get by but are denied of information that many people take for granted. Things like job applications, menus, street signs, prescription labels, billboards, mail and even this website are inaccessible. When you can read, you enter a new world of opportunities.

Overwhelmed?

This is an emotion that over 225, 000 adults in the Kansas City area experience every day because they are not able to read. Without reading comprehension, many are able to get by but are denied of information that many people take for granted. Things like job applications, menus, street signs, prescription labels, billboards, mail and even this website are inaccessible. When you can read, you enter a new world of opportunities.

You Made It!

225,000 adults in the Kansas City area function at the lowest literacy level. This represents the emotions felt by individuals learning to read. Without reading comprehension, many are able to get by but are denied of information that many people take for granted. Things like job applications, menus, street signs, prescription labels, billboards, mail and even this website are inaccessible. When you can read, you enter a new world of opportunities.

Literacy KC

Literacy KC certifies volunteers and tutors and matches them with adult learners from across the Kansas City metropolis area. They provide free one-to-one tutoring for students age 16 and above. Almost half of students are ages 30 to 50 years old. Students are paired with tutors based on reading level and commit to one year of phonics-based sessions that include study skills, budgeting and other valuable topics.

Need? Contact Literacy KC by calling (816) 333-9332 to test your literacy level and receive free tutoring sessions.

Give? Volunteering with Literacy KC is one of the most rewarding ways to give to the city. We offer other opportunities including tutors, office support, special event volunteers, sponsors and donors. Visit www.literacykc.org or call (816) 333-9332 (x107) to get involved!

The information would engraved Garamond (common book type) and has a simplified version of the Literacy KC logo: