Play a Part.

The aim of these objects is to create moments of collaboration, cooperation and communication between people. Smuggling empathy and some momentary sense of togetherness within collective entertainment, through participation.

Drawing on some of the most deeply rooted aspects of human culture and communication; mark making, sound/ music making and play, coupled with an aesthetic so widely associated with childhood and wholesomeness, the objects hopefully pique enough interest in us to engage with them. The catch being that the items require multiple participants with whom we will have to cooperate to fully enjoy the device.

Selfish play will not be rewarded with enjoyment.

Using Froebel’s gifts initially as an aesthetic starting point, it has also been suggested that beyond simply entertainment, these devices have the potential to be used in an educational or therapeutic setting. By providing a neutral or inconsequential task/ activity for people to focus on while interacting with one another, however this has yet to be tested.

This was my graduation project from 3D Design and Craft at Brighton University in 2020. Due to the Covid 19 lockdown the project unfortunately remains unfinished for the time being.