Tuesday, September 22, 2009

VA: Multiple design solutions.

I am definitely going to redesign the existing posters (no more Comic Sans and boring layout). I think it is not a bad idea, just a bad execution and I want to respect their idea.
Kids get bored easily. If you want them to focus and keep their attention, the design piece should be entertaining, clear and game-like. It shouldn't be stupid or treating 9 year old kids like babies, but it should be simple and understandable. What should it be?

Solution 1. "I am nice like..." shirts.
This solution would be cool if it is designed well. If could be given cool shirts with words that promote things such as peace, tolerance, acceptance, etc. The phrases would reference celebrities "Matt Daemon doesn't think bullying is cool", "Beyonce is nice to everyone, and so am I". That's kind of a weird idea, but why not?

Solution 2. "How nice are you?".
There can also be a "niceness" competition. There will be a board for each class that will include every person in the class. There will be a way to interactively document "nice" things that the kid did, like helped out a weaker kid. Each kid's achievement will get a point of 1-5, depending on what they did. Each kid's achievement will be reported by the person he helped, so that there will be no "showing-off" in front of the teacher. Whether the kid is "reporting" the "good deed" will depend on how much he/she wants the class to win. There should be a list of basic "good deeds" that earn you points, standing up for someone being the highest. On the last day of each month, the overall number of points will be counted and the class with the most points is going to get a price. Like a group outing to a movie.

Solution 3. "Free stuff!"
I remember getting very excited to get a present from the school that I can keep. What if it is fun, cute and useful at the same time?
Each student can get a set of supplies (binder, spiral notebook, pencils, etc) that had the ABC rules on them. For example the classroom "commandments" can be printed on a notebook or separate pencils. Each artifact would be colorfully designed and the words will not be just boring statements.

Solution 4. "Our principal was a kid too!"
Each teacher, including the principal can write a paragraph about how they were bullied as kids and what they did to stop it. The information can be a little bit changed, giving the "correct" scenarios. The fact that they will be coming from older, respected people will give the stories authority and will promote similar actions (standing up for yourself, protecting others, etc)

Solution 5. "I am cool, because I'm nice!"
Someone who stands up for another kid, should be rewarded. A reward system based on an emotional pleasure, rather than materialistic achievement (like going to the movies) should be established. It should definitely be something they can show-off, like a paper medal they get too keep. Again, this system is going to be based on competition, but the kind that you can win by doing a good thing. Another benefit of "good" competitions is that everyone, no matter how strong, smart or old you are, can win. You help me out and I will help you is not just a moral thing, but is also helping your friend get honored.

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