W5 BRIEF OF THE CONCEPT

This week we need to present a brief of our project. We are required to use our project proposal and research we undertaken in the previous three weeks to answer what? Why? Who? How? Challenges?

My project is to build a musical instrument for kids in the undeveloped area.

1. What？

This idea comes from an experience of mine. Three years ago I went to a primary school in a remote area as a volunteer. All the kids there know nothing about musical notation, and none of them knows how to play an instrument. It makes me so sorry that they have a slight chance to play music. They can’t get music tools and even they can, none of the teachers know how to play one. So my product must be affordable, durable and easy to learn.

2. Why?

The higher social state has more or less taken better social resources like education. Courses like art can hardly cover children in the impoverished area. However, I want to design a product that can make it easier for them to reach music education.

3. Who?

I need to do more research to clarify my target user. I’m still not sure now. In what age a kid interest in the musical instrument and their learning ability.As there may have a music teacher. An adult may also use my product.

4. How?

My product must be affordable, durable and easy to learn. I had some thought about how to make it easier to learn. Learning a musical instrument cost lots money and efforts. It will be harder for kids in undeveloped areas as they may have to study by themselves. I see my product as the inspiring tool rather than an instrument for training a skill. It must be fun to play with for not be given up quickly. They can't read music, but there are plenty of informal musical notations. The theory is mapping musical notes to the geometric position of the instrument. It is quite easier and doesn't require a musical foundation.I tried to teach myself harmonica; it does the same.

5. Challenges?

I’m learning all types of instrument trying to find out how they work. I'm also exploring various kinds of musical instruments.

The feedback from my tutor and classmates are:

• Game like it

• May teach kids how to build a musical instrument by themselves, then teach them how to play.

• Keep the timbre in mind; inferior materials may produce disagreeable sounds

• Keep finding easier music notation and exploring different musical instruments