Think Mandi Think

More sketch models:

The first two pictures describe the springing mechanism with which the I imagined the hind legs to incorporate when they propel the shrimp upwards.

The second model is a bit of a cop-out, but the description mentioned that the head was composed of two pointy pieces with whiskers. 

The next model is trying to capture the essence of the phrase “skeleton finger”, which the individual described the front legs of the shrimp to resemble.

The description mentioned the 5 pairs of hind legs often, so I decided to make a “looks like” model that really showcased the detailed shape of the hind legs. The same transparent paper was used to mimic the shrimp’s physical properties. 

To improve one property of the shrimp, I wanted to give it the same punching ability as the mantis shrimp. The spring allows the piece with the weight on the end to snap back and effectively “punch” its victim. 

Sketch Models, created from a description inspired by a shrimp 

The first two were my interpretation of the layers that would cover the shrimp’s body.

The description mentioned a milky/almost transparent body with orange streaks, so I decided to make a prism and cover it with paper that mimicked these properties. 

The foam core tubes within tubes was inspired by the “skeleton” nature of the shrimp. I thought the creature could have a hard exoskeleton-like base for its many legs. 

The individual described the body as having a textured, muddled part that seemed like it could carry waste. I explored that property by hot-gluing a foam block and created a bumpy, gelatinous texture.

For our first assignment this Wintersession, we went to the Nature Lab at RISD to record information about a creature of our choosing. This information had to encompass behavior, physical appearance, and environment. Before beginning this assignment, we were given a quick tutorial on the light microscope and scanning electron microscope which showed us how to view specimen available in the Nature Lab. After the tutorials, the class was given time to sketch our creatures and record our observations. 

Tom swapped everyone descriptions, and we were given someone else’s description to work with and create 11 models: 5 that showcased the creature’s physical appearance, 5 that showcased its function, and 1 that improved its form or function in some way. It is important to stress that we could not assume what creature our description was referring to; we could only model what the individual wrote down. To create our models, we were given demonstrations in the model shop on foam cutting, using the wire cutter to cut foam, foamcore cutting methods, etc. 

After working 20+ hours on my models, I can name a couple lessons that I learned:

1) Sanding is everything. Also, wear your mask when sanding foam. 

2) Do the harder models in the beginning.

3) Overestimate the time you’ll need to finish these models.

4) Most glues corrode polystyrene foam. 

5) Change the blade of your cutting knife frequently, because it will dull between models. 

6) Bring Band-aids, because blood on your models is not pretty.

Final bench!

We still need to do some work woodglue’ing the top upholstered piece to the bottom two pieces of plywood, as well as make a better cover for the middle piece containing the circuitry. We were also able to get the WAV shield working and playing the files on our SD card, but could not connect it to the pressure sensor. This is for further development next semester.

#PassItOn

Project Brief

Our goal with this project is to increase social capital through encouraging face-to-face interactions within a community. Our chosen medium is storytelling on universal and personal human experiences that will hopefully lead to further conversation between strangers. Volunteering participants will take a card with a random curated question, share their answer with a stranger and pass the card to them. Tracking the card through each exchange gives each a unique narrative.

Website intro

Fun

Get to know your neighbors!

Who is that!

Need an excuse to talk to strangers?

Join a community!

Serious

Social Capital

Strengthen Community

Physical social network

Snap back to reality

This Society has never been better connected, yet people increasingly report feeling lonely. Snap back to reality and use #PassItOn to reconnect to your community.

Variations:

Ask the stranger to share a story of their choice

Ask the stranger to answer the prompt

You tell a story around the question

Why it’s important

For you:

Safety

Trust

Happiness

For your community:

Bring together opportunity

Facilitating information flows

Political / economic benefits

Bringing attention from “web” to real life

Civic participation

Story / Narrative

Building a history

Social capital

Info page on site

Where, when, how

Instructions:

Scan the QR code and fill in the 2 question form

Introduce yourself to a stranger! “Excuse me, hi! My name is ______, I am participating in a storytelling project. Do you have 5 minutes to hear my story?”

After you’ve gained their consent, share your story and have a conversation

#PassItOn - give the card to your new friend

Website Questionnaire

Where were you when you obtained the card? Country, City, District

Approximately when did it happen? Year, Month, Date, Time

Card Questions

What is your most vivid childhood memory?

What advice would you give to your younger self?

What are you most grateful for?

What is one goal you have?

What is your golden rule?

What makes someone a good friend?

What are your family traditions?

What do you like about your city?

What do you dislike about your city?

What is the best food in the city?

Where in the city has the best views?

Card Text

Front

Start a conversation with a stranger

“Question”

Self-standing dispenser

TV-like dispenser: “Tune into someone else’s conversation”