Week 1 Exploration and Site Selection
In the first week of this unit, I experimented with four observation methods to explore my chosen site. While wandering near my home, I discovered a playground within Bingfield Park. To narrow the focus of my observation, I decided to concentrate on the swings within this playground. The swing set consists of two parts: one is a larger single swing, and the other has two smaller single swings.
Research Methods
To comprehensively explore the site, I employed four research methods: mapping, notetaking, photographing, and sketching.
1. Mapping: Tracking Behavior and Sounds
Through mapping, I primarily tracked the movement patterns of children and parents, as well as the three most common sounds in the playground: conversations, laughter, and screams. I noticed that when a group of children consists of three or fewer, they tend to head straight for the swings. I assume this is because there are three available swing seats, so it’s easier to share among fewer children. Additionally, I observed that when parents bring their children to the playground, mothers often sit on the side to rest while fathers take on a more active role, such as pushing the swings. Conversations typically happen where parents sit or stand, especially when multiple families are present, while laughter and screams are more frequent during play.
2. Notetaking: Documenting Time and Group Characteristics
For notetaking, I recorded details about the people who came to play at different times, based on factors like time of day, weather, length of stay, which entrance they used, and the number of parents and children. I also noted their clothing. From this method, I found that children’s choice of swing activities varied by age, and parents, depending on their personality, had unique ways of interacting with their children during play.
3. Photographing: Analyzing the Structure and Safety of the Swings
Through photographing, I captured the structure and materials of the swings. I discovered that both sets of swings were made with safety materials: the larger single swing had rope edges, while the smaller single swings were made of plastic. These designs likely reduce the risk of injury during play, and they also allowed me to closely examine the structure and appearance of the swings.
4. Sketching: Capturing Details and Scenes Through Drawing
Lastly, using sketching, I drew the appearance of the people who came to play, the items they carried, and other small details. I created a collage effect by sketching with unusual proportions. In this process, I focused on colors and structural details. The spontaneous nature of drawing helped me notice commonalities in the clothing and items brought by both parents and children.
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