This project is designed for my roommate. At the beginning stage of preparing the project, I interviewed her and asked her a couple of questions regarding what she wants to receive in hand at the end. She clearly told me that she wants something that is not sharp. She does not want anything that involves plastic or solid fabric. Moreover, something she could toss around is what she had in mind. So with this round and fluffy shape toy, she could toss it around, and each face of the toy displays an emoji.
To my current knowledge, the play could bring me happiness and help to escape from stress for a bit. For this specific project, I have learned that play could also incorporate some personal features, such as displaying the owner’s favorite colors on the toy, bringing comfort and joy to the person. At first, when designing a toy, I had the mindset that I have created something that helps the player build up some skills, either body or mind corporation. However, as I move on with the design, I have a new interpretation. Maybe play could be simple joy and enjoyment. Nothing complex is necessary. According to Cas Holman, she prefers not to set up much limitations and directives on her designs. But she still includes interaction between the toy and the player. For my project, I think I mainly focused on letting the player have simple joy. I could have let the player have more interaction with the toy. For example, maybe I could put on patches on each emoji. Then the player could patch on different emojis on each face of the toy.
Overall, the project turned out to be what I had in mind. However, I am not satisfied with the sewing part. I think some faces did not line up in a perfect line. If I had more time, I would definitely cut out more pieces and sew them again. The most worth mentioning thing I have learned from this project would be how to use the sewing machine. I think after working with the device for a few days. Now I am pretty comfortable with using it.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ljowWVRIxUF5oYNuVZjvTV95LY7EDX1w?usp=sharing