Table top Games for learning Tables
(User Studies)

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The Brief

  1. Tables are an elemental part of learning mathematics and a necessary life skill to have.
  2. Most of us learn tables through memorization and repetition which seems like a hard way to learn.
  3. Can there be a more intuitive and fun way to teach tables to the children?


Focus of Contextual enquiry

Can a logic based approach replace memorization for learning tables?

  1. Logics stay with learners forever.
  2. Memorization is time consuming.
  3. Prone to forgetfulness.
  4. Boring technique that requires regular repetition.

User Interviews

Teachers( background)
  1. 2 users
  2. Age range 40 - 55
Teachers( Observations)
  1. Consider logic is important for educational base.
  2. Say memorization is inevitable.
  3. Not satisfied with current education system.
  4. Think tuition is optional.
  5. Struggle to match children’s energy.
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Children( background)
  1. 23 children, grade 2 - 10
  2. Primary users range from grade 3 - 4
  3. Varied socio-economic background and gender
  4. Varied family backgrounds
Children( Observations)
  1. Written and oral repetition techniques are popular.
  2. Often taught by mother.
  3. Tuition is a necessary supplement.
  4. Additive techniques are fairly popular.
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Parents( background)
  1. 3 users
  2. Different socio-economic background
  3. Age range 30 -40
Parents( Observations)
  1. Education & economic levels vary. This can impact their child's growth.
  2. See education as a window to better future.
  3. Prefer logical approach.
  4. Lack time for kids.
  5. Think tuitions are inevitable.
  6. Prefer private schools.
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Shifting Focus

Use logic as a supplement and memory as backbone to learn tables.

  1. Tables are an elemental part of learning mathematics and a necessary life skill to have.
  2. Most of us learn tables through memorization and repetition which seems like a hard way to learn.
  3. Can there be a more intuitive and fun way to teach tables to the children?


Important findings

Goals

  1. Do well academically
  2. Pursue extra curricular hobbies and interests
  3. Building relationships with peers
  4. Make parents and teachers proud
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Constraints

  1. Language/Dialect
  2. Gender (equality of opportunity)
  3. Expected to study more, play less
  4. Family responsibilities
  5. Socio-economic status
  6. Cultural & religious aspects
  7. Educational background of parents
  8. Varying tech maturity
  9. Teacher’s attitude towards students
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Problems

  1. Unclear concepts
  2. Difficulty in memorizing
  3. Improper utilisation of resources
  4. Teacher to student ratio in a class
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Opportunities

  1. Exposure to technology
  2. Like tangible play and learning
  3. Children are enthusiastic and have an open attitude to try new things
  4. Learn by elders
  5. Can sustain healthy competition among peer
  6. Can complete complex tasks and multitask
  7. High on energy
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The revised Brief

Target Audience
  1. Primary User: Children Grade 3-4
  2. Secondary User: Parents/Teachers/Siblings

Problems that the design must solve
  1. Demonstrate basic logic of tables
  2. Help improve the children’s recall
  3. Supplement the written and oral memorization techniques
  4. Aid speed and accuracy
  5. Use spatial and physical cues to increase immersion
  6. Simple to understand and complex enough to expand
  7. Transcend economical/ literary/ language barriers
  8. Self explanatory

Design Ideas

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Idea 1 : Slice the cake

Idea 2 : Maths pixel art


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Idea 3 : Table puzzle

Idea 4 : Balance the scale

Idea 5 : Choose the lasrgest



The project was done as part of a Userstudies course at IDC School of Design.


© 2020 Noopur Kumari Kashyap