Learning from the Creation of Kindergarten: A Case Study for Designing Experiential Systems
The dawn of the information age has given rise to the notion of an emergent experience economy. In the new era, hallmarks of the industrial age, such as mass production and broadcast media, are giving way to mass customization and interactive media. This paper shows how the modern shift towards participation is an echo of an earlier example of design practices pioneered by Friedrich Frobel in the 19th century. Friedrich Frobel was a charismatic champion of the “natural education” movement 200 years ago and the first to offer an interactive learning environment in the form of “kindergarten.” It may not seem so at first glance, but the wisdom behind the “kindergarten” curriculum rested in a set of timeless design principles. As part of the shift towards “natural education,” educators such as Frobel replaced memorization with object lessons, extended the classroom beyond the walls of the schoolhouse, and encouraged sensory engagement in, and about, the environment. In many ways the program foreshadowed modern-style multimedia design by integrating gardening, music, dance and storytelling. First and foremost, Frobel accounted for the essence of human nature. He then formed intricate, scalable systems from basic elements. Finally, he fertilized growth beyond his Original incarnation. Therefore, Frobel’s historic innovation provides an informative case study for all who endeavor to compose experiential systems in the future.
Keywords: Experience Design, Interactivity, Kindergarten, Modular Systems, Multimedia, Patterns, User-Centered Design
Bill Lucas
Experience Design Fellow, MAYA Design
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Bill has been designing experiential systems for more than fifteen years. During his tenure at MAYA, Bill designed and directed solutions for a wide range of clients including Merrill Lynch, Eaton, General Electric, United States Postal Service and DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency). Prior to joining MAYA, Bill designed identity standards, marketing materials, trade show exhibits and signage systems at Corning Incorporated.
Bill holds a B.S. in graphic design from the University of Cincinnati, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude from the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning. Articles covering his design methodology have appeared in Identity and Exhibitor magazines, and his work has been published in several books, including Corporate Graphics and Typographic Design.
Bill also has substantial speaking experience having assisted in teaching courses on typography, brand identity systems and experience design at Alfred University, Carnegie Mellon University and Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design.
Ref: G07P0005