The Mask
Sense of being hidden behind the mask gives people possibility to perform freely as well as creatively express emotions or feelings. The Mask is a way to implement this feeling into child’s play. This costume-type toy, can be modified by player sticking different elements onto it thanks to Velcro layer beneath provided objects and felt layer on the outside of the basis.
Conceptual project.
Collaborator / Client:
School Project
Technology & Materials:
Velcro, felt, velour, foam, plastic net, plush, elastic stripe – mask;
Velcro, foam, fake fur, felt, metal plates, wooden beads – elements
Year & Place:
2023, Kolding, Denmark
Development
Starting point
It all have started with a design principle that determined the whole project: create a play experience based on constructing or reconstructing, providing sense of accomplishment and using both tactility and storytelling.
The obvious answer to this would be to create an object that can be transformed freely and the player could add narration to final object. During conceptualizing, I decided to switch from very narrative type of play into performative one. This led me tothe concept of mask.
Process
Construction of the Mask consists of different layers of fabric that provides durability and pleasantly tactile experience. The core made of soft foam and wire provides rigid structure that prevents mask from bending on a users head. Size has been chosen to relate with children’s as well as adults’ face (anthropometric data: DINED.io.tudelft.nl), so potentially parents or carer can equally participate in play.
Attachable elements are meant to be as abstract as possible, so the users are not implied to remake specific characters only. However, they can still be separated into two groups: geometric and ‘‘weird”. Thus was made to check which type is more appealing to children or if they going to use both types as supplement. Colours of the attachable elements are mainly primary and complementary. Therefore, objects seem more appealing and their bright colourfulness on the dark basis of the mask seem more child-friendly.
Mounting system is made of regulated elastic bands to provide comfort and stability while using.
First idea - picture creator with movable beads
Second idea - magnetic bag for reshaping
First mask - stripe based construction
Second mask - more solid base
Result
Final project
The Mask provides fun play experience both during constructing, and wearing. Thanks to simple method of working, the amount of elements can be easily increased. This has been proven by prototype tests at the Raoul Wallenbergs Integrational Primary School No. 339 in Warsaw.
Group specification:
• Number of users: 17
• Age: 8-9 years old (2nd grade)
• Gender: Mixed
Supervision of two teachers.
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