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Mapleton Montessori

Educational Product Development

Senior Capstone in collaboration with Mapleton Montessori at University of Colorado, Boulder (2024)

Introducing the Imagination Frames: a Montessori-inspired tool designed to foster collective creativity, develop fine motor skills, and expand spatial reasoning among children aged 2-6. Young learners can collaboratively explore shapes and forms from points within scalable planes. Imagination Frames grow with your child from simple 2D configurations to more complex 3D structures and fractional distinctions

Process

Research

Foundational research and strategic insights underpin the development for the Imagination Frames. A focus on the Montessori Method and pediatric psychology ensure the product is developmentally appropriate- and aligns with the tactile and self-directed learning ethos of the school. 

Conceptualization

Visualizing physical manifestations of developmental milestones, cognitive stages, and Montessori principles. aims to support brainstorming efforts while transitioning the project into more tangible forms.

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Development

Classroom observation, user surveys, specialist interviews, and feedback from kids led to several design iterations focusing on intuitive learning and increased durability. 

Prototype Alpha

Valuable feedback from a faculty survey at Mapleton Montessori, alongside insights from a behavioral design specialist and user testing with the alpha prototype, several key iterations are planned to enhance the product's usability and educational value. First, the hook size must increase to accommodate easier manipulation by young learners. Additionally, alternative lacing methods and materials may improve tactile experiences for diverse learning styles.

100% of faculty believe learning cards + free play are the best method for  immediate feedback 

89% of Faculty wanted to see further development

83% of faculty prefer stationary wood joints

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TYPOGRAPHY

TYPOGRAPHY

Joints

The joints balance complexity and durability to ensure the product was neither overwhelming for beginners nor too simple for older children.

Despite the potential for modular frames that build in complexity for scale and dimensions, we ultimately adhered to client preferences for traditional wood joinery, prioritizing material purity and consistency with Montessori principles.

Prototype Beta

Following a second trial of user testing, some children displayed difficulties keeping track of the string- particularly with the more complex forms. The learning objectives were re-evaluated as the point to line connection proved essential to communicate procedurally from the actions of the user.

Nodes

A variety of connection and node options proved viable for larger and thicker connections; however, steel ball bearings proved the most flexible, simple, and economic for scalable production. A variety of magnetic configurations and mechanical nodes were evaluated based on economic, behavioral, and manufacturable feasibility

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Documentation

Final photos and videos capture the conceptual Imagination Frames before the University of Colorado product design exhibit. To learn more about the full process, click below

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