Case Study
Overview
The Magic Pen Pal Kit is a fictional business I created and designed for children between the ages of 6 - 12 years old. The Kit is designed to be self-directed and to keep children interested in their activity. We specialize in educational stationary goods for children that promote written and reading literacy, social-emotional well being, global connectedness, and communication. Everyone enjoys receiving personalized mail, no matter their age.
Challenge
Beginning in March 2020, children have had their childhoods interrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With protective measures such as social distancing, and virtual school, children have been limited in how they socialize with their friends and family. I also wanted to ensure the activities would spark the imagination of children for them to continue even after the supplies I provided ran out. The Kit needed to be designed in a way that motivated children to want to write letters on their own.
Burnout involving technology, also known as Zoom Fatigue, is also affecting the way children engage with their devices. They are exhausted. Not only are they tired, but their caregivers are as well. I aimed to create something that alleviated some of the stress for both the caregivers and children.
Additional Resources:
Role
Role: I was the creator, and designer of this project.
Scope: 24 weeks
Constraints: Global supply chain shortage, the quick turnaround, the budget for printing and production, and the resources needed to get everything I wanted done.
Team: I worked alone on my project but I did receive mentorship from Professor Jennifer White-Johnson, Professor Rodney C. Williams, Professor Gina Lewis, and Professor Tewodross Melchishua Williams.
Approach
My approach centered on visual design and social emotional well being as it related to children.
Results
I was able to successfully produce a final prototype for The Magic Pen Pal Kit. I distributed the kits to a few children in my community and have received positive feedback not only from the children but from the parents themselves. I have also been asked if I could provide more for them to share with their loved ones. In the future I would like to develop seasonal kits and add on packages with interactive features and games. I also hope to include art activities, more letter writing prompts.