Interactive City: Take What You Need

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For project #2 I wanted to create something that could give people boost of happiness or confidence even if it was just for a minute. I wanted to be able to give the user whatever they needed at that moment. So I will create a bowl of cards that have positive emotions and inspirational words on them. There will also be a sign saying “take what you need.” I have seen signs like this before hung up around some towns, but one thing I think they are lacking is the ability to contribute back and inspire people to pass it on. I want them to feel like they could contribute to the installation because giving to others has been shown to also boost happiness. With my project they can contribute to others in more way than one. 

The first way they can contribute is by writing their own card. Next to the “take what you need” sign will be some empty cards and a pen so that they can write their own card for someone else to take. There will be a sign saying “leave something for others.”  The second way they can give is by passing along their card. There won’t be a sign indicating they can do this, but hopefully the user will be in a good mood and feel like giving this to someone else.

I think this project creates a magic circle because people can stand and look at all the cards, they can take and write their own with a group. Also by passing on the cards people are creating a connection. The card could also start up a conversation within a group and people may stand and talk, write or just look.

By Kadie Roberts

Author: Kadie Roberts