IDEA 1
Everyone put an object they have with them on the table. Try not to look at who’s object is who’s. If you saw then try not give the answer away.
Purpose: Adaptation on HEA Report: Case Study 2: Matter of Taste with a focus on branding and identity. Thinking of using as an ice-breaker for students at MA GB&I at the beginning of the course to get them thinking about semiotics.
Learning Outcomes:
To learn enhance observation skills and visual literacy through learning from objects.
To explore branding and identity through design awareness of semiotics.
To discuss cultural capital and signifiers.
—Who’s object do you think this is? Write it down. Break up into pairs. 5 pairs. Discuss the object in your pairs. You could use these questions to prompt you. —
What is its function, age and target audience?
Who designed and manufactured it?
Is it ergonomically designed?
What does the object communicate and what values do you think it has? (E.g. financial, social, historical or cultural)?
What are the colours/patterns on it?
Is there any typography?
Any symbols/signs/signifiers?
How does it feel?
Does it smell?
Can you listen to it?
What is the brand?
Why do you think this person chose this brand?
What does it say about their identity?
Their lifestyle?
Who is this person?
Where are they from?
What type of work do they do?
What are they interested in?
What is a typical day like for them?
What class are they in?(!)
— Now who’s object is this? Same/different? —
— Who’s object is it? Why do you have this object? —
IDEA 2
Give an object. Write an exhibition caption (20 words).
IDEA 3
Narrative – Significant Objects
Write a fictional short story for the object.
IDEA 4
Sketch the object
Purpose – really looking at something.
Hardie, K. Innovative pedagogies series: Wow: The power of objects in object-based learning and teaching. Higher Education Academy. Accessed 2 Feb 2022 at: <https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets.creode.advancehe-document-manager/documents/hea/private/kirsten_hardie_final_1568037367.pdf>.