Fears and Obstacles
We all went with fear in our minds. Fear of school ending, right thesis topic, 5 courses, scheduling etc. It was great to start class by thinking about it and put it out there. To know everyone is on the same boat.
All my fears and obstacles are tied to designing from afar. Not being around children in India and not being able to constantly test and get feedback. I fear this will raise questions on authenticity and proof.
Another fear is to prove what is truly Indian about my designs. India has a very rich culture, vast and diverse everything. It is difficult to point at anything truly Indian. Indian products are driven by need, scarcity and frugality. It is driven by social and political pressure and emotions.
Even though bringing soft skills, critical, independent and creative thinking is a global issue, India has it's own unique constraints. And a whole web of constraints. In the scope of this thesis and the time, it is my fear that I will not land on something which address this web of things.
I am still extremely excited about designing fun and enjoyable and meaningful things for children. I believe so strongly in the power of opportunity and accessibility to learning and that it makes all the difference to ones life.
I don't know what risks I can potentially take. It is already risky to be designing for children. At this is point I feel I should be trusting my instincts and just going for it.
