The Soil Patch
UX/UI Design
2024
Supervisors: Mosse Sjaastad, Linda Jolly, Elisabeth Sjødahl.
How might abstract concepts like particles be taught to 5th graders in a way that supports their learning about soil health, through interactive activities?
The Soil Patch is made as a guide for children (aged 10-12 years) in their quest of composing the most ideal soil mix for a designated vegetable. I wanted to build on the familiarity aspect kids have to soil, and exploring how their prior knowledge could be seen in relation to something they have less knowledge of, like particles.
The proposal seeks to combine physical- and digital interactions, with the digital providing insight into the more "invisible" parts of soil.
Healthy soil can store water, prevent diseases, and grow more food, even in difficult weather. Understanding soil is essential to solving food shortages and climate issues, and it helps build a better future for all of us.
Through this project, kids can explore the different components of soil—like its texture, moisture, and the tiny creatures that live in it. This hands-on learning helps them understand how soil is crucial for growing food and protecting the planet.
Information observed through the tactile.
Information observed through the digital.
Workshop with 5th graders.
6 students, 3 rounds in pairs.
To better understand how children learn and get insight into what engages them, I had a workshop with six fifth graders at Vålerenga elementary school, aged between 10-11 years.
Water in the soil.Workshop at Vålerenga elementary school. Concept sketches.
Soil composition is complex. However, one way to learn about it is through teaching children about the three main types which almost all soil consists of: Clay, sand, and silt.
Toggle on the triangle to change
soil composition.
Get information about each soil type and their characteristics.
Toggle on the square to adjust the soil depth.
Small figures pop-up with additional information for the children as they explore.
Zoomed out = Macro perspectiveZoomed in = Particle view