WHAT IS STEAMBOX?

STEAMBOX is a brand that is catered to children ages 8 to 12 years old. The objective is to create activity kits that are gender neutral, self directed, and encourage the values of STEAM. The price point of said kits are to be less than $80. Most importantly though,

STEAMBOX is meant to be FUN!

STEAMBOX FILM

FILM is an activity kit made to help children learn the art of Stop Motion Animation, which is when you use 3d puppets and sets. You take a series of pictures that when strung together, create a moving image.

Kids are given all the materials needed to create their own short films to share with friends and family.

Why STEAMBOX FILM?

Obvious Learning Potential 

  • Learn crafting and video editing

  • Learn to plan and write videos about whatever you want

  • Learn to work with friends on a single task 

Hidden Learning Potential 

  • Learn to efficiently and healthily process and express emotions

  • Learn to plan and problem solve for themselves and others.

  • Learn to use technology in a creative and constructive way

What’s In The Box?

Filming Equipment

  1. Puppets x2

  2. Storyboard paper x5

  3. Tripod 

  4. Preprinted faces x9 (x3 for 3 different expressions)

  5. Blank faces sheet x24

  6. Colored Films

  • Craft Supplies 

  1. Four markers, Pink, Yellow, Blue and Black

  2. Fabric scraps 

  3. Pom poms 

  4. Pipe cleaners 

  5. Beads

  6. Felt

  7. Glue bottle 

  8. White air dry clay

  • Props

  1. Bed

  2. Clothes rack

  3. Treasure Chest

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Process

  • Initial Sketch

  • First Prototype

  • Second Prototype

  • Third Prototype

  • Final Prototype

USER TESTING EXPERIENCE

We tested out our kits in collaboration with Curious Jane, a camp based in teaching young girls STEAM concepts.

We had a group of 13 experts, 8-12 years old coming to test our kits and give critique. My goal for my experts were to animate a facial expression and animate the puppet body moving.

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Who are the experts?

My Experts were Addie and Mia. Addie had previous stop motion experience, Mia had not. Both were in 5th grade, around 10 years old. Mia was very talkative and engaged, Addie was a bit more shy but quickly got engaged.

Mia and Addie’s Film: The Story of Fred

Main Points of Critique

  • Some limbs popped off too easily, making filming difficult

  • Blank faces to draw on should be pre cut out so they don’t require scissors

  • Place the storyboard paper and metal sheet elsewhere so the kids can find them easier

  • Puppets were too tall and tripod too short

  • Add more pictures in instructions, specifically for set up and editing