Tested Projects

Creative Sensory Research Card Set 


As part of Visual Arts coursework, students worked in groups of four to develop a card set focused on sensory experiences. Designed for both adults and children, the set encourages sensory awareness and mindfulness by engaging all seven senses. The project’s goal was to externe und interne wahrnehmung durch künstlerische processes.

Framework:
Students had one day to conceptualize and create a set of 30 cards, along with a fold-out guide explaining the methods and approach. The card production could be either digital or analog, 

Focus and Structure:
The card set integrates all seven senses – sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, balance, and movement – into creative exploration. Each card offers an exercise aimed at sharpening a particular sense, ultimately fostering a stronger sense of awareness and security during the creative process. This holistic approach helps build confidence and enhances the ability to engage in creative activities.


Creative Sensory Research Card Set





Against Methods

Method: Cultural Probes for Learners





Description: Assigning Cultural Probes to Learners
Teachers can use Cultural Probes as an engaging method to encourage learners to explore their environment and gather creative responses to a particular question. This method helps broaden their thinking and connect learning with real-world experiences.

The following question (or one chosen by you) can be used for the assignment:

"What does inquiry-based learning through the 7 senses mean to you?"

Assignment Process:
  1. Ask your learners to send this question to at least ten people in their environment (e.g., family, friends, classmates) via WhatsApp or another messaging platform.
  2. Encourage them to collect responses in a variety of formats:
    • Written text messages.
    • Analog drawings, which can be photographed and sent digitally.
    • Images or photos representing inquiry-based learning (these can be found online or taken personally).

Instructions for Submitting Responses:
  • Learners should gather as many responses as possible by a set deadline (e.g., Monday evening).
  • If they receive text messages, they should take screenshots.
  • If they receive drawings or photos, they should save and organize them.
  • Encourage learners to digitize any analog responses for submission.

Final Task:
Ask learners to compile the responses (screenshots, photos, and other digital files) into a PDF and bring it to the next class for discussion. This allows them to reflect on the diverse perspectives collected and share insights with their peers.


Short Check-In - All My Senses



Description: Keep a Senses Diary
Life often rushes by, and we quickly forget how important it is to tune into ourselves and consciously engage our senses. The method "All My Senses" is designed to help you bring your seven senses back into focus throughout the day.

How does it work?
  1. Set a Reminder: Plan a few short "Check-In" moments throughout the day in your schedule. You can choose three to four fixed times (e.g., morning, noon, afternoon, evening).
  2. The Check-In: When your reminder appears, pause briefly and focus on your seven senses:
    • Sight: What do you see? What colors, shapes, or lighting conditions do you notice?
    • Hearing: What sounds reach your ears? Are there tones you hadn't noticed before?
    • Touch: How does the surface beneath your fingers feel? What are you physically touching right now?
    • Taste: Is there a taste in your mouth? What was the last thing you ate or drank?
    • Smell: What scents are around you? Is there a distinct smell in the air?
    • Body Awareness: Tune into your body. How is it moving right now? Do you feel tension or relaxation?
    • Balance: How does your body feel in space? Are you standing firmly, sitting steadily, or do you feel unbalanced?
  3. Document Your Sensory Perceptions: Use a small notebook or note-taking app to jot down what you experience during each Check-In. You don’t need to write long texts—short notes or sketches will suffice.

Goal of the Exercise:
This method helps you reconnect with yourself and sharpen your senses in a busy day. By tuning into all your senses, you can bring yourself back into the moment and experience the "here and now" more consciously. Reflect on how these experiences can provide insights for developing your inquiry-based learning project.

A Little Challenge:
Try this exercise for several days and observe how your perception gradually changes. Can you notice subtle differences or new details in your sensory impressions over time


ApproachesEmerging SpaceRessources