Co-Creation of Tangible Products and Discrete Objects

Approx. Age: ~89 years, 1 mo old • Born: May 3 - 9, 1937

Curriculum Level

Level 12

Level Progress

538/ 4096

Current Age

~89 years, 1 mo old

Cohort

May 3 - 9, 1937

🚧 Content Planning

Initial research phase. Tools and protocols are being defined.

Status: Planning

Planning

Selected

Ordered

Received

Active

Current Stage: Planning

Rationale & Protocol

For an 88-year-old, co-creating tangible products and discrete objects demands tools that prioritize accessibility, ergonomic design, meaningful engagement, and intergenerational collaboration. The chosen primary item, 'DAS Smart Air-Hardening Modelling Clay - White, 1kg,' excels in these areas. Clay offers a highly tactile and forgiving medium, crucial for individuals with potential reductions in dexterity or grip strength. Its non-toxic, easy-to-work-with nature ensures safe and frustration-free use. The air-hardening property eliminates the need for specialized equipment like kilns, making it broadly accessible and suitable for home-based collaborative projects. This allows the 88-year-old and their co-creator (e.g., family member, caregiver) to focus entirely on the creative process and shared experience.

Clay co-creation fosters significant developmental leverage:

Adaptive Engagement & Low Physical Barrier: The pliable nature of clay allows for varying levels of fine motor skill engagement. It can be pinched, rolled, and shaped with minimal force, accommodating physical limitations. Ergonomic tools (included as an extra) further enhance usability.
Meaningful Output & Shared Experience: The process directly results in discrete, tangible objects—be it a decorative bowl, a small sculpture, or a 'memory object' symbolizing a shared story. This fosters a sense of accomplishment and provides a lasting physical reminder of the collaborative effort, strengthening relational bonds and contributing to a sense of legacy.
Cognitive Stimulation & Emotional Well-being: The planning, shaping, and decorating stages gently stimulate cognitive functions (problem-solving, spatial reasoning, sequencing) while promoting creative expression and emotional satisfaction. The shared activity encourages conversation, storytelling, and mutual support, profoundly impacting well-being.

Implementation Protocol for an 88-year-old (Co-Creation Focus):

Preparation: Set up a comfortable, well-lit workspace with the silicone craft mat. Ensure all tools are within easy reach and the clay is at room temperature. The co-creator should be present to facilitate.
Brainstorming & Connection: Begin by discussing ideas for objects to create. Encourage the 88-year-old to share memories, interests, or desired functional items. The co-creator can suggest simple projects (e.g., decorative tiles, small bowls, relief sculptures) that can be easily modified.
Collaborative Shaping: The 88-year-old should be encouraged to lead the primary shaping, using their hands and larger ergonomic tools. The co-creator can assist with conditioning the clay, providing gentle support, or adding details as guided by the elder. For instance, the 88-year-old might shape the main body of a bowl, while the co-creator assists with smoothing or adding decorative elements.
Storytelling & Reflection: Throughout the creation process, engage in conversation. Ask about the inspiration for the piece, memories it evokes, or the techniques being used. This enhances cognitive engagement and strengthens the co-creative bond.
Drying & Finishing: Once satisfied with the form, allow the object to air dry as per instructions. After drying, the 88-year-old can participate in sanding (if needed, with assistance) and painting using the non-toxic acrylics. The co-creator can help with finer details or applying varnish for protection.
Display & Celebration: Find a prominent place to display the co-created tangible product. Reflect on the shared experience, the stories embedded in the object, and the joy of creating something together.

Primary Tool Tier 1 Selection

DAS Smart Air-Hardening Modelling Clay - White, 1kg

DAS Smart Air-Hardening Modelling Clay 1kg

Example of Simple Air Dry Clay Objects

DAS air-hardening clay is globally recognized for its superior workability, non-toxicity, and consistent quality, making it ideal for the delicate handling needs of an 88-year-old. It's exceptionally pliable, allowing for easy shaping and molding with minimal physical exertion, addressing the 'Adaptive Engagement' principle. The ability to air-dry means no special equipment is required, broadening accessibility and convenience for at-home co-creation projects. This material facilitates the creation of a wide range of 'discrete objects' from functional items like small dishes to sentimental sculptures, directly fulfilling the 'Meaningful Output' principle and encouraging storytelling and connection. The tactile experience also offers gentle 'Cognitive Stimulation' and sensory engagement.

Key Skills: Fine motor coordination (gentle), Tactile sensory processing, Creative expression, Planning and spatial reasoning, Collaborative problem-solving, Communication and storytellingTarget Age: 80-100 yearsLifespan: 4 wksSanitization: The clay itself is consumable. Tools should be wiped clean with a damp cloth immediately after use to prevent clay from hardening on them. Hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

Also Includes:

Ergonomic Clay Sculpting Tool Set (24.99 EUR)
Large Silicone Craft Mat for Workspace Protection (14.95 EUR)
Mont Marte Premium Acrylic Paint Set - 12 Colors x 36ml (Non-Toxic) (19.99 EUR) (Consumable) (Lifespan: 26 wks)
DecoArt DuraClear Varnish - Matte (Non-Toxic) (10.50 EUR) (Consumable) (Lifespan: 26 wks)

DIY / No-Tool Project (Tier 0)

A "No-Tool" project for this week is currently being designed.

Estimated Shelf Value

80.42EUR

DAS Smart Air-Hardening Modelling Clay - White, 1kg9.99 EUR
↳ Ergonomic Clay Sculpting Tool Set24.99 EUR
↳ Large Silicone Craft Mat for Workspace Protection14.95 EUR
↳ Mont Marte Premium Acrylic Paint Set - 12 Colors x 36ml (Non-Toxic)19.99 EUR
↳ DecoArt DuraClear Varnish - Matte (Non-Toxic)10.50 EUR

Prices are estimates. Shipping & VAT calculated at source.

Origin Path

1
From: "Human Potential & Development."
Split Justification: Development fundamentally involves both our inner landscape (**Internal World**) and our interaction with everything outside us (**External World**). (Ref: Subject-Object Distinction)..
"Internal World (The Self)" (W1)
➔ "External World (Interaction)" (W2)
2
From: "External World (Interaction)"
Split Justification: All external interactions fundamentally involve either other human beings (social, cultural, relational, political) or the non-human aspects of existence (physical environment, objects, technology, natural world). This dichotomy is mutually exclusive and comprehensively exhaustive.
➔ "Interaction with Humans" (W4)
"Interaction with the Non-Human World" (W6)
3
From: "Interaction with Humans"
Split Justification: All human interaction can be fundamentally categorized by its primary focus: either on the direct connection and relationship between specific individuals (from intimate bonds to fleeting encounters), or on the individual's engagement within and navigation of larger organized human collectives, their rules, roles, and systems. This dichotomy provides a comprehensive and distinct division between person-to-person dynamics and person-to-society dynamics.
➔ "Personal Relationships" (W8)
"Social Systems and Structures" (W12)
4
From: "Personal Relationships"
Split Justification: Personal relationships can be fundamentally divided based on whether their primary origin is an unchosen, inherent bond (such as family or blood ties) or a volitional, chosen connection based on mutual interests, affection, or shared values. This dichotomy accounts for all personal bonds.
"Kinship and Familial Relationships" (W16)
➔ "Chosen and Affinitive Relationships" (W24)
5
From: "Chosen and Affinitive Relationships"
Split Justification: All chosen and affinitive relationships can be fundamentally categorized by the presence or absence of a romantic and/or sexual dimension. This dichotomy is mutually exclusive, as a relationship either encompasses these elements or it does not, and it is comprehensively exhaustive, covering all forms of chosen bonds from intimate romantic partnerships to platonic friendships, mentorships, and other volitional connections based on shared interests or values.
"Romantic and Sexual Relationships" (W40)
➔ "Non-Romantic Affinitive Relationships" (W56)
6
From: "Non-Romantic Affinitive Relationships"
Split Justification: All non-romantic affinitive relationships can be fundamentally distinguished by whether their primary focus is the direct, personal bond, mutual support, and shared experience between individuals (companionship), or if it centers on a common external objective, a specific shared activity, or the exchange of skills and knowledge (purpose or activity). This dichotomy is mutually exclusive, as a relationship's core driver is one or the other, and comprehensively exhaustive, covering all forms of non-romantic chosen connections.
➔ "Personal Companionship Relationships" (W88)
"Shared Purpose and Activity Relationships" (W120)
7
From: "Personal Companionship Relationships"
Split Justification: All personal companionship relationships fundamentally vary in the depth of emotional intimacy, vulnerability, and shared life experiences. Some connections are characterized by profound trust, extensive mutual support, and a central role in an individual's life, while others focus on broader social interaction, shared interests, and less intensive emotional engagement. This dichotomy comprehensively divides all personal companionship based on the intensity and scope of the bond.
➔ "Intimate Companionship" (W152)
"General Social Companionship" (W216)
8
From: "Intimate Companionship"
Split Justification: All intimate companionship relationships fundamentally differ in the scope and primary domain of their deep connection. Some are characterized by extensive integration into each other's overall lives, involving shared practical support, mutual navigation of life's challenges, and a broad presence across many domains of existence. Others are defined by a focused depth of connection primarily within the emotional, intellectual, or spiritual inner world, emphasizing vulnerability, profound understanding, and facilitating personal reflection or growth. This dichotomy is mutually exclusive in its primary orientation and comprehensively exhaustive, covering all forms of intimate non-romantic bonds.
➔ "Broad Life Integration Companionship" (W280)
"Focused Inner Life Companionship" (W408)
9
From: "Broad Life Integration Companionship"
Split Justification: All broad life integration companionship relationships fundamentally differ in how that integration primarily manifests: either through the active co-creation, co-management, and shared responsibility for a common practical life framework or undertaking (such as a household, co-parenting unit, or shared venture), or through providing pervasive, multifaceted practical and emotional support, deep presence, and mutual navigation for each other's distinct, yet deeply intertwined, individual lives and paths. This dichotomy provides a mutually exclusive and comprehensively exhaustive division of such profound non-romantic bonds.
➔ "Shared Life-Framework Companionship" (W536)
"Extensive Individual Life-Support Companionship" (W792)
10
From: "Shared Life-Framework Companionship"
Split Justification: ** The fundamental distinction for shared life-framework companionship lies in whether the primary focus of the shared framework is the joint management of a common domestic environment and daily routines, or the collaborative pursuit, development, or co-creation of an external project, enterprise, or significant undertaking. This dichotomy is mutually exclusive, as a relationship's core shared framework is oriented towards one domain or the other, and comprehensively exhaustive, covering all forms of non-romantic broad life integration centered on a common practical framework.
"Shared Household and Domestic Management" (W1048)
➔ "Shared External Venture and Co-Creation" (W1560)
11
From: "Shared External Venture and Co-Creation"
Split Justification: The fundamental distinction for shared external venture and co-creation lies in whether the primary output or focus of the collaborative undertaking is the creation of physical goods, material infrastructure, or enterprises primarily based on tangible assets, or the development of non-physical concepts, intellectual property, services, experiences, or informational systems. This dichotomy is mutually exclusive, as the core intent and result of a venture is primarily one or the other, and comprehensively exhaustive, covering all forms of collaborative external creation.
➔ "Co-Creation of Tangible Outcomes" (W2584)
"Co-Creation of Intangible Outcomes" (W3608)
12
From: "Co-Creation of Tangible Outcomes"
Split Justification: ** The fundamental distinction for co-creating tangible outcomes lies in whether the primary result is a self-contained, generally movable item or product (a discrete object), or a fixed, integrated construction or system that forms part of a larger physical environment or framework (a physical structure or infrastructure). This dichotomy is mutually exclusive, as a tangible outcome is primarily one or the other, and comprehensively exhaustive, covering all forms of collaborative tangible creation.
➔ "Co-Creation of Tangible Products and Discrete Objects" (W4632)
"Co-Creation of Physical Structures and Infrastructure" (W6680)
✓
Topic: "Co-Creation of Tangible Products and Discrete Objects" (W4632)

Research & Datasheets

Alternative Candidates (Tiers 2-4)

Simple Wood Carving Kit (Large Pieces & Ergonomic Tools)

A kit featuring larger, pre-sanded wooden blocks and ergonomic, easy-grip carving tools (often with safety guards) for creating simple relief or free-standing sculptures.

Analysis:

While good for creating tangible objects and providing cognitive engagement, wood carving generally requires more sustained grip strength and precision than clay. Even with ergonomic tools and larger pieces, the resistance of wood can be challenging for reduced dexterity, potentially leading to fatigue or frustration. It is less forgiving than clay, where mistakes can be easily corrected, making it a secondary choice for broad accessibility.

Intergenerational Story Quilt Kit (Large Fabric Pieces & Safe Needles)

A kit containing pre-cut, larger fabric squares, chunky thread, large-eye needles, and simple instructions for creating a collaborative patchwork quilt or wall hanging where each square tells a part of a shared story.

Analysis:

This candidate offers excellent intergenerational co-creation and storytelling potential, creating a meaningful tangible product. However, it relies heavily on visual acuity for threading and consistent fine motor control for stitching, which can be significant barriers for some 88-year-olds. While larger needles and threads help, the continuous nature of stitching can be more taxing than the adaptable, free-form shaping of clay.

What's Next? (Child Topics)

Final Topic Level

This topic does not split further in the current curriculum model.