AVA GARFINKEL
This project began with the prompt to reimagine or introduce a new ritual into my daily routine. I began by identifying my weekly routines, and out of the ones I identified, the one that I was most unfulfilled by was texting my long-distance boyfriend at the beginning and end of each day. What started as a way to feel connected when we were apart had turned into a chore that didn’t lead to much meaningful conversation. With this in mind, I began thinking of how meaningful conversation is difficult to attain in general, not just with a significant other but with many people in your life. My goal was to create an object that could stay in your home to help facilitate better conversation.
RESEARCH
I wanted to create an object that you could keep in your home and use with someone else when talking to them. I also liked the idea of exploring different questions for different types and stages of relationships. With this in mind, I began researching household objects that were small but could be expanded to reveal different sides. I ended up deciding on a puzzle cube made up of 7 pieces that included different prompts on the faces for different relationships.
In order to come up with different conversation prompts, I created an anonymous survey to ask people to reflect on the relationships in their lives. The responses from these 40 participants helped me create 65 questions that could be asked of anyone from close family to a new acquaintance.
PROCESS
I began with cutting and sanding 27 2” wood cubes by hand. I used two different sandpaper belts to achieve two different textures on the cubes in order to create a more interesting design. Using wood glue I attached the cubes into 7 different configurations, making the puzzle pieces. Then, I created 65 stickers with each of the different conversation starters written on them. These stickers were color-coded and used different fonts to distinguish which prompts were meant for which type of relationship. The stickers were placed on each of the 7 pieces so that when completely put together, no stickers were shown on the outside. Finally, I created a small base to make carrying the puzzle cube easier. The base was also engraved with a key on the bottom to note what the different colored stickers referred to.
EXAMPLE QUESTIONS
BASE KEY DESIGN
PRODUCT
Once completed, my conversation starter came out as a 6x6” cube with 65 unique prompts written on 7 different pieces. The shape and colors of the finished product made it aesthetically pleasing and a fixture that could be kept in your home, something important for any routine. The questions on the cube fulfill my original goal of creating a conversation facilitator, and the puzzle aspect makes this cube interesting to interact with by yourself or with others. I have enjoyed using this as a tool with others to learn more about them, and it’s something that I plan on incorporating into my routine when meeting new people.
