Team members
Chan Terng Tseng Nigel (ISTD), Sheeqal Rukirsor Sofyan (EPD), Soh Jun Xian (ASD), Peng Maoyu (ASD), Nicholas Witjaksono (EPD), Calvin Hia Qinglin (ESD)
Instructors:
Nagarajan Raghavan, Bige Tunçer, Malika Meghjani, Costas Courcoubetis, Keegan Kang
Writing Instructors:
Mission:
MoBlocks is a set of Architecture STEM building blocks, targeted at Preschool-Kindergarten Education. Students will build architecture structures using the blocks before digitalizing their creations onto the platform to perform customization to alter its appearance.
Vision:
MoBlocks is more than a toy. Educators can use it as a tool for documentation and create portfolios for their students. Besides architecture concept learning, MoBlocks can be integrated seamlessly into various curriculums and subjects, including those in the Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) curriculum.
Click here to try the education tool UXUI prototype!
Model Up began with the aim of introducing architecture to preschool children by using simple geometries and cross-platform play.
However, the potential of MoBlocks does not end here. The three sample videos represent the versatility of how MoBlocks can be adapted into various themes.
This is especially important for early childhood education where the curriculum is highly fluid with many different factors to consider.
Let your imagination take flight with us!
(1) The teacher conducts block building activities whereby the students will build and create a structure that suits the theme given on a playing base plate.
(2) Once completed, students may connect their base plate to a computer where their design will be read, translated, and uploaded onto the virtual platform.
(3) The students may proceed to customise their designs by altering the appearance through colour change and form shape, or the addition of architectural elements such as doors and windows or landscaping.
(4) After the creative process is done, the design can be saved on their MoBlocks account and be used to formulate their own personalised portfolio.
(5) The designs made by the students would be shown in the class design gallery page where they could visit and admire their classmates' creations.
(6) To conclude, the designs would also be uploaded to the platform, acting as a virtual classroom where activities such as show and tell could be conducted.
The proof-of-concept workshop was carried out in three stages to simulate the three-step approach of Model Up's gameplay to gain insights into an individual's playing experience from the session.
Prototypes of MoBlocks were 3D printed and serve as construction blocks in Stage 1 of the playtest. In Stage 2, stickers were made to replicate some design options that may be offered, such as trees and doors. Lastly, we created a martian desert theme in order to provide a virtual environment for the players.
In the final product, the 2D stickers will be converted into 3D elements for visualization and validation and this served as a pretotype for installation 3D virtual customization tools in Model Up Software. In addition, the user will have the option to share with others on the virtual platform.
The process and study findings are recorded in the video!
Virtual interviews and surveys with preschool teachers and parents were also conducted for market validation. In the process, we are fortunate to garner support from two premium preschools.
We received real-world feedback and brainstormed together on how to integrate MoBlocks playing system into a lesson plan. Please refer to the video in the media slider at the start of our website to see how it works in a classroom setting.
“We are moving towards a digital society with an emphasis on educational technology. I think my students will enjoy playing with MoBlocks!” - Ms. Wendy Tan (Josiah Montessori Preschool)
“We are very excited about the project and foresee the use of the innovative platform in our class’s curriculum. For example, we can create a virtual Animal Farm together with MoBlocks!” - Ms. Germaine (My Learning Haven)
Model Up was created by six boys who came from different pillars of SUTD but shared a common goal of love to play. We noticed a gap in the STEM toy market where Architecture is less emphasised. Hence, with the help of our capstone mentors, along with the assistance from the National Lean LaunchPad Programme 2020, we aimed to redefine the future of STEM education.
Though COVID-19 did have an impact on our progress, with the help of many different individuals that we are incredibly grateful for, the team was able to make good progress in the development of our first prototype.
Chan Terng Tseng Nigel
Information Systems Technology and Design
Sheeqal Rukirsor Sofyan
Engineering Product Development
Soh Jun Xian
Architecture and Sustainable Design
Peng Maoyu
Architecture and Sustainable Design
Nicholas Witjaksono
Engineering Product Development
Calvin Hia Qinglin
Engineering Systems and Design
© 2020 SUTD