Affordances:
As I have tried to come to terms with what 'affordances' is, from reading countless quotes from Gibson, Norman, Gaver I could present you with what the experts have to say, however your reading this because you want to hear from me and not the view of someone else... Im a simple person, so here is affordances in my own simple manner.
Affordances is the essence of our environment or an object that allows an individual to engage in an action, which results in any given action leading to further activity and so on.
"For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction"... DONT PANIC... I am not about to rant about Newtons Law of Physics, however have you ever applied the laws to our everyday lives?
Applying this to Affordances is straightforward, take an action like cooking for example, the reaction to this is followed by eating. Affordances is essentially built up of certain attributes such as communication spirituality etc, it is from these which outcomes occur. So partying you say, what could the possibilities of affordances be?
The number one affordances which partying or celebrating brings an individual I believe, is communication, which creates social interaction. Speeches offer a great element to many parties, such as, weddings, 21st's, and farewell's. Speeches enhance communication through their stories, by capturing an audience no matter the size, and by promoting similarity within a group of strangers. Partying offers an affordances of communication, and from this a domino affect occurs through further relationships being established, memories being formed; to have them linger in our minds and recap on for varies circumstances. Communication prolongs the 'party'.
Humans I feel gravitate towards ritualistic behavior, for example over half the population celebrate their birthdays, new years eve, and weddings; to name a few. Countries all celebrate there own personal identity, New Zealand has Waitangi day, Australia has 'Australia day' and America has Independence day. Whether it is a wedding or your countries day, these celebrations can all be categorised into the same theme; Rituals. Rituals have occurred for hundreds of years, it is from these which humans began celebrating 'parites''. A party which is centered around giving special awareness to the particular affordance of history.
Although the term spirituality can refer to the connection to the universe through our activities, it also has a deeper explanation by providing meaning and purpose for an individual through their environment. I don't perceive myself as a very spiritual person by any means, especially in the sense towards the universe. However as I reflect on past experiences of my own 'partying', I am able to relate the connection. As I have stated preciously, there is more to 'partying' than just too many drinks, I am spiritually connected to the environment while 'partying'. For me the environment is a huge part to a successful party. I begin associating the environment with positive or negative feelings depending on my experience.
I am well aware of the number of cultures which through their history have developed spirituality within their parties. An area which I will go into more depth during my final writeup.
Aesthetics is the way an individual expresses a sense of beauty relating to the an activity. Call me shallow, however what I attach the word 'beauty' to, is the way in which something looks. Santayana (2003) states beauty can be defined as a characteristic of person, animal, place, object. Santayana expands by discussing beauty can connect, with the idea that provides a perceptual satisfaction. It is thanks to George Santayana that I am able to relate 'partying' with Aesthetics. With the knowledge of beauty embedded in my thoughts I am drifting towards 21st, and wedding speeches. Speeches are an expression of the truth, they primarily discuss the good within a person. Two factors which Santayana explains beauty as. I also believe many cultures use dance during parities, a dance which relates beauty within the culture. For many bystanders the dance would not hold any connection and beauty to, however it the perception from those involved within the culture which understand its true meaning and background.
Life in itself is its own affordances. From the moment we are born, until the moment we pass away, our life's have been established through our celebrations and parties. So is it not fair to suggest that from our first party, as individuals we then begin experiencing affordances' from one party to another, each affordances creating a timeline of history.
From the makeup of Ergonmics and affordances comes Ambience, personally I just like saying the word.( Haha moving on). I have explained that ergonomics is the way in which we analyze what goes into an activity, the so called fit in relation to person, environment and activity, while affordances is the outcome to which an activity brings. Ambience is the whole activity, the spirit or nature that an activity portrays. Different parties present a different nature or spirt. For example a wedding or 21st or hens party will all be associated with excitement or happiness, where as a farewell could be sad and unhappy. Within each party music plays a huge role in creating ambience. The ambience for which guests feel when the bride walks towards her groom is something that does not need words to describe but merely the way in which music notes in the air can bring such raw emotions out. Ambience is linked towards the 'atmosphere' and the effect is brings to the activity, is this a positive or negative experience for example. Every party is different, so many variables which can affect the overall ambience.
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Ergonomics
Dul & Weerdmeester state Ergonomics as a scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of human interaction, it applies appropriate theories, principles, and methods to design in order to fulfill human well being and overall performance (Dul & Weerdmeester, 1993).
The main focus of ergonomics is the relationship between the worker and the work environment, the role of the Occupational Therapist in ergonomics is to enable maxim function in daily living activities for individuals in work, home and leisure activities. (http://www.caot.ca/default.asp?pageid=295 retrieved 7/10/2011) It is therefore a science of designing the activity to fit the individual within the appropriate environment, rather than fitting the activity to the individual (Caulton & Dickson, 2007)
In considering this conclusion of ergonomics three dominate areas are effitent; Person, Activity and Environment. These three areas can be simplified by establishing what factors go where.
A brain storm in class conducted the following:
Person
Age, gender, responsibilities, life stage, motivation, sense of identity, skills, abilities, attitudes, confidence, finical circumstance, time and communication.
Activity
Cost of the activity, adaptions of materials, equipment needed, time of day/month/year the activity takes place and the degree of engagement required.
Environment
Physical, social, cultural, resources, space, time, distractions and accessibility.
In relation to my own activity: Partying
Person;
I consider myself a very social person and love any excuse to celebrate with family and friends, for what ever reason. Relationships are an important aspect to the current life stage I am in. A factor of this life stage is relating to human beings on a deep personal level, I feel that through a number of celebrations I have been involved in recently, this has enabled me to connect with others on a personal level. It is from these celebrations which memories have been created, a memory which I share with certain people, for different reasons. To me the memory serves as evidence that I have created a connection and also extends my relationship with those involved.
My own personal identity has been shaped through my ''parting'' (celebrations), influencing the creation of my identify has been a combination of family and friends and also the certain role I have played during certain occasions. From the list I developed in my last post I have been a bridesmaid at a wedding, a host at a dinner part, a best friend giving a speech at a 21st, a daughter at her parents 30th anniversary, I have been the birthday girl at my own party and a guest at a number of themed occasions. As one looks more deeply at the particular roles which has shaped my identity, each role I have experienced has created a different identity for others to view me as. I believe although physically I present myself as the same person to every party, depending on the circumstance and why I am there, who I am there for, I perceive my identity to be different. Which brings me to discussing my attitude, motivation and responsibilities towards partying. Without sounding like somewhat a broken record, depending on the situation and my role, the attitude, responsibilities and motivation in which I bring will alimentally depend on the celebration.
Activity:
The cost if the activity can vary considerable. For example if it was my own party or celebration then the cost would be rather large in comparison if I was attending a party which I was invited to and food and drinks were supplied. However to give some figures around the cost, it can go from $8 for a simple party with drinks which require just a bottle of wine or the hundreds, when it is your own 21st but then it can be in the thousands when analyzing the cost of a wedding.
Reason for cost considerations:
1) Food and drink
2) Venue
3) Gift
4) Transport
5) Outfit
The time which a party occurs is very important. For example right now students are busy with exam prep and therefore a small minority of 21st parties occur at this time of the year. Planning for a party in terms of weather is also an important factor.
Material again vary from each party to another. I could expand greatly on this and discuss with you cups and plates, table and chairs however given that I am already pushing my word cup I feel that it is self explanatory given that we have all attended several parties in our life time.
Environment:
The main focus of ergonomics is the relationship between the worker and the work environment, the role of the Occupational Therapist in ergonomics is to enable maxim function in daily living activities for individuals in work, home and leisure activities. (http://www.caot.ca/default.asp?pageid=295 retrieved 7/10/2011) It is therefore a science of designing the activity to fit the individual within the appropriate environment, rather than fitting the activity to the individual (Caulton & Dickson, 2007)
In considering this conclusion of ergonomics three dominate areas are effitent; Person, Activity and Environment. These three areas can be simplified by establishing what factors go where.
A brain storm in class conducted the following:
Person
Age, gender, responsibilities, life stage, motivation, sense of identity, skills, abilities, attitudes, confidence, finical circumstance, time and communication.
Activity
Cost of the activity, adaptions of materials, equipment needed, time of day/month/year the activity takes place and the degree of engagement required.
Environment
Physical, social, cultural, resources, space, time, distractions and accessibility.
In relation to my own activity: Partying
Person;
I consider myself a very social person and love any excuse to celebrate with family and friends, for what ever reason. Relationships are an important aspect to the current life stage I am in. A factor of this life stage is relating to human beings on a deep personal level, I feel that through a number of celebrations I have been involved in recently, this has enabled me to connect with others on a personal level. It is from these celebrations which memories have been created, a memory which I share with certain people, for different reasons. To me the memory serves as evidence that I have created a connection and also extends my relationship with those involved.
My own personal identity has been shaped through my ''parting'' (celebrations), influencing the creation of my identify has been a combination of family and friends and also the certain role I have played during certain occasions. From the list I developed in my last post I have been a bridesmaid at a wedding, a host at a dinner part, a best friend giving a speech at a 21st, a daughter at her parents 30th anniversary, I have been the birthday girl at my own party and a guest at a number of themed occasions. As one looks more deeply at the particular roles which has shaped my identity, each role I have experienced has created a different identity for others to view me as. I believe although physically I present myself as the same person to every party, depending on the circumstance and why I am there, who I am there for, I perceive my identity to be different. Which brings me to discussing my attitude, motivation and responsibilities towards partying. Without sounding like somewhat a broken record, depending on the situation and my role, the attitude, responsibilities and motivation in which I bring will alimentally depend on the celebration.
Activity:
The cost if the activity can vary considerable. For example if it was my own party or celebration then the cost would be rather large in comparison if I was attending a party which I was invited to and food and drinks were supplied. However to give some figures around the cost, it can go from $8 for a simple party with drinks which require just a bottle of wine or the hundreds, when it is your own 21st but then it can be in the thousands when analyzing the cost of a wedding.
Reason for cost considerations:
1) Food and drink
2) Venue
3) Gift
4) Transport
5) Outfit
The time which a party occurs is very important. For example right now students are busy with exam prep and therefore a small minority of 21st parties occur at this time of the year. Planning for a party in terms of weather is also an important factor.
Material again vary from each party to another. I could expand greatly on this and discuss with you cups and plates, table and chairs however given that I am already pushing my word cup I feel that it is self explanatory given that we have all attended several parties in our life time.
Environment:
When it comes to partying, the environment in which this occurs can either make or break the event. The environment MUST fit the circumstance, the reason for occasion and the individuals involved. A party can take place in countless venues. The environment for this activity plays a huge role setting the overall mood among guests. An environment can portray a huge cultural and spiritual aspect to the party.
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Emma's quality blogging continues
Semester two participation has begun and instead of focusing on technology the topic for this paper is Activity analysis. Over the next 6 posts I will provide the reader an in depth analysis of an activity which I partake in for at least two hours each week.
My activity: P A R T Y I N G
Ha, I know what your thinking, partying really? What on earth does parting have to do with Occupational therapy? Throughout my posts I will attempt to change your view on the term 'partying' as I explore the true meaning of this activity.
Partying is much more than too many drinks on a saturday night, the dictionary states a party is a social gathering to celebrate an occasion. Such things include;
- Dinner party
- masque party
- costume party
- Hens party
- slumber party
- house warming
- Birthday party
- Baby shower
- Farewell party
What is this activity like and what does it mean to me?
Words such as, fun, connection, friendship, laughter, and enjoyment spring to my mind. I am a very social person, and love getting together with friends over a celebration. I also enjoy meeting new people at such gatherings.
What might this activity mean to me as an Occupational therapist
Meaningful occupation to any patient or client is extremely important. Whether that patient is a 10 year old needing to engage in a slumber party, a 21 year celebrating their 21st or an elderly man reaching his 80th birthday the opportunities are endless and something I believe many of us take for granted. Enabling patients to socially interact, to celebrate with family and friends in a functional state is very important to therapists.
Practical Considerations
I believe time is the biggest factor to my activity. An individual needs the time in order to 'party'. Because this activity i feel falls under play, I consider partaking in this activity as free will, therefore there is no added pressure 'making' you engage in it. When thinking of practical considerations I swayed towards the preparation side of partying, the planning of one. For example, ensuring there is enough food, and drink is vital. Location is also important, as this could affect whether guests come or not. Music also needs to be mentioned, this must fit who is invited. And also the space in which the party is. This must cater for the number of people coming, you dont want something which is overly big or too small.
Practical Considerations
I believe time is the biggest factor to my activity. An individual needs the time in order to 'party'. Because this activity i feel falls under play, I consider partaking in this activity as free will, therefore there is no added pressure 'making' you engage in it. When thinking of practical considerations I swayed towards the preparation side of partying, the planning of one. For example, ensuring there is enough food, and drink is vital. Location is also important, as this could affect whether guests come or not. Music also needs to be mentioned, this must fit who is invited. And also the space in which the party is. This must cater for the number of people coming, you dont want something which is overly big or too small.
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