Shout out to Fabiha for this very sick poster!
This Thursday (Nov 21), we launched our stress ball making event and it went very well!
Leading up to the event, I 3D-printed some funnel stands so that participants wouldn’t have to hold the funnel while filling it with clay. When I was first printing the stands, I realized that did not scale the funnels properly but it worked out anyways because it still was big enough for the funnels if I flipped it over (although the support mechanism is not optimal). With this in mind, I made sure the third one was wide enough for the funnels.
From the week before, we devised two adjustments: the room and the choice to add essential oils for scent. On top of using PlayDoh and balloons, we figured that essential oils not only provided a pleasant element to one’s experience during the event but it also added a layer of personalization, where participants can pick the essential oil they want to put in the balloon from a selection.
As we were setting up and moving the equipment necessary for the event, Rebekah suggested that we try hosting the event in a different room. Originally, we were going to host it in 325, which is an big, open space where people do work and use desktop computers. We figured that a collaborative event could possibly disrupt the surrounding people and that an enclosed space could be better for a low sensory event. So, I went to Sam and she agreed to change our reservation from room 325 to room 324.
As we were setting up lights and displays for the event, we ran into a minor technical issue with the TV in the room. The newly implemented system was not something I or anyone else present was used to, and it took us some time before we came around to the adjustments.
When the event was launched, Amy and a couple of staff members that took notice of our event participated and said that they enjoyed the experience. After, many people who entered the IDM hall took notice of the event and the promotional material and came in to participate in our workshop.
One thing I noticed about this workshop that I think is important to point out is the easiness of stretching the balloon, or lack thereof, to tie it or put it on the funnel. I found myself having to tie the balloons for most participants and sometimes, it was even hard for me. So, I think that is something I should attempt to iterate upon when developing ways to make stress balls in the future.
Overall, I thought the event went super well! Everyone who came said that they liked it and everyone who came was super social and friendly. My teammates and I were able to have great conversations with some participants that day.