Basic 9 · Creative Arts and Design · Creativity
Developing Designs, Making Folded Artworks and Analysing Performance
In this topic you will explore innovations in design through the design process, apply folding techniques to create artworks and carry out a post-performance analysis of your dance drama or play.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Explain how design supports innovation
- Create a folded artwork using available media
- Analyse a performance
What you already know
- Design process
- Folding
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Design
- Sub-strand
- Creativity
- Indicator
- B9.1.3.1.2 – Demonstrate understanding of the design process in relation to creativity and innovations in design
Introduction
Cars, phones and textbooks have all changed dramatically. Each change came from designers asking how something could be done better.
1. How Design Drives Innovation
Innovation often means improving what already exists. The first mobile phones were large and could only make calls. Designers made them smaller, added cameras and developed touch screens. Each step came from observing users, finding problems and testing solutions. The design process is the engine that takes a concept and turns it into a useful product.
2. Types of Innovation
| Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| product | a new or better item | solar lantern |
| process | a better way of doing | using mobile payments |
| service | a new way of serving | ride-hailing |
| social | solves a social need | community health volunteers |
3. Mobile Money: A Ghanaian Case
Mobile money shows that design matters. Many people had no bank accounts but did have phones, so companies designed a way of sending money by phone. The service had to work on simple phones, use local languages and be supported by agents. These design decisions made it easy for traders and farmers to use. It changed how many Ghanaians save and pay.
4. Protecting Ideas
A person's invention or artwork is intellectual property. Copyright protects artistic works, and patents can protect inventions. Trademarks protect brand names and logos. Ghana's Copyright Act protects music and art, as well as folklore. Respect others' work and do not copy it as your own. If you create something original, keep dated sketches and records that show it is yours.
New words
- intellectual property
- Ownership of creations of the mind.
- copyright
- The legal right to creative work.
- patent
- Legal protection for an invention.
- trademark
- A protected brand name or logo.
Summary
- Design turns ideas into useful innovations.
- Innovation can involve products, processes and services.
- Intellectual property law protects creators.
Class activity: Product Timeline
- Choose a product such as the radio.
- Draw how it has changed over time.
- Suggest its next improvement.
You need: Pencils, Drawing paper, Printed photographs of Ghanaian stools, Baskets
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Copyright protects…
- A. creative works
- B. roads
- C. rainfall
- D. rivers
Show answer
Answer: creative worksLaw.2. Mobile money is an example of…
- A. service innovation
- B. casting
- C. folding
- D. mining
Show answer
Answer: service innovationNew service.3. Patents protect inventions.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueLegal.4. A protected brand name or logo is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: trademarkBrand.5. Name three types of innovation.
Show answer
Answer: Product, process and service.Any three.6. Why did the design of mobile money suit Ghana?
Show answer
Answer: It worked on simple phones and through agents, so people without bank accounts could use it.Case study.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Visual Arts
- Sub-strand
- Innovation and the Design Process
- Indicator
- B9.2.1.1.3 – Apply artistic techniques in folding by using available media to make creative artworks
Introduction
Now use folding to make something of your own. Start simply, then push the possibilities of your material.
1. Planning
- Choose a purpose: a sculpture, a mask, a lamp shade or packaging.
- Select the material: paper, card, foil or cloth.
- Sketch the form.
- Make a small trial model.
- Note how the material behaves.
- Make the final version.
2. Techniques
| Technique | Use |
|---|---|
| accordion pleats | fans and lanterns |
| tessellation | repeated patterns of folds |
| crumpling | textured surfaces |
| scoring | clean folds in thick card |
| slot-and-tab | joining without glue |
Scoring means pressing a line along the fold with a blunt tool so that thick card folds neatly. Accurate measuring and straight creases make your work look professional. Keep your edges clean, and fold on a hard, flat surface.
3. Using Waste Materials
Old newspapers, magazine pages and packaging can be folded into beads, baskets and decorations. Rolled and folded magazine strips can even be woven into bags. Such crafts can be sold, turning waste into income. Crafts made from waste are popular with tourists and at craft markets, especially if they are well finished and have a clear story.
4. Finishing and Display
Consider light and shadow, as these help to show folded forms. A lamp placed inside a folded shade creates beautiful patterns, though you must use only a safe LED lamp. Display your work on a clean background, with a label giving the title, artist, medium and date. Then write a short reflection on what you learned, and photograph your work for your portfolio.
New words
- scoring
- Pressing a line to help folding.
- tessellation
- A repeated pattern with no gaps.
- accordion
- A zigzag fold.
- crease
- A line made by folding.
Summary
- Plan folded work with trial models.
- Scoring and straight creases improve the finish.
- Waste paper can become sellable crafts.
Class activity: Folded Lantern
- Fold a lantern from card.
- Decorate it.
- Display it with a label.
You need: Brown paper, Raffia strips, Scissors
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A zigzag fold is…
- A. an accordion fold
- B. a casting
- C. a relief
- D. a chord
Show answer
Answer: an accordion foldPleats.2. Scoring helps to…
- A. fold thick card neatly
- B. melt wax
- C. mix plaster
- D. tune a drum
Show answer
Answer: fold thick card neatlyTechnique.3. Waste paper can be used for crafts.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueRecycling.4. A line made by folding is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: creaseTechnique.5. Give three media for folding.
Show answer
Answer: Paper, card and foil.Any three.6. Why are test models useful in folded art?
Show answer
Answer: They show how the material behaves before the final work is made.Process.
Lesson 3
- Strand
- Performing Arts (Dance and Drama)
- Sub-strand
- Creative and Aesthetic Expression
- Indicator
- B9.2.2.3.8 – Post-performance analysis of the original dance drama and/ or one act play
Introduction
After the applause fades, the most useful work begins: thinking about what happened on stage.
1. What Is Post-Performance Analysis?
Post-performance analysis: Reviewing a performance after it ends to learn from it.
Professional companies meet after a show to discuss what worked and what did not. They review the script, acting, movement, music, set and audience response. Reviewing is not about blaming anyone. It is about learning. Take notes straight after a performance, while your memory is fresh. If possible, watch a video recording, as this shows things that you could not see while on stage.
2. What to Analyse
| Area | Questions |
|---|---|
| theme | Was the message clear? |
| acting | Were the characters believable? |
| voice | Could everyone be heard? |
| movement | Did blocking and dance help the story? |
| costume and set | Did they suit the work? |
| music | Did it support the mood? |
| audience | How did they react? |
3. Audience Feedback
Ask audience members to say what they understood and felt. Short questionnaires can work well. Ask, "What was the main message?" and "Which moment did you remember?" Compare their answers to your aims. If you wanted to teach about bullying, but people talked mostly about a funny character, you may need to rethink your balance.
4. Writing a Review
- Introduce the work, its title and date.
- Summarise the story and theme.
- Comment on acting, movement and design.
- Give evidence from the performance.
- State what worked well and what could improve.
- Give your overall judgement.
Be fair, specific and respectful. Say "The climax was hard to hear because the drum was louder than the actor" rather than "It was bad". Your review belongs in your portfolio.
New words
- analysis
- Careful study of the parts of something.
- review
- A written judgement of a work.
- audience
- The people watching a performance.
- evidence
- Details that support a judgement.
Summary
- Post-performance analysis reviews what worked.
- Consider theme, acting, movement and audience response.
- Reviews must be fair, specific and based on evidence.
Class activity: After the Show
- Watch a video of your performance.
- Discuss the seven areas.
- Write a group review.
You need: Mobile phone with recorded class performance, Printed appraisal checklist, Pencils
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Reviewing a performance afterwards is…
- A. post-performance analysis
- B. rehearsal
- C. improvisation
- D. blocking
Show answer
Answer: post-performance analysisReview.2. A strong review uses…
- A. evidence from the performance
- B. insults
- C. only praise
- D. no details
Show answer
Answer: evidence from the performanceFairness.3. Audience feedback is useful.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueResponse.4. The people who watch a performance are the ______.
Show answer
Answer: audienceTheatre.5. Name four areas for analysis.
Show answer
Answer: Theme, acting, costume and music.Any four.6. What should you do if the audience missed your message?
Show answer
Answer: Rethink the balance of the script and emphasis in the performance.Improvement.
Homework
- Write a review of a performance you have seen.