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How to Make a Paper Pinwheel

Submitted to: Human Development and Family Science Majors

Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331

Submitted by: xxxxxxxxxx

Human Development and Family Sciences major Oregon State University

May 14th, 2014

Table of Contents

Instructions 1-4 Disclaimer & Materials 1 Step 1-3 2 Step 3-5 3 Step 8 4

Lab Report 5-7 Introduction 5 Methodology 5 Results 5-6 Changes Made for Final 6 Time Spent/Expenses 6 Conclusion 7

Usability Test Logs 8-12

How to Make a Paper Pinwheel 1

How to Make a Paper Pinwheel

These are instructions for an easy craft to make and enjoy outside. This craft can be completed by an individual of any age but is most suitable for kids. It will allow them to be creative and

learn about wind at the same time!

Disclaimer

Approximate Time: 5-25 minutes Adult supervision recommended for this craft, especially for young children. Not suitable for children under 3 years old

Materials: (See Figure 1) • Square piece(s) of paper • Markers • Double-sided tape • Pin • Bead • Unsharpened pencil • Optional: Other decorations (glitter, stickers, paint), glue

Figure 1

How to Make a Paper Pinwheel 2

Directions:

1. Begin by decorating your piece of paper on one or both sides. You may decorate it as much or as little as you please. You can also glue two sheets of paper together to create a pinwheel with different colored sides. When working with kids, encourage them to decorate it as much as possible (see Figure 2). Note: Before moving forward, ensure that your paper is perfectly square.

2. When finished decorating, draw a dot in the center of the square with a pencil. Depending on the age of the child, you may need to assist them with this step. You can use it as a learning opportunity to explain what the center is (see Figure 3).

3. Make a cut from each corner straight towards the center for a total of four cuts. Stop each cut about 1 inch from the center mark (see Figure 4). This step may require a lot of adult assistance depending on the age of the child. After you are done with your cuts, you should have a square with four almost complete triangles made by your cuts.

Figure 2

Figure 3

How to Make a Paper Pinwheel 3

4. To make the pinwheel shape, fold one tip of every triangle to the center, allowing it to slightly cross the center dot (see Figure 5). Secure each tip with double-sided tape or glue.

5. Once all sections are folded to the center, take your pin and push it through the center making sure you poke through each of the four tips. When working with young children, assist them with this step so they don’t poke themselves (see Figure 6).

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

How to Make a Paper Pinwheel 4

6. Flip over your pinwheel and slide the bead onto the pointy end of the pin until it rests against the paper.

7. Holding everything in place, push the pin firmly into the eraser on the pencil (see Figure 7).

8. Make sure that the pinwheel spins effectively. If not, adjust the bead and/or pin until it spins freely.

Congratulations on completing your beautiful pinwheel! Now you can go outside and watch it spin!!

Figure 7

How to Make a Paper Pinwheel 5

Lab Report

Introduction:

Crafts are a great activity and an easy way to entertain kids or yourself! This pinwheel craft is simple and uses materials that are easily available. A usability test was used to test the effectiveness of these instructions and determine if changes needed to be made.

Methodology:

I held five usability tests between the dates of May 10th, 2014 and May 13th, 2014. I supplied the materials and provided the testers with instructions on my computer. All the tests took place in my home or in the home of the testers. The only cue I gave them was to look at the pictures if confused. I did this because it was harder to notice the pictures on the computer if they hadn’t scrolled down far enough. Other than that, I remained silent while they made their pinwheels.

Recommendations for future testing: I would definitely print out the instructions if I tested them in the future. It was harder to follow the instructions and see how all the steps fit together on the screen. I would also test my instructions on an adult working with a kid to see if they were effective in this setting.

Results: The first tester had a fun time making the craft but was confused by some of the steps. Especially the part where the corners are folded into the center was confusing. She also had trouble with the corners becoming unstuck because the tape was not sticky enough. She decided to change her plan mid way through and used the pin to hold the pinwheel together. She expressed that the craft was easy but could the instructions could be a little clearer, especially for working with kids. She has worked at a kid’s arts and crafts camp in the past, so her input was very helpful.

The second tester spent a long time decorating her craft. She is a good friend of mine so we chatted while she colored and decorated her paper. After that, she finished the rest of the craft easily. I forgot to bring tape to this test so she had to use glue, which worked okay. It was a little messy though and she commented that it definitely wouldn’t be suitable for kids. Like the first tester, she also commented that some of the steps could use more clarification.

The third tester was able to easily make the craft, though she didn’t decorate it or spend very much time on it. She decided to try the more advanced method and push the pin through all four tips. She had no problem with this but commented that a child would definitely need help with this step. Once she had made her pinwheel, she had difficulty getting it to spin with air and could only spin it with her hand. She continued to adjust it until it spun better but still not perfect.

The fourth tester had a very easy time making the craft. At the very beginning, she got confused because the paper she chose to use wasn’t square. She commented I should add that confirmation into my instructions. Otherwise, she went through the process with no problems.

How to Make a Paper Pinwheel 6

The fifth tester got very confused by the many of the steps. He said that I should make it clearer that there are two different options for assembling the pinwheel, either gluing/taping or using the pin. Other than that, he had no problems. He has worked with kids frequently in the past as well and commented on the simplicity and engagement that this craft would provide.

Changes Made for Final Draft:

After receiving feedback from my five testers, I compiled a list of things I will change for my final draft in order to make my instructions more effective.

• Clarify all steps, especially step 4 and 5 • Make it clearer that there are two ways to approach assembling the pinwheel or only

explain one way • Provide some information on when children might need guidance • Ensure that the reader knows their paper should be square

Time Log:

Task Start Date

Hours Projected

Hours completed

Due Dates

Planning Memo 30-‐Apr 1 1 7-‐May Writing First Draft 5-‐May 2 2 7-‐May Usability Testing 9-‐May 3 1.5 14-‐May Revising Instructions 11-‐May 1 1 14-‐May Writing Usability Log 11-‐May 1 1 14-‐May Assembling Packet 11-‐May 1 0.5 14-‐May Total 9 7

Expenses:

Item Quantity Unit Cost Total Pencils 5 0.10 0.50 Beads 5 0.05 0.25 Pins 5 0.01 0.05 Paper to print instructions 1 0.01 0.1

How to Make a Paper Pinwheel 7

Conclusion: The usability tests were extremely helpful in determining what I needed to change in order to have a clear and successful final draft. Many of my steps were unclear, which was commented on by almost all of my testers. I used this feedback to reword some of my steps and make my instructions more clear and readable. I am more confident that my instructions are now extremely user friendly and will help readers create beautiful pinwheels.

How to Make a Paper Pinwheel 8

Usability Test Log Sheet Fill out one sheet per user and then insert the findings in your Lab Report

Tester = you, the person with the draft instructions; tester may also be the observer unless there is another person to serve in that role

Users = people trying to follow the instructions to see where to improve; If user is not physically present, send the test log sheet for them to fill out and return

1. Fill out one sheet per user 2. Each user should be given the identical pre-‐‑test talk, including:

a. test is voluntary and unpaid, b. users should talk aloud about each step as they attempt to follow the directions c. users’ results will be tabulated and used for revising and improving the

instructions d. users should give the tester suggestions for improvement e. users may stop at any point, especially if safety is involved

3. Users should talk aloud and/or write notes on this Log Sheet as they attempt to follow the directions

4. Tester/Observers should record user’s progress and problems, and not answer any questions unless safety is a factor

5. Record data from all 5 test logs in the final lab report.

* * * * * Instructions for what product/process: Making a paper pinwheel User’s name: Grace Carosio Tester/Observer(s) name(s): xxxxxxxxxx Location of test (room #, building, etc): Grace Carosio’s House Date of test: May 10th, 2014 Start time of test: 12:04 End time of test: 12: 16

Results: User’s comments to fill out: Describe your attempt and degree of success: Fun and easy craft, had a difficult time getting the tape to stick, tried again sticking the pin through all four corners and had much more success Please give advice on the instructions: Add a little more explanation for some steps, maybe have pushing the pin through all four corners be the only option

Results: Observer to fill out: Notes for revision: Clarify explanations, change step 5?

How to Make a Paper Pinwheel 9