In Socials we have just finished learning about the Industrial revolution. As our main assignment of the unit, we had to make our own inventions. From simply brainstorming ideas to marketing, choosing a price, and being conscious of environmental impacts. I took a creative risk, in generating ideas that add to already invented ideas. This risk paid off, as I was able to enhance the original products into one. A dry conditioner hairbrush called the Drycon. I was also happily able to indulge in some of my passions while working, and I researched materials which impacted my ideas for the sustainability of this brush. This shows how I used the core competency Creative Thinking, in my Industrial Revolution project.

One of the challenging parts of this assignment was coming up with an idea. To think of my invention I walked around my house, looking at some of the things that occupy my space. Passing my bathroom I spotted my hairbrush, and thought about how getting soft hair was such a pain. Showering took time, and dry conditioner had to be sprayed on before brushing, an annoying extra step. I took the already invented products- a hairbrush and dry conditioner, and added ideas of my own, evolving the two products into one. A good lesson I learned was that it’s ok to look at other peoples work, as you can build ideas on top of them. Inspiration is a big motivator, more so than pressure or the possibility of a reward. When you genuinely are interested in the assignment, and are eager with ideas, that can push you further; and of course it’s more enjoyable.

Speaking of more enjoyable, I was very pleased to find there was an opportunity to show my fondness of art. More specifically, drawing. I hand-drew a poster to market the product, as you can see above. And was also able to practice my growing curiosity in digital art, as you can also see above as I drew the diagram for the brush and the logo. Building off what I said in the earlier paragraph, drawing for me is an instant inspiration. I know this, and I know I can show my best work, using the least amount of time, using art. I consider myself good at finding a way to express the assignment with art, however with the Industrial Revolution project, it was asking us straight up to design our invention and marketing campaign. I think this is one of the things people love about school; to show their talents or passions to others, and grow and improve while doing so. It is one of the things I love, and so I thoroughly enjoyed this portion of the project.

But before I could dabble in that enjoyment, first came the research. We had to collect information on materials, and the cost as if we were actually planning to build it. My original plan was just a simple plastic brush. But while working I came across many different types, I saw how each made of different materials with different benefits and downfalls. Putting in the time to research, I was able to think of ideas and find my ideal design- using wood. Using wood is more unique than the typical plastic material, and allowed me to play a part in being environmentally friendly as wood is more biodegradable than plastic. I think this really impacted my product and widened my ability for marketing. I think doing your research before you devote to something can really benefit you, and your money, and your product. This is a good habit I learned over many trials where I spent money loosely, only to find a better deal somewhere else, or one that is more suitable to our earth. I can say proudly that my product is nice to our earth, and efficient.
Efficiency, or speed is something I find important when considering a product. When making this product, I wanted to create something that could make things easier for people. Our lives are busy; with work, school, sports and hobbies. Tools and technology can have an impact on people’s lives. They can be inspiring, comforting, or they can give you more time to do those things. The Drycon is designed to be that of the latter- conditioning and brushing in one, to give you more time to do other things.

In conclusion, I think this Socials assignment was very helpful and informative.
It really highlighted all the tasks and work that go into starting a business, and was very helpful to someone who has considered doing so. From researching materials, comparing prices, all the way to marketing and showing off your creation, this assignment let us have a taste in all these helpful skills and careers.
It has also shown me how Creative thinking guides me along many tasks and assignments I participate in; such as building on ideas, combining them to find a new way to solve problems, taking creative risks in order to enhance the product. I also realized how I incorporate my passions into my work, and how I think of ideas- by researching or communicating with my peers around me. I consider this project valuable because it has also opened my eyes to how technology, or items can influence people’s lives. Whether it’s to bring them comfort or energy, or to save them time and make their life more efficient, a hairbrush can not only make your hair smooth, but your everyday life as well.