We created a balloon popping race that would draw people in with the bright colors and childish appeal of balloons and giant crayons. Our original object was the one of the two giant crayons, which we gave to the runner. We had one of our team members race against our participant with the other giant crayon. Tacks were attached to the ends of the crayons to help the runners pop the balloons on the tracks. We set up a start line with chalk by our original base (the HUB) with details concerning the time and prize of the race (chocolate). There was not a list of set rules for the race to make it easier to communicate. We wanted the runner to interpreted it as a race to the finish line, following the arrows and popping the balloons along the way.
The Race
It took us 14 minutes to find our runner. We had a difficult time finding participants because they were either not interested in our attraction, or had to go to class. When we did eventually find our runner, he was extremely motivated and popped every balloon in sight. As it turns out, we were not the only ones setting up balloons.Team Kappa had set up some balloons along our track, and our runner targeted those as well (oops). He even went after a balloon that was off the track. Overall, our race was a success. The runner did not get lost and passed by all four flags that were along our track.
The Reflection
Our original
plan had been to pop balloons and have a sign to attract someone, but we
overestimated the amount of balloons we had and underestimated the distance we
had to cover, so there weren't any balloons left over at the end. The sign was
also unfortunately deemed unnecessary since we had chalk. Without a sign or,
really any way to attract people in a purposeful manner, many people we mimed
at just looked kind of uncomfortable and confused (understandable), and so
definitely not inclined to give us a hand. After ten minutes or so of
half-hearted miming, we decided to break the rules and talk in order to
persuade a runner. We still ran up against unwilling people, largely due to the
fact that most people had class or just did not want to run in the sunny
weather. The runner we finally got was really into the race, so we believe all
of our problems lay in planning for materials and attracting people to come
participate in this activity, rather than in the actual concept we decided to
pursue.
The Pictures
Early test of our idea with tacks attached to a piece of wood
Blowing up balloons for the race
Our runner popping a balloon on the track
At the finish line
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