32 EVENT EVALUATION

CHANGES ON THE DAY

• Last minute adjustments were made by adding black tape along the edges of the table - we ran out of silver tape and it was beginning to look a little too much silver in the bright sun!
• The 'prize' of the foil print for best postcard story was scrapped and replaced with a random 'raffle' using all entries with email addresses posted into our 'orbit transfer postbox' - chosen at random - this enabled less pressure to be placed on the public for a more casual experience. It felt uncomfortable to be 'judged' on a spontaneous story.
• Interacting with the public became easier throughout the day as we learnt how to approach them with the workshop and concept - could be overwhelming for passers-by who shows interest if we engage in full blown detail etc - a more laid back approach was more successful for interaction with the workshop.
• We also worked out the best place to be stood next to our table so as not to conceal any of the display and aid the movement around the circuit.
• The start and finish of the workshop was often unclear to public/participants -the circuit to allow the flow from one 'station' to the next was not very effective but was easily overcome by an explanation of the steps verbally

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• The use of chairs was not always necessary - some people stood to write their postcard - it kept the movement and flow - perhaps sitting put more pressure on a 'better', more considered contribution.
• We wanted to be approachable and laid-back in order for our contributors to feel comfortable and appreciated as part of our workshop - perhaps the costumes simultaneously showed a playful, welcoming side as well as causing apprehension in doing something that seems so 'random' and 'forced' by people dressed in 'official' outfits.

IMPROVEMENTS

• Stickers for the circuit did not stick well onto the tarpaulin but we had to make do. Perhaps hand drawing in Posca pen directly onto the tarp would have made better sense - due to time constraints this wasn't really an option
• Stickers of postage stamps proved fiddly for most people - easier peel stickers would have been useful
• Reasoning/explanation behind each of the steps - especially the stamping/processing area was hard to explain - Perhaps a clearer control panel or display board showing steps to be taken would have been an option - sticker additions proved to be ineffective on their own
• The proximity to other tables made it un-obvious for people to travel round the table rather than look at it from one side - other groups often had just one viewpoint
• The 360 degree approach the public had made a flow around the table from start to finish somewhat difficult - most approached from side where the postcards were to be written (mid way) - Perhaps arrows included within/replacing the circuit motifs would have improved clarity of a moving active workshop/work station
• The fictionalised location of space could have been better suggested I feel - perhaps by adding more buttons, lights and screens
• Some people may have been apprehensive in speaking to us - lots of the public came to look at the table searching for its meaning before asking - perhaps allowing them to read information and a simple task would have been better

SUCCESS

• Balloon drew people in from afar - the raising and lifting attracted eyes and fitted within space of the Forum really well
• Silver aesthetic made table less-recognisable - could we have extended the covering to the floor to hide the table legs?
• Active/fun/creative workshop - nice mix of factual & fictional narrative - members of the public showed varied amounts of interest and engagement as we had expected - we also had some uplifting conversations with those who were eager to get involved, ask questions and share knowledge
• Release of balloon as momentous 'send-off/blast-off' and extra idea of public interaction/collaboration - perhaps an ascent into space? or just reaching a further audience than just the Forum
• It was clear to see a general appreciation from the public - learning things - seeing something different/creative - getting away from busy lives/jobs - doing something tactile, spontaneous & playful under no pressure

The whole event felt really positive, there was a massive mix of approaches to workshops and stalls with their interaction - some were very hands-on, others less so. They all appealed to and were made appropriate for the audience.

It was great to see updates with the printing Nick at Notewell Press has been doing recently - he had gained an extra colour drum for his Risograph printer. I asked about colour selection on drawings and noted my future plans to contact and collaborate through printing with him next year!