How to Identify Kids-Designers at an Early Age (Age Group 05 to 10 Years)?
As we all know, kids in the age group of 05 to 10 years are highly energetic and tend to imitate the people around them in society, mostly their parents.
It is observed that during playtime, kids easily create and imitate the most famous professional characters such as doctors, engineers, teachers, nurses, and architects, as they commonly see these professionals around them. Moreover, their parents also encourage them to dress up like these professionals for their pretend play at home.
However, due to societal structure and bias towards certain fields, kids often become fixated on only a few selected career choices, such as becoming doctors or engineers.
If we ask kids about designers, they often struggle to answer certain questions like "What do designers do?", "What do designers look like?", and "Would you like to become a designer?"
In such situations, it becomes evident that kids are completely unaware of the field of design, and they need to understand the meaning of design, different types of design, and the importance of designers in human life.
We can explore the history of design and make a comparative study with other fields. By studying the journey of legendary designers and their struggles in the field, we can gain valuable insights.
How Can We Identify Kids Who Have the Potential to Become Great Designers in the Future?
Unfortunately, there is no specific test in India that can help identify the qualities of a designer in kids at an early age (Age 05 to 10 Years).
In Maharashtra, there are certain tests and certificate courses conducted, primarily focused on creativity and drawing. These tests are known as the "Maharashtra Government Grade Examination" conducted by the Directorate of Art, Mumbai. The examination comprises two types: "Elementary Grade Examination" for children aged 06 to 12 years and "Intermediates Grade Examination" for children aged 13 years and above.
However, the Central and State Governments of India do not offer any courses for kids in the age group of 05 to 10 years specifically related to design attributes.
Research suggests that kids in the age group of 05 to 10 years are capable of understanding various things, such as identifying objects like fruits, vegetables, flowers, birds, utensils, and common daily use products. They can also draw things that they understand properly.
To Become a Designer in Any Field, the Following Basic Qualities Are Necessary for Kids in the Age Group of 05 to 10 Years:
- Ability to identify objects.
- Sense of colour
- Visual perception (identification and imitation)
- Imagination
- Drawing skills
It is crucial to develop courses for kids who are interested in becoming designers in the future.
To design "Basic Courses for early-age designer aspirants," the following course tests can be used to identify design abilities in kids (Age Group 05 Years to 10 Years):
- Visual perception (identification and imitation)
- Sense of colour (developing a basic understanding of colour schemes)
- Imagination (developing visual perception and story creation)
- Drawing skills (cultivating the habit of drawing with precision)
- Ability to identify objects (enhancing semiotic abilities)