I would like to clarify and introduce some terms for you in order to read this text in the desired way. For a while, we will stay in the bight of this journey as we move into forming loops, theories and ideas on how interactive picture books can be used to foster curiosity for reading and creativity for children. I am building a web platform called Wink that aims to contain a children’s story I wrote and am making into an interactive experience, in relation to my research.
I would like to clarify and introduce some terms for you in order to read this text in the desired way. For a while, we will stay in the bight of this journey as we move into forming loops, theories and ideas on how interactive picture books can be used to foster curiosity for reading and creativity for children. I am building a web platform called Wink that aims to contain a children’s story I wrote and am making into an interactive experience, in relation to my research.
<figure>
{.image-80}
<imgsrc="../irmak/unnamed.png"
Through this bight of the thesis, I feel the necessity to clarify my intention of using knots as a “thinking and writing object” throughout my research journey. Although knots are physical objects and technically crucial in many fields of labor and life, they are also objects of thought and are open for wide minds’ appreciation. Throughout history, knots have been used to connect, stop, secure, bind, protect, decorate, record data, punish, contain, fly and many other purposes. So if the invention of flying -which required a wing that was supported using certain types of knots was initiated with the knowledge of how to use strings to make things, why wouldn’t a research paper make use of this wonderful art as an inspiration for writing and interactive reading?
alt="knot words from Leeszaal" />
<figcaptionaria-hidden="true">knot words from Leeszaal</figcaption>
</figure>
Through this bight of the thesis, I feel the necessity to clarify my intention of using knots as a “thinking and writing object” throughout my research journey. Although knots are physical objects and technically crucial in many fields of labor and life, they are also objects of thought and are open for wide minds’ appreciation. Throughout history, knots have been used to connect, stop, secure, bind, protect, decorate, record data, punish, contain, fly and many other purposes. So if the invention of flying -which required a wing that was supported using certain types of knotswas
initiated with the knowledge of how to use strings to make things, why wouldn’t a research paper make use of this wonderful art as an inspiration for writing and interactive reading?
## KNOTS AS OBJECTS TO THINK WITH
## KNOTS AS OBJECTS TO THINK WITH
There is a delicate complexity of thinking of and with knots, which ignites layers of simultaneous connections to one’s specific experience; where one person may associate the knots with struggles they face, another may think of connecting or thriving times. In a workshop in Rotterdam, I asked participants to write three words that comes to mind when they think of knots. There were some words in common like strong, chaotic, confusing and anxious. On the other hand, there were variations of connection, binding, bridge and support. Keeping these answers in mind or by coming up with your words on knots and embodying them in the practice of reading would make
There is a delicate complexity of thinking of and with knots, which ignites layers of simultaneous connections to one’s specific experience; where one person may associate the knots with struggles they face, another may think of connecting or thriving times. In a workshop in Rotterdam, I asked participants to write three words that comes to mind when they think of knots. There were some words in common like strong, chaotic, confusing and anxious. On the other hand, there were variations of connection, binding, bridge and support. Keeping these answers in mind or by coming up with your words on knots and embodying them in the practice of reading would make
a difference in how you understand the same text.
a difference in how you understand the same text.
<figure>
<imgsrc="../irmak/knot1.jpeg"
{.image-95}
alt="knot words from Leeszaal" />
<figcaptionaria-hidden="true">knot words from Leeszaal</figcaption>
{.image-95}
</figure>
<br>
Seeing how these words, interpretations of a physical object were so different to each other was transcendental. In this thesis, I am excited to share my understanding of knots with you.
<figure>
My three words for knots are resistance, imagination and infinity. Keeping these in mind,
<imgsrc="../irmak/knot2.jpeg"
I experimented with certain reading modes as you will see later on.
alt="knot words from Leeszaal" />
<figcaptionaria-hidden="true">knot words from Leeszaal</figcaption>
Knots are known to be used 15 to 17 thousand years ago for multiple purposes. These purposes
</figure>
were often opposing each other. For example, it could be used to let something loose or
Seeing how these words, interpretations of a physical object were so different to each other was transcendental. In this thesis, I am excited to share my understanding of knots with you. My three words for knots are resistance, imagination and infinity. Keeping these in mind, I experimented
to restrain it; for pleasure or pain; for going high above or down below… I believe this diversity
with certain reading modes as you will see later on.
of uses can also be seen in how people approach knots as an idea or a metaphor. One can think it represents chaos where someone else might see it as a helpful mark. Essentially, this diversity
is what got me interested in knots years ago and since then, I have found ways to implement this
Knots are known to be used 15 to 17 thousand years ago for multiple
“loop of thought” in my daily life and research methods.
purposes. These purposes were often opposing each other. For example, it
<sectionclass="loops">
could be used to let something loose or to restrain it; for pleasure or
There are two main reasons to why I chose to write this essay in a “knotted” format. One is that
pain; for going high above or down below… I believe this diversity of
I would like to share my process and progress of research on this project and this involves
uses can also be seen in how people approach knots as an idea or a
“thinking with an object”, in this case types of knots. In Evocative Objects, Sherry Turkle,
metaphor. One can think it represents chaos where someone else might see
who is a sociologist and the founder of MIT initiative of technology and self, refers to the object in the exercise of thinking as emotional and intellectual companions that anchor memory, sustain relationships and provoke new ideas. I completely agree with this statement through personal experience. The second reason is that I see this as an opportunity to experiment if I can use knots as an interactive (which is not in knots’ nature since they are mainly practiced in solo) and playful element in writing.
it as a helpful mark. Essentially, this diversity is what got me
This is also why I would like to take a moment to mention what happens to the interplay of
interested in knots years ago and since then, I have found ways to
processes in which we call thought when we think with knots in specific.
implement this “loop of thought” in my daily life and research
methods.
For Turkle and Seymour Papert, who is a mathematician, computer scientist and educator that did
remarkable research on constructivism, being able to make a reading experience tangible, or even
There are two main reasons to why I chose to write this essay in a
physically representable makes the process of thought more concrete. Concrete thinking in this sense
“knotted” format. One is that I would like to share my process and
is a way of thinking that I adapted to in the past years, where you think with the object and imagine
progress of research on this project and this involves “thinking with an
it vividly during the process and address meanings to it as you read or write along. This way it’s easier to compartmentalize or attribute certain parts of a text to an imagined or real physical item which makes the mind at ease with complex chains of thought.
object”, in this case types of knots. In Evocative Objects, Sherry
Turkle, who is a sociologist and the founder of MIT initiative of
Imagine you are reading a story… What if you think of the string itself as the journey and the slip knot (which is a type of stopper knot) as a representation of an antagonist because of its specific use in hunting, would this change your approach to reading this story? I believe so…
technology and self, refers to the object in the exercise of thinking as
emotional and intellectual companions that anchor memory, sustain
<sup><spanclass="margin-note"><imgsrc="../irmak/slipknot.png">Slipknot is widely used for catching small animals like rabbits and snares. It is also commonly used to tie packages.</span></sup>What if instead of a slip knot a bowline was on the string, would that represent something else in the story because of its usage in practice. A Bowline is commonly used to form a fixed loop at the end of a string; it’s strong but easy to tie, untie. Due to these qualities, we can imagine the bowline<sup><spanclass="margin-note"><imgsrc="../irmak/bowline.png">Bowline is known to be used since 1627. Some believe it was used in Ancient Egypt because a knot resembling it was discovered in the tomb of pharaoh Cheops. Even after it's used and very tight, bowline is still easy to untie, which makes it commonly used.</span></sup> to represent the conclusion in a story. What if we have a Square Knot, how would that change the course of a narrative? Square knot is used to bundle objects and make the two ends of the same string connect. From just this, we can use it to represent the connection between the beginning and end of a story. My point is, there are limitless implementations on how to use knots in literature because of their versatile purposes and the narrative vocabulary they create. Topologists are still trying to identify seemingly infinite numbers of combinations which we simply call “knots” and I see this as an inspiration to keep writing.
relationships and provoke new ideas. I completely agree with this
statement through personal experience. The second reason is that I see
One example of the wondrous versatility and potential of knots is how they are used to archive and encrypt information. Incan people from the Andes region recorded information on Quipus, dating back to 700 CE Quipus are textile devices consisting of several rows of cotton and/or camelid string that would be knotted in a specific way to record, store and transmit information ranging from accounting and census data to communicate complex mathematical and narrative information (Medrano, Urton, 2018). Another example is the Yakima Time Ball, which was used by North-American Yakama people to show life events and family affairs.<sup><spanclass="margin-note"><imgsrc="../irmak/square.png">Square knot is one of the oldest knots. Romans knew it as Hercules knot. A roman scholar claimed that it speeds up healing when used to secure a bandage. It is often used to tie belts and shoe laces.</span></sup>
this as an opportunity to experiment if I can use knots as an
interactive (which is not in knots’ nature since they are mainly
This is why I humbly decided to document my research process with a Quipu of my own. I am trying to symbolize the twists, decisions and practices throughout this year with knots of my choosing. I was inspired by Nayeli Vega’s question, “What can a knot become and what can become a knot?”
practiced in solo) and playful element in writing. This is also why I
would like to take a moment to mention what happens to the interplay of
processes in which we call thought when we think with knots in
specific.
For Turkle and Seymour Papert, who is a mathematician, computer
scientist and educator that did remarkable research on constructivism,
being able to make a reading experience tangible, or even physically
representable makes the process of thought more concrete. Concrete
thinking in this sense is a way of thinking that I adapted to in the
past years, where you think with the object and imagine it vividly
during the process and address meanings to it as you read or write
along. This way it’s easier to compartmentalize or attribute certain
parts of a text to an imagined or real physical item which makes the
mind at ease with complex chains of thought.
Imagine you are reading a story… What if you think of the string itself
as the journey and the slip knot (which is a type of stopper knot) as a
representation of an antagonist because of its specific use in hunting,
would this change your approach to reading this story? I believe so…
What if instead of a slip knot a Bowline was on the string, would
that represent something else in the story because of its usage in
practice. A Bowline is commonly used to form a fixed loop at the end of
a string; it’s strong but easy to tie, untie. Due to these qualities, we
can imagine the bowline to represent the conclusion in a story. What if
we have a Square Knot, how would that change the course of a narrative?
Square knot is used to bundle objects and make the two ends of the same
string connect. From just this, we can use it to represent the
connection between the beginning and end of a story. My point is, there
are limitless implementations on how to use knots in literature because
of their versatile purposes and the narrative vocabulary they create.
Topologists are still trying to identify seemingly infinite numbers of
combinations which we simply call “knots” and I see this as an
inspiration to keep writing.
One example of the wondrous versatility and potential of knots is how
they are used to archive and encrypt information. Incan people from the
Andes region recorded information on Quipus, dating back to 700 CE.
Quipus are textile devices consisting of several rows of cotton and/or
camelid string that would be knotted in a specific way to record, store
and transmit information ranging from accounting and census data to
communicate complex mathematical and narrative information (Medrano,
Urton, 2018). Another example is the Yakima Time Ball, which was used by
North-American Yakama people to show life events and family aff airs.
This is why I humbly decided to document my research process with a
Quipu of my own. I am trying to symbolize the twists, decisions and
practices throughout this year with knots of my choosing. I was inspired
by Nayeli Vega’s question, “What can a knot become and what can become a
knot?”
## WEAVING INTO THE TEXT
## WEAVING INTO THE TEXT
This thesis expects participation from its reader. You have the
This thesis expects participation from its reader. You have the <sup><spanclass="margin-note"><imgsrc="../irmak/broken.png">Broken knots are knots that aren't tied well, done with a wrong material or was under more pressure than it could take.</span></sup>option to have a mode of reading, where you will be guided by strings to This thesis expects participation from its reader. You have the option to have a mode of reading, where you will be guided by strings to start reading from a certain section according to the type of reader you are and read the loops one by one until the end, weaving through the text. To determine the string or mode of reading, there are some simple questions to answer.
option to have a mode of reading, where you will be guided by strings to
<sup><spanclass="margin-note"><imgsrc="../irmak/unnamed-1.png">Bends are joining knots. They attach two strings together. The bend above is a sheet bend and it works well when koining two different strings and can take stress.</span></sup>
start reading from a certain section according to the type of reader you
are and read the loops one by one until the end, weaving through the
text. To determine the string or mode of reading, there are some simple
questions to answer.
The three modes of reading are combine, slide, build. After you discover the starting point with the yes or no map in
The three modes of reading are combine, slide, build. After you discover the starting point with the yes or no map in the upcoming pages, you will continue the reading journey through the strings of different colors that will get you through the text. This way, the linear text will become in a way, non-linear by your personal experience.
the upcoming pages, you will continue the reading journey through the
strings of diff erent colors that will get you through the text. This
way, the linear text will become in a way, non-linear by your personal
experience.
Bear in mind that you can choose to read this thesis from beginning to end as a single string too if you wish so.
Bear in mind that you can choose to read this thesis from beginning to end as a single string too if you wish so.
Combine mode of reading is for readers who are more interested in the
Combine mode of reading is for readers who are more interested in the journey and the connections between process and result. Slide mode of reading is for more laid back readers who aren’t looking to connect
journey and the connections between process and result. Slide mode of
ideas but are more focused on the motivation and purpose of the project. Build readers are detail oriented and academic readers who would prefer a “traditional” lead to reading.
reading is for more laid back readers who aren’t looking to connect
<sup><spanclass="margin-note"><imgsrc="../irmak/hitch.png">Hitches are used to tie strings to a standing solid object.</span></sup>
ideas but are more focused on the motivation and purpose of the project.
Alongside the different strings to follow the text, there will be little drawings in the margins as seen above, which will have different representations like in a Quipu. Certain knots represent the experiences
Build readers are detail oriented and academic readers who would prefer
that raise interesting opportunities for research and distinct events I went through while making the project and underneath the drawing you can find the relation to the knot itself explained. For example if I
a “traditional” lead to reading.
couldn’t manage to do something I planned to do, this will be represented with a broken knot. Bend knots which are used to connect two strings, will be representing the relation between theories and my own experiences/motivations. Hitches which are knots that are formed around a solid object, such as a spar, post, or ring will be representing the evidence or data I have collected on the subject. We move on now with the working end and make some loops!
Alongside the different strings to follow the text, there will be
little drawings in the margins as seen above, which will have diff erent
representations like in a Quipu. Certain knots represent the experiences
that raise interesting opportunities for research and distinct events I
went through while making the project and underneath the drawing you can
find the relation to the knot itself explained. For example if I
couldn’t manage to do something I planned to do, this will be
represented with a broken knot. Bend knots which are used to connect two
strings, will be representing the relation between theories and my
ownexperiences/motivations. Hitches which are knots that are formed
around a solid object, such as a spar, post, or ring will be
representing the evidence or data I have collected on the subject. We
move on now with the working end and make some loops!
## HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR STRING
## HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR STRING
This map will reveal your mode of reading. The order of reading will
This map will reveal your mode of reading. The order of reading will be indicated with a loop sign Please hold a string in your hand as you read the text and make knots or loops as you weave through the reading
be indicated with a loop sign Please hold a string in your hand as you
as an exercise for concrete thinking. See you at the standing end! and a number on top of the sign with a color. This is the numeric order you should follow to read the thesis, if you choose to read with a mode.
read the text and make knots or loops as you weave through the reading
as an exercise for concrete thinking. See you at the standing end! and a
number on top of the sign with a color. This is the numeric order you
should follow to read the thesis, if you choose to read with a mode.
Every reader starts from 1 and continues until 12, with a consecutive numeric order, according to their color/mode.
Every reader starts from 1 and continues until 12, with a consecutive numeric order, according to their color/mode.
@ -189,7 +107,7 @@ living matter in us that keeps pulsing. So then I started researching bees and t
read Alan Watts, Alan Lightman, Emily Dickinson, Maurice Sendak, Meghan O’Rourke, Oliver
read Alan Watts, Alan Lightman, Emily Dickinson, Maurice Sendak, Meghan O’Rourke, Oliver
Sacks, Joanna Macy, Rilke, Montaigne and theories on order in chaos, correlative vision, harmony
Sacks, Joanna Macy, Rilke, Montaigne and theories on order in chaos, correlative vision, harmony
of contained conflicts and the mortality paradox. I wrote a lot and erased a lot and fairly
of contained conflicts and the mortality paradox. I wrote a lot and erased a lot and fairly
figured out the wisdom of not knowing things.<sup><spanclass="margin-note"><imgsrc="../irmak/hitch.png">I wrote and deleted and rewrote the story 3 times already.</span></sup>
figured out the wisdom of not knowing things.
Years passed and I wrote and deleted and rewrote the story that I am working on to make interactive
Years passed and I wrote and deleted and rewrote the story that I am working on to make interactive
today so many times and was waiting on it because it always felt incomplete. In a way it
today so many times and was waiting on it because it always felt incomplete. In a way it
@ -197,7 +115,7 @@ will always be incomplete because of the natural ambiguity the topic carries. Ye
back in my life with the loss of my grandfather. So therefore, the story I wrote and abandoned
back in my life with the loss of my grandfather. So therefore, the story I wrote and abandoned
changed again as I attempted to rewrite it as a diff erent version of myself with a diff erent understanding of death. And this went on… The story remained hidden and I forgot why it ever existed
changed again as I attempted to rewrite it as a diff erent version of myself with a diff erent understanding of death. And this went on… The story remained hidden and I forgot why it ever existed
in the first place.
in the first place.
<sup><spanclass="margin-note"><imgsrc="../irmak/broken.png">I wrote and deleted and rewrote the story 3 times already.</span></sup>
Last year when two earthquakes hit Syria and Turkey, I was drowned like everyone I know, by a
Last year when two earthquakes hit Syria and Turkey, I was drowned like everyone I know, by a
collective trauma and grief. Then this horrible feeling flared up by neglect and desperation. It was
collective trauma and grief. Then this horrible feeling flared up by neglect and desperation. It was
and still is impossible to mourn so many strangers at the same time. I lost two dear friends, I was
and still is impossible to mourn so many strangers at the same time. I lost two dear friends, I was
@ -212,12 +130,11 @@ story is actually a personal history of how I went through grief in diff erent s
me realise that it doesn’t have to be or even can be a perfect story.
me realise that it doesn’t have to be or even can be a perfect story.
In the end with the experience I had with loss, I believe the story turned out to be an ode to
In the end with the experience I had with loss, I believe the story turned out to be an ode to
remembering or might I say an ode to not being able to forget or an ode to the fear of forgetting
remembering or might I say an ode to not being able to forget or an ode to the fear of forgetting.
The effect of storytelling knowledge on kids’ development and creativity. What can
The effect of storytelling knowledge on kids’ development and creativity. What can
we learn from open ended and multiple ending stories?
we learn from open ended and multiple ending stories?
@ -253,7 +170,7 @@ be generally described in terms of immersions (spatial, temporal, emotional, epi
world (Ryan, 2009). When we are set to create or co-create a world, the narrative has eff ects
world (Ryan, 2009). When we are set to create or co-create a world, the narrative has eff ects
on us such as curiosity, suspense and surprise. At this point, we start creatively producing ideas to
on us such as curiosity, suspense and surprise. At this point, we start creatively producing ideas to
keep these three emotions.
keep these three emotions.
<sup><spanclass="margin-note"><imgsrc="../irmak/unnamed-1.png">Multiliteracy theory helped me ground my passion of using multimedia for children's literature.</span></sup>
Interactive storytelling reminds everyone but especially children that there are limitless endings to
Interactive storytelling reminds everyone but especially children that there are limitless endings to
a story that is solely up to the maker’s creation. Learning to think this way instead of knowing or
a story that is solely up to the maker’s creation. Learning to think this way instead of knowing or
assuming an end to a story, I think influences the children’s decision making abilities and sense of
assuming an end to a story, I think influences the children’s decision making abilities and sense of
@ -290,8 +207,12 @@ rest of this thesis: What is an interactive picture book? Is it a book? Is it a
What is it defined as? How can we design an interactive reading environment without confusing
What is it defined as? How can we design an interactive reading environment without confusing
@ -326,6 +249,7 @@ very important factors to keep in mind when trying to design an interactive expe
children get bored very easily and can be disengaged because of failure of solving/understanding
children get bored very easily and can be disengaged because of failure of solving/understanding
something in a story. This is something I kept in mind as I wrote for children and chose
something in a story. This is something I kept in mind as I wrote for children and chose
the interactive elements in the story.
the interactive elements in the story.
<sup><spanclass="margin-note"><imgsrc="../irmak/unnamed-1.png">CASA framework helped me understand the key elements in designing for children.</span></sup>
Finding the balance between making the interactive element surprising and making it easy to
Finding the balance between making the interactive element surprising and making it easy to
interact with is the key to designing for kids in this scenario. We don’t want to make them struggle
interact with is the key to designing for kids in this scenario. We don’t want to make them struggle
@ -340,7 +264,7 @@ where children can navigate easily and freely. CCI suggests that when introducin
to children its better to start easy and clear when they try it. Through this I think the best easy
to children its better to start easy and clear when they try it. Through this I think the best easy
interaction is the tap or click for children. It is easy to do, instinctive and common. So I decided to
interaction is the tap or click for children. It is easy to do, instinctive and common. So I decided to
base the interactive elements on click animations.
base the interactive elements on click animations.
<sup><spanclass="margin-note"><imgsrc="../irmak/unnamed-1.png">CCI was a theory that helped me decide on the interactive elements.</span></sup>
There are multiple ways to use digital gestures in storytelling to make the experience more intriguing.
There are multiple ways to use digital gestures in storytelling to make the experience more intriguing.
These are usually elements such as sound, animations, voice-overs that are ignited with a
These are usually elements such as sound, animations, voice-overs that are ignited with a
click or tap by the reader. For children younger than 5, its usually just tapping over the page and
click or tap by the reader. For children younger than 5, its usually just tapping over the page and
@ -353,6 +277,7 @@ part of a page is interactive by clicking on images. Another thing I found out i
being a part of the story. For the prototype of Bee Within (the story I am using to test interactivity
being a part of the story. For the prototype of Bee Within (the story I am using to test interactivity
also can be read in the appendix) I will focus on color, sound and click based animations according
also can be read in the appendix) I will focus on color, sound and click based animations according
What is the target age group for the designated prototype and why?
What is the target age group for the designated prototype and why?
@ -364,11 +289,7 @@ can also share and take turns more, listen and think about rules of a game. They
and connections easily.
and connections easily.
School age children are between the ages 6-12, which is Wink’s chosen age group is a little different.
School age children are between the ages 6-12, which is Wink’s chosen age group is a little different.
These kids can form more rooted friendships and engage in more complex narratives. They
These kids can form more rooted friendships and engage in more complex narratives. They learn to negotiate and compromise around this time as well. This age group is desired for Wink because kids this age are open to creative problem solving, connecting events and comprehending slightly more complex narratives. Moreover, this age group would benefit the most from the interactive stories and the reading process because of the developmental phase they are in.
learn to negotiate and compromise around this time as well. This age group is desired for Wink
because kids this age are open to creative problem solving, connecting events and comprehending
slightly more complex narratives. Moreover, this age group would benefit the most from the interactive
stories and the reading process because of the developmental phase they are in.
The average amount of time children between these ages use on a daily basis is depending on
The average amount of time children between these ages use on a daily basis is depending on
their parents and circumstances. But to be fair, it is often not less than 2 hours. If a child isn’t very interested in spending these hours reading a book, why not ask them: “Would you like to be a part
their parents and circumstances. But to be fair, it is often not less than 2 hours. If a child isn’t very interested in spending these hours reading a book, why not ask them: “Would you like to be a part
