Task 1: Defining Problem

What are some of the current issues confronting our world today? Amongst them, what is of interest and a cause of concern to you?

  1. Increasing Childhood Caries among Singapore Children: Teach Preschooler Good Tooth-Brushing Habits
    Dentists here are seeing more children with early childhood caries before the age of six, with some requiring general anaesthesia, 31 January 2013
    One in two Singapore Kids has Rotten Teeth, 14 May 2014
    Tooth Decay in Children Can’t Be Brushed Aside, 12 June 2017
    Dental Health among Pre-Primary School Children, 2017
    Despite dental efforts to promote good tooth-brushing among preschool children, at least half of the preschooler* children in Singapore has tooth decay and more than a quarter has severe early childhood tooth decay. Many parents neglect educating good brushing habits and some even delay dental check for their young children. They are unaware of the that decayed milk teeth stunts the growth of adult teeth. Many of the current programs that aim to educate good dental habits to preschooler children lacks sustainability.
    * Preschooler children refers to children age 7 and below
  2. Overconsumption in Our Society: Minimalist living- Buy wisely
    More Singaporeans Turning to Online Shopping for Better Bargain, 3 June 2016
    The Good and Bad Side of Consumerism, 11 July 2016
    The Pursuit of Less, 19 January 2018
    Overconsuming is Costing Us the Earth and Human Happiness, 21 June 2010
    Singaporeans are constantly surrounded with consumerism. With e-commerce and cashless payment on the rise, we are often coax to buy more. It’s time for Singaporeans to learn to live minimally – stop hoarding, buy wisely. After learning to live with less, I find myself being more mindful and less overwhelmed. This is exceptionally helpful to millennials and even working adults who are constantly engulfed with information, possessions and people that some are at the verge of stuff-o-cation.
    * The term ‘minimalist’ can be confusing with the art movement
  3. Increasing undergraduates’ engagement in (Singapore) Museums
    Museums Tell Teenagers: We Are Here for You, 15 March 2017
    Room to Rise Project @ Whitney Museum
    Engaging Young Adults in Museums
    There are numerous museum programs targeting different age groups and social groups but limited in targeting young adults. Many young adults (internationally and locally) perceive museums to be an all-serious and no play venue and they do not understand the works. Hence, despite schemes for free entry for tertiary students, visitorship is still low (except for arts-related majors).However, in my opinion, everyone is sure able to find a piece of art that they can relate to even without an art background. A connection needs to be made between the artwork and preconceive knowledge they have. Hence, I would like to target undergraduate students and curate art content based on their university majors.

    Final Selected Case: #1 Increasing Childhood Caries among Singapore Children: Teach Preschooler Good Tooth-Brushing Habits

  • Why is the issue important? Who does it affect and how?
    By nurturing good dental habits in young children help to prevent future dental problems when they are older which may require costly solutions such as braces, crowning and root canal. This cost would be bore by parents or the child themselves. Furthermore, Singapore has insufficient dentists and waiting list of rental services are long.

    Firstly, it will help to reduce childhood caries among preschoolers by teaching them the right brushing habits. Secondly, it saves parents from the costly dental services when they are older. Lastly, it reduces the strain on the nation’s dental services and ideally reduce the long waiting list.

  • Who do you need to communicate to, and why?
    The target audience are preschoolers age 3 to six because they are of age to learn to brush their teeth independently or under adult supervision. Ideally, they would recognize the importance of brushing their tooth through means of play and make it a habit. My secondary target audience are the parents of preschoolers as they play an important role in supervising their daily brushing habits and brining their children for bi-annual dental checks for cavities or abnormalities.
  • How has visual communication contributed to address the cause?
  1. Princess Prophy – A Tooth Fairy Pal Plush

    Lilac Paper
    Plush Toy and Print on Paper
    July 2017

    • They created a friendly tooth character to attract children’s attention
    • Checklist for children to brush their teeth independently
    • The plush toy is an effective reminder for children to brush their teeth before and after bedtime as it would be their bedside buddy.
  2. SHIT-IN-M’TEETH: Your Weapon Against Dental Damnation

    Erik Noyes
    Mirror, Acrylic and Print on Paper
    November 2014

    • They make a big deal out of food stuck in their tooth; the sarcastic tone makes it funny and catchy especially for young adults
    • It is credit card size and can be conveniently stored in wallet
  3. Penny the Pirate

    Satchi & Satchi (Australia)
    Print on Paper & Digital Platforms
    June 2014

    • Children eye test gets convenient; Children get eye checks at the comfort of their home
    • Eye test taken through form of storytelling
    • The format of a book and toolkit makes eye check interactive and convenient for children
    • Children get to role play as a pirate when reading the book
    • It provides full support – e-book and online instructions for parents