Ming Chiang

Abstract

Since Bakken, the world's first amusement park, opened in 1583 at Klampenborg, Denmark, amusement parks have become a fun place for people to spend quality time with family. Early versions of American amusement parks in the United States entertained patrons by providing picnic groves, concert halls and events like fireworks. However, with the rapid evolution of technology, the primary characteristic of many of today's parks are rides which are, first and foremost, breathtaking. In other words, amusement parks tend to gratify a desire for thrills rather than provide a space for parents and children to enjoy spending time and playing together. My thesis proposes a way to make the amusement park a place for play where parents and children share fun together. I design two rides which target six- to twelve-year-olds and their parents, and enable them to positively interact and collaborate with each other. After conducting research, including field trips to experience firsthand current amusement rides, a study of middle childhood development, and a questionnaire collecting people's perception of play, I design Carstruction and Spacejump to satisfy people's desire for true play. It is my intent for riders to play an active role and provide certain interactions between the riders in order for the ride to function. This cooperative dynamic encourages child development as well as parent-child relationships. Operating instructions and computer-generated scenarios are illustrated, and a semi-scale mockup of a ride is fabricated for an evaluation of its feasibility in terms of technology, marketability, and legality. Following a trial ride, users' feedback is documented and inspires future design revision.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Amusement rides--Design and construction; Amusement parks--Design and construction; Play; Parent and child

Publication Date

9-1-2011

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

School of Design (CIAS)

Advisor

Sherman, Kim

Advisor/Committee Member

Condry, Kirsten

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: GV1859 .C44 2011

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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