1.2 PRELIMINARY RESEARCH
INTERVIEW + VISUAL NOTES
This preliminary assignment summarized the research and data collection that had been done thus far in the project.
It provided a context to the design and research processes, an overview of the 1.1 Literature Search, and also included how we prepared for the interview with the participant, as well as the 'results' from the interview through a visual note summary paired with observations.​
The full transcription and paraphrasing of the interviews is also available to read in both Dutch, and English.
INTERACTION AND INTRODUCTORY MATERIALS WE BROUGHT TO THE MEETING:
(To keep it fun, light, and engaging)
Printed 3D shape nets of Archimedean solids
Refreshments
QUESTIONS WE PREPARED
Introduction slides of our group, for Arne and parents to get to know us!
+ A template for Arne to fill out
SUMMARY OF INTERVIEW - OBSERVATIONS
Unless indicated otherwise, the information was mentioned by the father, during the interview.
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EARLY DEVELOPMENT AND ABILITIES
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Exceptional motor skills (stacking up to 10 blocks at age 1).
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Early math abilities (counting to 100 on hands, learning multiplication tables by age two, square roots by four).
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Photographic memory and high sensitivity to colour variations.
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EDUCATION
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Regular school was not a good fit
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Attends a clinic for gifted children
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Learns more than just subjects at the clinic, also social and motor skills
(e.g., using scissors, understanding and accepting mistakes)
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Private lessons with a university calculus professor
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Traditional educational materials aren't as appealing because of course advanced math books are designed for adults.
SOCIAL AND COMMUNICATION RELATED
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Primarily interacts with older children (12-13 years old).
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Likes visiting the university since he feels more connected with students.
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Minimal communication at home; speaks only when necessary.
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Difficulty expressing himself verbally* but has improved much since last year.
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Rarely experiences peer pressure, showing strong independence.
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INTERESTS AND SKILLS
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Passion for mathematics
(unsolved problems, notation invention, infinity patterns)
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Enjoys drawing*, creating fonts, and watching math-related content
(3 Blue 1 Brown)
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Invents new methods before formally learning them
(estimating square roots, developing mathematical shortcuts)
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DAILY LIFE AND PERSONALITY
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Highly autonomous; follows a structured but self-directed routine.
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Finds amusement in math and independent activities*; can be isolated without being bored for extended periods.
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Likes stuffed animals, owls and penguins.
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POTENTIAL 'CHALLENGES'
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Needs a way to communicate ideas more clearly and existing, readable math notation.
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He would like colourful and engaging math materials suited to his age.
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Trouble asking questions*
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* Was observed directly during the interview
VISUAL NOTES
