Step 1

How did we create a Central Idea?

1. The Central Idea is the starting point of the topic that we were going to explore i.e. Broom Making.

2. Based on the observations of previous summer school attempts and our visit to the field trip, we created a central idea of solving some of the problems faced by the Broom Making Community while making brooms.

3. The important concept was empathy.

4. We tried to place ourselves in the mindset of the broom makers and asked suitable questions to the people around the Summer School Program.

5. We studied all the available material before proceeding to adding branches to our mind map.

 

Step 2

Adding branches to our map?

We then next moved to everything associated with broom making process. The users producers, distributors, existing tools and mechanisms being used for broom making, its cost, and dived in further in each of the respective domains we identified.

1. Material: We analyzed the process and came up with a list of raw materials required in the process.

2. Process: The processing involves collection of leaves, tearing them and tying them into bundles using rubber strips, plastic wrapper is wrapped around the handle to prevent the thorns from pricking hands.

3. Tools: As we had discussed the process with people who had previously worked on this project, we had a general idea of the tools required. Watching videos also helped to understand the function of each tool.

4. Cost: Cost analysis was another aspect that we considered. We tried to find the investment and capital costs involved in the process.

5. Stakeholders: We identified all the people who were a part of the broom making process. They were the people who were concerned directly and indirectly with the process of Broom Making.

6. Existing manufacturing process: The existing processes involve production of brooms manually and there is also a machine available to do the same. Cheena and punja are used for tearing leaves to convert them into fibres.

7. Safety and Health Impacts: The very reasons we chose this problem to work on were the safety issues and health impacts associated with it.

 

Step 3

Adding the keywords?

On identifying the major domains we went a step ahead and listed everything related to the domain.

1. Material: We listed out the materials required in the process. We assumed the broom makers must be ordering date palm leaves from areas where they are found. Also, they must be tying them in a bunch using rubber strands and holding it together with a stick . The date palm leaves must be dry before they are further transported to the site of broom production.

2. Process: We observed all the different processing steps involved Collection: The leaves are cut from the date trees, dried and then bought by the broom makers to Ahmedabad. Manufacturing: Brooms are manufactured from the collected leaves by the different processes of tying the leaves together with a rubber strand. The leaves are then thrashed on the nail assembly (combing).

3. Tools: We listed all the tools used in the manufacturing: Rubber band: Used to tie the leaves in a bundle, and also for making the handle. Cheena: A wooden plank with spokes hammered at equal spacing for tearing the leaves. Punja: A device like claws made of cycle spokes, used to tear leaves near the handle.

4. Cost: The tools and the equipment assemblage itself incur some cost. The procurement and transportation of raw materials and the labour cost of the production and distribution of brooms was also duly taken in consideration.

5. Stakeholders: These people include the broom makers themselves. They were said to have migrated from Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. Also, the distributors (if any) involved in the distribution of the brooms and the ones who buy them. The buyers can use the brooms for domestic purposes or they can be representatives of public institutions.

6. Existing manufacturing process: Currently, there are two main processes used: One is the usual manual one and the other is motorized one. The manual process is inefficient as it relies on muscle action. But it is a means of employment for the people. The motorized method uses a machine and is efficient. But the process is costly and difficult to maintain. It also causes pollution as it runs on electricity and is quite heavy. It is difficult to maintain and repair. Also, it is not portable.

7. Safety and Health Impacts: We identified the injuries associated with all the broom making steps. While cutting the leaves, the thorns on the tips of the leaves lead to cuts and puncture wounds on hands. The rubber band recoils and hits the chest of the maker leading to injuries. The repetitive motion of hitting the broom on the Cheena should cause pain in the shoulder and back ache. The thrashing action should also be causing twisting action around the wrist causing wrist pains.

 

Decision Tree