Shania Yates

Biography

Hello! I’m Shania, and I am from a small rural town called Te Awamutu. Growing up I have always loved anything creative, especially things like painting and drawing. After working in administration for a few years, I decided I wanted to follow my creative dreams and find a way to pursue design in a bigger way. Fast forward 3 years and here we are!

I’ve learned so much during my time here at the University of Waikato, being able to work towards a major and 2 minors has given me the opportunity to learn across many different subjects and I have enjoyed the variety of projects and skills I have been able to achieve along the way. I have found a passion for illustration, branding and more, and I love finding ways to create designs that can connect, communicate and inspire the people who encounter them.

Project Description

My project “A Day at the Farm” is an interactive tactile and Braille-inclusive storybook for children aged 2-5 years old and parents or caregivers who may be blind or have vision impairments. This storybook has been designed to create an inclusive and supportive reading environment for young children - providing tactile illustrations so they can engage with the characters and increase tactile literacy. They can be excited by being able to spend a day at the farm and meet all the animals - from a fluffy sheep to a muddy piggy, they can explore the farm and everything it holds.

It also provides an opportunity for blind or vision-impaired readers, such as parents and caregivers to connect by providing Braille within the storybook. It aims to improve emotional well-being by giving families a space to interact and engage in the magic of storytelling together, contributing to overall family health, well-being and educational outcomes.

A Day at the Farm