Guide
Research
Systems map diagrams:
I initially began my research brainstorming different aspects of my topic, and what my guide could focus on. Bark is a very broad topic and I felt my guide could go in many different directions. Ultimately, I chose cinnamon to be the main subject of my guide, because it was a type of bark that is very commonly used, but people do not have much knowledge about. I then looked into how cinnamon is produced, and found this interesting article about the conditions of cinnamon workers. I then did research into the history of cinnamon, and it’s sad history with colonialism and the cinnamon trade. I also looked into how cinnamon was used, and saw that it has been used for medicine since ancient times. This gave me the idea to use a prescription bottle and information packet as a guide, because I wanted to emphasize the idea that cinnamon, which is commonly used for flavoring food, has medicinal properties. I also wanted to challenge the audience to think about the differences between herbal and pharmaceutical medicine, and whether herbal, holistic medicine could be considered a valid type of treatment. I found a very thorough research paper, called “Cinnamon: Botany, Agronomy, Chemistry and Industrial Applications,” written by Ranjith Senaratne and Ranjith Pathirana, which goes into extreme detail about the origins and production of true cinnamon. Using that information, I created the information packet of the cinnamon prescription bottle, which describes the origins and production of cinnamon, while also looking critically at the stereotypes of herbal medicine.
Bibliography
- “Allergies.” NHS Choices, NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergies/.
- Cinnamon: Botany, Agronomy, Chemistry and Industrial Applications. SPRINGER NATURE, 2022.
- Raman, Ryan. “6 Side Effects of Too Much Cinnamon.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 26 Sept. 2019, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/side-effects-of-cinnamon#6.-May-Interact-with-Certain-Medications.
- Romensky, Larissa. “Brutal Past of Sri Lankan Cinnamon Peelers Uncovered by Australian Researcher.” ABC News, ABC News, 27 July 2020, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-25/neglected-sri-lankan-cinnamon-peelers-recognised/12468364.
Super cool research and visuals! I really love how you were able to narrow down your topic to a specific item but still keep it closely connected with the broader theme. I’m curious to hear more about your metaphor and what effects you think will have on the audience!
I learned a lot after reading your post! It’s super cool. I am glad you find a way to narrow down your topic, which works well! Since I cannot see the detailed text on the label, I wonder if the audience can get the same amount of information as me and what the difference is between reading the post and the label.
The result is fantastic, very precise, and intriguing. I actually want to read the paper you introduced now, as your guide makes it really playful but raises interesting questions. Since everything in the guide seems very intentional, I am curious if the name on the bottle (John Taylor) can also mean something else.
Really appreciate your work and the same with Yueqing, I do want to read the text on your label, especially the stereotypes of herbal medicine, because it is super useful in Chinese medicine. The photography is so professional and pretty, love it!
After watching your presentation I was very happy with the outcome of it all. You included so much information and were attentive to detail with the entire form. I didnt know the significant history of cinnamon, but it was very interesting.