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<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 14:40:20 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Disability]]></category>
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<category><![CDATA[diabetes]]></category>
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<category><![CDATA[Edinburgh Science Festival]]></category>
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<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>I was recently invited to the ‘300 Faces of Edinburgh Medical School’ launch event. Marking the 300th anniversary of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, this exhibition celebrates the people who have made inspirational contributions to the school.]]></description>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>I was recently invited to the ‘300 Faces of Edinburgh Medical School’ launch event. Marking the 300th anniversary of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, this exhibition celebrates the people who have made inspirational contributions to the school.</strong></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I am honoured, elated, and humbled to be included in an outdoor photographic exhibition at the Mound, Edinburgh, as part of the Edinburgh Science Festival.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’m particularly grateful to the organisers for acknowledging my educational blogging and charitable fundraising efforts related to my own sight loss.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After losing vision in my left eye, the charity Sight Scotland played an integral part in my recovery, supporting my mental wellbeing with compassion and practical advice via their free helpline. Without them, I’m not sure I’d have returned to work at the university.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’d like to take this opportunity to try and raise £300 for this remarkable charity. Donate if you can to my JustGiving fundraiser via the following link (100% goes directly to Sight Scotland):</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/page/300-faces">JustGiving fundraiser</a></p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">300 years of medicine</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">2026 marks 300 years of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. This exhibition celebrates the people who have shaped Edinburgh Medical School.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In 2025, University of Edinburgh students, staff and alumni were invited to nominate a person who has made an inspirational contribution to Edinburgh Medical School to be included in a collection of 300 faces.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Mound Exhibition </h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A selection of these faces (including my cheeky chops) are now on display at the Mound Precinct in Edinburgh city centre for the next six weeks (until 26th April). This is an exciting collaboration with the Edinburgh Science Festival. After that, you can see them on the Portobello Promenade (29 April to 14 June).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.edinburghscience.co.uk/event/faces-of-edinburgh-medical-school-mound/">Edinburgh Science Festival</a> (300 Faces page)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The fact my profile photo is one taken by my mum just seals the deal. My family is so proud of me, and I know my dad would have been over the moon to see how his wee boy made a positive difference.</p>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">N.B. Tap on any photo to see a larger version.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stewart Cromar (panel story)</h3>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In his role as e-learning developer, Stewart was a pivotal member of the award-winning team that created the first online learning resources for medical students. With an eye for design and curiosity for medical subject matter, he created visually appealing, user-friendly teaching materials, quizzes and online resources for staff and students.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In 2005, Stewart and colleagues were awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for a virtual online hospital, which allowed teaching staff to deliver online medical learning activities.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Stewart is registered partially-sighted and fundraises for several charities. He publishes a blog to help others understand his sight loss journey and is a renowned amateur Lego designer, often using Braille bricks in his creations.</p>
<cite>College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine</cite></blockquote>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Extraordinary educators</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Here are my esteemed neighbours on our ‘extraordinary educators’ panel:</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Tom Gillingwater</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Tom is a professor at the University of Edinburgh, leading the Anatomy Department. He has trained thousands of undergraduate and postgraduate students, instilling anatomy as a key part of their knowledge and skills.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Tom researches motor neuron disease. His work has led to a better understanding of neurological disorders and clinical trials for new treatments.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Gertrude Herzfeld</h4>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the first female surgeons to work in Scotland and the first female paediatric surgeon, Gertrude studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and spent most of her career in the city.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In the 1920s and 30s, she held several medical appointments in Edinburgh, including consultant surgeon at the Bruntsfield Hospital for Women and the first female honorary assistant surgeon at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital for Sick Children. She became a full surgeon there in 1925.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gertrude_Herzfeld">Gertrude Herzfeld</a> (Wikipedia page)</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Alexander Monro (secundus)</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A Scottish anatomist, physician and medical educator, Alexander Monro is typically known as “secundus” to distinguish him as the second of three generations of doctors with the same name.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Born in 1733, Alexander attended the University of Edinburgh when he was only 12 years old, taking courses in philosophy before later embarking on medical training.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Monro_Secundus">Alexander Monro</a> (Wikipedia page)</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Yvonne Odey</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Yvonne is a lecturer in reproductive biology and a course organiser on the MBChB medicine degree.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">She played a leading role in the redesign of course content and collaborated with colleagues to deliver a new birthing practical module and new forms of assessment.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">‘300 years of medicine’ website</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">All 300 individuals have photos and biographies on a dedicated University of Edinburgh website.<br>N.B. All names will be published by the end of April.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://medicine-vet-medicine.ed.ac.uk/300-years-of-medicine/300-faces-of-edinburgh-medical-school">300 Faces of Edinburgh Medical School</a></p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Colleagues and historical figures</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s wonderful to see so many people, my team and I have worked with over the years, also nominated: Ruthanne Baxter, Baljean Dhillon, Gordon Findlater, Liz Grant, Euan MacDonald, Suvankar Pal, and Janet Skinner.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For us all to be included in a list of contributors alongside Charles Darwin, Elsie Inglis, Joseph Lister, and Sophia Jex-Blake is a wonderful celebration.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Charity fundraiser</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’m particularly grateful to the organisers for acknowledging my educational blogging and charitable fundraising efforts related to my own sight loss.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After losing vision in my left eye, Sight Scotland played an integral part in my recovery, supporting my mental wellbeing with compassion and practical advice via their free helpline. Without them, I’m not sure I’d have returned to work at the university.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’d like to take this opportunity to try and raise £300 for this remarkable charity. Donate if you can to my JustGiving fundraiser via the following link (100% goes directly to Sight Scotland). Please include Gift Aid if possible.</p>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://www.justgiving.com/page/300-faces">Donate now</a></div>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sight Scotland</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sight Scotland offer specialist support and advice to individuals and families living with sight loss. They are dedicated to empowering people with visual impairments to lead fulfilling lives.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://sightscotland.org.uk">Sight Scotland</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Upcoming charity Lego shows</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Lastly, if you’d like to see some of my Lego creations with Braille bricks, I’ll be at two upcoming charitable shows: Fife Bricks (Dunfermline – 25th April) and Edinbrick (Edinburgh – 9th & 10th May). Buy your tickets online today!</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/edinbrick">Buy Edinbrick tickets</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.ticketsource.com/fifebricks">Buy Fife Bricks tickets</a></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Related posts</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/sharing-my-story/" data-type="post" data-id="3423">Sharing My Story</a> (9 March 2025)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/five-years-of-sight-loss/">Five Years of Sight Loss</a> (22 January 2025)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/braille-bricks/">Braille Bricks</a> (29 February 2024)</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Disclaimer</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Please note this is a personal fundraiser for Sight Scotland, and is not officially endorsed or associated with Edinburgh Medical School or the University of Edinburgh.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Image credits</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Edinburgh Medical School 300 images are Copyright © The University of Edinburgh 2026.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://stubot.me/300-faces/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Interactive Women in STEM tour</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/stem-tour/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stem-tour</link>
<comments>https://stubot.me/stem-tour/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:35:12 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Ada Lovelace]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Ada Lovelace Day]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Creative Commons]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[H5P]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[OER]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3578</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>For Ada Lovelace Day 2025, Jackie, Magda and Stewart created the 'Interactive Women in STEM tour' game for everyone to play.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>For Ada Lovelace Day 2025, Jackie, Magda and Stewart created this open-licensed ‘Interactive Women in STEM tour’ game for everyone to enjoy.</strong></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion in STEM by taking a look at nine Edinburgh-connected women who have made an impact in a wide range of STEM fields.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With fun quizzes and games (crosswords, pair matching and combination locks), play our open-licensed interactive game today.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">N.B. We recommend tapping the fullscreen button (<strong>⤢)</strong> in the top-right corner, available after you ‘Start’ the game</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Play the game</h2>
<div class="h5p-iframe-wrapper"><iframe id="h5p-iframe-19" class="h5p-iframe" data-content-id="19" style="height:1px" src="about:blank" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no" title="Ada Lovelace day fun"></iframe></div>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Featured scientists</h3>
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Mary Brück (1925 – 2008)</li>
<li>Mary (Molly) Fergusson (1914 – 1997)</li>
<li>Isobel Wylie Hutchison (1889 – 1982)</li>
<li>Sophia Jex-Blake (1840 – 1912)</li>
<li>Christina Miller (1899 – 2001)</li>
<li>Noreen Murray, or Lady Murray (1935 – 2011)</li>
<li>Flora Philip (1865 – 1943)</li>
<li>Marion Ross (1903 – 1994)</li>
<li>Mary Fairfax Somerville (1780 – 1872)</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Licence and copyright</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This game is intended to be shared, reused and remixed. In order to encourage this we’ve applied a Creative Commons open licence to our own content where the only requirements are to include the following attribution and distribute your contributions under the same licence as the original.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © The University of Edinburgh 2025 CC BY-SA.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"></a>This work is licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International Licence</a>.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Provide feedback</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Share your feedback via the Ada Lovelace Day (ALD) Working Group Teams channel or email the designers – Jackie Aim (lead), Magda Dundas & Stewart Lamb Cromar.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="mailto:interactive-content@ed.ac.uk">Email the designers</a></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Curious Edinburgh</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This interactive game was inspired by the <a href="http://curiousedinburgh.org/women-in-stem-trail/women-in-stem-tour-map/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curious Edinburgh – Women in STEM Trail</a> map. This tour was developed by Cari Romans, Magda Dundas, Katie Grieve and Shivani Rao from Learning, Technology and Web (LTW) of the University of Edinburgh.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Download the Curious Edinburgh app for more mobile walking tours on Edinburgh’s scientific and community heritage.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The free app can be found on both <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.ac.edina.curiousedinburgh&ah=tL2uAyzW_gnBUxg9LaextxbCTGs&hl=en-GB&pcampaignid=MKT-Other-global-all-co-prtnr-py-PartBadge-Mar2515-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Play</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/curious-edinburgh/id1113602530?ls=1&mt=8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">App Store</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://stubot.me/stem-tour/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Moira Dunbar</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/moira-dunbar/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=moira-dunbar</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:37:09 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Ada Lovelace]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Ada Lovelace Day]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[colouring book]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[illustration]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[OER]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3569</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>For Ada Lovelace Day 2025 I created a colouring-in illustration of Moira Dunbar (1918-1999), the pioneering Scottish-Canadian glaciologist and Arctic sea-ice researcher.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><strong>For Ada Lovelace Day 2025 I created a colouring-in illustration of Moira Dunbar (1918-1999), the pioneering Scottish-Canadian glaciologist and Arctic sea-ice researcher.</strong></strong></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Two new maps were added to the composition: Edinburgh (birthplace and primary/secondary education) and Dunrobin in Ottawa (countryside home in Canada).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It also incorporates an interpretation of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s Massey Medal she was awarded in 1972 for her “excellent work in Arctic geography and sea-ice”.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Isobel Moira Dunbar (1918 – 1999)</h3>
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<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Moira-Dunbar_v03-scaled.jpg">Download high-resolution illustration</a></div>
</div>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moira_Dunbar">Moira Dunbar Wikipedia article</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ada Lovelace Day</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On Tuesday 14th October, the University of Edinburgh’s Information Services team are celebrating Ada Lovelace Day 2025 which is an international celebration day of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). This is our 10th year of celebrating that day!</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We have planned events and activities with a climate and earth sciences theme, running in the afternoon and early evening of that date.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/2025/07/28/save-the-date-ada-lovelace-day-14th-october-2025/">Edinburgh event booking details </a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Copyright and licence</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The text and images published within this post are all intended to be shared, reused and remixed. In order to encourage this I’ve applied a Creative Commons open licence to my own content where the only requirements are to include the following attribution and distribute your contributions under the same licence as the original.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © Stewart Lamb Cromar, The University of Edinburgh 2025 CC BY-SA.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"></a>This work is licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 International Licence</a>.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Original image credit</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Based on the Canadian Defense Research Board photograph of her with Arctic sea-ice maps (CC BY-SA 4.0) on Wikimedia Commons.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Isobel_Moira_Dunbar.jpg">Original photograph</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Further resources</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We have over 30 illustrated portraits of Women in STEM that are open-licenced (attribution only). All of them have a strong connection with the University of Edinburgh, past or present.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBMWmh">View Flickr album</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For even more illustrations please look at our ‘We have great stuff’ colouring books, there are three different volumes available.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://edin.ac/colouring-books">Download colouring book PDFs</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>In Their Own Time</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/in-their-own-time/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=in-their-own-time</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:33:50 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Disability]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[academia]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[academics]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[accessibility]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[comic]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[comic book]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[disability]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[illustration]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3519</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>Challenging conventional funding structures to include intersectionally underrepresented casualised academics. The Interactive Content team help launch a new digital comic resource.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Challenging conventional funding structures to include intersectionally underrepresented casualised academics. The Interactive Content team help launch a new digital comic resource.</strong></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The In Their Own Time (ITOT) project shares the stories of eight insecurely employed long-term academics – University Tutor in Design and professional illustrator Maria Stoian met with each of them to document their “own time,” and tell their stories through comics.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://in-their-own-time.ed.ac.uk">ITOT website</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Project leads</strong></h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Collaborating closely with Maria, this project was led by two Co-Investigators: Dr Cécile Ménard and Dr Lena Wånggren, both Research Fellows from the School of GeoSciences.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Maria, Cécile and Lena approached the Interactive Content team to help transform their physical publication into a creative and valuable online equivalent resource.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Steph’s story</strong></h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This is only a short preview; please visit the ITOT website, in your own time, and read all eight academic stories in their entirety.</p>
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<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c499f34"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c499f34" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-id="3534" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ITOT-Steph-1.png" alt="Steph is a migrant academic, researcher, teacher and single mum. She highlights the difficulty of juggling an academic career and childcare. Alongside her fight for better care for her child, who is disabled, Steph battles changing immigration rules - as a precariously employed migrant parent, she juggles childcare, visa extensions, and grant applications." class="wp-image-3534"/><button
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<details class="wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow"><summary>Steph’s transcript</summary>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Steph is a single mum. Today is her daughter’s first day back at school after the holidays.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I have two university jobs. Both are hourly, one is zero-hours.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I usually work in my own time from my kitchen table, in the evenings after my daughter has gone to bed.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">[Image Description] Steph with hot drink and laptop at kitchen table.</p>
</details>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Website features</strong></h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Restricted access times</strong></h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the key requirements for the website design was to restrict access from 9 am to 5pm. As this project highlights the exclusionary expectation for casualised academics to do unpaid work “in their own time,” the ITOT team wanted visitors to read their stories outside of UK office hours.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This unique and impactful functionality was the primary justification for not publishing this resource on an existing University platform (e.g. EdWeb 2).</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Sustainability</strong></h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The agreed long-term plan is to host this bespoke site for up to three years before submitting it to the UK Web Archive. This will ensure there is a permanent record of it, but it will also remove the University’s requirement for website hosting, maintenance, security, and legal compliance (e.g. accessibility statements).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As the ITOT project received research funding, it’s important that all digital outputs are available as long as possible.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://library.ed.ac.uk/heritage-collections/collections-and-search/archives/digital-archives-and-preservation/web-archiving">University guidance on website archiving</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bespoke design</strong></h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">To save on time and budget, we repurposed a suitable third-party WordPress theme (Kadence) with a free software licence (GNU General Public Licence).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In order to add bespoke design elements and retain better control, we developed a child theme for Kadence. For example, this child theme incorporated a handwritten typeface created by project illustrator Maria – ‘Stoian Comic’.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://mariastoian.com">Maria’s portfolio</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Responsive comics</strong></h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For each academic’s story, there are actually two versions of the digital comic. Maria designed and illustrated panels that are optimised for either desktop or smartphone layouts.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you look closely at the third row of Chris’ comic on a desktop/laptop, you can see a wide-panel containing spoons that bridges two neighbouring panels. But on a mobile, Maria has rearranged the panels so they can be stacked vertically without losing any of the story.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Chris’ story (excerpt)</h4>
<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c49baff"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c49baff" class="wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="662" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3536" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-300x78.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-1024x265.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-768x199.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-1536x397.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-2048x530.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><button
class="lightbox-trigger"
type="button"
aria-haspopup="dialog"
data-wp-bind--aria-label="state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel"
data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton"
data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox"
data-wp-style--right="state.thisImage.buttonRight"
data-wp-style--top="state.thisImage.buttonTop"
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<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 12 12">
<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
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</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Desktop</figcaption></figure>
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<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c49c09e"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c49c09e" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="792" height="1024" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-id="3538" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-792x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3538" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-792x1024.jpg 792w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-232x300.jpg 232w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-768x993.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-1188x1536.jpg 1188w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-1584x2048.jpg 1584w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-scaled.jpg 1980w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px" /><button
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aria-haspopup="dialog"
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data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox"
data-wp-style--right="state.thisImage.buttonRight"
data-wp-style--top="state.thisImage.buttonTop"
>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 12 12">
<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
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</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mobile (part one)</figcaption></figure>
<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c49c57a"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c49c57a" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-id="3537" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-3A.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3537"/><button
class="lightbox-trigger"
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data-wp-style--top="state.thisImage.buttonTop"
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<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 12 12">
<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
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</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mobile (part two)</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<details class="wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow"><summary>Chris’ transcript</summary>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Chris is employed for 14 hours a week but often works more hours on their research, funding applications and university citizenship.<br>[Image Description] Visitor drawing a portrait of Chris while they sit and talk</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">[Image Description] Picture of 5 spoons.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I ask a lot of questions.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I think we’re doing research badly right now.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“People need more time to do reproducible and replicable research.”<br>[Image Description] Portrait evolves while Chris keeps talking.</p>
</details>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Inclusivity</strong></h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Inclusive comics</strong></h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">To ensure as many people as possible can appreciate the ITOT resource, e-learning Developer Jackie Aim created transcripts for each of the eight academic comics.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We did experiment with alt text (short for alternative text) descriptions for each of the ~20 comic panels, but testing with various screen readers flagged an unforeseen issue. Some screen readers automatically read out the hand-drawn text in the panel in addition to the alt text provided. Having this repetition was deemed unacceptable, so we all agreed to include just the transcript for each comic.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/website-communications/content-improvement-club-what-we-covered-in-our-march-session/">How to write good alt text</a> (University of Edinburgh – Mel Batcharj)</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Accessibility compliance</strong></h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Our Digital Accessibility Intern, David Buik, completed the accessibility testing and published the required Accessibility Statement in line with Public Sector Body (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Having compliance with the WCAG 2.2 AA success criteria means you should be able to:</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Zoom in up to 500% without the text spilling off the screen or without loss of content</li>
<li>Navigate most of the site using keyboard only</li>
<li>Navigate most of the site using speech recognition software e.g. Dragon</li>
<li>Use the website without encountering any inactivity timeouts</li>
<li>Listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver)</li>
</ul>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thank you to Viki Galt and Lori Anderson from the University Disability Information Team, who professionally verified David’s report and statement.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/help-consultancy/accessibility/is-accessibility/disability-officer">Disability Information Team</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Licence and copyright</strong></h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Creative Commons licence</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When we first met the ITOT team, they were not so familiar with the practice of Creative Commons licensing, so it was a lovely opportunity to see if we could apply a licence that would help others freely share this valuable resource.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Maria’s beautiful comics (PDF downloads) and the project text written by Cécile and Lena are now licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) 4.0 licence.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The University of Edinburgh’s OER Policy</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The University of Edinburgh has an Open Education Resources (OERs) policy<strong> </strong>that outlines the institutional position on OERs and provides guidelines for practice in learning and teaching. You can find the policy in the University’s <a href="https://policies.ed.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Policy Directory</a>, or directly via the following link:</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://uoe.sharepoint.com/sites/PolicyRepository/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FPolicyRepository%2FShared%20Documents%2FOpen%5FEducational%5FResources%5FPolicy%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FPolicyRepository%2FShared%20Documents&p=true&ga=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Educational Resources Policy</a> (PDF)</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Copyright notice</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © 2025 The University of Edinburgh. Illustrations and comics by Maria Stoian. Website text by Dr Cécile Ménard, Dr Lena Wånggren and Maria Stoian.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Testimonial</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Working with the IC Team was seamless and enjoyable. As the main output of our project, the website needed to reflect both our experience and that of our participants. We wanted it to be intuitive to navigate and as accessible as possible. Stewart and the team took everything we asked for on board, responded promptly, and made the whole process easy for us while delivering a site that looks fantastic!” – Dr Cécile Ménard</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Getting in touch</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We will be happy to discuss your needs and ideas and develop an approach that delivers a high-quality output, whatever your budget.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/help-consultancy/rm-and-consultancy/interactive-content-service/how-to-get-in-touch">How to access the Interactive Content Service</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>ASPIRING study website</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/aspiring-study-website/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=aspiring-study-website</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:02:08 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[accessibility]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Drupal]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[H5P]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3494</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>The Interactive Content team within Information Services designed and published the ASPIRING study website on behalf of Professor Rustam Al-Shahi Salman from the CCBS (Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh).]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>The Interactive Content team within Information Services designed and published the ASPIRING study website on behalf of Professor Rustam Al-Shahi Salman</strong> from <strong>the CCBS (Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh).</strong></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="724" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ASPIRING-website-1024x724.png" alt="* Screenshot of website homepage that includes main menu, introductory video, project logo and the key text - “Help us find out if medicines like aspirin protect people with bleeding in the brain from strokes, heart attacks, and death”." class="wp-image-3498" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ASPIRING-website-1024x724.png 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ASPIRING-website-300x212.png 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ASPIRING-website-768x543.png 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ASPIRING-website-1536x1086.png 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ASPIRING-website.png 1810w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This multi-component project includes a patient recruitment portal (Drupal 10) multilingual videos (Media Hopper Create), investigator training materials (H5P interactive content), and a technical collaboration with developers from ECTU (Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit) who are responsible for the participant database.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.aspiring.ed.ac.uk">ASPIRING study</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Accessibility requirements</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">An important design consideration was the specific web accessibility needs of stroke survivors, who may have physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In real terms, this means allowing website visitors to:</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Navigate most of the website using just a keyboard</li>
<li>Magnify all content to 300% without loss of content</li>
<li>Listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver)</li>
<li>Navigate most of the website using screen recognition software e.g. Dragon</li>
<li>Experience no time limits</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Positive feedback</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the funding agencies, British Heart Foundation (BHF), kindly provided very positive feedback and requested their logo be included on the website.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">BHF currently link to ASPIRING through the ‘Active GCRFF trials’ page on their website.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/gcrff-multinational-clinical-trials-initiative/funded-gcrff-trials">Trials endorsed by the GCRFF Multinational Clinical Trials Initiative</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">About the study</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Antiplatelet Secondary Prevention International Randomised study after INtracerebral haemorrhaGe</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">ASPIRING is an international study, testing whether aspirin and clopidogrel prevent strokes, heart attacks, and death after brain haemorrhage. This study, run by The University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian, will include more than 4,000 people with brain haemorrhage.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Sharing My Story</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/sharing-my-story/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sharing-my-story</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 09 Mar 2025 12:08:24 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Disability]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LEGO]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Braille Bricks]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Fabuland]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[H5P]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LEGO House]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Maid of Fabuland]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3423</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute. </span></span>It's been a busy, but rewarding, week at work and home. In the last 24 hours The Lego Group have published two personal videos documenting my sight loss disability and love for building with Braille bricks.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>It’s been a busy, but rewarding, week at work and home. In the last 24 hours The Lego Group have published two personal videos documenting my sight loss disability and love for building with Braille bricks.</strong></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">@Lego YouTube channel</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Check out this LEGO Steamboat at LEGO House!" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oquUs17GIxU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thank you again to the teams at both Lego House and Our Lego Agency (OLA) for inviting me to share my sight loss journey.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If my disability story can help others going through similar challenges that would make me incredibly happy.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I hope my Fabuland ship, the ‘Maid of Fabuland’, delivers love to all the visitors at the wonderful Lego House, Billund, Denmark.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Play Well, Stewart (@stubot) <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2764.png" alt="❤" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f49b.png" alt="💛" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f499.png" alt="💙" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">@LegoBuilds Instagram account</h3>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG8OJqOsFA8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG8OJqOsFA8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG8OJqOsFA8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by LEGO Builds (@legobuilds)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sight Scotland</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you would like to help others experiencing similar challenges please consider donating to my chosen charity Sight Scotland.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sight Scotland offer specialist support and advice to individuals and families living with sight loss. They are dedicated to empowering people with visual impairments to lead fulfilling lives.</p>
<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://sightscotland.org.uk">Donate to Sight Scotland</a></div>
</div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Five Years of Sight Loss</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Over the last five years I have written personal blog posts detailing my traumatic sight loss journey. To help others better understand the significant changes in my vision I also created a series of interactive simulations (H5P files).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/five-years-of-sight-loss/" data-type="post" data-id="3303">Five Years of Sight Loss</a> (22 January 2025)</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Related posts</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/build-your-own-paddle-steamer/" data-type="post" data-id="3295">Build your own paddle steamer</a> (04 March 2025)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/maid-of-fabuland/">Maid of Fabuland</a> (22 October 2024)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/braille-bricks/" data-type="post" data-id="2747">Braille Bricks</a> (29 February 2024)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/lego-lovelace/" data-type="post" data-id="1969">LEGO Lovelace: Building a modern icon</a> (23 August 2017)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Five Years of Sight Loss</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/five-years-of-sight-loss/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=five-years-of-sight-loss</link>
<comments>https://stubot.me/five-years-of-sight-loss/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jan 2025 15:57:19 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Disability]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Creative Commons]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[H5P]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Sight Scotland]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Wikimedia Commons]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Wikipedia]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3303</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>Over the last five years I have written personal blog posts detailing my traumatic sight loss journey. To help others better understand the significant changes in my vision I also created a series of interactive simulations (H5P files).]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Over the last five years I have written personal blog posts detailing my traumatic sight loss journey. To help others better understand the significant changes in my vision I also created a series of interactive simulations (H5P files).</strong></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Heartfelt and Interactive Diary</h3>
<div class="h5p-iframe-wrapper"><iframe id="h5p-iframe-18" class="h5p-iframe" data-content-id="18" style="height:1px" src="about:blank" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no" title="Five Years of Sight Loss"></iframe></div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Open Education Resources (OERs)</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As someone who’s created online learning materials professionally for 25 years, it was a unique opportunity for me to communicate and document this hidden disability.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Publishing both the heartfelt blog and H5P content as open education resources (OERs), my hope was to help others going through similar surgeries and challenges.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This brand new ‘Interactive Book’ H5P file consolidates diary entries from the last five years into one bite-sized shareable learning resource.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://h5p.org/content-types/interactive-book">Interactive Book (H5P exemplar site)</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">OER publication tally</h3>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>10 sight loss blog posts</li>
<li>10,840 words / 58 minutes reading time</li>
<li>17 H5P files
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>x10 Agamotto</li>
<li>x2 Image Juxtaposition</li>
<li>x2 Image Slider</li>
<li>x1 Interactive Book</li>
<li>x1 Timeline</li>
<li>x1 Image Hotspots</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>97 images</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Share, reuse and remix</h3>
<figure data-wp-context="{"galleryId":"6a1513c4a5b3f"}" data-wp-interactive="core/gallery" class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c4a6037"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c4a6037" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-id="2093" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B-1024x576.jpg" alt="LogMAR chart after a retinal detachment. Large dark shadow and blurring on the left-hand side, with minor white/yellow flaring at edge of shadow." class="wp-image-2093" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><button
class="lightbox-trigger"
type="button"
aria-haspopup="dialog"
data-wp-bind--aria-label="state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel"
data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton"
data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox"
data-wp-style--right="state.thisImage.buttonRight"
data-wp-style--top="state.thisImage.buttonTop"
>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 12 12">
<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
</svg>
</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Retinal detachment LogMAR chart</figcaption></figure>
<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c4a6610"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c4a6610" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-id="3347" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113663978_9eaa2967ab_o-1024x576.jpg" alt="Bunch of flowers (close-up), but everything blurred and a dark semi-circle obscuring half the image." class="wp-image-3347" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113663978_9eaa2967ab_o-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113663978_9eaa2967ab_o-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113663978_9eaa2967ab_o-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113663978_9eaa2967ab_o-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113663978_9eaa2967ab_o.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><button
class="lightbox-trigger"
type="button"
aria-haspopup="dialog"
data-wp-bind--aria-label="state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel"
data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton"
data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox"
data-wp-style--right="state.thisImage.buttonRight"
data-wp-style--top="state.thisImage.buttonTop"
>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 12 12">
<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
</svg>
</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gas bubble (day 1)</figcaption></figure>
<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c4a6b19"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c4a6b19" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-id="3348" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113510149_bae0b981c7_o-1024x576.jpg" alt="Same flowers, but dark circle in top-left corner only." class="wp-image-3348" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113510149_bae0b981c7_o-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113510149_bae0b981c7_o-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113510149_bae0b981c7_o-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113510149_bae0b981c7_o-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113510149_bae0b981c7_o.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><button
class="lightbox-trigger"
type="button"
aria-haspopup="dialog"
data-wp-bind--aria-label="state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel"
data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton"
data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox"
data-wp-style--right="state.thisImage.buttonRight"
data-wp-style--top="state.thisImage.buttonTop"
>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 12 12">
<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
</svg>
</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gas bubble (day 8)</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">You can download any of the H5P files via the ‘Reuse’ link in the bottom-left corner.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">High-resolution versions of these sight loss photographs and representations are available via this dedicated Flickr album:</p>
<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stubot/albums/72157718976224995">‘Sight Loss OERs’ Flickr album</a></div>
</div>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Select images have been uploaded to Wikimedia Commons and added to relevant Wikipedia pages.</p>
<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retinal_detachment">Retinal detachment (Wikipedia)</a></div>
</div>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Wikimedia Commons</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Impression of a retinal detachment against a LogMAR chart:<br><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Retinal_detachment_LogMAR_chart_B.jpg">Retinal detachment LogMAR chart B</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Impression of a retinal detachment against a bouquet of flowers:<br><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gas_bubble_(day_1).jpg">Gas bubble (day 1)</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Impression of gas bubble against a bouquet of flowers:<br><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gas_bubble_(day_8).jpg">Gas bubble (day 8)</a></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Copyright and licence</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The blog text, H5P files and images are all intended to be shared, reused and remixed. To encourage this, I’ve applied a Creative Commons open licence to my own content where the only requirement is to include the following attribution.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © Stewart Lamb Cromar 2025 CC BY.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">STARs – Visual tests: Nigel – Visual field test (Video)</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and The University of Edinburgh 2020 CC BY-NC-SA.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Different types of white cane (Image Hotspots)</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Images and text for the ‘Different types of white cane’ interactive are reproduced here with the kind permission of Sight Scotland.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">‘Retro Semi-Realistic Blind People’ illustrations created by Yan Moryachok for Canva (Free Content). Copyright © Canva 2025. All rights reserved.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Text written by Sight Scotland. Copyright © Sight Scotland 2025. All rights reserved.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">LogMAR chart</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">By user Fvasconcellos. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ETDRS_Chart_R.svg">ETDRS Chart R (.svg)</a></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Disclaimer</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Please note these resources are entirely a personal record of my own experiences and have not been verified by any qualified medical professionals or other individuals from the University of Edinburgh.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://stubot.me/five-years-of-sight-loss/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Building a new home for Teaching Matters </title>
<link>https://stubot.me/teaching-matters/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=teaching-matters</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:02:58 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[blogging]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[cPanel]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Google Analytics]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[WordPress]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3254</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>The University of Edinburgh's popular Teaching Matters blog was successfully migrated from a standalone WordPress instance created in 2016 to the Academic Blogging Service's WordPress service. This short post focuses on the technical challenges, new features and support/security benefits.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>The University of Edinburgh’s popular Teaching Matters blog was successfully migrated from a standalone WordPress instance created in 2016 to the Academic Blogging Service’s WordPress service. This blog post focuses on the technical challenges, new features and support/security benefits.</strong></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImageVy5PUX-1024x576.jpg" alt="Teaching Matters homepage, "Promoting, discussing and celebrating teaching at The University of Edinburgh". Features main navigation menu and 6 blog articles with photos." class="wp-image-3269" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImageVy5PUX-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImageVy5PUX-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImageVy5PUX-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImageVy5PUX-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImageVy5PUX-2048x1152.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Digital Learning Applications and Media (DLAM) colleagues (Stewart Lamb Cromar, James Slack, Mark Findlay and Karen Howie) have worked with Dr Jenny Scoles from the Institute for Academic Development (IAD) to design, test and build a new long-term home for their Teaching Matters blog.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/teaching-matters/new-website-for-teaching-matters/">Jenny’s blog post about this migration</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Technical challenges </h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Large image bank</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Teaching Matters blog has been publishing high-quality articles since January 2016. Migrating eight years’ worth of media-rich content was quite the challenge with: 1,200 posts and 3,600 images totaling almost 4 GB.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Security concerns</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Both the WordPress platform (6.2.6 and theme (Apostrophe 1) were upgraded to newer, safer and regularly maintained options (6.5.5 and Apostrophe 2 respectively).</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Preserving bookmarks</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">URL redirections have been enabled for the old domain name (<a href="https://www.teaching-matters-blog.ed.ac.uk/">www.teaching-matters-blog.ed.ac.uk</a>), so all pre-existing bookmarks and pages indexed by search engines will successfully redirect to the new URL: </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/teaching-matters">blogs.ed.ac.uk/teaching-matters</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Redirection rules</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Due to the large number of high-resolution photographs, not all images could be migrated and hosted within their new home. Amendments were made to the previous ‘htaccess’ file so URL requests to the WordPress ‘Uploads’ directory were exempt from redirection.</p>
<pre class="wp-block-code"><code># Redirect all traffic to new hosting platform
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} !^/wp-content/uploads/
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^(?:www\.)teaching-matters-blog\.ed\.ac\.uk$ [NC]
RewriteRule ^ https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/teaching-matters%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]</code></pre>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New features</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Student and staff contributions</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImage5DT3uI-1024x576.jpg" alt="'Submit a post' webform with fields such as name, email, title, social media handles and biography." class="wp-image-3267" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImage5DT3uI-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImage5DT3uI-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImage5DT3uI-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImage5DT3uI-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImage5DT3uI-2048x1152.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A new WordPress plugin ‘User Submitted Posts (USP)’ was tested and configured especially for Teaching Matters. This new addition allows IAD to receive article submissions via a dedicated webform and have them stored automatically as draft Posts within WordPress.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en-gb.wordpress.org/plugins/user-submitted-posts/">User Submitted Post plugin</a></p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Editorial workflow</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Having a bespoke webform for staff and students to submit blog posts for consideration has greatly improved the editorial workflow for the IAD team. Previously they would accept requests via email and manually enter the content as a new WordPress post. The USP plugin now automatically converts a valid webform entry into a draft Post, that can be quickly reviewed and published.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/teaching-matters/submit-a-post/">Submit a Teaching Matters post</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">HTML newsletters</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newsletter-1024x576.png" alt="Teaching Matters' newsletter archive page, with a colourful number 5 graphic for their '5 Things' section." class="wp-image-3270" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newsletter-1024x576.png 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newsletter-300x169.png 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newsletter-768x432.png 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newsletter-1536x864.png 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newsletter-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Since 2021, the IAD have offered a popular Teaching Matters newsletter – a round-up of the best of teaching at The University of Edinburgh and beyond.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7237382942862241792">Teaching Matters LinkedIn newsletter</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In addition to the LinkedIn monthly ‘5 Things’ newsletter, visitors can now sign up to receive automated email notifications whenever a new blog post is published. This functionality is achieved by the ‘Icegram Express’ plugin that is available to all users of the University’s WordPress service.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The plugin is configured with a double opt-in setting, so that visitors must confirm their subscription via email. This avoids any potential spam requests.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Improved analytics</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">IAD were keen to have better insights into how many visits the blog received, what articles visitors were looking at, and how long they spent reading them.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The transition between Universal Analytics (UA) and Google Analytics 4 (GA4) in 2023 has meant access to historic records is challenging, if not impossible (UA records were all automatically deleted by Google in July 2024).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, if you don’t have a manual backup of that historic UA data you can always review some basic server statistics via cPanel.</p>
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Log in to your cPanel</li>
<li>Scroll down to the Metrics section</li>
<li>Select the AWstats icon</li>
<li>Click View to open the report for each domain</li>
</ol>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Manually collating data for each year allowed us to discover the following lifetime statistics before the migration.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Lifetime statistics (2016-2024)</h4>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>581,256 visitors </li>
<li>1,110,716 visits </li>
<li>4,467,771 page views </li>
</ul>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Site Kit plugin</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The blog’s new home makes good use of the ‘Site Kit by Google’ plugin.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://uoe.sharepoint.com/:u:/r/sites/Blogs.ed/SitePages/Connect-your-blog-to-Google-Site-Kit.aspx">Connect your blog to Google Site Kit</a> (UoE only)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When successfully configured, you have direct and convenient access to Google Analytics from within the WordPress admin dashboard. </p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Google Analytics training</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you want to learn more about Google Analytics the LinkedIn Learning course ‘Google Analytics 4 (GA4) Essential Training’ is designed to help you track, analyse, and report on website traffic, conversions, and ad performance using GA4.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/help-consultancy/is-skills/linkedin-learning">Logging into LinkedIn Learning with UoE email</a> (UoE only)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/learning/google-analytics-4-ga4-essential-training-14915362">LinkedIn Learning GA4 Course</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Better accessibility compliance</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">University websites are required to be compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standard.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/">Full guidelines</a> (2.2)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Several CSS amendments were made to the WordPress theme to improve accessibility compliance:</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Improved colour contrast ratios for headers and buttons.</li>
<li>Hyperlinks are no longer solely reliant on colour coding; they are now underlined too.</li>
<li>Reduction in number of menu items from 8 to 6. This helps cognitive processing, but also avoids line wrapping on narrower screens.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Support / security benefits</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A new home </h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Blogs.ed.ac.uk is a free University-hosted and supported WordPress platform for all staff and postgraduate research students. </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">View over 9,800 blogs or request your own:</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk">blogs.ed.ac.uk</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dedicated resources</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For WordPress resources please visit the blogs.ed SharePoint site for support on creating your first blog along with videos and ‘How to’ documentation which we recommend viewing if you are new to WordPress.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://uoe.sharepoint.com/sites/Blogs.ed/SitePages/Home.aspx">Blogs.ed SharePoint site</a> (UoE only)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Find out what training and workshops are available to expand your blogging skills.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/learning-technology/blogging/help-support/training-and-workshops">Training and workshops</a> (UoE only)</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Copyright</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HJ2A7137-crop-1024x576.jpg" alt="Young student using a laptop, sitting in a pretty park with her cute white dog." class="wp-image-3263" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HJ2A7137-crop-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HJ2A7137-crop-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HJ2A7137-crop-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HJ2A7137-crop-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Header image is part of the Online Learning 2022 collection and was downloaded from the University of Edinburgh’s image gallery:</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://uoe.sharepoint.com/sites/Brand/SitePages/Photography-and-Video.aspx">UoE photography and video resources</a> (UoE only)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This collection was managed by Ari Badlishah (Digital Engagement Officer), and focused on improving the diversity in photography used in the University’s online courses.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © The University of Edinburgh 2024. All rights reserved.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Maid of Fabuland</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/maid-of-fabuland/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=maid-of-fabuland</link>
<comments>https://stubot.me/maid-of-fabuland/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 22 Oct 2024 09:22:07 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Disability]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LEGO]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Braille Bricks]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Denmark]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Fabuland]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LEGO House]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Maid of Fabuland]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Skaerbaek]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3087</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 14</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>Lego kindly invited me to build a Fabuland ship for the prestigious Lego House in Denmark. Going blind in one eye has been the hardest year and this creative challenge absolutely helped me move forward. Read about the ‘Maid of Fabuland’ paddle steamer and one of the happiest days ever.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 14</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Lego kindly invited me to build a Fabuland ship for the prestigious Lego House in Denmark. Going blind in one eye has been the hardest year and this creative challenge absolutely helped me move forward. Read about the ‘Maid of Fabuland’ paddle steamer and one of the happiest days ever.</strong></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-default"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1) Life got a little brighter</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="Stewart's Memoji standing outside LEGO House, a giant white building comprised of cubes." class="wp-image-3162" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Earlier this year I was contacted by the extremely gifted Lego House master builder Stuart Harris. I’m lucky enough to have met him a few times, but this communication was most unexpected.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After losing my sight loss last year, life has been extremely tough and bleak. I had managed to return to work at The University of Edinburgh with support from my line manager Karen Howie and the Staff Disability Advice Service. This was my first personal goal in terms of moving forward, but I was keen to push further.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/life-got-dark/">Life Got Dark</a> (17 November 2023)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Artistic expression whether at work or home has always been a core activity in my life and this commission from The Lego Group was the perfect opportunity to test what I could achieve with my latest vision loss.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.1) Design brief</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Stuart Harris invited me to build a Fabuland ship for the World Explorer experience within The Lego House at Billund, Denmark. I was told the delivery schedule, maximum dimensions and given permission to use Fabuland figures. But other than that, I could propose any type of ship that I wished.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1.1.1) World Explorer experience</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="3213" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3213" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone-300x200.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone-768x512.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Green Zone</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/steampunk.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="3212" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/steampunk-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3212" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/steampunk-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/steampunk-300x200.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/steampunk-768x512.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/steampunk.jpg 1500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Steampunk Submarine</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/World-Explorer.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" data-id="3214" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/World-Explorer-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3214" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/World-Explorer-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/World-Explorer-225x300.jpg 225w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/World-Explorer-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/World-Explorer.jpg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The World Explorer Ship</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Every year the Lego House change their fan models, adding new artworks to galleries and interactive experiences. The magical World Explorer experience in the Green Zone has a large brick-built island with a Duplo volcano and amusement park called ‘Fabuland’! Visiting the island for 12 months is a custom ship designed by AFOLs (Adult Fan of Lego).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In 2018 Warren Elsmore and his talented team installed their epic ‘Steampunk Submarine’. He has written a fascinating blog about their creative process which involved 3D modelling, LEDs and so many exquisite details! </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.warrenelsmore.com/latest/the-steampunk-submarine/24/9/2018">The Steampunk Submarine</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Before my model there was the very cute, Friends themed ‘The World Explorer Ship’ by Ed Diment. With three impressive solar sails, his ship focused heavily on accessibility and sustainability to inspire the builders of tomorrow.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you have photos of World Explorer ships from previous years, please do share links to them in the comments section.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.2) Ship shape?</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3147" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3147" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396.jpg 1805w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3148" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3148" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3146" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3146" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown.jpg 1828w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For the first few weeks I toyed between a modern-day ferry and an old-fashioned paddle steamer. My first plan was to include loads of cute Fabuland vehicles and passengers on a car ferry. I felt this option had a lot of exposed building area that could host multiple amusing vignettes.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, I reflected on what is quintessential Fabuland? And for me it’s a powerful combination of nostalgia and whimsy. Even in theme’s original lifetime (1979-1989) it evoked a bygone era and embraced old-fashioned vehicles and architecture.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It just had to be a paddle steamer!</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.3) Captain Wilfred</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="822" data-id="3120" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1-1024x822.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3120" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1-1024x822.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1-300x241.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1-768x616.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1-1536x1233.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1-2048x1644.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3175" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3175" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The ‘Maid of Fabuland’ is my homage to the Fabuland set 3673 ‘Paddle Steamer’ from 1985. Wilfred Walrus is once again the captain of the ship. His cheeky monkey sailor friends also make a return appearance.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.4) Bookworm</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3210" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6-300x300.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6-150x150.jpg 150w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6-768x768.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Scotland has a long history of paddle steamers and in 1812 the very first European commercial steamboat service began on the River Clyde between Glasgow and Greenock. This is my tribute to all the beautiful ships that once travelled our seas, rivers and lochs.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I managed to purchase quite a few second-hand books on this unfamiliar subject and most of them had amazing technical blueprints and archive photographs.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Whilst I was keen to design a technically realistic ship, I also wanted to incorporate playful features that younger Lego fans would appreciate. So, I included several seminal children’s books by Richard Scarry in my reading list for potential inspiration.</p>
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Richard Scarry’s Boats by Richard Scarry</li>
<li>Richard Scarry’s the Great Steamboat Mystery by Richard Scarry</li>
<li>Best Word Book Ever by Richard Scarry</li>
<li>The Once-Ubiquitous Paddle Steamer by John Hannavy</li>
<li>The Golden Years of the Clyde Steamers (1889-1914) by Alan J. S Paterson</li>
<li>Paddle Steamers: A Photographic Legacy by Andrew Gladwell</li>
<li>200 Years of Clyde Paddle Steamers by Iain Quinn</li>
<li>Classic Scottish Paddle Steamers by Alan J. S Paterson</li>
<li>The illustrated history of paddle steamers by G. W. & R. Plummer & J. Jobe. Hilton</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.4.1) Busytown?</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-10 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Steamboat-Mystery.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="648" height="643" data-id="3202" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Steamboat-Mystery.jpg" alt="Richard Scarry's the Great Steamboat Mystery" class="wp-image-3202" style="width:650px;height:auto" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Steamboat-Mystery.jpg 648w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Steamboat-Mystery-300x298.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Steamboat-Mystery-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Boats.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="754" height="1024" data-id="3207" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Boats-754x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3207" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Boats-754x1024.jpg 754w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Boats-221x300.jpg 221w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Boats-768x1043.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Boats.jpg 884w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 754px) 100vw, 754px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Best-Word.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="798" height="1024" data-id="3208" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Best-Word-798x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3208" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Best-Word-798x1024.jpg 798w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Best-Word-234x300.jpg 234w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Best-Word-768x985.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Best-Word.jpg 862w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Richard Scarry (1919–1994) was a children’s author and illustrator. He is best known for his ‘Best Ever’ book series that take place primarily in the fictional town of Busytown.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Busytown is inhabited by an assortment of anthropomorphic animals, including Huckle Cat, Lowly Worm, Mr. Frumble, police Sergeant Murphy, Mr. Fixit, Bananas Gorilla and Hilda Hippo.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">First published in 1963, I would consider it the obvious precursor to both Lego’s Fabuland (1979-1989) and Nintendo’s Animal Crossing (2001-present).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Busytown">Busytown</a> (Wikipedia article)</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.4.2) Tiny text</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One key issue was being unable to read the small text size, I’m so used to increasing the font size on my phone to 235%, but this text was too small even for my physical magnification aids.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thankfully my brother is an avid reader and has better eyesight than me, so he was tasked with reading through this collection and making notes for me.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The variety of ship designs was quite fascinating, but key features for my list were a rear paddle wheel (stern-wheeler), passenger deck on the top-level, cargo at the front (bow) and two iconic chimneys (smokestacks) near the captain’s cabin.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.5) Concept art</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-11 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-D.jpg"><img decoding="async" data-id="3101" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-D.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3101"/></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" data-id="3103" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3103" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-225x300.jpg 225w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-E-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="2560" data-id="3104" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-E-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3104" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-E-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-E-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With my research complete, I was keen to start prototyping and try building a few key components of the ship (paddle wheel, deck and smokestack). Stuart had asked me to share as much as I wanted with them, and sending some early sketches seemed a prudent thing to do.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1.5.1) Colour palette</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-12 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="490" data-id="3099" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A-1024x490.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3099" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A-1024x490.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A-300x144.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A-768x368.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A-1536x735.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A-2048x980.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3100" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3100" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The predominant colour palette is red, yellow and blue (see colour-coded ship sketch), with white and dark orange accents. However, the intention is to use all 14 Lego colours I consider typically Fabuland that are still in production today (see brick swatch photo).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I knew the final model would be installed on an existing blue surface, so I chose red for the hull to provide a strong contrast. And I had more blue Fabuland wall panels than yellow, so the bigger first deck is blue and yellow for the smaller second deck.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1.5.2) Modularity</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3105" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Lessons learned from a previous large model (Fabuland Hangar) were to try and go modular, I had found MILS (Modular integrated Landscaping System) plates incredibly efficient and resilient. My footprint was obviously narrower than 32×32 modules, but I could reuse the same principles.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.abellon.net/MILS/">MILS landscaping system</a></p>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-13 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1024px-Maid_of_the_Loch_side.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="766" data-id="3124" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1024px-Maid_of_the_Loch_side.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3124" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1024px-Maid_of_the_Loch_side.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1024px-Maid_of_the_Loch_side-300x224.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1024px-Maid_of_the_Loch_side-768x575.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">‘Maid of the Loch’ at Balloch Pier, Scotland (2007)</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spirit_of_Peoria.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="591" data-id="3125" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spirit_of_Peoria-1024x591.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3125" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spirit_of_Peoria-1024x591.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spirit_of_Peoria-300x173.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spirit_of_Peoria-768x443.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spirit_of_Peoria.jpg 1202w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">‘Spirit of Peoria’ at Peoria, Illinois (2018)</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My ship design was effectively eight 16×16 modules (4 long x 2 wide) for the hull and one centred for the bow, so nine in total. Keeping the scale realistic was a key goal for me, I wanted it to be recognisable and believable. The height was the biggest restriction, and with tall smokestacks I only had room for two decks. Whilst most Lego models have the iconic USA three decks, it seemed more common in Scotland and Europe to have a more modest two.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After sharing these preliminary images with the Lego House team and getting a positive response, I was happy to start building the entire ship in earnest.</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2) Build process</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2.1) Paddle wheel</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The stern wheel with 12 paddle blades was probably the hardest bit for me to engineer. You might have spotted that I used six Fabuland Ferris wheels for the main element (part number 4750). I felt the paddle wheel was such a critical component it was worth doing first and building things around that scale.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-14 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="774" data-id="3116" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1-1024x774.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3116" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1-1024x774.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1-300x227.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1-768x580.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1-1536x1160.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1-2048x1547.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Set 3681 ‘Amusement Park’ (1985)</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="690" data-id="3115" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1-1024x690.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3115" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1-1024x690.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1-300x202.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1-768x517.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1-1536x1034.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1-2048x1379.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Set 3668 ‘Merry-Go-Round’ (1986)</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The large yellow Fabuland Ferris wheels were also used for Merry-Go-Round and Carousel sets in the 1980s.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For quite a few weeks the wheel only had eight blades. This seemed acceptable at first, but over time annoyed me more and more. Most paddle wheels have 12 blades, and this discrepancy annoyed me.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2.1.1) Welcome to Apocalypseburg!</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-15 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="824" height="1024" data-id="3108" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-824x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3108" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-824x1024.jpg 824w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-241x300.jpg 241w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-768x955.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-1235x1536.jpg 1235w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-1647x2048.jpg 1647w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 824px) 100vw, 824px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-id="3109" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3109" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A-1024x576.png 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A-300x169.png 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A-768x432.png 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A-1536x864.png 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-id="3110" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3110" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B-1024x576.png 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B-300x169.png 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B-768x432.png 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B-1536x864.png 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Whilst watching one of my favourite YouTube builders (Brick Buffoon) I spotted something potentially useful. He was building the iconic set 70840 ‘Welcome to Apocalypseburg!’ from 2019.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://youtu.be/JVxxdCTu4QY" data-type="link" data-id="https://youtu.be/JVxxdCTu4QY">Welcome to Apocalypseburg – LEGO Set build – Part 5</a> (16 minute YouTube video)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Around step 615 they were using a combination of hinge plates, tiles and exposed studs to construct the Statue of Liberty crown. Whilst she has only seven points, the angles are the same for 12, namely 30 degrees.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thankfully all these parts are quite common, and I could adapt my wheel to feature the more historically accurate 12 blades.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-16 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" data-id="3111" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3111" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-225x300.jpg 225w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3176" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3176" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2.2) Accessibility adaptations</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sometimes I know my own limitations and ask for help from others. My mum Margaret helps me sort my collection by colour and then shape. She also gives me encouraging feedback on my progress and design choices.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Other accessibility adaptations I’ve had to make include:</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Superglue with a retardant
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>I’d recommend Loctite’s ‘Super Glue Power Gel’ it can be repositioned for up to 60 seconds. This extra time is perfect for me to use a magnifier or correct a mistake due to my poor depth perception.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Magnifiers with a light:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Handheld – AAA battery operated and excellent for on-site installations</li>
<li>Desktop – USB powered, can be mains connected or portable, and can be clamped to a desk.</li>
<li>Anglepoise – mains connected, but ideal for maximising your workspace and giving you a free hand.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Room lights
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Additional floor and desk lamps drastically help improve my eyesight. Low lighting is particularly challenging for me and these lamps allow me to work after sunset.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2.3) Braille Bricks</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-17 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3171" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-1024x768.jpg" alt="Lego monkey sailor carrying 4 bricks that spell out the word LOVE." class="wp-image-3171" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">L-O</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3172" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-1024x768.jpg" alt="Another monkey sailor sitting down eating a banana." class="wp-image-3172" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">V-E</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Raising awareness of invisible disabilities is something I’m very passionate about. And in previous models I’ve started to incorporate Lego Braille Bricks.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/braille-bricks/" data-type="post" data-id="2747">Braille Bricks</a> (29 February 2024)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Not only do they perfectly symbolise my sight loss journey in Lego form, but they are also helpful for starting conversations with people about my story.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">They can also be a fun, educational and interactive prop. I often encourage children at shows to try using them.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This model incorporates four different Lego Braille bricks. One of the monkey sailors is carrying bricks that spell out the word LOVE. My hope is this ship delivers love to everyone who visits the Lego House.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2.3.1) Inclusive signage</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-18 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5890c-copy-1-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-id="3142" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5890c-copy-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3142" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5890c-copy-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5890c-copy-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5890c-copy-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5890c-copy-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">English</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-id="3144" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3144" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Danish</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-id="3143" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="Lego Braille Bricks spelling out the words 'Ship built by Stewart Lamb Cromar'" class="wp-image-3143" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lego Braille Bricks</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Halfway through the process, I was asked by the Lego House team to contribute some interesting facts about me and my model that would go on a printed sign next it.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I was keen to be very open and honest about my disability, so I asked about the possibility of including a version of the same sign in Braille too.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thankfully they were very supportive, but as it hadn’t been done before they obviously had to make enquiries about whether this was feasible. Some parts of the Lego House are already fully inclusive, which is an impressive feat considering how highly interactive the building is.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’m very pleased to say my model currently has signs written in English, Danish and Lego Braille Bricks. A fourth panel with the full text in traditional Braille should be added shortly.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It made me extremely proud that a wide range of different people could discover facts about my model and hopefully have a richer experience as a result.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2.4) Easter eggs</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Here are a few secrets about my model, please skip ahead if you plan to visit the Lego House in person. I’ve now been four times, and each experience has been more magical than the last.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://legohouse.com/en-gb/">Visit the Lego House</a> (Billund, Denmark)</p>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-19 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3173" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3173" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lamb sigfig</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3169" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3169" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Book club</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3170" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3170" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fishing competition</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3174" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3174" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Monkey overboard!</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>My middle name is Lamb and I’ve always been given cute little sheep as toys. Fabuland lambs are now my sigfig (signature figure) and there is one sitting down on a red bench chatting to his friend Peter Pig (in universe and IRL).</li>
<li>The ship name ‘Maid of Fabuland’ is a wee pun, as the model is built from a lot of original Lego Fabuland elements (windows, arches, fences, benches, chairs, Minifigures, Ferris wheels…).
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>It is also traditional to consider ships as female, referring to them as ‘she’.</li>
<li>For example, Maid of the Loch (1953–1981) is the last paddle steamer built in the United Kingdom. She operated on Loch Lomond for 29 years and as of 2022 is being restored near Balloch pier.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>One of the monkey shipmates just loves his bananas and has left a treacherous trail of slippery banana peels. Monkey overboard!</li>
<li>Romance is blooming for two passengers aboard the ‘Maid of Fabuland’. 36 years after their very first date, Lionel Lion and Hannah Hippopotamus finally have a second date.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://brickset.com/sets/3622-1/Rowboat-with-Lionel-Lion-and-Hannah-Hippopotamus">Set 3622 ‘Rowboat’</a> (1988)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>When I’ve completed a large, or significant, model it’s tradition for me to digitally design some hypothetical retail packaging. For this project I’ve assigned the set number 2692024 to mark one of the happiest days of my life.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3177" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3) Model shipping</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-20 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2716-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="2560" data-id="3151" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2716-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3151" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2716-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2716-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" data-id="3153" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3153" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-225x300.jpg 225w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2353.jpg"><img decoding="async" data-id="3150" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2353.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3150"/></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3152" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3152" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Transporting my model from Scotland to Denmark was no mean feat, but it did involve a lot of fun and memorable adventures.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The model was designed to fit in two standard storage boxes. I like the brand Really Useful Box, and their 35 and 42 litre sizes were a perfect fit. I’d collected bubble wrap all year and this ensured my model didn’t move one iota whilst travelling.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My friends from the Scottish Lego club (Tartan LUG) kindly helped me by driving safely across the Netherlands and Germany. They also accompanied me on my first overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle courtesy of DFDS.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.tartanlug.com/join-us/">Join Tartan LUG</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It was only on the ferry, two days before the installation, that I let them in on my wee secret. Up until this point only my mum and brother knew of the commission.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I did have a partial clue for them, by putting the name of my model on a bag tag. Only Kitty spotted this, so she gets a bonus ten points!</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4) Installation day</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">26 September 2024</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-21 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3156" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3156" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3159" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3159" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2557-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1920" data-id="3158" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2557-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3158" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2557-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2557-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5889c-copy-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="649" data-id="3138" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5889c-copy-1024x649.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3138" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5889c-copy-1024x649.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5889c-copy-300x190.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5947c2-copy-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="749" data-id="3140" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5947c2-copy-1024x749.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3140" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5947c2-copy-1024x749.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5947c2-copy-300x219.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5947c2-copy-768x562.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My kind-hearted Tartan LUG chums all agreed to get up at the crack of sparrows to drive from Skaerbaek to Billund for the installation at Lego House.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I was anxious to unbox my model, but thankfully John’s expert driving skills meant only one tiny flag had fallen off. A small dab of glue and everything was shipshape again (apologies).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Everyone from the Lego Group made me feel at ease and fully supported my additional needs related to sight loss. They were so patient and friendly; it felt more like playing Lego bricks with friends!</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">TikTok promo video</h3>
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@stub0t/video/7428584913454042401" data-video-id="7428584913454042401" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@stub0t" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@stub0t?refer=embed">@stub0t</a> Maid of Fabuland Currently on display at <a title="legohouse" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/legohouse?refer=embed">#LegoHouse</a> in Denmark. Read about my paddle steamer here – stubot.me (blog link in bio). <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2764.png" alt="❤" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f49b.png" alt="💛" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f499.png" alt="💙" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <a title="lego" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/lego?refer=embed">#Lego</a> <a title="レゴ" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B4?refer=embed">#レゴ</a> <a title="afol" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/afol?refer=embed">#Afol</a> <a title="tartanlug" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tartanlug?refer=embed">#TartanLUG</a> <a title="homeofthebrick" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/homeofthebrick?refer=embed">#HomeOfTheBrick</a> <a title="legoart" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/legoart?refer=embed">#LegoArt</a> <a title="sightloss" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/sightloss?refer=embed">#SightLoss</a> <a title="visionloss" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/visionloss?refer=embed">#VisionLoss</a> <a title="braille" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/braille?refer=embed">#Braille</a> <a title="northernbrickworks" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/northernbrickworks?refer=embed">#NorthernBrickworks</a> <a title="braillebricks" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/braillebricks?refer=embed">#BrailleBricks</a> <a title="legobraillebricks" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/legobraillebricks?refer=embed">#LegoBrailleBricks</a> <a title="fabuland" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fabuland?refer=embed">#Fabuland</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ Loveboat - Kylie Minogue" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Loveboat-6712058136066263042?refer=embed">♬ Loveboat – Kylie Minogue</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5) Reflections</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-22 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3179" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3179" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">1988 – First date</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3178" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3178" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2024 – Second date</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Looking back at this experience, I’m honoured to have been invited to build this ship for the Lego House. It’s not something I say often or easily, but I am so proud of what I achieved.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It was incredibly challenging to design and build this model with my vision loss, but without question I would do it all again in a heartbeat.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Living with sight loss or Diabetes is very taxing, and can cause high levels of anxiety, isolation and depression. But having this goal to work towards, helped me maintain a positive mood and genuine sense of accomplishment.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My time in Denmark was truly some of the happiest days of my life, I haven’t honestly smiled or laughed so much in a long time. Thank you to everyone who contributed towards this very special memory, it’s one I’ll forever cherish.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Love, Stewart</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5.1) Support and advice</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If any of these topics I’ve mentioned have affected you, I’d recommend contacting a free and confidential support line offered by trained professionals such as Sight Scotland and RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://sightscotland.org.uk">Sight Scotland</a><br><a href="https://www.rnib.org.uk">RNIB</a></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">6) Thanks and hugs</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I will most likely forget to name everyone, but I am particularly grateful for the opportunities and support provided by the following people:</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The Cromar family – Mum and Steven</li>
<li>The LEGO Group – Stuart Harris, Mike Ganderton, Hasan Jensen, Line Dam Kjær and Erin Perkins</li>
<li>Tartan LUG – John, Christine, Adam, Warren, Kitty and Peter</li>
</ul>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">7) Image credits</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="Stewart's Memoji presenting his paddle boat with the Lego House logo (Home of the Brick)." class="wp-image-3164" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">‘Made of Fabuland’ Copyright © Stewart Lamb Cromar 2024. All rights reserved.</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>‘Welcome to Apocalypseburg!’ and vintage Fabuland product images are from BrickSet and are Copyright © The LEGO Group. All rights reserved.</li>
<li>Exterior photograph of Lego House and World Explorer Green Zone are Copyright © LEGO House. All rights reserved.</li>
<li>‘The World Explorer Ship’ photograph provided by Stuart Harris.</li>
<li>‘The Steampunk Submarine’ is Copyright © Warren Elsmore Ltd. All rights reserved.</li>
<li>‘Spirit of Peoria.jpg’ by ZcarstvnzRyan.harms, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</li>
<li>‘Maid of the Loch side.JPG’ by Rosser1954, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.</li>
<li>Some interior Lego House photos kindly provided by Manu Schwendener (<a href="http://manuschwendener.ch">manuschwendener.ch</a>).</li>
<li>‘Akitsu Ferry’ by 妖精書士 – 投稿者自身による著作物, CC 表示-継承 3.0.</li>
<li>‘Sazanami Osakikamishimatown.jpg’ by Olegushka, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">7.1) Disclaimer</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Please note this blog and its resources are a personal record of my own experiences. They have not been supplied, edited or verified by any individuals from the LEGO Group.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This article is not affiliated or endorsed by the LEGO House or the LEGO Group. LEGO®, the LEGO logo, the LEGO House logo and the Minifigure are trademarks and copyrights of the LEGO Group.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://stubot.me/maid-of-fabuland/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>8</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Women in STEM Illustrations</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/women-in-stem/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=women-in-stem</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Oct 2024 16:00:51 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Disability]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Adobe Photoshop]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[AI]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[colouring book]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[H5P]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[vision loss]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3061</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>To celebrate Ada Lovelace Day 2024, I created two new colouring-in illustrations of notable Women in STEM – author and codebreaker Irene Jessie Brown, and geologist Charlotte Murchison. I also discuss AI enhancement tools and vision loss challenges associated with my design process.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>To celebrate Ada Lovelace Day 2024, I created two new colouring-in illustrations of notable Women in STEM – author and codebreaker Irene Jessie Brown, and geologist Charlotte Murchison. I also discuss AI enhancement tools and vision loss challenges associated with my design process.</strong></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ada Lovelace Day</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On Tuesday 8th October 2024, the University of Edinburgh’s Information Services team celebrated Ada Lovelace Day 2024 which is an international celebration day of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Irene Jessie Brown (1919 – 2017)</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="766" height="1024" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-766x1024.jpg" alt="Colouring-in illustration of Irene Jessie Brown in a 1940s polka dot dress outside." class="wp-image-3069" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-766x1024.jpg 766w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-224x300.jpg 224w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-768x1027.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-scaled.jpg 1915w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Irene Young was a codebreaker at Bletchley Park during the Second World War, and graduate of the University of Edinburgh (UoE).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irene_Brown">Irene Brown Wikipedia article</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My colouring-in illustration of Irene is based on a 1944 photograph from the University of Edinburgh’s collections.</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Creator: Photographer unknown</li>
<li>Collection Name: Roslin Institute</li>
<li>Collection/Item Reference: Coll-1657</li>
</ul>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Permission granted by “The University of Edinburgh Heritage Collections”.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://archives.collections.ed.ac.uk/repositories/2/resources/85781">Irene Brown UoE collection URL</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Charlotte Murchison (1788 – 1869)</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1-819x1024.jpg" alt="Colouring-in illustration of Charlotte Murchison in formal Victorian attire." class="wp-image-3068" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1-240x300.jpg 240w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1-768x960.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1-1638x2048.jpg 1638w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1.jpg 2000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Charlotte Murchison was a British geologist and pioneer of geological research and fossil hunting.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Murchison">Charlotte Murchison Wikipedia article</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My colouring-in illustration of Charlotte is based primarily on the public domain photograph of her from 1860.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Bristol Channel and Jura</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129-1024x295.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="295" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129-1024x295.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-3081" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129-1024x295.jpeg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129-300x86.jpeg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129-768x221.jpeg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129-1536x442.jpeg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129.jpeg 1852w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It also incorporates a interpretation of the drawing by Charlotte depicting a cross-section of land, lying between the Bristol Channel and Jura.</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Title: Murchison 6</li>
<li>Work Record ID: 0055375</li>
<li>Holding Institution: University of Edinburgh</li>
<li>Catalogue Number: Coll-51/3/3</li>
</ul>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://archives.collections.ed.ac.uk/repositories/2/archival_objects/1534">Murchison drawing – UoE catalogue entry</a></p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Naming Spaces After Inspirational Women</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On International Women’s Day 2023, the University of Edinburgh renamed a lecture theatre at its King’s Buildings campus after Charlotte in recognition of her contribution to earth sciences.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Information Services Group have named many University spaces, both digital and physical, after inspirational women who were part of our community.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/about/naming-spaces-after-inspirational-women">Naming Spaces After Inspirational Women</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New challenges</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">AI enhancement tools</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The only image of Charlotte Murchison that is in the public domain is very low-resolution (320 x 400 pixels). This makes my iPad tracing procedure within the iOS app ‘Procreate’ particularly challenging.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One approach I used was to experiment with Adobe Photoshop’s new AI filters. Specifically the neural filter called ‘Photo Restoration’ which does an excellent job of improving the resolution of archive photographs (2000 x 2500 pixels).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Neural filters use machine learning powered by Adobe Sensei, their cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) service.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/photoshop/using/neural-filters.html">Neural Filters overview</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Drag the green slider horizontally to comparison Charlotte’s original face with what enhancements the AI filter achieved.</p>
<div class="h5p-iframe-wrapper"><iframe id="h5p-iframe-17" class="h5p-iframe" data-content-id="17" style="height:1px" src="about:blank" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no" title="Charlotte Murchison"></iframe></div>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Disability factors</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I haven’t created any illustrations since losing my sight loss last year, but was determined to challenge myself to keep creating them for special events like Ada Lovelace Day.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/life-got-dark/" data-type="post" data-id="2733">Life Got Dark</a> (17 November 2023)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As with almost all tasks since I lost my left eye, it takes substantially more time, planning and adaptations to perform simple activities.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For tracing these photographs I like to use my iPad and Apple Pencil to keep the lines fluid, with a strong hand-drawn aesthetic. The Procreate app allows you to pinch and zoom quite easily, but even then I struggled to see any details.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My home office has multiple magnifications aids, including angle-poised, handheld and desktop solutions. The portable USB powered desktop magnifier was the most convenient, I could position it closely over my iPad and see facial features and environmental textures unavailable to me before.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It took a lot of effort to create these new illustrations, but I was 100% committed to contribute these open-educational resources (OERs) to my university’s Ada Lovelace Day. </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My friend and colleague Jackie commented on how they still retained my own personal style. This was very heart-warming and gave me some assurance about staying creative in my sight loss journey.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Further resources</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We have over 30 illustrated portraits of Women in STEM that are open-licenced (attribution only). All of them have a strong connection with the University of Edinburgh, past or present.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBMWmh">View Flickr album</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Flickr album (slideshow)</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-flickr wp-block-embed-flickr"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<a data-flickr-embed='true' href='https://www.flickr.com/photos/interactive-content/albums/72177720321190440/' title='Women in STEM by interactive.content, on Flickr'><img src='https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53255406890_b0aae1dbef_z.jpg' width='800' height='600' alt='Mary Brück'></a><script async src='https://embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js' charset='utf-8'></script>
</div></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Copyright and licence</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The text, images and interactives published within this post are all intended to be shared, reused and remixed. In order to encourage this I’ve applied a Creative Commons open licence to my own content where the only requirement is to include the following attribution.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © Stewart Lamb Cromar, The University of Edinburgh 2024 CC BY.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"></a>This work is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License</a>.</p>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 14:40:20 +0000</pubDate>
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<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>I was recently invited to the ‘300 Faces of Edinburgh Medical School’ launch event. Marking the 300th anniversary of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, this exhibition celebrates the people who have made inspirational contributions to the school.]]></description>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>I was recently invited to the ‘300 Faces of Edinburgh Medical School’ launch event. Marking the 300th anniversary of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, this exhibition celebrates the people who have made inspirational contributions to the school.</strong></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I am honoured, elated, and humbled to be included in an outdoor photographic exhibition at the Mound, Edinburgh, as part of the Edinburgh Science Festival.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’m particularly grateful to the organisers for acknowledging my educational blogging and charitable fundraising efforts related to my own sight loss.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After losing vision in my left eye, the charity Sight Scotland played an integral part in my recovery, supporting my mental wellbeing with compassion and practical advice via their free helpline. Without them, I’m not sure I’d have returned to work at the university.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’d like to take this opportunity to try and raise £300 for this remarkable charity. Donate if you can to my JustGiving fundraiser via the following link (100% goes directly to Sight Scotland):</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/page/300-faces">JustGiving fundraiser</a></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">300 years of medicine</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">2026 marks 300 years of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. This exhibition celebrates the people who have shaped Edinburgh Medical School.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In 2025, University of Edinburgh students, staff and alumni were invited to nominate a person who has made an inspirational contribution to Edinburgh Medical School to be included in a collection of 300 faces.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Mound Exhibition </h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A selection of these faces (including my cheeky chops) are now on display at the Mound Precinct in Edinburgh city centre for the next six weeks (until 26th April). This is an exciting collaboration with the Edinburgh Science Festival. After that, you can see them on the Portobello Promenade (29 April to 14 June).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.edinburghscience.co.uk/event/faces-of-edinburgh-medical-school-mound/">Edinburgh Science Festival</a> (300 Faces page)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The fact my profile photo is one taken by my mum just seals the deal. My family is so proud of me, and I know my dad would have been over the moon to see how his wee boy made a positive difference.</p>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">N.B. Tap on any photo to see a larger version.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stewart Cromar (panel story)</h3>
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-style-default is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In his role as e-learning developer, Stewart was a pivotal member of the award-winning team that created the first online learning resources for medical students. With an eye for design and curiosity for medical subject matter, he created visually appealing, user-friendly teaching materials, quizzes and online resources for staff and students.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In 2005, Stewart and colleagues were awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for a virtual online hospital, which allowed teaching staff to deliver online medical learning activities.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Stewart is registered partially-sighted and fundraises for several charities. He publishes a blog to help others understand his sight loss journey and is a renowned amateur Lego designer, often using Braille bricks in his creations.</p>
<cite>College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine</cite></blockquote>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Extraordinary educators</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Here are my esteemed neighbours on our ‘extraordinary educators’ panel:</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Tom Gillingwater</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Tom is a professor at the University of Edinburgh, leading the Anatomy Department. He has trained thousands of undergraduate and postgraduate students, instilling anatomy as a key part of their knowledge and skills.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Tom researches motor neuron disease. His work has led to a better understanding of neurological disorders and clinical trials for new treatments.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Gertrude Herzfeld</h4>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the first female surgeons to work in Scotland and the first female paediatric surgeon, Gertrude studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and spent most of her career in the city.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In the 1920s and 30s, she held several medical appointments in Edinburgh, including consultant surgeon at the Bruntsfield Hospital for Women and the first female honorary assistant surgeon at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital for Sick Children. She became a full surgeon there in 1925.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gertrude_Herzfeld">Gertrude Herzfeld</a> (Wikipedia page)</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Alexander Monro (secundus)</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A Scottish anatomist, physician and medical educator, Alexander Monro is typically known as “secundus” to distinguish him as the second of three generations of doctors with the same name.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Born in 1733, Alexander attended the University of Edinburgh when he was only 12 years old, taking courses in philosophy before later embarking on medical training.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Monro_Secundus">Alexander Monro</a> (Wikipedia page)</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Yvonne Odey</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Yvonne is a lecturer in reproductive biology and a course organiser on the MBChB medicine degree.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">She played a leading role in the redesign of course content and collaborated with colleagues to deliver a new birthing practical module and new forms of assessment.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">‘300 years of medicine’ website</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">All 300 individuals have photos and biographies on a dedicated University of Edinburgh website.<br>N.B. All names will be published by the end of April.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://medicine-vet-medicine.ed.ac.uk/300-years-of-medicine/300-faces-of-edinburgh-medical-school">300 Faces of Edinburgh Medical School</a></p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Colleagues and historical figures</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s wonderful to see so many people, my team and I have worked with over the years, also nominated: Ruthanne Baxter, Baljean Dhillon, Gordon Findlater, Liz Grant, Euan MacDonald, Suvankar Pal, and Janet Skinner.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For us all to be included in a list of contributors alongside Charles Darwin, Elsie Inglis, Joseph Lister, and Sophia Jex-Blake is a wonderful celebration.</p>
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</figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Charity fundraiser</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’m particularly grateful to the organisers for acknowledging my educational blogging and charitable fundraising efforts related to my own sight loss.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After losing vision in my left eye, Sight Scotland played an integral part in my recovery, supporting my mental wellbeing with compassion and practical advice via their free helpline. Without them, I’m not sure I’d have returned to work at the university.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’d like to take this opportunity to try and raise £300 for this remarkable charity. Donate if you can to my JustGiving fundraiser via the following link (100% goes directly to Sight Scotland). Please include Gift Aid if possible.</p>
<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://www.justgiving.com/page/300-faces">Donate now</a></div>
</div>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sight Scotland</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sight Scotland offer specialist support and advice to individuals and families living with sight loss. They are dedicated to empowering people with visual impairments to lead fulfilling lives.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://sightscotland.org.uk">Sight Scotland</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Upcoming charity Lego shows</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Lastly, if you’d like to see some of my Lego creations with Braille bricks, I’ll be at two upcoming charitable shows: Fife Bricks (Dunfermline – 25th April) and Edinbrick (Edinburgh – 9th & 10th May). Buy your tickets online today!</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/edinbrick">Buy Edinbrick tickets</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.ticketsource.com/fifebricks">Buy Fife Bricks tickets</a></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Related posts</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/sharing-my-story/" data-type="post" data-id="3423">Sharing My Story</a> (9 March 2025)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/five-years-of-sight-loss/">Five Years of Sight Loss</a> (22 January 2025)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/braille-bricks/">Braille Bricks</a> (29 February 2024)</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Disclaimer</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Please note this is a personal fundraiser for Sight Scotland, and is not officially endorsed or associated with Edinburgh Medical School or the University of Edinburgh.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Image credits</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Edinburgh Medical School 300 images are Copyright © The University of Edinburgh 2026.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://stubot.me/300-faces/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Interactive Women in STEM tour</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/stem-tour/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stem-tour</link>
<comments>https://stubot.me/stem-tour/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:35:12 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Ada Lovelace]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Ada Lovelace Day]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Creative Commons]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[H5P]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[OER]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3578</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>For Ada Lovelace Day 2025, Jackie, Magda and Stewart created the 'Interactive Women in STEM tour' game for everyone to play.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>For Ada Lovelace Day 2025, Jackie, Magda and Stewart created this open-licensed ‘Interactive Women in STEM tour’ game for everyone to enjoy.</strong></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion in STEM by taking a look at nine Edinburgh-connected women who have made an impact in a wide range of STEM fields.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With fun quizzes and games (crosswords, pair matching and combination locks), play our open-licensed interactive game today.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">N.B. We recommend tapping the fullscreen button (<strong>⤢)</strong> in the top-right corner, available after you ‘Start’ the game</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Play the game</h2>
<div class="h5p-iframe-wrapper"><iframe id="h5p-iframe-19" class="h5p-iframe" data-content-id="19" style="height:1px" src="about:blank" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no" title="Ada Lovelace day fun"></iframe></div>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Featured scientists</h3>
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Mary Brück (1925 – 2008)</li>
<li>Mary (Molly) Fergusson (1914 – 1997)</li>
<li>Isobel Wylie Hutchison (1889 – 1982)</li>
<li>Sophia Jex-Blake (1840 – 1912)</li>
<li>Christina Miller (1899 – 2001)</li>
<li>Noreen Murray, or Lady Murray (1935 – 2011)</li>
<li>Flora Philip (1865 – 1943)</li>
<li>Marion Ross (1903 – 1994)</li>
<li>Mary Fairfax Somerville (1780 – 1872)</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Licence and copyright</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This game is intended to be shared, reused and remixed. In order to encourage this we’ve applied a Creative Commons open licence to our own content where the only requirements are to include the following attribution and distribute your contributions under the same licence as the original.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © The University of Edinburgh 2025 CC BY-SA.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"></a>This work is licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International Licence</a>.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Provide feedback</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Share your feedback via the Ada Lovelace Day (ALD) Working Group Teams channel or email the designers – Jackie Aim (lead), Magda Dundas & Stewart Lamb Cromar.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="mailto:interactive-content@ed.ac.uk">Email the designers</a></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Curious Edinburgh</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This interactive game was inspired by the <a href="http://curiousedinburgh.org/women-in-stem-trail/women-in-stem-tour-map/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curious Edinburgh – Women in STEM Trail</a> map. This tour was developed by Cari Romans, Magda Dundas, Katie Grieve and Shivani Rao from Learning, Technology and Web (LTW) of the University of Edinburgh.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Download the Curious Edinburgh app for more mobile walking tours on Edinburgh’s scientific and community heritage.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The free app can be found on both <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.ac.edina.curiousedinburgh&ah=tL2uAyzW_gnBUxg9LaextxbCTGs&hl=en-GB&pcampaignid=MKT-Other-global-all-co-prtnr-py-PartBadge-Mar2515-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Play</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/curious-edinburgh/id1113602530?ls=1&mt=8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">App Store</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://stubot.me/stem-tour/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Moira Dunbar</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/moira-dunbar/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=moira-dunbar</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:37:09 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Ada Lovelace]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Ada Lovelace Day]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[colouring book]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[illustration]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[OER]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3569</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>For Ada Lovelace Day 2025 I created a colouring-in illustration of Moira Dunbar (1918-1999), the pioneering Scottish-Canadian glaciologist and Arctic sea-ice researcher.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><strong>For Ada Lovelace Day 2025 I created a colouring-in illustration of Moira Dunbar (1918-1999), the pioneering Scottish-Canadian glaciologist and Arctic sea-ice researcher.</strong></strong></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Two new maps were added to the composition: Edinburgh (birthplace and primary/secondary education) and Dunrobin in Ottawa (countryside home in Canada).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It also incorporates an interpretation of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s Massey Medal she was awarded in 1972 for her “excellent work in Arctic geography and sea-ice”.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Isobel Moira Dunbar (1918 – 1999)</h3>
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<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Moira-Dunbar_v03-scaled.jpg">Download high-resolution illustration</a></div>
</div>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moira_Dunbar">Moira Dunbar Wikipedia article</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ada Lovelace Day</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On Tuesday 14th October, the University of Edinburgh’s Information Services team are celebrating Ada Lovelace Day 2025 which is an international celebration day of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). This is our 10th year of celebrating that day!</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We have planned events and activities with a climate and earth sciences theme, running in the afternoon and early evening of that date.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/2025/07/28/save-the-date-ada-lovelace-day-14th-october-2025/">Edinburgh event booking details </a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Copyright and licence</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The text and images published within this post are all intended to be shared, reused and remixed. In order to encourage this I’ve applied a Creative Commons open licence to my own content where the only requirements are to include the following attribution and distribute your contributions under the same licence as the original.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © Stewart Lamb Cromar, The University of Edinburgh 2025 CC BY-SA.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"></a>This work is licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 International Licence</a>.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Original image credit</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Based on the Canadian Defense Research Board photograph of her with Arctic sea-ice maps (CC BY-SA 4.0) on Wikimedia Commons.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Isobel_Moira_Dunbar.jpg">Original photograph</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Further resources</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We have over 30 illustrated portraits of Women in STEM that are open-licenced (attribution only). All of them have a strong connection with the University of Edinburgh, past or present.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBMWmh">View Flickr album</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For even more illustrations please look at our ‘We have great stuff’ colouring books, there are three different volumes available.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://edin.ac/colouring-books">Download colouring book PDFs</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>In Their Own Time</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/in-their-own-time/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=in-their-own-time</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:33:50 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Disability]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[academia]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[academics]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[accessibility]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[comic]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[comic book]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[disability]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[illustration]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3519</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>Challenging conventional funding structures to include intersectionally underrepresented casualised academics. The Interactive Content team help launch a new digital comic resource.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Challenging conventional funding structures to include intersectionally underrepresented casualised academics. The Interactive Content team help launch a new digital comic resource.</strong></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The In Their Own Time (ITOT) project shares the stories of eight insecurely employed long-term academics – University Tutor in Design and professional illustrator Maria Stoian met with each of them to document their “own time,” and tell their stories through comics.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://in-their-own-time.ed.ac.uk">ITOT website</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Project leads</strong></h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Collaborating closely with Maria, this project was led by two Co-Investigators: Dr Cécile Ménard and Dr Lena Wånggren, both Research Fellows from the School of GeoSciences.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Maria, Cécile and Lena approached the Interactive Content team to help transform their physical publication into a creative and valuable online equivalent resource.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Steph’s story</strong></h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This is only a short preview; please visit the ITOT website, in your own time, and read all eight academic stories in their entirety.</p>
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<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c499f34"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c499f34" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-id="3534" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ITOT-Steph-1.png" alt="Steph is a migrant academic, researcher, teacher and single mum. She highlights the difficulty of juggling an academic career and childcare. Alongside her fight for better care for her child, who is disabled, Steph battles changing immigration rules - as a precariously employed migrant parent, she juggles childcare, visa extensions, and grant applications." class="wp-image-3534"/><button
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<details class="wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow"><summary>Steph’s transcript</summary>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Steph is a single mum. Today is her daughter’s first day back at school after the holidays.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I have two university jobs. Both are hourly, one is zero-hours.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I usually work in my own time from my kitchen table, in the evenings after my daughter has gone to bed.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">[Image Description] Steph with hot drink and laptop at kitchen table.</p>
</details>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Website features</strong></h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Restricted access times</strong></h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the key requirements for the website design was to restrict access from 9 am to 5pm. As this project highlights the exclusionary expectation for casualised academics to do unpaid work “in their own time,” the ITOT team wanted visitors to read their stories outside of UK office hours.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This unique and impactful functionality was the primary justification for not publishing this resource on an existing University platform (e.g. EdWeb 2).</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Sustainability</strong></h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The agreed long-term plan is to host this bespoke site for up to three years before submitting it to the UK Web Archive. This will ensure there is a permanent record of it, but it will also remove the University’s requirement for website hosting, maintenance, security, and legal compliance (e.g. accessibility statements).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As the ITOT project received research funding, it’s important that all digital outputs are available as long as possible.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://library.ed.ac.uk/heritage-collections/collections-and-search/archives/digital-archives-and-preservation/web-archiving">University guidance on website archiving</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bespoke design</strong></h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">To save on time and budget, we repurposed a suitable third-party WordPress theme (Kadence) with a free software licence (GNU General Public Licence).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In order to add bespoke design elements and retain better control, we developed a child theme for Kadence. For example, this child theme incorporated a handwritten typeface created by project illustrator Maria – ‘Stoian Comic’.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://mariastoian.com">Maria’s portfolio</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Responsive comics</strong></h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For each academic’s story, there are actually two versions of the digital comic. Maria designed and illustrated panels that are optimised for either desktop or smartphone layouts.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you look closely at the third row of Chris’ comic on a desktop/laptop, you can see a wide-panel containing spoons that bridges two neighbouring panels. But on a mobile, Maria has rearranged the panels so they can be stacked vertically without losing any of the story.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Chris’ story (excerpt)</h4>
<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c49baff"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c49baff" class="wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="662" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3536" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-300x78.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-1024x265.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-768x199.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-1536x397.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-2048x530.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><button
class="lightbox-trigger"
type="button"
aria-haspopup="dialog"
data-wp-bind--aria-label="state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel"
data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton"
data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox"
data-wp-style--right="state.thisImage.buttonRight"
data-wp-style--top="state.thisImage.buttonTop"
>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 12 12">
<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
</svg>
</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Desktop</figcaption></figure>
<figure data-wp-context="{"galleryId":"6a1513c49bced"}" data-wp-interactive="core/gallery" class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c49c09e"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c49c09e" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="792" height="1024" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-id="3538" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-792x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3538" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-792x1024.jpg 792w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-232x300.jpg 232w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-768x993.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-1188x1536.jpg 1188w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-1584x2048.jpg 1584w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-scaled.jpg 1980w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px" /><button
class="lightbox-trigger"
type="button"
aria-haspopup="dialog"
data-wp-bind--aria-label="state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel"
data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton"
data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox"
data-wp-style--right="state.thisImage.buttonRight"
data-wp-style--top="state.thisImage.buttonTop"
>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 12 12">
<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
</svg>
</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mobile (part one)</figcaption></figure>
<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c49c57a"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c49c57a" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-id="3537" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-3A.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3537"/><button
class="lightbox-trigger"
type="button"
aria-haspopup="dialog"
data-wp-bind--aria-label="state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel"
data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton"
data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox"
data-wp-style--right="state.thisImage.buttonRight"
data-wp-style--top="state.thisImage.buttonTop"
>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 12 12">
<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
</svg>
</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mobile (part two)</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<details class="wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow"><summary>Chris’ transcript</summary>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Chris is employed for 14 hours a week but often works more hours on their research, funding applications and university citizenship.<br>[Image Description] Visitor drawing a portrait of Chris while they sit and talk</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">[Image Description] Picture of 5 spoons.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I ask a lot of questions.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I think we’re doing research badly right now.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“People need more time to do reproducible and replicable research.”<br>[Image Description] Portrait evolves while Chris keeps talking.</p>
</details>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Inclusivity</strong></h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Inclusive comics</strong></h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">To ensure as many people as possible can appreciate the ITOT resource, e-learning Developer Jackie Aim created transcripts for each of the eight academic comics.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We did experiment with alt text (short for alternative text) descriptions for each of the ~20 comic panels, but testing with various screen readers flagged an unforeseen issue. Some screen readers automatically read out the hand-drawn text in the panel in addition to the alt text provided. Having this repetition was deemed unacceptable, so we all agreed to include just the transcript for each comic.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/website-communications/content-improvement-club-what-we-covered-in-our-march-session/">How to write good alt text</a> (University of Edinburgh – Mel Batcharj)</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Accessibility compliance</strong></h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Our Digital Accessibility Intern, David Buik, completed the accessibility testing and published the required Accessibility Statement in line with Public Sector Body (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Having compliance with the WCAG 2.2 AA success criteria means you should be able to:</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Zoom in up to 500% without the text spilling off the screen or without loss of content</li>
<li>Navigate most of the site using keyboard only</li>
<li>Navigate most of the site using speech recognition software e.g. Dragon</li>
<li>Use the website without encountering any inactivity timeouts</li>
<li>Listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver)</li>
</ul>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thank you to Viki Galt and Lori Anderson from the University Disability Information Team, who professionally verified David’s report and statement.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/help-consultancy/accessibility/is-accessibility/disability-officer">Disability Information Team</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Licence and copyright</strong></h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Creative Commons licence</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When we first met the ITOT team, they were not so familiar with the practice of Creative Commons licensing, so it was a lovely opportunity to see if we could apply a licence that would help others freely share this valuable resource.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Maria’s beautiful comics (PDF downloads) and the project text written by Cécile and Lena are now licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) 4.0 licence.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The University of Edinburgh’s OER Policy</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The University of Edinburgh has an Open Education Resources (OERs) policy<strong> </strong>that outlines the institutional position on OERs and provides guidelines for practice in learning and teaching. You can find the policy in the University’s <a href="https://policies.ed.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Policy Directory</a>, or directly via the following link:</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://uoe.sharepoint.com/sites/PolicyRepository/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FPolicyRepository%2FShared%20Documents%2FOpen%5FEducational%5FResources%5FPolicy%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FPolicyRepository%2FShared%20Documents&p=true&ga=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Educational Resources Policy</a> (PDF)</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Copyright notice</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © 2025 The University of Edinburgh. Illustrations and comics by Maria Stoian. Website text by Dr Cécile Ménard, Dr Lena Wånggren and Maria Stoian.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Testimonial</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Working with the IC Team was seamless and enjoyable. As the main output of our project, the website needed to reflect both our experience and that of our participants. We wanted it to be intuitive to navigate and as accessible as possible. Stewart and the team took everything we asked for on board, responded promptly, and made the whole process easy for us while delivering a site that looks fantastic!” – Dr Cécile Ménard</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Getting in touch</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We will be happy to discuss your needs and ideas and develop an approach that delivers a high-quality output, whatever your budget.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/help-consultancy/rm-and-consultancy/interactive-content-service/how-to-get-in-touch">How to access the Interactive Content Service</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>ASPIRING study website</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/aspiring-study-website/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=aspiring-study-website</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:02:08 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[accessibility]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Drupal]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[H5P]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3494</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>The Interactive Content team within Information Services designed and published the ASPIRING study website on behalf of Professor Rustam Al-Shahi Salman from the CCBS (Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh).]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>The Interactive Content team within Information Services designed and published the ASPIRING study website on behalf of Professor Rustam Al-Shahi Salman</strong> from <strong>the CCBS (Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh).</strong></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="724" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ASPIRING-website-1024x724.png" alt="* Screenshot of website homepage that includes main menu, introductory video, project logo and the key text - “Help us find out if medicines like aspirin protect people with bleeding in the brain from strokes, heart attacks, and death”." class="wp-image-3498" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ASPIRING-website-1024x724.png 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ASPIRING-website-300x212.png 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ASPIRING-website-768x543.png 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ASPIRING-website-1536x1086.png 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ASPIRING-website.png 1810w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This multi-component project includes a patient recruitment portal (Drupal 10) multilingual videos (Media Hopper Create), investigator training materials (H5P interactive content), and a technical collaboration with developers from ECTU (Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit) who are responsible for the participant database.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.aspiring.ed.ac.uk">ASPIRING study</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Accessibility requirements</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">An important design consideration was the specific web accessibility needs of stroke survivors, who may have physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In real terms, this means allowing website visitors to:</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Navigate most of the website using just a keyboard</li>
<li>Magnify all content to 300% without loss of content</li>
<li>Listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver)</li>
<li>Navigate most of the website using screen recognition software e.g. Dragon</li>
<li>Experience no time limits</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Positive feedback</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the funding agencies, British Heart Foundation (BHF), kindly provided very positive feedback and requested their logo be included on the website.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">BHF currently link to ASPIRING through the ‘Active GCRFF trials’ page on their website.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/gcrff-multinational-clinical-trials-initiative/funded-gcrff-trials">Trials endorsed by the GCRFF Multinational Clinical Trials Initiative</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">About the study</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Antiplatelet Secondary Prevention International Randomised study after INtracerebral haemorrhaGe</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">ASPIRING is an international study, testing whether aspirin and clopidogrel prevent strokes, heart attacks, and death after brain haemorrhage. This study, run by The University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian, will include more than 4,000 people with brain haemorrhage.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Sharing My Story</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/sharing-my-story/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sharing-my-story</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 09 Mar 2025 12:08:24 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Disability]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LEGO]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Braille Bricks]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Fabuland]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[H5P]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LEGO House]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Maid of Fabuland]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3423</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute. </span></span>It's been a busy, but rewarding, week at work and home. In the last 24 hours The Lego Group have published two personal videos documenting my sight loss disability and love for building with Braille bricks.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>It’s been a busy, but rewarding, week at work and home. In the last 24 hours The Lego Group have published two personal videos documenting my sight loss disability and love for building with Braille bricks.</strong></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">@Lego YouTube channel</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Check out this LEGO Steamboat at LEGO House!" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oquUs17GIxU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thank you again to the teams at both Lego House and Our Lego Agency (OLA) for inviting me to share my sight loss journey.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If my disability story can help others going through similar challenges that would make me incredibly happy.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I hope my Fabuland ship, the ‘Maid of Fabuland’, delivers love to all the visitors at the wonderful Lego House, Billund, Denmark.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Play Well, Stewart (@stubot) <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2764.png" alt="❤" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f49b.png" alt="💛" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f499.png" alt="💙" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">@LegoBuilds Instagram account</h3>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG8OJqOsFA8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG8OJqOsFA8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG8OJqOsFA8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by LEGO Builds (@legobuilds)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sight Scotland</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you would like to help others experiencing similar challenges please consider donating to my chosen charity Sight Scotland.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sight Scotland offer specialist support and advice to individuals and families living with sight loss. They are dedicated to empowering people with visual impairments to lead fulfilling lives.</p>
<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://sightscotland.org.uk">Donate to Sight Scotland</a></div>
</div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Five Years of Sight Loss</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Over the last five years I have written personal blog posts detailing my traumatic sight loss journey. To help others better understand the significant changes in my vision I also created a series of interactive simulations (H5P files).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/five-years-of-sight-loss/" data-type="post" data-id="3303">Five Years of Sight Loss</a> (22 January 2025)</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Related posts</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/build-your-own-paddle-steamer/" data-type="post" data-id="3295">Build your own paddle steamer</a> (04 March 2025)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/maid-of-fabuland/">Maid of Fabuland</a> (22 October 2024)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/braille-bricks/" data-type="post" data-id="2747">Braille Bricks</a> (29 February 2024)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/lego-lovelace/" data-type="post" data-id="1969">LEGO Lovelace: Building a modern icon</a> (23 August 2017)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Five Years of Sight Loss</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/five-years-of-sight-loss/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=five-years-of-sight-loss</link>
<comments>https://stubot.me/five-years-of-sight-loss/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jan 2025 15:57:19 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Disability]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Creative Commons]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[H5P]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Sight Scotland]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Wikimedia Commons]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Wikipedia]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3303</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>Over the last five years I have written personal blog posts detailing my traumatic sight loss journey. To help others better understand the significant changes in my vision I also created a series of interactive simulations (H5P files).]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Over the last five years I have written personal blog posts detailing my traumatic sight loss journey. To help others better understand the significant changes in my vision I also created a series of interactive simulations (H5P files).</strong></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Heartfelt and Interactive Diary</h3>
<div class="h5p-iframe-wrapper"><iframe id="h5p-iframe-18" class="h5p-iframe" data-content-id="18" style="height:1px" src="about:blank" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no" title="Five Years of Sight Loss"></iframe></div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Open Education Resources (OERs)</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As someone who’s created online learning materials professionally for 25 years, it was a unique opportunity for me to communicate and document this hidden disability.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Publishing both the heartfelt blog and H5P content as open education resources (OERs), my hope was to help others going through similar surgeries and challenges.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This brand new ‘Interactive Book’ H5P file consolidates diary entries from the last five years into one bite-sized shareable learning resource.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://h5p.org/content-types/interactive-book">Interactive Book (H5P exemplar site)</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">OER publication tally</h3>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>10 sight loss blog posts</li>
<li>10,840 words / 58 minutes reading time</li>
<li>17 H5P files
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>x10 Agamotto</li>
<li>x2 Image Juxtaposition</li>
<li>x2 Image Slider</li>
<li>x1 Interactive Book</li>
<li>x1 Timeline</li>
<li>x1 Image Hotspots</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>97 images</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Share, reuse and remix</h3>
<figure data-wp-context="{"galleryId":"6a1513c4a5b3f"}" data-wp-interactive="core/gallery" class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c4a6037"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c4a6037" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-id="2093" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B-1024x576.jpg" alt="LogMAR chart after a retinal detachment. Large dark shadow and blurring on the left-hand side, with minor white/yellow flaring at edge of shadow." class="wp-image-2093" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><button
class="lightbox-trigger"
type="button"
aria-haspopup="dialog"
data-wp-bind--aria-label="state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel"
data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton"
data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox"
data-wp-style--right="state.thisImage.buttonRight"
data-wp-style--top="state.thisImage.buttonTop"
>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 12 12">
<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
</svg>
</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Retinal detachment LogMAR chart</figcaption></figure>
<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c4a6610"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c4a6610" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-id="3347" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113663978_9eaa2967ab_o-1024x576.jpg" alt="Bunch of flowers (close-up), but everything blurred and a dark semi-circle obscuring half the image." class="wp-image-3347" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113663978_9eaa2967ab_o-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113663978_9eaa2967ab_o-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113663978_9eaa2967ab_o-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113663978_9eaa2967ab_o-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113663978_9eaa2967ab_o.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><button
class="lightbox-trigger"
type="button"
aria-haspopup="dialog"
data-wp-bind--aria-label="state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel"
data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton"
data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox"
data-wp-style--right="state.thisImage.buttonRight"
data-wp-style--top="state.thisImage.buttonTop"
>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 12 12">
<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
</svg>
</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gas bubble (day 1)</figcaption></figure>
<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c4a6b19"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c4a6b19" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-id="3348" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113510149_bae0b981c7_o-1024x576.jpg" alt="Same flowers, but dark circle in top-left corner only." class="wp-image-3348" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113510149_bae0b981c7_o-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113510149_bae0b981c7_o-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113510149_bae0b981c7_o-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113510149_bae0b981c7_o-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113510149_bae0b981c7_o.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><button
class="lightbox-trigger"
type="button"
aria-haspopup="dialog"
data-wp-bind--aria-label="state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel"
data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton"
data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox"
data-wp-style--right="state.thisImage.buttonRight"
data-wp-style--top="state.thisImage.buttonTop"
>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 12 12">
<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
</svg>
</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gas bubble (day 8)</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">You can download any of the H5P files via the ‘Reuse’ link in the bottom-left corner.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">High-resolution versions of these sight loss photographs and representations are available via this dedicated Flickr album:</p>
<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stubot/albums/72157718976224995">‘Sight Loss OERs’ Flickr album</a></div>
</div>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Select images have been uploaded to Wikimedia Commons and added to relevant Wikipedia pages.</p>
<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retinal_detachment">Retinal detachment (Wikipedia)</a></div>
</div>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Wikimedia Commons</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Impression of a retinal detachment against a LogMAR chart:<br><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Retinal_detachment_LogMAR_chart_B.jpg">Retinal detachment LogMAR chart B</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Impression of a retinal detachment against a bouquet of flowers:<br><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gas_bubble_(day_1).jpg">Gas bubble (day 1)</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Impression of gas bubble against a bouquet of flowers:<br><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gas_bubble_(day_8).jpg">Gas bubble (day 8)</a></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Copyright and licence</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The blog text, H5P files and images are all intended to be shared, reused and remixed. To encourage this, I’ve applied a Creative Commons open licence to my own content where the only requirement is to include the following attribution.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © Stewart Lamb Cromar 2025 CC BY.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">STARs – Visual tests: Nigel – Visual field test (Video)</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and The University of Edinburgh 2020 CC BY-NC-SA.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Different types of white cane (Image Hotspots)</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Images and text for the ‘Different types of white cane’ interactive are reproduced here with the kind permission of Sight Scotland.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">‘Retro Semi-Realistic Blind People’ illustrations created by Yan Moryachok for Canva (Free Content). Copyright © Canva 2025. All rights reserved.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Text written by Sight Scotland. Copyright © Sight Scotland 2025. All rights reserved.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">LogMAR chart</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">By user Fvasconcellos. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ETDRS_Chart_R.svg">ETDRS Chart R (.svg)</a></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Disclaimer</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Please note these resources are entirely a personal record of my own experiences and have not been verified by any qualified medical professionals or other individuals from the University of Edinburgh.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://stubot.me/five-years-of-sight-loss/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Building a new home for Teaching Matters </title>
<link>https://stubot.me/teaching-matters/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=teaching-matters</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:02:58 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[blogging]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[cPanel]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Google Analytics]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[WordPress]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3254</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>The University of Edinburgh's popular Teaching Matters blog was successfully migrated from a standalone WordPress instance created in 2016 to the Academic Blogging Service's WordPress service. This short post focuses on the technical challenges, new features and support/security benefits.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>The University of Edinburgh’s popular Teaching Matters blog was successfully migrated from a standalone WordPress instance created in 2016 to the Academic Blogging Service’s WordPress service. This blog post focuses on the technical challenges, new features and support/security benefits.</strong></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImageVy5PUX-1024x576.jpg" alt="Teaching Matters homepage, "Promoting, discussing and celebrating teaching at The University of Edinburgh". Features main navigation menu and 6 blog articles with photos." class="wp-image-3269" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImageVy5PUX-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImageVy5PUX-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImageVy5PUX-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImageVy5PUX-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImageVy5PUX-2048x1152.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Digital Learning Applications and Media (DLAM) colleagues (Stewart Lamb Cromar, James Slack, Mark Findlay and Karen Howie) have worked with Dr Jenny Scoles from the Institute for Academic Development (IAD) to design, test and build a new long-term home for their Teaching Matters blog.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/teaching-matters/new-website-for-teaching-matters/">Jenny’s blog post about this migration</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Technical challenges </h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Large image bank</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Teaching Matters blog has been publishing high-quality articles since January 2016. Migrating eight years’ worth of media-rich content was quite the challenge with: 1,200 posts and 3,600 images totaling almost 4 GB.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Security concerns</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Both the WordPress platform (6.2.6 and theme (Apostrophe 1) were upgraded to newer, safer and regularly maintained options (6.5.5 and Apostrophe 2 respectively).</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Preserving bookmarks</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">URL redirections have been enabled for the old domain name (<a href="https://www.teaching-matters-blog.ed.ac.uk/">www.teaching-matters-blog.ed.ac.uk</a>), so all pre-existing bookmarks and pages indexed by search engines will successfully redirect to the new URL: </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/teaching-matters">blogs.ed.ac.uk/teaching-matters</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Redirection rules</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Due to the large number of high-resolution photographs, not all images could be migrated and hosted within their new home. Amendments were made to the previous ‘htaccess’ file so URL requests to the WordPress ‘Uploads’ directory were exempt from redirection.</p>
<pre class="wp-block-code"><code># Redirect all traffic to new hosting platform
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} !^/wp-content/uploads/
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^(?:www\.)teaching-matters-blog\.ed\.ac\.uk$ [NC]
RewriteRule ^ https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/teaching-matters%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]</code></pre>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New features</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Student and staff contributions</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImage5DT3uI-1024x576.jpg" alt="'Submit a post' webform with fields such as name, email, title, social media handles and biography." class="wp-image-3267" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImage5DT3uI-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImage5DT3uI-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImage5DT3uI-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImage5DT3uI-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImage5DT3uI-2048x1152.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A new WordPress plugin ‘User Submitted Posts (USP)’ was tested and configured especially for Teaching Matters. This new addition allows IAD to receive article submissions via a dedicated webform and have them stored automatically as draft Posts within WordPress.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en-gb.wordpress.org/plugins/user-submitted-posts/">User Submitted Post plugin</a></p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Editorial workflow</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Having a bespoke webform for staff and students to submit blog posts for consideration has greatly improved the editorial workflow for the IAD team. Previously they would accept requests via email and manually enter the content as a new WordPress post. The USP plugin now automatically converts a valid webform entry into a draft Post, that can be quickly reviewed and published.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/teaching-matters/submit-a-post/">Submit a Teaching Matters post</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">HTML newsletters</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newsletter-1024x576.png" alt="Teaching Matters' newsletter archive page, with a colourful number 5 graphic for their '5 Things' section." class="wp-image-3270" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newsletter-1024x576.png 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newsletter-300x169.png 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newsletter-768x432.png 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newsletter-1536x864.png 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newsletter-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Since 2021, the IAD have offered a popular Teaching Matters newsletter – a round-up of the best of teaching at The University of Edinburgh and beyond.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7237382942862241792">Teaching Matters LinkedIn newsletter</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In addition to the LinkedIn monthly ‘5 Things’ newsletter, visitors can now sign up to receive automated email notifications whenever a new blog post is published. This functionality is achieved by the ‘Icegram Express’ plugin that is available to all users of the University’s WordPress service.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The plugin is configured with a double opt-in setting, so that visitors must confirm their subscription via email. This avoids any potential spam requests.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Improved analytics</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">IAD were keen to have better insights into how many visits the blog received, what articles visitors were looking at, and how long they spent reading them.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The transition between Universal Analytics (UA) and Google Analytics 4 (GA4) in 2023 has meant access to historic records is challenging, if not impossible (UA records were all automatically deleted by Google in July 2024).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, if you don’t have a manual backup of that historic UA data you can always review some basic server statistics via cPanel.</p>
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Log in to your cPanel</li>
<li>Scroll down to the Metrics section</li>
<li>Select the AWstats icon</li>
<li>Click View to open the report for each domain</li>
</ol>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Manually collating data for each year allowed us to discover the following lifetime statistics before the migration.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Lifetime statistics (2016-2024)</h4>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>581,256 visitors </li>
<li>1,110,716 visits </li>
<li>4,467,771 page views </li>
</ul>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Site Kit plugin</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The blog’s new home makes good use of the ‘Site Kit by Google’ plugin.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://uoe.sharepoint.com/:u:/r/sites/Blogs.ed/SitePages/Connect-your-blog-to-Google-Site-Kit.aspx">Connect your blog to Google Site Kit</a> (UoE only)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When successfully configured, you have direct and convenient access to Google Analytics from within the WordPress admin dashboard. </p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Google Analytics training</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you want to learn more about Google Analytics the LinkedIn Learning course ‘Google Analytics 4 (GA4) Essential Training’ is designed to help you track, analyse, and report on website traffic, conversions, and ad performance using GA4.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/help-consultancy/is-skills/linkedin-learning">Logging into LinkedIn Learning with UoE email</a> (UoE only)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/learning/google-analytics-4-ga4-essential-training-14915362">LinkedIn Learning GA4 Course</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Better accessibility compliance</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">University websites are required to be compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standard.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/">Full guidelines</a> (2.2)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Several CSS amendments were made to the WordPress theme to improve accessibility compliance:</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Improved colour contrast ratios for headers and buttons.</li>
<li>Hyperlinks are no longer solely reliant on colour coding; they are now underlined too.</li>
<li>Reduction in number of menu items from 8 to 6. This helps cognitive processing, but also avoids line wrapping on narrower screens.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Support / security benefits</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A new home </h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Blogs.ed.ac.uk is a free University-hosted and supported WordPress platform for all staff and postgraduate research students. </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">View over 9,800 blogs or request your own:</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk">blogs.ed.ac.uk</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dedicated resources</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For WordPress resources please visit the blogs.ed SharePoint site for support on creating your first blog along with videos and ‘How to’ documentation which we recommend viewing if you are new to WordPress.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://uoe.sharepoint.com/sites/Blogs.ed/SitePages/Home.aspx">Blogs.ed SharePoint site</a> (UoE only)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Find out what training and workshops are available to expand your blogging skills.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/learning-technology/blogging/help-support/training-and-workshops">Training and workshops</a> (UoE only)</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Copyright</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HJ2A7137-crop-1024x576.jpg" alt="Young student using a laptop, sitting in a pretty park with her cute white dog." class="wp-image-3263" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HJ2A7137-crop-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HJ2A7137-crop-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HJ2A7137-crop-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HJ2A7137-crop-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Header image is part of the Online Learning 2022 collection and was downloaded from the University of Edinburgh’s image gallery:</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://uoe.sharepoint.com/sites/Brand/SitePages/Photography-and-Video.aspx">UoE photography and video resources</a> (UoE only)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This collection was managed by Ari Badlishah (Digital Engagement Officer), and focused on improving the diversity in photography used in the University’s online courses.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © The University of Edinburgh 2024. All rights reserved.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Maid of Fabuland</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/maid-of-fabuland/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=maid-of-fabuland</link>
<comments>https://stubot.me/maid-of-fabuland/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 22 Oct 2024 09:22:07 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Disability]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LEGO]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Braille Bricks]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Denmark]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Fabuland]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LEGO House]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Maid of Fabuland]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Skaerbaek]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3087</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 14</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>Lego kindly invited me to build a Fabuland ship for the prestigious Lego House in Denmark. Going blind in one eye has been the hardest year and this creative challenge absolutely helped me move forward. Read about the ‘Maid of Fabuland’ paddle steamer and one of the happiest days ever.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 14</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Lego kindly invited me to build a Fabuland ship for the prestigious Lego House in Denmark. Going blind in one eye has been the hardest year and this creative challenge absolutely helped me move forward. Read about the ‘Maid of Fabuland’ paddle steamer and one of the happiest days ever.</strong></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-default"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1) Life got a little brighter</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="Stewart's Memoji standing outside LEGO House, a giant white building comprised of cubes." class="wp-image-3162" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Earlier this year I was contacted by the extremely gifted Lego House master builder Stuart Harris. I’m lucky enough to have met him a few times, but this communication was most unexpected.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After losing my sight loss last year, life has been extremely tough and bleak. I had managed to return to work at The University of Edinburgh with support from my line manager Karen Howie and the Staff Disability Advice Service. This was my first personal goal in terms of moving forward, but I was keen to push further.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/life-got-dark/">Life Got Dark</a> (17 November 2023)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Artistic expression whether at work or home has always been a core activity in my life and this commission from The Lego Group was the perfect opportunity to test what I could achieve with my latest vision loss.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.1) Design brief</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Stuart Harris invited me to build a Fabuland ship for the World Explorer experience within The Lego House at Billund, Denmark. I was told the delivery schedule, maximum dimensions and given permission to use Fabuland figures. But other than that, I could propose any type of ship that I wished.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1.1.1) World Explorer experience</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="3213" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3213" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone-300x200.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone-768x512.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Green Zone</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/steampunk.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="3212" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/steampunk-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3212" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/steampunk-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/steampunk-300x200.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/steampunk-768x512.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/steampunk.jpg 1500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Steampunk Submarine</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/World-Explorer.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" data-id="3214" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/World-Explorer-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3214" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/World-Explorer-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/World-Explorer-225x300.jpg 225w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/World-Explorer-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/World-Explorer.jpg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The World Explorer Ship</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Every year the Lego House change their fan models, adding new artworks to galleries and interactive experiences. The magical World Explorer experience in the Green Zone has a large brick-built island with a Duplo volcano and amusement park called ‘Fabuland’! Visiting the island for 12 months is a custom ship designed by AFOLs (Adult Fan of Lego).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In 2018 Warren Elsmore and his talented team installed their epic ‘Steampunk Submarine’. He has written a fascinating blog about their creative process which involved 3D modelling, LEDs and so many exquisite details! </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.warrenelsmore.com/latest/the-steampunk-submarine/24/9/2018">The Steampunk Submarine</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Before my model there was the very cute, Friends themed ‘The World Explorer Ship’ by Ed Diment. With three impressive solar sails, his ship focused heavily on accessibility and sustainability to inspire the builders of tomorrow.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you have photos of World Explorer ships from previous years, please do share links to them in the comments section.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.2) Ship shape?</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3147" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3147" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396.jpg 1805w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3148" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3148" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3146" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3146" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown.jpg 1828w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For the first few weeks I toyed between a modern-day ferry and an old-fashioned paddle steamer. My first plan was to include loads of cute Fabuland vehicles and passengers on a car ferry. I felt this option had a lot of exposed building area that could host multiple amusing vignettes.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, I reflected on what is quintessential Fabuland? And for me it’s a powerful combination of nostalgia and whimsy. Even in theme’s original lifetime (1979-1989) it evoked a bygone era and embraced old-fashioned vehicles and architecture.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It just had to be a paddle steamer!</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.3) Captain Wilfred</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="822" data-id="3120" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1-1024x822.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3120" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1-1024x822.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1-300x241.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1-768x616.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1-1536x1233.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1-2048x1644.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3175" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3175" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The ‘Maid of Fabuland’ is my homage to the Fabuland set 3673 ‘Paddle Steamer’ from 1985. Wilfred Walrus is once again the captain of the ship. His cheeky monkey sailor friends also make a return appearance.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.4) Bookworm</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3210" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6-300x300.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6-150x150.jpg 150w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6-768x768.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Scotland has a long history of paddle steamers and in 1812 the very first European commercial steamboat service began on the River Clyde between Glasgow and Greenock. This is my tribute to all the beautiful ships that once travelled our seas, rivers and lochs.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I managed to purchase quite a few second-hand books on this unfamiliar subject and most of them had amazing technical blueprints and archive photographs.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Whilst I was keen to design a technically realistic ship, I also wanted to incorporate playful features that younger Lego fans would appreciate. So, I included several seminal children’s books by Richard Scarry in my reading list for potential inspiration.</p>
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Richard Scarry’s Boats by Richard Scarry</li>
<li>Richard Scarry’s the Great Steamboat Mystery by Richard Scarry</li>
<li>Best Word Book Ever by Richard Scarry</li>
<li>The Once-Ubiquitous Paddle Steamer by John Hannavy</li>
<li>The Golden Years of the Clyde Steamers (1889-1914) by Alan J. S Paterson</li>
<li>Paddle Steamers: A Photographic Legacy by Andrew Gladwell</li>
<li>200 Years of Clyde Paddle Steamers by Iain Quinn</li>
<li>Classic Scottish Paddle Steamers by Alan J. S Paterson</li>
<li>The illustrated history of paddle steamers by G. W. & R. Plummer & J. Jobe. Hilton</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.4.1) Busytown?</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-10 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Steamboat-Mystery.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="648" height="643" data-id="3202" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Steamboat-Mystery.jpg" alt="Richard Scarry's the Great Steamboat Mystery" class="wp-image-3202" style="width:650px;height:auto" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Steamboat-Mystery.jpg 648w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Steamboat-Mystery-300x298.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Steamboat-Mystery-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Boats.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="754" height="1024" data-id="3207" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Boats-754x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3207" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Boats-754x1024.jpg 754w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Boats-221x300.jpg 221w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Boats-768x1043.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Boats.jpg 884w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 754px) 100vw, 754px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Best-Word.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="798" height="1024" data-id="3208" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Best-Word-798x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3208" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Best-Word-798x1024.jpg 798w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Best-Word-234x300.jpg 234w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Best-Word-768x985.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Best-Word.jpg 862w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Richard Scarry (1919–1994) was a children’s author and illustrator. He is best known for his ‘Best Ever’ book series that take place primarily in the fictional town of Busytown.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Busytown is inhabited by an assortment of anthropomorphic animals, including Huckle Cat, Lowly Worm, Mr. Frumble, police Sergeant Murphy, Mr. Fixit, Bananas Gorilla and Hilda Hippo.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">First published in 1963, I would consider it the obvious precursor to both Lego’s Fabuland (1979-1989) and Nintendo’s Animal Crossing (2001-present).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Busytown">Busytown</a> (Wikipedia article)</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.4.2) Tiny text</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One key issue was being unable to read the small text size, I’m so used to increasing the font size on my phone to 235%, but this text was too small even for my physical magnification aids.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thankfully my brother is an avid reader and has better eyesight than me, so he was tasked with reading through this collection and making notes for me.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The variety of ship designs was quite fascinating, but key features for my list were a rear paddle wheel (stern-wheeler), passenger deck on the top-level, cargo at the front (bow) and two iconic chimneys (smokestacks) near the captain’s cabin.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.5) Concept art</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-11 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-D.jpg"><img decoding="async" data-id="3101" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-D.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3101"/></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" data-id="3103" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3103" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-225x300.jpg 225w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-E-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="2560" data-id="3104" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-E-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3104" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-E-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-E-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With my research complete, I was keen to start prototyping and try building a few key components of the ship (paddle wheel, deck and smokestack). Stuart had asked me to share as much as I wanted with them, and sending some early sketches seemed a prudent thing to do.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1.5.1) Colour palette</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-12 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="490" data-id="3099" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A-1024x490.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3099" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A-1024x490.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A-300x144.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A-768x368.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A-1536x735.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A-2048x980.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3100" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3100" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The predominant colour palette is red, yellow and blue (see colour-coded ship sketch), with white and dark orange accents. However, the intention is to use all 14 Lego colours I consider typically Fabuland that are still in production today (see brick swatch photo).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I knew the final model would be installed on an existing blue surface, so I chose red for the hull to provide a strong contrast. And I had more blue Fabuland wall panels than yellow, so the bigger first deck is blue and yellow for the smaller second deck.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1.5.2) Modularity</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3105" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Lessons learned from a previous large model (Fabuland Hangar) were to try and go modular, I had found MILS (Modular integrated Landscaping System) plates incredibly efficient and resilient. My footprint was obviously narrower than 32×32 modules, but I could reuse the same principles.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.abellon.net/MILS/">MILS landscaping system</a></p>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-13 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1024px-Maid_of_the_Loch_side.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="766" data-id="3124" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1024px-Maid_of_the_Loch_side.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3124" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1024px-Maid_of_the_Loch_side.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1024px-Maid_of_the_Loch_side-300x224.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1024px-Maid_of_the_Loch_side-768x575.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">‘Maid of the Loch’ at Balloch Pier, Scotland (2007)</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spirit_of_Peoria.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="591" data-id="3125" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spirit_of_Peoria-1024x591.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3125" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spirit_of_Peoria-1024x591.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spirit_of_Peoria-300x173.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spirit_of_Peoria-768x443.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spirit_of_Peoria.jpg 1202w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">‘Spirit of Peoria’ at Peoria, Illinois (2018)</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My ship design was effectively eight 16×16 modules (4 long x 2 wide) for the hull and one centred for the bow, so nine in total. Keeping the scale realistic was a key goal for me, I wanted it to be recognisable and believable. The height was the biggest restriction, and with tall smokestacks I only had room for two decks. Whilst most Lego models have the iconic USA three decks, it seemed more common in Scotland and Europe to have a more modest two.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After sharing these preliminary images with the Lego House team and getting a positive response, I was happy to start building the entire ship in earnest.</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2) Build process</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2.1) Paddle wheel</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The stern wheel with 12 paddle blades was probably the hardest bit for me to engineer. You might have spotted that I used six Fabuland Ferris wheels for the main element (part number 4750). I felt the paddle wheel was such a critical component it was worth doing first and building things around that scale.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-14 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="774" data-id="3116" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1-1024x774.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3116" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1-1024x774.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1-300x227.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1-768x580.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1-1536x1160.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1-2048x1547.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Set 3681 ‘Amusement Park’ (1985)</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="690" data-id="3115" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1-1024x690.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3115" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1-1024x690.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1-300x202.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1-768x517.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1-1536x1034.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1-2048x1379.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Set 3668 ‘Merry-Go-Round’ (1986)</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The large yellow Fabuland Ferris wheels were also used for Merry-Go-Round and Carousel sets in the 1980s.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For quite a few weeks the wheel only had eight blades. This seemed acceptable at first, but over time annoyed me more and more. Most paddle wheels have 12 blades, and this discrepancy annoyed me.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2.1.1) Welcome to Apocalypseburg!</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-15 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="824" height="1024" data-id="3108" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-824x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3108" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-824x1024.jpg 824w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-241x300.jpg 241w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-768x955.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-1235x1536.jpg 1235w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-1647x2048.jpg 1647w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 824px) 100vw, 824px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-id="3109" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3109" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A-1024x576.png 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A-300x169.png 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A-768x432.png 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A-1536x864.png 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-id="3110" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3110" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B-1024x576.png 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B-300x169.png 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B-768x432.png 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B-1536x864.png 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Whilst watching one of my favourite YouTube builders (Brick Buffoon) I spotted something potentially useful. He was building the iconic set 70840 ‘Welcome to Apocalypseburg!’ from 2019.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://youtu.be/JVxxdCTu4QY" data-type="link" data-id="https://youtu.be/JVxxdCTu4QY">Welcome to Apocalypseburg – LEGO Set build – Part 5</a> (16 minute YouTube video)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Around step 615 they were using a combination of hinge plates, tiles and exposed studs to construct the Statue of Liberty crown. Whilst she has only seven points, the angles are the same for 12, namely 30 degrees.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thankfully all these parts are quite common, and I could adapt my wheel to feature the more historically accurate 12 blades.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-16 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" data-id="3111" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3111" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-225x300.jpg 225w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3176" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3176" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2.2) Accessibility adaptations</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sometimes I know my own limitations and ask for help from others. My mum Margaret helps me sort my collection by colour and then shape. She also gives me encouraging feedback on my progress and design choices.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Other accessibility adaptations I’ve had to make include:</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Superglue with a retardant
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>I’d recommend Loctite’s ‘Super Glue Power Gel’ it can be repositioned for up to 60 seconds. This extra time is perfect for me to use a magnifier or correct a mistake due to my poor depth perception.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Magnifiers with a light:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Handheld – AAA battery operated and excellent for on-site installations</li>
<li>Desktop – USB powered, can be mains connected or portable, and can be clamped to a desk.</li>
<li>Anglepoise – mains connected, but ideal for maximising your workspace and giving you a free hand.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Room lights
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Additional floor and desk lamps drastically help improve my eyesight. Low lighting is particularly challenging for me and these lamps allow me to work after sunset.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2.3) Braille Bricks</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-17 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3171" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-1024x768.jpg" alt="Lego monkey sailor carrying 4 bricks that spell out the word LOVE." class="wp-image-3171" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">L-O</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3172" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-1024x768.jpg" alt="Another monkey sailor sitting down eating a banana." class="wp-image-3172" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">V-E</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Raising awareness of invisible disabilities is something I’m very passionate about. And in previous models I’ve started to incorporate Lego Braille Bricks.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/braille-bricks/" data-type="post" data-id="2747">Braille Bricks</a> (29 February 2024)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Not only do they perfectly symbolise my sight loss journey in Lego form, but they are also helpful for starting conversations with people about my story.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">They can also be a fun, educational and interactive prop. I often encourage children at shows to try using them.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This model incorporates four different Lego Braille bricks. One of the monkey sailors is carrying bricks that spell out the word LOVE. My hope is this ship delivers love to everyone who visits the Lego House.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2.3.1) Inclusive signage</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-18 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5890c-copy-1-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-id="3142" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5890c-copy-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3142" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5890c-copy-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5890c-copy-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5890c-copy-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5890c-copy-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">English</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-id="3144" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3144" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Danish</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-id="3143" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="Lego Braille Bricks spelling out the words 'Ship built by Stewart Lamb Cromar'" class="wp-image-3143" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lego Braille Bricks</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Halfway through the process, I was asked by the Lego House team to contribute some interesting facts about me and my model that would go on a printed sign next it.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I was keen to be very open and honest about my disability, so I asked about the possibility of including a version of the same sign in Braille too.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thankfully they were very supportive, but as it hadn’t been done before they obviously had to make enquiries about whether this was feasible. Some parts of the Lego House are already fully inclusive, which is an impressive feat considering how highly interactive the building is.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’m very pleased to say my model currently has signs written in English, Danish and Lego Braille Bricks. A fourth panel with the full text in traditional Braille should be added shortly.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It made me extremely proud that a wide range of different people could discover facts about my model and hopefully have a richer experience as a result.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2.4) Easter eggs</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Here are a few secrets about my model, please skip ahead if you plan to visit the Lego House in person. I’ve now been four times, and each experience has been more magical than the last.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://legohouse.com/en-gb/">Visit the Lego House</a> (Billund, Denmark)</p>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-19 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3173" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3173" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lamb sigfig</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3169" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3169" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Book club</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3170" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3170" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fishing competition</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3174" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3174" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Monkey overboard!</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>My middle name is Lamb and I’ve always been given cute little sheep as toys. Fabuland lambs are now my sigfig (signature figure) and there is one sitting down on a red bench chatting to his friend Peter Pig (in universe and IRL).</li>
<li>The ship name ‘Maid of Fabuland’ is a wee pun, as the model is built from a lot of original Lego Fabuland elements (windows, arches, fences, benches, chairs, Minifigures, Ferris wheels…).
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>It is also traditional to consider ships as female, referring to them as ‘she’.</li>
<li>For example, Maid of the Loch (1953–1981) is the last paddle steamer built in the United Kingdom. She operated on Loch Lomond for 29 years and as of 2022 is being restored near Balloch pier.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>One of the monkey shipmates just loves his bananas and has left a treacherous trail of slippery banana peels. Monkey overboard!</li>
<li>Romance is blooming for two passengers aboard the ‘Maid of Fabuland’. 36 years after their very first date, Lionel Lion and Hannah Hippopotamus finally have a second date.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://brickset.com/sets/3622-1/Rowboat-with-Lionel-Lion-and-Hannah-Hippopotamus">Set 3622 ‘Rowboat’</a> (1988)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>When I’ve completed a large, or significant, model it’s tradition for me to digitally design some hypothetical retail packaging. For this project I’ve assigned the set number 2692024 to mark one of the happiest days of my life.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3177" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3) Model shipping</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-20 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2716-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="2560" data-id="3151" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2716-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3151" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2716-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2716-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" data-id="3153" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3153" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-225x300.jpg 225w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2353.jpg"><img decoding="async" data-id="3150" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2353.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3150"/></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3152" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3152" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Transporting my model from Scotland to Denmark was no mean feat, but it did involve a lot of fun and memorable adventures.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The model was designed to fit in two standard storage boxes. I like the brand Really Useful Box, and their 35 and 42 litre sizes were a perfect fit. I’d collected bubble wrap all year and this ensured my model didn’t move one iota whilst travelling.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My friends from the Scottish Lego club (Tartan LUG) kindly helped me by driving safely across the Netherlands and Germany. They also accompanied me on my first overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle courtesy of DFDS.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.tartanlug.com/join-us/">Join Tartan LUG</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It was only on the ferry, two days before the installation, that I let them in on my wee secret. Up until this point only my mum and brother knew of the commission.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I did have a partial clue for them, by putting the name of my model on a bag tag. Only Kitty spotted this, so she gets a bonus ten points!</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4) Installation day</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">26 September 2024</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-21 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3156" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3156" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3159" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3159" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2557-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1920" data-id="3158" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2557-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3158" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2557-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2557-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5889c-copy-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="649" data-id="3138" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5889c-copy-1024x649.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3138" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5889c-copy-1024x649.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5889c-copy-300x190.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5947c2-copy-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="749" data-id="3140" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5947c2-copy-1024x749.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3140" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5947c2-copy-1024x749.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5947c2-copy-300x219.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5947c2-copy-768x562.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My kind-hearted Tartan LUG chums all agreed to get up at the crack of sparrows to drive from Skaerbaek to Billund for the installation at Lego House.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I was anxious to unbox my model, but thankfully John’s expert driving skills meant only one tiny flag had fallen off. A small dab of glue and everything was shipshape again (apologies).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Everyone from the Lego Group made me feel at ease and fully supported my additional needs related to sight loss. They were so patient and friendly; it felt more like playing Lego bricks with friends!</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">TikTok promo video</h3>
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@stub0t/video/7428584913454042401" data-video-id="7428584913454042401" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@stub0t" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@stub0t?refer=embed">@stub0t</a> Maid of Fabuland Currently on display at <a title="legohouse" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/legohouse?refer=embed">#LegoHouse</a> in Denmark. Read about my paddle steamer here – stubot.me (blog link in bio). <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2764.png" alt="❤" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f49b.png" alt="💛" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f499.png" alt="💙" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <a title="lego" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/lego?refer=embed">#Lego</a> <a title="レゴ" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B4?refer=embed">#レゴ</a> <a title="afol" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/afol?refer=embed">#Afol</a> <a title="tartanlug" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tartanlug?refer=embed">#TartanLUG</a> <a title="homeofthebrick" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/homeofthebrick?refer=embed">#HomeOfTheBrick</a> <a title="legoart" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/legoart?refer=embed">#LegoArt</a> <a title="sightloss" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/sightloss?refer=embed">#SightLoss</a> <a title="visionloss" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/visionloss?refer=embed">#VisionLoss</a> <a title="braille" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/braille?refer=embed">#Braille</a> <a title="northernbrickworks" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/northernbrickworks?refer=embed">#NorthernBrickworks</a> <a title="braillebricks" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/braillebricks?refer=embed">#BrailleBricks</a> <a title="legobraillebricks" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/legobraillebricks?refer=embed">#LegoBrailleBricks</a> <a title="fabuland" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fabuland?refer=embed">#Fabuland</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ Loveboat - Kylie Minogue" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Loveboat-6712058136066263042?refer=embed">♬ Loveboat – Kylie Minogue</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5) Reflections</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-22 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3179" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3179" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">1988 – First date</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3178" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3178" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2024 – Second date</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Looking back at this experience, I’m honoured to have been invited to build this ship for the Lego House. It’s not something I say often or easily, but I am so proud of what I achieved.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It was incredibly challenging to design and build this model with my vision loss, but without question I would do it all again in a heartbeat.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Living with sight loss or Diabetes is very taxing, and can cause high levels of anxiety, isolation and depression. But having this goal to work towards, helped me maintain a positive mood and genuine sense of accomplishment.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My time in Denmark was truly some of the happiest days of my life, I haven’t honestly smiled or laughed so much in a long time. Thank you to everyone who contributed towards this very special memory, it’s one I’ll forever cherish.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Love, Stewart</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5.1) Support and advice</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If any of these topics I’ve mentioned have affected you, I’d recommend contacting a free and confidential support line offered by trained professionals such as Sight Scotland and RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://sightscotland.org.uk">Sight Scotland</a><br><a href="https://www.rnib.org.uk">RNIB</a></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">6) Thanks and hugs</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I will most likely forget to name everyone, but I am particularly grateful for the opportunities and support provided by the following people:</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The Cromar family – Mum and Steven</li>
<li>The LEGO Group – Stuart Harris, Mike Ganderton, Hasan Jensen, Line Dam Kjær and Erin Perkins</li>
<li>Tartan LUG – John, Christine, Adam, Warren, Kitty and Peter</li>
</ul>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">7) Image credits</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="Stewart's Memoji presenting his paddle boat with the Lego House logo (Home of the Brick)." class="wp-image-3164" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">‘Made of Fabuland’ Copyright © Stewart Lamb Cromar 2024. All rights reserved.</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>‘Welcome to Apocalypseburg!’ and vintage Fabuland product images are from BrickSet and are Copyright © The LEGO Group. All rights reserved.</li>
<li>Exterior photograph of Lego House and World Explorer Green Zone are Copyright © LEGO House. All rights reserved.</li>
<li>‘The World Explorer Ship’ photograph provided by Stuart Harris.</li>
<li>‘The Steampunk Submarine’ is Copyright © Warren Elsmore Ltd. All rights reserved.</li>
<li>‘Spirit of Peoria.jpg’ by ZcarstvnzRyan.harms, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</li>
<li>‘Maid of the Loch side.JPG’ by Rosser1954, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.</li>
<li>Some interior Lego House photos kindly provided by Manu Schwendener (<a href="http://manuschwendener.ch">manuschwendener.ch</a>).</li>
<li>‘Akitsu Ferry’ by 妖精書士 – 投稿者自身による著作物, CC 表示-継承 3.0.</li>
<li>‘Sazanami Osakikamishimatown.jpg’ by Olegushka, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">7.1) Disclaimer</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Please note this blog and its resources are a personal record of my own experiences. They have not been supplied, edited or verified by any individuals from the LEGO Group.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This article is not affiliated or endorsed by the LEGO House or the LEGO Group. LEGO®, the LEGO logo, the LEGO House logo and the Minifigure are trademarks and copyrights of the LEGO Group.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://stubot.me/maid-of-fabuland/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>8</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Women in STEM Illustrations</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/women-in-stem/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=women-in-stem</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Oct 2024 16:00:51 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Disability]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Adobe Photoshop]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[AI]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[colouring book]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[H5P]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[vision loss]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3061</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>To celebrate Ada Lovelace Day 2024, I created two new colouring-in illustrations of notable Women in STEM – author and codebreaker Irene Jessie Brown, and geologist Charlotte Murchison. I also discuss AI enhancement tools and vision loss challenges associated with my design process.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>To celebrate Ada Lovelace Day 2024, I created two new colouring-in illustrations of notable Women in STEM – author and codebreaker Irene Jessie Brown, and geologist Charlotte Murchison. I also discuss AI enhancement tools and vision loss challenges associated with my design process.</strong></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ada Lovelace Day</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On Tuesday 8th October 2024, the University of Edinburgh’s Information Services team celebrated Ada Lovelace Day 2024 which is an international celebration day of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Irene Jessie Brown (1919 – 2017)</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="766" height="1024" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-766x1024.jpg" alt="Colouring-in illustration of Irene Jessie Brown in a 1940s polka dot dress outside." class="wp-image-3069" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-766x1024.jpg 766w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-224x300.jpg 224w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-768x1027.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-scaled.jpg 1915w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Irene Young was a codebreaker at Bletchley Park during the Second World War, and graduate of the University of Edinburgh (UoE).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irene_Brown">Irene Brown Wikipedia article</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My colouring-in illustration of Irene is based on a 1944 photograph from the University of Edinburgh’s collections.</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Creator: Photographer unknown</li>
<li>Collection Name: Roslin Institute</li>
<li>Collection/Item Reference: Coll-1657</li>
</ul>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Permission granted by “The University of Edinburgh Heritage Collections”.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://archives.collections.ed.ac.uk/repositories/2/resources/85781">Irene Brown UoE collection URL</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Charlotte Murchison (1788 – 1869)</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1-819x1024.jpg" alt="Colouring-in illustration of Charlotte Murchison in formal Victorian attire." class="wp-image-3068" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1-240x300.jpg 240w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1-768x960.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1-1638x2048.jpg 1638w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1.jpg 2000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Charlotte Murchison was a British geologist and pioneer of geological research and fossil hunting.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Murchison">Charlotte Murchison Wikipedia article</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My colouring-in illustration of Charlotte is based primarily on the public domain photograph of her from 1860.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Bristol Channel and Jura</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129-1024x295.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="295" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129-1024x295.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-3081" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129-1024x295.jpeg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129-300x86.jpeg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129-768x221.jpeg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129-1536x442.jpeg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129.jpeg 1852w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It also incorporates a interpretation of the drawing by Charlotte depicting a cross-section of land, lying between the Bristol Channel and Jura.</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Title: Murchison 6</li>
<li>Work Record ID: 0055375</li>
<li>Holding Institution: University of Edinburgh</li>
<li>Catalogue Number: Coll-51/3/3</li>
</ul>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://archives.collections.ed.ac.uk/repositories/2/archival_objects/1534">Murchison drawing – UoE catalogue entry</a></p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Naming Spaces After Inspirational Women</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On International Women’s Day 2023, the University of Edinburgh renamed a lecture theatre at its King’s Buildings campus after Charlotte in recognition of her contribution to earth sciences.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Information Services Group have named many University spaces, both digital and physical, after inspirational women who were part of our community.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/about/naming-spaces-after-inspirational-women">Naming Spaces After Inspirational Women</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New challenges</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">AI enhancement tools</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The only image of Charlotte Murchison that is in the public domain is very low-resolution (320 x 400 pixels). This makes my iPad tracing procedure within the iOS app ‘Procreate’ particularly challenging.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One approach I used was to experiment with Adobe Photoshop’s new AI filters. Specifically the neural filter called ‘Photo Restoration’ which does an excellent job of improving the resolution of archive photographs (2000 x 2500 pixels).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Neural filters use machine learning powered by Adobe Sensei, their cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) service.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/photoshop/using/neural-filters.html">Neural Filters overview</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Drag the green slider horizontally to comparison Charlotte’s original face with what enhancements the AI filter achieved.</p>
<div class="h5p-iframe-wrapper"><iframe id="h5p-iframe-17" class="h5p-iframe" data-content-id="17" style="height:1px" src="about:blank" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no" title="Charlotte Murchison"></iframe></div>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Disability factors</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I haven’t created any illustrations since losing my sight loss last year, but was determined to challenge myself to keep creating them for special events like Ada Lovelace Day.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/life-got-dark/" data-type="post" data-id="2733">Life Got Dark</a> (17 November 2023)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As with almost all tasks since I lost my left eye, it takes substantially more time, planning and adaptations to perform simple activities.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For tracing these photographs I like to use my iPad and Apple Pencil to keep the lines fluid, with a strong hand-drawn aesthetic. The Procreate app allows you to pinch and zoom quite easily, but even then I struggled to see any details.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My home office has multiple magnifications aids, including angle-poised, handheld and desktop solutions. The portable USB powered desktop magnifier was the most convenient, I could position it closely over my iPad and see facial features and environmental textures unavailable to me before.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It took a lot of effort to create these new illustrations, but I was 100% committed to contribute these open-educational resources (OERs) to my university’s Ada Lovelace Day. </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My friend and colleague Jackie commented on how they still retained my own personal style. This was very heart-warming and gave me some assurance about staying creative in my sight loss journey.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Further resources</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We have over 30 illustrated portraits of Women in STEM that are open-licenced (attribution only). All of them have a strong connection with the University of Edinburgh, past or present.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBMWmh">View Flickr album</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Flickr album (slideshow)</h3>
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<a data-flickr-embed='true' href='https://www.flickr.com/photos/interactive-content/albums/72177720321190440/' title='Women in STEM by interactive.content, on Flickr'><img src='https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53255406890_b0aae1dbef_z.jpg' width='800' height='600' alt='Mary Brück'></a><script async src='https://embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js' charset='utf-8'></script>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Copyright and licence</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The text, images and interactives published within this post are all intended to be shared, reused and remixed. In order to encourage this I’ve applied a Creative Commons open licence to my own content where the only requirement is to include the following attribution.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © Stewart Lamb Cromar, The University of Edinburgh 2024 CC BY.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"></a>This work is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License</a>.</p>
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<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 14:40:20 +0000</pubDate>
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<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>I was recently invited to the ‘300 Faces of Edinburgh Medical School’ launch event. Marking the 300th anniversary of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, this exhibition celebrates the people who have made inspirational contributions to the school.]]></description>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>I was recently invited to the ‘300 Faces of Edinburgh Medical School’ launch event. Marking the 300th anniversary of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, this exhibition celebrates the people who have made inspirational contributions to the school.</strong></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I am honoured, elated, and humbled to be included in an outdoor photographic exhibition at the Mound, Edinburgh, as part of the Edinburgh Science Festival.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’m particularly grateful to the organisers for acknowledging my educational blogging and charitable fundraising efforts related to my own sight loss.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After losing vision in my left eye, the charity Sight Scotland played an integral part in my recovery, supporting my mental wellbeing with compassion and practical advice via their free helpline. Without them, I’m not sure I’d have returned to work at the university.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’d like to take this opportunity to try and raise £300 for this remarkable charity. Donate if you can to my JustGiving fundraiser via the following link (100% goes directly to Sight Scotland):</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.justgiving.com/page/300-faces">JustGiving fundraiser</a></p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">300 years of medicine</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">2026 marks 300 years of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. This exhibition celebrates the people who have shaped Edinburgh Medical School.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In 2025, University of Edinburgh students, staff and alumni were invited to nominate a person who has made an inspirational contribution to Edinburgh Medical School to be included in a collection of 300 faces.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Mound Exhibition </h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A selection of these faces (including my cheeky chops) are now on display at the Mound Precinct in Edinburgh city centre for the next six weeks (until 26th April). This is an exciting collaboration with the Edinburgh Science Festival. After that, you can see them on the Portobello Promenade (29 April to 14 June).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.edinburghscience.co.uk/event/faces-of-edinburgh-medical-school-mound/">Edinburgh Science Festival</a> (300 Faces page)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The fact my profile photo is one taken by my mum just seals the deal. My family is so proud of me, and I know my dad would have been over the moon to see how his wee boy made a positive difference.</p>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">N.B. Tap on any photo to see a larger version.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stewart Cromar (panel story)</h3>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In his role as e-learning developer, Stewart was a pivotal member of the award-winning team that created the first online learning resources for medical students. With an eye for design and curiosity for medical subject matter, he created visually appealing, user-friendly teaching materials, quizzes and online resources for staff and students.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In 2005, Stewart and colleagues were awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for a virtual online hospital, which allowed teaching staff to deliver online medical learning activities.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Stewart is registered partially-sighted and fundraises for several charities. He publishes a blog to help others understand his sight loss journey and is a renowned amateur Lego designer, often using Braille bricks in his creations.</p>
<cite>College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine</cite></blockquote>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Extraordinary educators</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Here are my esteemed neighbours on our ‘extraordinary educators’ panel:</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Tom Gillingwater</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Tom is a professor at the University of Edinburgh, leading the Anatomy Department. He has trained thousands of undergraduate and postgraduate students, instilling anatomy as a key part of their knowledge and skills.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Tom researches motor neuron disease. His work has led to a better understanding of neurological disorders and clinical trials for new treatments.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Gertrude Herzfeld</h4>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the first female surgeons to work in Scotland and the first female paediatric surgeon, Gertrude studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and spent most of her career in the city.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In the 1920s and 30s, she held several medical appointments in Edinburgh, including consultant surgeon at the Bruntsfield Hospital for Women and the first female honorary assistant surgeon at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital for Sick Children. She became a full surgeon there in 1925.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gertrude_Herzfeld">Gertrude Herzfeld</a> (Wikipedia page)</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Alexander Monro (secundus)</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A Scottish anatomist, physician and medical educator, Alexander Monro is typically known as “secundus” to distinguish him as the second of three generations of doctors with the same name.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Born in 1733, Alexander attended the University of Edinburgh when he was only 12 years old, taking courses in philosophy before later embarking on medical training.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Monro_Secundus">Alexander Monro</a> (Wikipedia page)</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Yvonne Odey</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Yvonne is a lecturer in reproductive biology and a course organiser on the MBChB medicine degree.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">She played a leading role in the redesign of course content and collaborated with colleagues to deliver a new birthing practical module and new forms of assessment.</p>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">‘300 years of medicine’ website</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">All 300 individuals have photos and biographies on a dedicated University of Edinburgh website.<br>N.B. All names will be published by the end of April.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://medicine-vet-medicine.ed.ac.uk/300-years-of-medicine/300-faces-of-edinburgh-medical-school">300 Faces of Edinburgh Medical School</a></p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Colleagues and historical figures</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It’s wonderful to see so many people, my team and I have worked with over the years, also nominated: Ruthanne Baxter, Baljean Dhillon, Gordon Findlater, Liz Grant, Euan MacDonald, Suvankar Pal, and Janet Skinner.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For us all to be included in a list of contributors alongside Charles Darwin, Elsie Inglis, Joseph Lister, and Sophia Jex-Blake is a wonderful celebration.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Charity fundraiser</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’m particularly grateful to the organisers for acknowledging my educational blogging and charitable fundraising efforts related to my own sight loss.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After losing vision in my left eye, Sight Scotland played an integral part in my recovery, supporting my mental wellbeing with compassion and practical advice via their free helpline. Without them, I’m not sure I’d have returned to work at the university.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’d like to take this opportunity to try and raise £300 for this remarkable charity. Donate if you can to my JustGiving fundraiser via the following link (100% goes directly to Sight Scotland). Please include Gift Aid if possible.</p>
<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://www.justgiving.com/page/300-faces">Donate now</a></div>
</div>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sight Scotland</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sight Scotland offer specialist support and advice to individuals and families living with sight loss. They are dedicated to empowering people with visual impairments to lead fulfilling lives.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://sightscotland.org.uk">Sight Scotland</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Upcoming charity Lego shows</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Lastly, if you’d like to see some of my Lego creations with Braille bricks, I’ll be at two upcoming charitable shows: Fife Bricks (Dunfermline – 25th April) and Edinbrick (Edinburgh – 9th & 10th May). Buy your tickets online today!</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/edinbrick">Buy Edinbrick tickets</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.ticketsource.com/fifebricks">Buy Fife Bricks tickets</a></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Related posts</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/sharing-my-story/" data-type="post" data-id="3423">Sharing My Story</a> (9 March 2025)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/five-years-of-sight-loss/">Five Years of Sight Loss</a> (22 January 2025)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/braille-bricks/">Braille Bricks</a> (29 February 2024)</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Disclaimer</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Please note this is a personal fundraiser for Sight Scotland, and is not officially endorsed or associated with Edinburgh Medical School or the University of Edinburgh.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Image credits</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Edinburgh Medical School 300 images are Copyright © The University of Edinburgh 2026.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://stubot.me/300-faces/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Interactive Women in STEM tour</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/stem-tour/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=stem-tour</link>
<comments>https://stubot.me/stem-tour/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:35:12 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Ada Lovelace]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Ada Lovelace Day]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Creative Commons]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[H5P]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[OER]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3578</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>For Ada Lovelace Day 2025, Jackie, Magda and Stewart created the 'Interactive Women in STEM tour' game for everyone to play.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>For Ada Lovelace Day 2025, Jackie, Magda and Stewart created this open-licensed ‘Interactive Women in STEM tour’ game for everyone to enjoy.</strong></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion in STEM by taking a look at nine Edinburgh-connected women who have made an impact in a wide range of STEM fields.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With fun quizzes and games (crosswords, pair matching and combination locks), play our open-licensed interactive game today.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">N.B. We recommend tapping the fullscreen button (<strong>⤢)</strong> in the top-right corner, available after you ‘Start’ the game</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Play the game</h2>
<div class="h5p-iframe-wrapper"><iframe id="h5p-iframe-19" class="h5p-iframe" data-content-id="19" style="height:1px" src="about:blank" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no" title="Ada Lovelace day fun"></iframe></div>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Featured scientists</h3>
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Mary Brück (1925 – 2008)</li>
<li>Mary (Molly) Fergusson (1914 – 1997)</li>
<li>Isobel Wylie Hutchison (1889 – 1982)</li>
<li>Sophia Jex-Blake (1840 – 1912)</li>
<li>Christina Miller (1899 – 2001)</li>
<li>Noreen Murray, or Lady Murray (1935 – 2011)</li>
<li>Flora Philip (1865 – 1943)</li>
<li>Marion Ross (1903 – 1994)</li>
<li>Mary Fairfax Somerville (1780 – 1872)</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Licence and copyright</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This game is intended to be shared, reused and remixed. In order to encourage this we’ve applied a Creative Commons open licence to our own content where the only requirements are to include the following attribution and distribute your contributions under the same licence as the original.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © The University of Edinburgh 2025 CC BY-SA.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"></a>This work is licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International Licence</a>.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Provide feedback</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Share your feedback via the Ada Lovelace Day (ALD) Working Group Teams channel or email the designers – Jackie Aim (lead), Magda Dundas & Stewart Lamb Cromar.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="mailto:interactive-content@ed.ac.uk">Email the designers</a></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Curious Edinburgh</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This interactive game was inspired by the <a href="http://curiousedinburgh.org/women-in-stem-trail/women-in-stem-tour-map/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Curious Edinburgh – Women in STEM Trail</a> map. This tour was developed by Cari Romans, Magda Dundas, Katie Grieve and Shivani Rao from Learning, Technology and Web (LTW) of the University of Edinburgh.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Download the Curious Edinburgh app for more mobile walking tours on Edinburgh’s scientific and community heritage.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The free app can be found on both <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.ac.edina.curiousedinburgh&ah=tL2uAyzW_gnBUxg9LaextxbCTGs&hl=en-GB&pcampaignid=MKT-Other-global-all-co-prtnr-py-PartBadge-Mar2515-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google Play</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/curious-edinburgh/id1113602530?ls=1&mt=8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">App Store</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://stubot.me/stem-tour/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Moira Dunbar</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/moira-dunbar/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=moira-dunbar</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:37:09 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Ada Lovelace]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Ada Lovelace Day]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[colouring book]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[illustration]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[OER]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3569</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>For Ada Lovelace Day 2025 I created a colouring-in illustration of Moira Dunbar (1918-1999), the pioneering Scottish-Canadian glaciologist and Arctic sea-ice researcher.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong><strong>For Ada Lovelace Day 2025 I created a colouring-in illustration of Moira Dunbar (1918-1999), the pioneering Scottish-Canadian glaciologist and Arctic sea-ice researcher.</strong></strong></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Two new maps were added to the composition: Edinburgh (birthplace and primary/secondary education) and Dunrobin in Ottawa (countryside home in Canada).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It also incorporates an interpretation of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s Massey Medal she was awarded in 1972 for her “excellent work in Arctic geography and sea-ice”.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Isobel Moira Dunbar (1918 – 1999)</h3>
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<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Moira-Dunbar_v03-scaled.jpg">Download high-resolution illustration</a></div>
</div>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moira_Dunbar">Moira Dunbar Wikipedia article</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ada Lovelace Day</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On Tuesday 14th October, the University of Edinburgh’s Information Services team are celebrating Ada Lovelace Day 2025 which is an international celebration day of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). This is our 10th year of celebrating that day!</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We have planned events and activities with a climate and earth sciences theme, running in the afternoon and early evening of that date.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/ada-lovelace-day/2025/07/28/save-the-date-ada-lovelace-day-14th-october-2025/">Edinburgh event booking details </a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Copyright and licence</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The text and images published within this post are all intended to be shared, reused and remixed. In order to encourage this I’ve applied a Creative Commons open licence to my own content where the only requirements are to include the following attribution and distribute your contributions under the same licence as the original.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © Stewart Lamb Cromar, The University of Edinburgh 2025 CC BY-SA.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"></a>This work is licensed under a <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 International Licence</a>.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Original image credit</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Based on the Canadian Defense Research Board photograph of her with Arctic sea-ice maps (CC BY-SA 4.0) on Wikimedia Commons.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Isobel_Moira_Dunbar.jpg">Original photograph</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Further resources</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We have over 30 illustrated portraits of Women in STEM that are open-licenced (attribution only). All of them have a strong connection with the University of Edinburgh, past or present.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBMWmh">View Flickr album</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For even more illustrations please look at our ‘We have great stuff’ colouring books, there are three different volumes available.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://edin.ac/colouring-books">Download colouring book PDFs</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>In Their Own Time</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/in-their-own-time/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=in-their-own-time</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:33:50 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Disability]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[academia]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[academics]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[accessibility]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[comic]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[comic book]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[disability]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[illustration]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3519</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>Challenging conventional funding structures to include intersectionally underrepresented casualised academics. The Interactive Content team help launch a new digital comic resource.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 5</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Challenging conventional funding structures to include intersectionally underrepresented casualised academics. The Interactive Content team help launch a new digital comic resource.</strong></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The In Their Own Time (ITOT) project shares the stories of eight insecurely employed long-term academics – University Tutor in Design and professional illustrator Maria Stoian met with each of them to document their “own time,” and tell their stories through comics.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://in-their-own-time.ed.ac.uk">ITOT website</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Project leads</strong></h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Collaborating closely with Maria, this project was led by two Co-Investigators: Dr Cécile Ménard and Dr Lena Wånggren, both Research Fellows from the School of GeoSciences.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Maria, Cécile and Lena approached the Interactive Content team to help transform their physical publication into a creative and valuable online equivalent resource.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Steph’s story</strong></h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This is only a short preview; please visit the ITOT website, in your own time, and read all eight academic stories in their entirety.</p>
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<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c499f34"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c499f34" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-id="3534" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/ITOT-Steph-1.png" alt="Steph is a migrant academic, researcher, teacher and single mum. She highlights the difficulty of juggling an academic career and childcare. Alongside her fight for better care for her child, who is disabled, Steph battles changing immigration rules - as a precariously employed migrant parent, she juggles childcare, visa extensions, and grant applications." class="wp-image-3534"/><button
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<details class="wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow"><summary>Steph’s transcript</summary>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Steph is a single mum. Today is her daughter’s first day back at school after the holidays.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I have two university jobs. Both are hourly, one is zero-hours.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I usually work in my own time from my kitchen table, in the evenings after my daughter has gone to bed.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">[Image Description] Steph with hot drink and laptop at kitchen table.</p>
</details>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Website features</strong></h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Restricted access times</strong></h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the key requirements for the website design was to restrict access from 9 am to 5pm. As this project highlights the exclusionary expectation for casualised academics to do unpaid work “in their own time,” the ITOT team wanted visitors to read their stories outside of UK office hours.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This unique and impactful functionality was the primary justification for not publishing this resource on an existing University platform (e.g. EdWeb 2).</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Sustainability</strong></h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The agreed long-term plan is to host this bespoke site for up to three years before submitting it to the UK Web Archive. This will ensure there is a permanent record of it, but it will also remove the University’s requirement for website hosting, maintenance, security, and legal compliance (e.g. accessibility statements).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As the ITOT project received research funding, it’s important that all digital outputs are available as long as possible.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://library.ed.ac.uk/heritage-collections/collections-and-search/archives/digital-archives-and-preservation/web-archiving">University guidance on website archiving</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bespoke design</strong></h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">To save on time and budget, we repurposed a suitable third-party WordPress theme (Kadence) with a free software licence (GNU General Public Licence).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In order to add bespoke design elements and retain better control, we developed a child theme for Kadence. For example, this child theme incorporated a handwritten typeface created by project illustrator Maria – ‘Stoian Comic’.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://mariastoian.com">Maria’s portfolio</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Responsive comics</strong></h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For each academic’s story, there are actually two versions of the digital comic. Maria designed and illustrated panels that are optimised for either desktop or smartphone layouts.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you look closely at the third row of Chris’ comic on a desktop/laptop, you can see a wide-panel containing spoons that bridges two neighbouring panels. But on a mobile, Maria has rearranged the panels so they can be stacked vertically without losing any of the story.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Chris’ story (excerpt)</h4>
<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c49baff"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c49baff" class="wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="662" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3536" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-300x78.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-1024x265.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-768x199.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-1536x397.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chris-desktop-3A-2048x530.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><button
class="lightbox-trigger"
type="button"
aria-haspopup="dialog"
data-wp-bind--aria-label="state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel"
data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton"
data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox"
data-wp-style--right="state.thisImage.buttonRight"
data-wp-style--top="state.thisImage.buttonTop"
>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 12 12">
<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
</svg>
</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Desktop</figcaption></figure>
<figure data-wp-context="{"galleryId":"6a1513c49bced"}" data-wp-interactive="core/gallery" class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c49c09e"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c49c09e" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="792" height="1024" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-id="3538" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-792x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3538" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-792x1024.jpg 792w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-232x300.jpg 232w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-768x993.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-1188x1536.jpg 1188w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-1584x2048.jpg 1584w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-2C-scaled.jpg 1980w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px" /><button
class="lightbox-trigger"
type="button"
aria-haspopup="dialog"
data-wp-bind--aria-label="state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel"
data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton"
data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox"
data-wp-style--right="state.thisImage.buttonRight"
data-wp-style--top="state.thisImage.buttonTop"
>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 12 12">
<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
</svg>
</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mobile (part one)</figcaption></figure>
<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c49c57a"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c49c57a" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img decoding="async" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-id="3537" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Mobile-Chris-3A.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3537"/><button
class="lightbox-trigger"
type="button"
aria-haspopup="dialog"
data-wp-bind--aria-label="state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel"
data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton"
data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox"
data-wp-style--right="state.thisImage.buttonRight"
data-wp-style--top="state.thisImage.buttonTop"
>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 12 12">
<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
</svg>
</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mobile (part two)</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<details class="wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow"><summary>Chris’ transcript</summary>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Chris is employed for 14 hours a week but often works more hours on their research, funding applications and university citizenship.<br>[Image Description] Visitor drawing a portrait of Chris while they sit and talk</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">[Image Description] Picture of 5 spoons.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I ask a lot of questions.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I think we’re doing research badly right now.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“People need more time to do reproducible and replicable research.”<br>[Image Description] Portrait evolves while Chris keeps talking.</p>
</details>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Inclusivity</strong></h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Inclusive comics</strong></h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">To ensure as many people as possible can appreciate the ITOT resource, e-learning Developer Jackie Aim created transcripts for each of the eight academic comics.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We did experiment with alt text (short for alternative text) descriptions for each of the ~20 comic panels, but testing with various screen readers flagged an unforeseen issue. Some screen readers automatically read out the hand-drawn text in the panel in addition to the alt text provided. Having this repetition was deemed unacceptable, so we all agreed to include just the transcript for each comic.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/website-communications/content-improvement-club-what-we-covered-in-our-march-session/">How to write good alt text</a> (University of Edinburgh – Mel Batcharj)</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Accessibility compliance</strong></h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Our Digital Accessibility Intern, David Buik, completed the accessibility testing and published the required Accessibility Statement in line with Public Sector Body (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Having compliance with the WCAG 2.2 AA success criteria means you should be able to:</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Zoom in up to 500% without the text spilling off the screen or without loss of content</li>
<li>Navigate most of the site using keyboard only</li>
<li>Navigate most of the site using speech recognition software e.g. Dragon</li>
<li>Use the website without encountering any inactivity timeouts</li>
<li>Listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver)</li>
</ul>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thank you to Viki Galt and Lori Anderson from the University Disability Information Team, who professionally verified David’s report and statement.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/help-consultancy/accessibility/is-accessibility/disability-officer">Disability Information Team</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Licence and copyright</strong></h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Creative Commons licence</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When we first met the ITOT team, they were not so familiar with the practice of Creative Commons licensing, so it was a lovely opportunity to see if we could apply a licence that would help others freely share this valuable resource.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Maria’s beautiful comics (PDF downloads) and the project text written by Cécile and Lena are now licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) 4.0 licence.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The University of Edinburgh’s OER Policy</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The University of Edinburgh has an Open Education Resources (OERs) policy<strong> </strong>that outlines the institutional position on OERs and provides guidelines for practice in learning and teaching. You can find the policy in the University’s <a href="https://policies.ed.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Policy Directory</a>, or directly via the following link:</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://uoe.sharepoint.com/sites/PolicyRepository/Shared%20Documents/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FPolicyRepository%2FShared%20Documents%2FOpen%5FEducational%5FResources%5FPolicy%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FPolicyRepository%2FShared%20Documents&p=true&ga=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Open Educational Resources Policy</a> (PDF)</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Copyright notice</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © 2025 The University of Edinburgh. Illustrations and comics by Maria Stoian. Website text by Dr Cécile Ménard, Dr Lena Wånggren and Maria Stoian.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Testimonial</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Working with the IC Team was seamless and enjoyable. As the main output of our project, the website needed to reflect both our experience and that of our participants. We wanted it to be intuitive to navigate and as accessible as possible. Stewart and the team took everything we asked for on board, responded promptly, and made the whole process easy for us while delivering a site that looks fantastic!” – Dr Cécile Ménard</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Getting in touch</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We will be happy to discuss your needs and ideas and develop an approach that delivers a high-quality output, whatever your budget.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/help-consultancy/rm-and-consultancy/interactive-content-service/how-to-get-in-touch">How to access the Interactive Content Service</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>ASPIRING study website</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/aspiring-study-website/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=aspiring-study-website</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:02:08 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[accessibility]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Drupal]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[H5P]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3494</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>The Interactive Content team within Information Services designed and published the ASPIRING study website on behalf of Professor Rustam Al-Shahi Salman from the CCBS (Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh).]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 2</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>The Interactive Content team within Information Services designed and published the ASPIRING study website on behalf of Professor Rustam Al-Shahi Salman</strong> from <strong>the CCBS (Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh).</strong></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="724" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ASPIRING-website-1024x724.png" alt="* Screenshot of website homepage that includes main menu, introductory video, project logo and the key text - “Help us find out if medicines like aspirin protect people with bleeding in the brain from strokes, heart attacks, and death”." class="wp-image-3498" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ASPIRING-website-1024x724.png 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ASPIRING-website-300x212.png 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ASPIRING-website-768x543.png 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ASPIRING-website-1536x1086.png 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ASPIRING-website.png 1810w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This multi-component project includes a patient recruitment portal (Drupal 10) multilingual videos (Media Hopper Create), investigator training materials (H5P interactive content), and a technical collaboration with developers from ECTU (Edinburgh Clinical Trials Unit) who are responsible for the participant database.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.aspiring.ed.ac.uk">ASPIRING study</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Accessibility requirements</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">An important design consideration was the specific web accessibility needs of stroke survivors, who may have physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In real terms, this means allowing website visitors to:</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Navigate most of the website using just a keyboard</li>
<li>Magnify all content to 300% without loss of content</li>
<li>Listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver)</li>
<li>Navigate most of the website using screen recognition software e.g. Dragon</li>
<li>Experience no time limits</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Positive feedback</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the funding agencies, British Heart Foundation (BHF), kindly provided very positive feedback and requested their logo be included on the website.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">BHF currently link to ASPIRING through the ‘Active GCRFF trials’ page on their website.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/gcrff-multinational-clinical-trials-initiative/funded-gcrff-trials">Trials endorsed by the GCRFF Multinational Clinical Trials Initiative</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">About the study</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Antiplatelet Secondary Prevention International Randomised study after INtracerebral haemorrhaGe</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">ASPIRING is an international study, testing whether aspirin and clopidogrel prevent strokes, heart attacks, and death after brain haemorrhage. This study, run by The University of Edinburgh and NHS Lothian, will include more than 4,000 people with brain haemorrhage.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Sharing My Story</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/sharing-my-story/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sharing-my-story</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sun, 09 Mar 2025 12:08:24 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Disability]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LEGO]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Braille Bricks]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Fabuland]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[H5P]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LEGO House]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Maid of Fabuland]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3423</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute. </span></span>It's been a busy, but rewarding, week at work and home. In the last 24 hours The Lego Group have published two personal videos documenting my sight loss disability and love for building with Braille bricks.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> < 1</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minute. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>It’s been a busy, but rewarding, week at work and home. In the last 24 hours The Lego Group have published two personal videos documenting my sight loss disability and love for building with Braille bricks.</strong></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">@Lego YouTube channel</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Check out this LEGO Steamboat at LEGO House!" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oquUs17GIxU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thank you again to the teams at both Lego House and Our Lego Agency (OLA) for inviting me to share my sight loss journey.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If my disability story can help others going through similar challenges that would make me incredibly happy.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I hope my Fabuland ship, the ‘Maid of Fabuland’, delivers love to all the visitors at the wonderful Lego House, Billund, Denmark.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Play Well, Stewart (@stubot) <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2764.png" alt="❤" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f49b.png" alt="💛" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f499.png" alt="💙" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">@LegoBuilds Instagram account</h3>
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG8OJqOsFA8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG8OJqOsFA8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DG8OJqOsFA8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by LEGO Builds (@legobuilds)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sight Scotland</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you would like to help others experiencing similar challenges please consider donating to my chosen charity Sight Scotland.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sight Scotland offer specialist support and advice to individuals and families living with sight loss. They are dedicated to empowering people with visual impairments to lead fulfilling lives.</p>
<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://sightscotland.org.uk">Donate to Sight Scotland</a></div>
</div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Five Years of Sight Loss</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Over the last five years I have written personal blog posts detailing my traumatic sight loss journey. To help others better understand the significant changes in my vision I also created a series of interactive simulations (H5P files).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/five-years-of-sight-loss/" data-type="post" data-id="3303">Five Years of Sight Loss</a> (22 January 2025)</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Related posts</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/build-your-own-paddle-steamer/" data-type="post" data-id="3295">Build your own paddle steamer</a> (04 March 2025)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/maid-of-fabuland/">Maid of Fabuland</a> (22 October 2024)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/braille-bricks/" data-type="post" data-id="2747">Braille Bricks</a> (29 February 2024)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/lego-lovelace/" data-type="post" data-id="1969">LEGO Lovelace: Building a modern icon</a> (23 August 2017)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Five Years of Sight Loss</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/five-years-of-sight-loss/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=five-years-of-sight-loss</link>
<comments>https://stubot.me/five-years-of-sight-loss/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jan 2025 15:57:19 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Disability]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Creative Commons]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[H5P]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Sight Scotland]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Wikimedia Commons]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Wikipedia]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3303</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>Over the last five years I have written personal blog posts detailing my traumatic sight loss journey. To help others better understand the significant changes in my vision I also created a series of interactive simulations (H5P files).]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Over the last five years I have written personal blog posts detailing my traumatic sight loss journey. To help others better understand the significant changes in my vision I also created a series of interactive simulations (H5P files).</strong></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Heartfelt and Interactive Diary</h3>
<div class="h5p-iframe-wrapper"><iframe id="h5p-iframe-18" class="h5p-iframe" data-content-id="18" style="height:1px" src="about:blank" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no" title="Five Years of Sight Loss"></iframe></div>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Open Education Resources (OERs)</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As someone who’s created online learning materials professionally for 25 years, it was a unique opportunity for me to communicate and document this hidden disability.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Publishing both the heartfelt blog and H5P content as open education resources (OERs), my hope was to help others going through similar surgeries and challenges.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This brand new ‘Interactive Book’ H5P file consolidates diary entries from the last five years into one bite-sized shareable learning resource.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://h5p.org/content-types/interactive-book">Interactive Book (H5P exemplar site)</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">OER publication tally</h3>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>10 sight loss blog posts</li>
<li>10,840 words / 58 minutes reading time</li>
<li>17 H5P files
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>x10 Agamotto</li>
<li>x2 Image Juxtaposition</li>
<li>x2 Image Slider</li>
<li>x1 Interactive Book</li>
<li>x1 Timeline</li>
<li>x1 Image Hotspots</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>97 images</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Share, reuse and remix</h3>
<figure data-wp-context="{"galleryId":"6a1513c4a5b3f"}" data-wp-interactive="core/gallery" class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c4a6037"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c4a6037" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-id="2093" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B-1024x576.jpg" alt="LogMAR chart after a retinal detachment. Large dark shadow and blurring on the left-hand side, with minor white/yellow flaring at edge of shadow." class="wp-image-2093" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B-1568x882.jpg 1568w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/logMAR-chart-B.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><button
class="lightbox-trigger"
type="button"
aria-haspopup="dialog"
data-wp-bind--aria-label="state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel"
data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton"
data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox"
data-wp-style--right="state.thisImage.buttonRight"
data-wp-style--top="state.thisImage.buttonTop"
>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 12 12">
<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
</svg>
</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Retinal detachment LogMAR chart</figcaption></figure>
<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c4a6610"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c4a6610" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-id="3347" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113663978_9eaa2967ab_o-1024x576.jpg" alt="Bunch of flowers (close-up), but everything blurred and a dark semi-circle obscuring half the image." class="wp-image-3347" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113663978_9eaa2967ab_o-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113663978_9eaa2967ab_o-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113663978_9eaa2967ab_o-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113663978_9eaa2967ab_o-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113663978_9eaa2967ab_o.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><button
class="lightbox-trigger"
type="button"
aria-haspopup="dialog"
data-wp-bind--aria-label="state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel"
data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton"
data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox"
data-wp-style--right="state.thisImage.buttonRight"
data-wp-style--top="state.thisImage.buttonTop"
>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 12 12">
<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
</svg>
</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gas bubble (day 1)</figcaption></figure>
<figure data-wp-context="{"imageId":"6a1513c4a6b19"}" data-wp-interactive="core/image" data-wp-key="6a1513c4a6b19" class="wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-wp-class--hide="state.isContentHidden" data-wp-class--show="state.isContentVisible" data-wp-init="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox" data-wp-on--load="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-wp-on--pointerdown="actions.preloadImage" data-wp-on--pointerenter="actions.preloadImageWithDelay" data-wp-on--pointerleave="actions.cancelPreload" data-wp-on-window--resize="callbacks.setButtonStyles" data-id="3348" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113510149_bae0b981c7_o-1024x576.jpg" alt="Same flowers, but dark circle in top-left corner only." class="wp-image-3348" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113510149_bae0b981c7_o-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113510149_bae0b981c7_o-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113510149_bae0b981c7_o-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113510149_bae0b981c7_o-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/51113510149_bae0b981c7_o.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><button
class="lightbox-trigger"
type="button"
aria-haspopup="dialog"
data-wp-bind--aria-label="state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel"
data-wp-init="callbacks.initTriggerButton"
data-wp-on--click="actions.showLightbox"
data-wp-style--right="state.thisImage.buttonRight"
data-wp-style--top="state.thisImage.buttonTop"
>
<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" fill="none" viewBox="0 0 12 12">
<path fill="#fff" d="M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z" />
</svg>
</button><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gas bubble (day 8)</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">You can download any of the H5P files via the ‘Reuse’ link in the bottom-left corner.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">High-resolution versions of these sight loss photographs and representations are available via this dedicated Flickr album:</p>
<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/stubot/albums/72157718976224995">‘Sight Loss OERs’ Flickr album</a></div>
</div>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Select images have been uploaded to Wikimedia Commons and added to relevant Wikipedia pages.</p>
<div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
<div class="wp-block-button"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retinal_detachment">Retinal detachment (Wikipedia)</a></div>
</div>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Wikimedia Commons</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Impression of a retinal detachment against a LogMAR chart:<br><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Retinal_detachment_LogMAR_chart_B.jpg">Retinal detachment LogMAR chart B</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Impression of a retinal detachment against a bouquet of flowers:<br><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gas_bubble_(day_1).jpg">Gas bubble (day 1)</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Impression of gas bubble against a bouquet of flowers:<br><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gas_bubble_(day_8).jpg">Gas bubble (day 8)</a></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Copyright and licence</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The blog text, H5P files and images are all intended to be shared, reused and remixed. To encourage this, I’ve applied a Creative Commons open licence to my own content where the only requirement is to include the following attribution.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © Stewart Lamb Cromar 2025 CC BY.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">STARs – Visual tests: Nigel – Visual field test (Video)</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and The University of Edinburgh 2020 CC BY-NC-SA.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Different types of white cane (Image Hotspots)</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Images and text for the ‘Different types of white cane’ interactive are reproduced here with the kind permission of Sight Scotland.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">‘Retro Semi-Realistic Blind People’ illustrations created by Yan Moryachok for Canva (Free Content). Copyright © Canva 2025. All rights reserved.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Text written by Sight Scotland. Copyright © Sight Scotland 2025. All rights reserved.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">LogMAR chart</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">By user Fvasconcellos. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ETDRS_Chart_R.svg">ETDRS Chart R (.svg)</a></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Disclaimer</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Please note these resources are entirely a personal record of my own experiences and have not been verified by any qualified medical professionals or other individuals from the University of Edinburgh.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://stubot.me/five-years-of-sight-loss/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Building a new home for Teaching Matters </title>
<link>https://stubot.me/teaching-matters/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=teaching-matters</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:02:58 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[blogging]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[cPanel]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Google Analytics]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[WordPress]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3254</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>The University of Edinburgh's popular Teaching Matters blog was successfully migrated from a standalone WordPress instance created in 2016 to the Academic Blogging Service's WordPress service. This short post focuses on the technical challenges, new features and support/security benefits.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 4</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>The University of Edinburgh’s popular Teaching Matters blog was successfully migrated from a standalone WordPress instance created in 2016 to the Academic Blogging Service’s WordPress service. This blog post focuses on the technical challenges, new features and support/security benefits.</strong></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImageVy5PUX-1024x576.jpg" alt="Teaching Matters homepage, "Promoting, discussing and celebrating teaching at The University of Edinburgh". Features main navigation menu and 6 blog articles with photos." class="wp-image-3269" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImageVy5PUX-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImageVy5PUX-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImageVy5PUX-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImageVy5PUX-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImageVy5PUX-2048x1152.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Digital Learning Applications and Media (DLAM) colleagues (Stewart Lamb Cromar, James Slack, Mark Findlay and Karen Howie) have worked with Dr Jenny Scoles from the Institute for Academic Development (IAD) to design, test and build a new long-term home for their Teaching Matters blog.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/teaching-matters/new-website-for-teaching-matters/">Jenny’s blog post about this migration</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Technical challenges </h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Large image bank</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Teaching Matters blog has been publishing high-quality articles since January 2016. Migrating eight years’ worth of media-rich content was quite the challenge with: 1,200 posts and 3,600 images totaling almost 4 GB.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Security concerns</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Both the WordPress platform (6.2.6 and theme (Apostrophe 1) were upgraded to newer, safer and regularly maintained options (6.5.5 and Apostrophe 2 respectively).</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Preserving bookmarks</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">URL redirections have been enabled for the old domain name (<a href="https://www.teaching-matters-blog.ed.ac.uk/">www.teaching-matters-blog.ed.ac.uk</a>), so all pre-existing bookmarks and pages indexed by search engines will successfully redirect to the new URL: </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/teaching-matters">blogs.ed.ac.uk/teaching-matters</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"></p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Redirection rules</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Due to the large number of high-resolution photographs, not all images could be migrated and hosted within their new home. Amendments were made to the previous ‘htaccess’ file so URL requests to the WordPress ‘Uploads’ directory were exempt from redirection.</p>
<pre class="wp-block-code"><code># Redirect all traffic to new hosting platform
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} !^/wp-content/uploads/
RewriteCond %{HTTP_HOST} ^(?:www\.)teaching-matters-blog\.ed\.ac\.uk$ [NC]
RewriteRule ^ https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/teaching-matters%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]</code></pre>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New features</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Student and staff contributions</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImage5DT3uI-1024x576.jpg" alt="'Submit a post' webform with fields such as name, email, title, social media handles and biography." class="wp-image-3267" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImage5DT3uI-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImage5DT3uI-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImage5DT3uI-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImage5DT3uI-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/tempImage5DT3uI-2048x1152.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A new WordPress plugin ‘User Submitted Posts (USP)’ was tested and configured especially for Teaching Matters. This new addition allows IAD to receive article submissions via a dedicated webform and have them stored automatically as draft Posts within WordPress.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en-gb.wordpress.org/plugins/user-submitted-posts/">User Submitted Post plugin</a></p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Editorial workflow</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Having a bespoke webform for staff and students to submit blog posts for consideration has greatly improved the editorial workflow for the IAD team. Previously they would accept requests via email and manually enter the content as a new WordPress post. The USP plugin now automatically converts a valid webform entry into a draft Post, that can be quickly reviewed and published.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk/teaching-matters/submit-a-post/">Submit a Teaching Matters post</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">HTML newsletters</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newsletter-1024x576.png" alt="Teaching Matters' newsletter archive page, with a colourful number 5 graphic for their '5 Things' section." class="wp-image-3270" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newsletter-1024x576.png 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newsletter-300x169.png 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newsletter-768x432.png 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newsletter-1536x864.png 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/newsletter-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Since 2021, the IAD have offered a popular Teaching Matters newsletter – a round-up of the best of teaching at The University of Edinburgh and beyond.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7237382942862241792">Teaching Matters LinkedIn newsletter</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In addition to the LinkedIn monthly ‘5 Things’ newsletter, visitors can now sign up to receive automated email notifications whenever a new blog post is published. This functionality is achieved by the ‘Icegram Express’ plugin that is available to all users of the University’s WordPress service.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The plugin is configured with a double opt-in setting, so that visitors must confirm their subscription via email. This avoids any potential spam requests.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Improved analytics</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">IAD were keen to have better insights into how many visits the blog received, what articles visitors were looking at, and how long they spent reading them.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The transition between Universal Analytics (UA) and Google Analytics 4 (GA4) in 2023 has meant access to historic records is challenging, if not impossible (UA records were all automatically deleted by Google in July 2024).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, if you don’t have a manual backup of that historic UA data you can always review some basic server statistics via cPanel.</p>
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Log in to your cPanel</li>
<li>Scroll down to the Metrics section</li>
<li>Select the AWstats icon</li>
<li>Click View to open the report for each domain</li>
</ol>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Manually collating data for each year allowed us to discover the following lifetime statistics before the migration.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Lifetime statistics (2016-2024)</h4>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>581,256 visitors </li>
<li>1,110,716 visits </li>
<li>4,467,771 page views </li>
</ul>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Site Kit plugin</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The blog’s new home makes good use of the ‘Site Kit by Google’ plugin.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://uoe.sharepoint.com/:u:/r/sites/Blogs.ed/SitePages/Connect-your-blog-to-Google-Site-Kit.aspx">Connect your blog to Google Site Kit</a> (UoE only)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When successfully configured, you have direct and convenient access to Google Analytics from within the WordPress admin dashboard. </p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Google Analytics training</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you want to learn more about Google Analytics the LinkedIn Learning course ‘Google Analytics 4 (GA4) Essential Training’ is designed to help you track, analyse, and report on website traffic, conversions, and ad performance using GA4.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/help-consultancy/is-skills/linkedin-learning">Logging into LinkedIn Learning with UoE email</a> (UoE only)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/learning/google-analytics-4-ga4-essential-training-14915362">LinkedIn Learning GA4 Course</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Better accessibility compliance</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">University websites are required to be compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standard.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/">Full guidelines</a> (2.2)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Several CSS amendments were made to the WordPress theme to improve accessibility compliance:</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Improved colour contrast ratios for headers and buttons.</li>
<li>Hyperlinks are no longer solely reliant on colour coding; they are now underlined too.</li>
<li>Reduction in number of menu items from 8 to 6. This helps cognitive processing, but also avoids line wrapping on narrower screens.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Support / security benefits</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A new home </h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Blogs.ed.ac.uk is a free University-hosted and supported WordPress platform for all staff and postgraduate research students. </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">View over 9,800 blogs or request your own:</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://blogs.ed.ac.uk">blogs.ed.ac.uk</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Dedicated resources</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For WordPress resources please visit the blogs.ed SharePoint site for support on creating your first blog along with videos and ‘How to’ documentation which we recommend viewing if you are new to WordPress.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://uoe.sharepoint.com/sites/Blogs.ed/SitePages/Home.aspx">Blogs.ed SharePoint site</a> (UoE only)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Find out what training and workshops are available to expand your blogging skills.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/learning-technology/blogging/help-support/training-and-workshops">Training and workshops</a> (UoE only)</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Copyright</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HJ2A7137-crop-1024x576.jpg" alt="Young student using a laptop, sitting in a pretty park with her cute white dog." class="wp-image-3263" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HJ2A7137-crop-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HJ2A7137-crop-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HJ2A7137-crop-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HJ2A7137-crop-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Header image is part of the Online Learning 2022 collection and was downloaded from the University of Edinburgh’s image gallery:</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://uoe.sharepoint.com/sites/Brand/SitePages/Photography-and-Video.aspx">UoE photography and video resources</a> (UoE only)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This collection was managed by Ari Badlishah (Digital Engagement Officer), and focused on improving the diversity in photography used in the University’s online courses.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © The University of Edinburgh 2024. All rights reserved.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
</item>
<item>
<title>Maid of Fabuland</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/maid-of-fabuland/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=maid-of-fabuland</link>
<comments>https://stubot.me/maid-of-fabuland/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 22 Oct 2024 09:22:07 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Disability]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LEGO]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Braille Bricks]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Denmark]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Fabuland]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[LEGO House]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Maid of Fabuland]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Skaerbaek]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3087</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 14</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>Lego kindly invited me to build a Fabuland ship for the prestigious Lego House in Denmark. Going blind in one eye has been the hardest year and this creative challenge absolutely helped me move forward. Read about the ‘Maid of Fabuland’ paddle steamer and one of the happiest days ever.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 14</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Lego kindly invited me to build a Fabuland ship for the prestigious Lego House in Denmark. Going blind in one eye has been the hardest year and this creative challenge absolutely helped me move forward. Read about the ‘Maid of Fabuland’ paddle steamer and one of the happiest days ever.</strong></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-default"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1) Life got a little brighter</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="Stewart's Memoji standing outside LEGO House, a giant white building comprised of cubes." class="wp-image-3162" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/LEGO-House-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Earlier this year I was contacted by the extremely gifted Lego House master builder Stuart Harris. I’m lucky enough to have met him a few times, but this communication was most unexpected.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After losing my sight loss last year, life has been extremely tough and bleak. I had managed to return to work at The University of Edinburgh with support from my line manager Karen Howie and the Staff Disability Advice Service. This was my first personal goal in terms of moving forward, but I was keen to push further.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/life-got-dark/">Life Got Dark</a> (17 November 2023)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Artistic expression whether at work or home has always been a core activity in my life and this commission from The Lego Group was the perfect opportunity to test what I could achieve with my latest vision loss.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.1) Design brief</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Stuart Harris invited me to build a Fabuland ship for the World Explorer experience within The Lego House at Billund, Denmark. I was told the delivery schedule, maximum dimensions and given permission to use Fabuland figures. But other than that, I could propose any type of ship that I wished.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1.1.1) World Explorer experience</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="3213" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3213" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone-300x200.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone-768x512.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/green-zone-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Green Zone</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/steampunk.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" data-id="3212" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/steampunk-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3212" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/steampunk-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/steampunk-300x200.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/steampunk-768x512.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/steampunk.jpg 1500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Steampunk Submarine</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/World-Explorer.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" data-id="3214" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/World-Explorer-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3214" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/World-Explorer-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/World-Explorer-225x300.jpg 225w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/World-Explorer-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/World-Explorer.jpg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The World Explorer Ship</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Every year the Lego House change their fan models, adding new artworks to galleries and interactive experiences. The magical World Explorer experience in the Green Zone has a large brick-built island with a Duplo volcano and amusement park called ‘Fabuland’! Visiting the island for 12 months is a custom ship designed by AFOLs (Adult Fan of Lego).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In 2018 Warren Elsmore and his talented team installed their epic ‘Steampunk Submarine’. He has written a fascinating blog about their creative process which involved 3D modelling, LEDs and so many exquisite details! </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.warrenelsmore.com/latest/the-steampunk-submarine/24/9/2018">The Steampunk Submarine</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Before my model there was the very cute, Friends themed ‘The World Explorer Ship’ by Ed Diment. With three impressive solar sails, his ship focused heavily on accessibility and sustainability to inspire the builders of tomorrow.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If you have photos of World Explorer ships from previous years, please do share links to them in the comments section.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.2) Ship shape?</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3147" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3147" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_1396.jpg 1805w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3148" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3148" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Akitsu_ferry.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3146" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3146" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2048px-Sazanami_Osakikamishimatown.jpg 1828w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For the first few weeks I toyed between a modern-day ferry and an old-fashioned paddle steamer. My first plan was to include loads of cute Fabuland vehicles and passengers on a car ferry. I felt this option had a lot of exposed building area that could host multiple amusing vignettes.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">However, I reflected on what is quintessential Fabuland? And for me it’s a powerful combination of nostalgia and whimsy. Even in theme’s original lifetime (1979-1989) it evoked a bygone era and embraced old-fashioned vehicles and architecture.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It just had to be a paddle steamer!</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.3) Captain Wilfred</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="822" data-id="3120" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1-1024x822.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3120" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1-1024x822.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1-300x241.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1-768x616.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1-1536x1233.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3673-1-2048x1644.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3175" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3175" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2583-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The ‘Maid of Fabuland’ is my homage to the Fabuland set 3673 ‘Paddle Steamer’ from 1985. Wilfred Walrus is once again the captain of the ship. His cheeky monkey sailor friends also make a return appearance.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.4) Bookworm</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3210" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6-300x300.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6-150x150.jpg 150w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6-768x768.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/book-grid-6.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Scotland has a long history of paddle steamers and in 1812 the very first European commercial steamboat service began on the River Clyde between Glasgow and Greenock. This is my tribute to all the beautiful ships that once travelled our seas, rivers and lochs.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I managed to purchase quite a few second-hand books on this unfamiliar subject and most of them had amazing technical blueprints and archive photographs.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Whilst I was keen to design a technically realistic ship, I also wanted to incorporate playful features that younger Lego fans would appreciate. So, I included several seminal children’s books by Richard Scarry in my reading list for potential inspiration.</p>
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Richard Scarry’s Boats by Richard Scarry</li>
<li>Richard Scarry’s the Great Steamboat Mystery by Richard Scarry</li>
<li>Best Word Book Ever by Richard Scarry</li>
<li>The Once-Ubiquitous Paddle Steamer by John Hannavy</li>
<li>The Golden Years of the Clyde Steamers (1889-1914) by Alan J. S Paterson</li>
<li>Paddle Steamers: A Photographic Legacy by Andrew Gladwell</li>
<li>200 Years of Clyde Paddle Steamers by Iain Quinn</li>
<li>Classic Scottish Paddle Steamers by Alan J. S Paterson</li>
<li>The illustrated history of paddle steamers by G. W. & R. Plummer & J. Jobe. Hilton</li>
</ol>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.4.1) Busytown?</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-10 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Steamboat-Mystery.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="648" height="643" data-id="3202" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Steamboat-Mystery.jpg" alt="Richard Scarry's the Great Steamboat Mystery" class="wp-image-3202" style="width:650px;height:auto" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Steamboat-Mystery.jpg 648w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Steamboat-Mystery-300x298.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Steamboat-Mystery-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 648px) 100vw, 648px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Boats.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="754" height="1024" data-id="3207" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Boats-754x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3207" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Boats-754x1024.jpg 754w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Boats-221x300.jpg 221w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Boats-768x1043.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Boats.jpg 884w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 754px) 100vw, 754px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Best-Word.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="798" height="1024" data-id="3208" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Best-Word-798x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3208" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Best-Word-798x1024.jpg 798w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Best-Word-234x300.jpg 234w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Best-Word-768x985.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Best-Word.jpg 862w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 798px) 100vw, 798px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Richard Scarry (1919–1994) was a children’s author and illustrator. He is best known for his ‘Best Ever’ book series that take place primarily in the fictional town of Busytown.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Busytown is inhabited by an assortment of anthropomorphic animals, including Huckle Cat, Lowly Worm, Mr. Frumble, police Sergeant Murphy, Mr. Fixit, Bananas Gorilla and Hilda Hippo.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">First published in 1963, I would consider it the obvious precursor to both Lego’s Fabuland (1979-1989) and Nintendo’s Animal Crossing (2001-present).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Busytown">Busytown</a> (Wikipedia article)</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.4.2) Tiny text</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One key issue was being unable to read the small text size, I’m so used to increasing the font size on my phone to 235%, but this text was too small even for my physical magnification aids.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thankfully my brother is an avid reader and has better eyesight than me, so he was tasked with reading through this collection and making notes for me.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The variety of ship designs was quite fascinating, but key features for my list were a rear paddle wheel (stern-wheeler), passenger deck on the top-level, cargo at the front (bow) and two iconic chimneys (smokestacks) near the captain’s cabin.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">1.5) Concept art</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-11 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-D.jpg"><img decoding="async" data-id="3101" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-D.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3101"/></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" data-id="3103" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3103" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-225x300.jpg 225w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-F-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-E-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="2560" data-id="3104" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-E-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3104" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-E-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-E-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">With my research complete, I was keen to start prototyping and try building a few key components of the ship (paddle wheel, deck and smokestack). Stuart had asked me to share as much as I wanted with them, and sending some early sketches seemed a prudent thing to do.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1.5.1) Colour palette</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-12 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="490" data-id="3099" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A-1024x490.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3099" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A-1024x490.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A-300x144.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A-768x368.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A-1536x735.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-A-2048x980.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3100" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3100" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-B-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The predominant colour palette is red, yellow and blue (see colour-coded ship sketch), with white and dark orange accents. However, the intention is to use all 14 Lego colours I consider typically Fabuland that are still in production today (see brick swatch photo).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I knew the final model would be installed on an existing blue surface, so I chose red for the hull to provide a strong contrast. And I had more blue Fabuland wall panels than yellow, so the bigger first deck is blue and yellow for the smaller second deck.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">1.5.2) Modularity</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3105" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-C-crop.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Lessons learned from a previous large model (Fabuland Hangar) were to try and go modular, I had found MILS (Modular integrated Landscaping System) plates incredibly efficient and resilient. My footprint was obviously narrower than 32×32 modules, but I could reuse the same principles.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.abellon.net/MILS/">MILS landscaping system</a></p>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-13 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1024px-Maid_of_the_Loch_side.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="766" data-id="3124" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1024px-Maid_of_the_Loch_side.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3124" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1024px-Maid_of_the_Loch_side.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1024px-Maid_of_the_Loch_side-300x224.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1024px-Maid_of_the_Loch_side-768x575.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">‘Maid of the Loch’ at Balloch Pier, Scotland (2007)</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spirit_of_Peoria.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="591" data-id="3125" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spirit_of_Peoria-1024x591.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3125" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spirit_of_Peoria-1024x591.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spirit_of_Peoria-300x173.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spirit_of_Peoria-768x443.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spirit_of_Peoria.jpg 1202w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">‘Spirit of Peoria’ at Peoria, Illinois (2018)</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My ship design was effectively eight 16×16 modules (4 long x 2 wide) for the hull and one centred for the bow, so nine in total. Keeping the scale realistic was a key goal for me, I wanted it to be recognisable and believable. The height was the biggest restriction, and with tall smokestacks I only had room for two decks. Whilst most Lego models have the iconic USA three decks, it seemed more common in Scotland and Europe to have a more modest two.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">After sharing these preliminary images with the Lego House team and getting a positive response, I was happy to start building the entire ship in earnest.</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2) Build process</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2.1) Paddle wheel</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The stern wheel with 12 paddle blades was probably the hardest bit for me to engineer. You might have spotted that I used six Fabuland Ferris wheels for the main element (part number 4750). I felt the paddle wheel was such a critical component it was worth doing first and building things around that scale.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-14 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="774" data-id="3116" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1-1024x774.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3116" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1-1024x774.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1-300x227.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1-768x580.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1-1536x1160.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3681-1-2048x1547.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Set 3681 ‘Amusement Park’ (1985)</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="690" data-id="3115" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1-1024x690.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3115" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1-1024x690.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1-300x202.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1-768x517.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1-1536x1034.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3668-1-2048x1379.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Set 3668 ‘Merry-Go-Round’ (1986)</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The large yellow Fabuland Ferris wheels were also used for Merry-Go-Round and Carousel sets in the 1980s.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For quite a few weeks the wheel only had eight blades. This seemed acceptable at first, but over time annoyed me more and more. Most paddle wheels have 12 blades, and this discrepancy annoyed me.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2.1.1) Welcome to Apocalypseburg!</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-15 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="824" height="1024" data-id="3108" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-824x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3108" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-824x1024.jpg 824w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-241x300.jpg 241w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-768x955.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-1235x1536.jpg 1235w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/70840_Box1_v29-1647x2048.jpg 1647w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 824px) 100vw, 824px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-id="3109" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3109" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A-1024x576.png 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A-300x169.png 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A-768x432.png 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A-1536x864.png 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-A-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-id="3110" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3110" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B-1024x576.png 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B-300x169.png 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B-768x432.png 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B-1536x864.png 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apocalypseburg-B-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Whilst watching one of my favourite YouTube builders (Brick Buffoon) I spotted something potentially useful. He was building the iconic set 70840 ‘Welcome to Apocalypseburg!’ from 2019.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://youtu.be/JVxxdCTu4QY" data-type="link" data-id="https://youtu.be/JVxxdCTu4QY">Welcome to Apocalypseburg – LEGO Set build – Part 5</a> (16 minute YouTube video)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Around step 615 they were using a combination of hinge plates, tiles and exposed studs to construct the Statue of Liberty crown. Whilst she has only seven points, the angles are the same for 12, namely 30 degrees.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thankfully all these parts are quite common, and I could adapt my wheel to feature the more historically accurate 12 blades.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-16 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" data-id="3111" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3111" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-225x300.jpg 225w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Paddle-Steamer-H-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3176" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3176" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2580-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2.2) Accessibility adaptations</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sometimes I know my own limitations and ask for help from others. My mum Margaret helps me sort my collection by colour and then shape. She also gives me encouraging feedback on my progress and design choices.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Other accessibility adaptations I’ve had to make include:</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Superglue with a retardant
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>I’d recommend Loctite’s ‘Super Glue Power Gel’ it can be repositioned for up to 60 seconds. This extra time is perfect for me to use a magnifier or correct a mistake due to my poor depth perception.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Magnifiers with a light:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Handheld – AAA battery operated and excellent for on-site installations</li>
<li>Desktop – USB powered, can be mains connected or portable, and can be clamped to a desk.</li>
<li>Anglepoise – mains connected, but ideal for maximising your workspace and giving you a free hand.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Room lights
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Additional floor and desk lamps drastically help improve my eyesight. Low lighting is particularly challenging for me and these lamps allow me to work after sunset.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2.3) Braille Bricks</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-17 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3171" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-1024x768.jpg" alt="Lego monkey sailor carrying 4 bricks that spell out the word LOVE." class="wp-image-3171" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2563-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">L-O</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3172" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-1024x768.jpg" alt="Another monkey sailor sitting down eating a banana." class="wp-image-3172" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2566-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">V-E</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Raising awareness of invisible disabilities is something I’m very passionate about. And in previous models I’ve started to incorporate Lego Braille Bricks.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/braille-bricks/" data-type="post" data-id="2747">Braille Bricks</a> (29 February 2024)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Not only do they perfectly symbolise my sight loss journey in Lego form, but they are also helpful for starting conversations with people about my story.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">They can also be a fun, educational and interactive prop. I often encourage children at shows to try using them.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This model incorporates four different Lego Braille bricks. One of the monkey sailors is carrying bricks that spell out the word LOVE. My hope is this ship delivers love to everyone who visits the Lego House.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">2.3.1) Inclusive signage</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-18 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5890c-copy-1-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-id="3142" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5890c-copy-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3142" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5890c-copy-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5890c-copy-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5890c-copy-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5890c-copy-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">English</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-id="3144" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3144" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2577-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Danish</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" data-id="3143" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-1024x576.jpg" alt="Lego Braille Bricks spelling out the words 'Ship built by Stewart Lamb Cromar'" class="wp-image-3143" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2576-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lego Braille Bricks</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Halfway through the process, I was asked by the Lego House team to contribute some interesting facts about me and my model that would go on a printed sign next it.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I was keen to be very open and honest about my disability, so I asked about the possibility of including a version of the same sign in Braille too.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Thankfully they were very supportive, but as it hadn’t been done before they obviously had to make enquiries about whether this was feasible. Some parts of the Lego House are already fully inclusive, which is an impressive feat considering how highly interactive the building is.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I’m very pleased to say my model currently has signs written in English, Danish and Lego Braille Bricks. A fourth panel with the full text in traditional Braille should be added shortly.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It made me extremely proud that a wide range of different people could discover facts about my model and hopefully have a richer experience as a result.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">2.4) Easter eggs</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Here are a few secrets about my model, please skip ahead if you plan to visit the Lego House in person. I’ve now been four times, and each experience has been more magical than the last.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://legohouse.com/en-gb/">Visit the Lego House</a> (Billund, Denmark)</p>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-19 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3173" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3173" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2568-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lamb sigfig</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3169" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3169" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2573-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Book club</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3170" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3170" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2572-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Fishing competition</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3174" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3174" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2591-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Monkey overboard!</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>My middle name is Lamb and I’ve always been given cute little sheep as toys. Fabuland lambs are now my sigfig (signature figure) and there is one sitting down on a red bench chatting to his friend Peter Pig (in universe and IRL).</li>
<li>The ship name ‘Maid of Fabuland’ is a wee pun, as the model is built from a lot of original Lego Fabuland elements (windows, arches, fences, benches, chairs, Minifigures, Ferris wheels…).
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>It is also traditional to consider ships as female, referring to them as ‘she’.</li>
<li>For example, Maid of the Loch (1953–1981) is the last paddle steamer built in the United Kingdom. She operated on Loch Lomond for 29 years and as of 2022 is being restored near Balloch pier.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>One of the monkey shipmates just loves his bananas and has left a treacherous trail of slippery banana peels. Monkey overboard!</li>
<li>Romance is blooming for two passengers aboard the ‘Maid of Fabuland’. 36 years after their very first date, Lionel Lion and Hannah Hippopotamus finally have a second date.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://brickset.com/sets/3622-1/Rowboat-with-Lionel-Lion-and-Hannah-Hippopotamus">Set 3622 ‘Rowboat’</a> (1988)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>When I’ve completed a large, or significant, model it’s tradition for me to digitally design some hypothetical retail packaging. For this project I’ve assigned the set number 2692024 to mark one of the happiest days of my life.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3177" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-Box-v05-crop-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3) Model shipping</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-20 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2716-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1920" height="2560" data-id="3151" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2716-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3151" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2716-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2716-225x300.jpg 225w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" data-id="3153" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3153" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-225x300.jpg 225w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2488-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2353.jpg"><img decoding="async" data-id="3150" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2353.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3150"/></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3152" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3152" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2352-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Transporting my model from Scotland to Denmark was no mean feat, but it did involve a lot of fun and memorable adventures.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The model was designed to fit in two standard storage boxes. I like the brand Really Useful Box, and their 35 and 42 litre sizes were a perfect fit. I’d collected bubble wrap all year and this ensured my model didn’t move one iota whilst travelling.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My friends from the Scottish Lego club (Tartan LUG) kindly helped me by driving safely across the Netherlands and Germany. They also accompanied me on my first overnight ferry crossing from Newcastle courtesy of DFDS.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.tartanlug.com/join-us/">Join Tartan LUG</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It was only on the ferry, two days before the installation, that I let them in on my wee secret. Up until this point only my mum and brother knew of the commission.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I did have a partial clue for them, by putting the name of my model on a bag tag. Only Kitty spotted this, so she gets a bonus ten points!</p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4) Installation day</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">26 September 2024</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-3 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-21 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3156" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3156" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2595-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3159" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3159" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2605-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2557-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1920" data-id="3158" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2557-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3158" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2557-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_2557-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5889c-copy-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="649" data-id="3138" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5889c-copy-1024x649.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3138" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5889c-copy-1024x649.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5889c-copy-300x190.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5947c2-copy-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="749" data-id="3140" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5947c2-copy-1024x749.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3140" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5947c2-copy-1024x749.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5947c2-copy-300x219.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF5947c2-copy-768x562.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My kind-hearted Tartan LUG chums all agreed to get up at the crack of sparrows to drive from Skaerbaek to Billund for the installation at Lego House.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I was anxious to unbox my model, but thankfully John’s expert driving skills meant only one tiny flag had fallen off. A small dab of glue and everything was shipshape again (apologies).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Everyone from the Lego Group made me feel at ease and fully supported my additional needs related to sight loss. They were so patient and friendly; it felt more like playing Lego bricks with friends!</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">TikTok promo video</h3>
<blockquote class="tiktok-embed" cite="https://www.tiktok.com/@stub0t/video/7428584913454042401" data-video-id="7428584913454042401" style="max-width: 605px;min-width: 325px;" > <section> <a target="_blank" title="@stub0t" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@stub0t?refer=embed">@stub0t</a> Maid of Fabuland Currently on display at <a title="legohouse" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/legohouse?refer=embed">#LegoHouse</a> in Denmark. Read about my paddle steamer here – stubot.me (blog link in bio). <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/2764.png" alt="❤" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f49b.png" alt="💛" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f499.png" alt="💙" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <a title="lego" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/lego?refer=embed">#Lego</a> <a title="レゴ" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/%E3%83%AC%E3%82%B4?refer=embed">#レゴ</a> <a title="afol" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/afol?refer=embed">#Afol</a> <a title="tartanlug" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/tartanlug?refer=embed">#TartanLUG</a> <a title="homeofthebrick" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/homeofthebrick?refer=embed">#HomeOfTheBrick</a> <a title="legoart" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/legoart?refer=embed">#LegoArt</a> <a title="sightloss" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/sightloss?refer=embed">#SightLoss</a> <a title="visionloss" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/visionloss?refer=embed">#VisionLoss</a> <a title="braille" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/braille?refer=embed">#Braille</a> <a title="northernbrickworks" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/northernbrickworks?refer=embed">#NorthernBrickworks</a> <a title="braillebricks" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/braillebricks?refer=embed">#BrailleBricks</a> <a title="legobraillebricks" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/legobraillebricks?refer=embed">#LegoBrailleBricks</a> <a title="fabuland" target="_blank" href="https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fabuland?refer=embed">#Fabuland</a> <a target="_blank" title="♬ Loveboat - Kylie Minogue" href="https://www.tiktok.com/music/Loveboat-6712058136066263042?refer=embed">♬ Loveboat – Kylie Minogue</a> </section> </blockquote> <script async src="https://www.tiktok.com/embed.js"></script>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5) Reflections</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-22 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3179" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3179" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/3622-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">1988 – First date</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" data-id="3178" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3178" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2nd-date-v03-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2024 – Second date</figcaption></figure>
</figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Looking back at this experience, I’m honoured to have been invited to build this ship for the Lego House. It’s not something I say often or easily, but I am so proud of what I achieved.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It was incredibly challenging to design and build this model with my vision loss, but without question I would do it all again in a heartbeat.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Living with sight loss or Diabetes is very taxing, and can cause high levels of anxiety, isolation and depression. But having this goal to work towards, helped me maintain a positive mood and genuine sense of accomplishment.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My time in Denmark was truly some of the happiest days of my life, I haven’t honestly smiled or laughed so much in a long time. Thank you to everyone who contributed towards this very special memory, it’s one I’ll forever cherish.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Love, Stewart</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">5.1) Support and advice</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If any of these topics I’ve mentioned have affected you, I’d recommend contacting a free and confidential support line offered by trained professionals such as Sight Scotland and RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://sightscotland.org.uk">Sight Scotland</a><br><a href="https://www.rnib.org.uk">RNIB</a></p>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">6) Thanks and hugs</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I will most likely forget to name everyone, but I am particularly grateful for the opportunities and support provided by the following people:</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The Cromar family – Mum and Steven</li>
<li>The LEGO Group – Stuart Harris, Mike Ganderton, Hasan Jensen, Line Dam Kjær and Erin Perkins</li>
<li>Tartan LUG – John, Christine, Adam, Warren, Kitty and Peter</li>
</ul>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">7) Image credits</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-1024x768.jpg" alt="Stewart's Memoji presenting his paddle boat with the Lego House logo (Home of the Brick)." class="wp-image-3164" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Maid-banner-1-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">‘Made of Fabuland’ Copyright © Stewart Lamb Cromar 2024. All rights reserved.</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>‘Welcome to Apocalypseburg!’ and vintage Fabuland product images are from BrickSet and are Copyright © The LEGO Group. All rights reserved.</li>
<li>Exterior photograph of Lego House and World Explorer Green Zone are Copyright © LEGO House. All rights reserved.</li>
<li>‘The World Explorer Ship’ photograph provided by Stuart Harris.</li>
<li>‘The Steampunk Submarine’ is Copyright © Warren Elsmore Ltd. All rights reserved.</li>
<li>‘Spirit of Peoria.jpg’ by ZcarstvnzRyan.harms, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</li>
<li>‘Maid of the Loch side.JPG’ by Rosser1954, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.</li>
<li>Some interior Lego House photos kindly provided by Manu Schwendener (<a href="http://manuschwendener.ch">manuschwendener.ch</a>).</li>
<li>‘Akitsu Ferry’ by 妖精書士 – 投稿者自身による著作物, CC 表示-継承 3.0.</li>
<li>‘Sazanami Osakikamishimatown.jpg’ by Olegushka, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">7.1) Disclaimer</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Please note this blog and its resources are a personal record of my own experiences. They have not been supplied, edited or verified by any individuals from the LEGO Group.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This article is not affiliated or endorsed by the LEGO House or the LEGO Group. LEGO®, the LEGO logo, the LEGO House logo and the Minifigure are trademarks and copyrights of the LEGO Group.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://stubot.me/maid-of-fabuland/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>8</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Women in STEM Illustrations</title>
<link>https://stubot.me/women-in-stem/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=women-in-stem</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Stewart Lamb Cromar]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 14 Oct 2024 16:00:51 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Disability]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[University of Edinburgh]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Adobe Photoshop]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[AI]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[colouring book]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[DLAM Feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[H5P]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Interactive Content feed]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[vision loss]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Women In STEM]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://stubot.me/?p=3061</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>To celebrate Ada Lovelace Day 2024, I created two new colouring-in illustrations of notable Women in STEM – author and codebreaker Irene Jessie Brown, and geologist Charlotte Murchison. I also discuss AI enhancement tools and vision loss challenges associated with my design process.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<span class="span-reading-time rt-reading-time" style="display: block;"><span class="rt-label rt-prefix">Estimated reading time: </span> <span class="rt-time"> 3</span> <span class="rt-label rt-postfix">minutes. </span></span>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><strong>To celebrate Ada Lovelace Day 2024, I created two new colouring-in illustrations of notable Women in STEM – author and codebreaker Irene Jessie Brown, and geologist Charlotte Murchison. I also discuss AI enhancement tools and vision loss challenges associated with my design process.</strong></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ada Lovelace Day</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On Tuesday 8th October 2024, the University of Edinburgh’s Information Services team celebrated Ada Lovelace Day 2024 which is an international celebration day of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Irene Jessie Brown (1919 – 2017)</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-scaled.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="766" height="1024" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-766x1024.jpg" alt="Colouring-in illustration of Irene Jessie Brown in a 1940s polka dot dress outside." class="wp-image-3069" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-766x1024.jpg 766w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-224x300.jpg 224w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-768x1027.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-1149x1536.jpg 1149w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-1532x2048.jpg 1532w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Irene-scaled.jpg 1915w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 766px) 100vw, 766px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Irene Young was a codebreaker at Bletchley Park during the Second World War, and graduate of the University of Edinburgh (UoE).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irene_Brown">Irene Brown Wikipedia article</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My colouring-in illustration of Irene is based on a 1944 photograph from the University of Edinburgh’s collections.</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Creator: Photographer unknown</li>
<li>Collection Name: Roslin Institute</li>
<li>Collection/Item Reference: Coll-1657</li>
</ul>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Permission granted by “The University of Edinburgh Heritage Collections”.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://archives.collections.ed.ac.uk/repositories/2/resources/85781">Irene Brown UoE collection URL</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Charlotte Murchison (1788 – 1869)</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1-819x1024.jpg" alt="Colouring-in illustration of Charlotte Murchison in formal Victorian attire." class="wp-image-3068" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1-240x300.jpg 240w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1-768x960.jpg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1-1638x2048.jpg 1638w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Charlotte-1.jpg 2000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Charlotte Murchison was a British geologist and pioneer of geological research and fossil hunting.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte_Murchison">Charlotte Murchison Wikipedia article</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My colouring-in illustration of Charlotte is based primarily on the public domain photograph of her from 1860.</p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Bristol Channel and Jura</h4>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129-1024x295.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="295" src="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129-1024x295.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-3081" srcset="https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129-1024x295.jpeg 1024w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129-300x86.jpeg 300w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129-768x221.jpeg 768w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129-1536x442.jpeg 1536w, https://stubot.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_0129.jpeg 1852w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It also incorporates a interpretation of the drawing by Charlotte depicting a cross-section of land, lying between the Bristol Channel and Jura.</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Title: Murchison 6</li>
<li>Work Record ID: 0055375</li>
<li>Holding Institution: University of Edinburgh</li>
<li>Catalogue Number: Coll-51/3/3</li>
</ul>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://archives.collections.ed.ac.uk/repositories/2/archival_objects/1534">Murchison drawing – UoE catalogue entry</a></p>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Naming Spaces After Inspirational Women</h4>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">On International Women’s Day 2023, the University of Edinburgh renamed a lecture theatre at its King’s Buildings campus after Charlotte in recognition of her contribution to earth sciences.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Information Services Group have named many University spaces, both digital and physical, after inspirational women who were part of our community.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.ed.ac.uk/information-services/about/naming-spaces-after-inspirational-women">Naming Spaces After Inspirational Women</a></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New challenges</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">AI enhancement tools</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The only image of Charlotte Murchison that is in the public domain is very low-resolution (320 x 400 pixels). This makes my iPad tracing procedure within the iOS app ‘Procreate’ particularly challenging.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One approach I used was to experiment with Adobe Photoshop’s new AI filters. Specifically the neural filter called ‘Photo Restoration’ which does an excellent job of improving the resolution of archive photographs (2000 x 2500 pixels).</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Neural filters use machine learning powered by Adobe Sensei, their cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) service.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://helpx.adobe.com/uk/photoshop/using/neural-filters.html">Neural Filters overview</a></p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Drag the green slider horizontally to comparison Charlotte’s original face with what enhancements the AI filter achieved.</p>
<div class="h5p-iframe-wrapper"><iframe id="h5p-iframe-17" class="h5p-iframe" data-content-id="17" style="height:1px" src="about:blank" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no" title="Charlotte Murchison"></iframe></div>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Disability factors</h3>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I haven’t created any illustrations since losing my sight loss last year, but was determined to challenge myself to keep creating them for special events like Ada Lovelace Day.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://stubot.me/life-got-dark/" data-type="post" data-id="2733">Life Got Dark</a> (17 November 2023)</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As with almost all tasks since I lost my left eye, it takes substantially more time, planning and adaptations to perform simple activities.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For tracing these photographs I like to use my iPad and Apple Pencil to keep the lines fluid, with a strong hand-drawn aesthetic. The Procreate app allows you to pinch and zoom quite easily, but even then I struggled to see any details.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My home office has multiple magnifications aids, including angle-poised, handheld and desktop solutions. The portable USB powered desktop magnifier was the most convenient, I could position it closely over my iPad and see facial features and environmental textures unavailable to me before.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It took a lot of effort to create these new illustrations, but I was 100% committed to contribute these open-educational resources (OERs) to my university’s Ada Lovelace Day. </p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My friend and colleague Jackie commented on how they still retained my own personal style. This was very heart-warming and gave me some assurance about staying creative in my sight loss journey.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Further resources</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">We have over 30 illustrated portraits of Women in STEM that are open-licenced (attribution only). All of them have a strong connection with the University of Edinburgh, past or present.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBMWmh">View Flickr album</a></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Flickr album (slideshow)</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-flickr wp-block-embed-flickr"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<a data-flickr-embed='true' href='https://www.flickr.com/photos/interactive-content/albums/72177720321190440/' title='Women in STEM by interactive.content, on Flickr'><img src='https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53255406890_b0aae1dbef_z.jpg' width='800' height='600' alt='Mary Brück'></a><script async src='https://embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js' charset='utf-8'></script>
</div></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Copyright and licence</h2>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The text, images and interactives published within this post are all intended to be shared, reused and remixed. In order to encourage this I’ve applied a Creative Commons open licence to my own content where the only requirement is to include the following attribution.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Copyright © Stewart Lamb Cromar, The University of Edinburgh 2024 CC BY.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"></a>This work is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License</a>.</p>
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