Blog no.8 14/08/23
I have begun to converge and diverge iteratively this last week in the te kitenga phase. I'm cementing a vision based on all the research and self-reflection tohu I have noticed so far on my journey. This started with informed ideation based on my HMW: Engage employees in active allyship of gender minorities through process-motivated design activities. I wanted to work with the three pillars of process-motivated design: connection, agency and widening perspectives. As you can see below, this manifested in activities and objects which could support these pillars.
In my research for a mood board*, I searched terms such as "queer crafting", "trans crafts", "creative workshops", and "non-binary design" to elicit some visual inspiration for my project. Although intending to undertake visual research, my surfing took me down unexpected paths by following the nodes I encountered. (Blomfield, 2022). The result was a parallel gathering of written and visual tohu that further crystallised my vision. One quote that I found supporting my motivated approach was:
"A big part of the Norfolk Trans Joy Community Quilt wasn’t just the end product, but establishing safe spaces for transgender, gender non-conforming, and allies to be in one space and celebrate, process, and learn in a non-judgemental group.” (Baker, 2023)
This led me to explore deeper the Norfolk Trans Joy Community Quilt case study (images below) within Baker's essay How Trans Fiber Artists Are Using Quilts To Tell Their Stories. In conjunction with using quilting as a medium for expression and connection, the process was also communicated in a zine publication, an idea that had already appeared in my ideation.
I synthesised all these nodes, tohu and nascent visions into a journey map of sorts as I find visual mapping to be the easiest way to explore my thoughts. Once I have put pen to paper, I'm able to better describe my idea to others and find the weak points that need developing.
I laid out the vision and the system/ service elements that would go into delivering the vision to workplaces.
The precedent research, has been possibly the most helpful part of my process in terms of moving closer to a prototype-able idea and not just disparate thoughts and immaterial concepts. My choice to go forward with a craft-based approach is pretty similar to my local making execution of 'process-motivated design' so it might be limiting in the sense its in an area i'm already comfortable with. On the flip-side there is a strength in iterating an already established idea and aligning with my personal interest in craft will help me stay motivated (hopefully).
References:
Blomfield, C. Z.(2022). The Composing Rooms 2010-2020. Author Self Published.
References for images of the Norfolk Trans Joy Community Quilt:
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This zine tells the story of the Norfolk Trans Joy Community Quilt. Created in collaboration with the team behind the quilt, this zine featu
