The platform provided the framework for ongoing qualitative research to inform generative design. The research methods employed included engaging the community in facilitated workshops which explored issues of concern, values and future desires. The ‘research for design’ approach involved documentation of the outcomes of the workshops – this is where the term ‘generative’ emerges – as these outcomes were used to inspire design direction. A way to communicate to a wider audience, through my design expertise, issues of importance to the community. By un-covering underlying causes for certain passive behaviour or deeper values I could use design to target these aspects of people’s lives in order to create change on a community level.
Polymer
The design of a plastic recycling system which transformed an undesirable by-product of our society into something of value. Waste plastic is a resource which can be seen as a burden. By creating a material suggestive of the environmental impacts of our culture I could then use it in the design process as a vehicle for conversation to reach a broader audience. It was intended to provoke feelings of accountability for lifestyle choices and empower people to act on the part they play in this culture.
Dreams
The ‘dreams’ emerged through a series of community workshops where ideas, insights and future desires were brought to the surface; a space for connection and reflection on the ways we live through storytelling, enacting and making
Lab
The Lab aspect was where the inspiration and ideas generated in the community workshops were put into action. The intention was for our community to re-discover our resourcefulness and feel empowered to act on our ideas. To shake patterns of habituated passivity and shape a future we desire. A network of shared skills and knowledge was mapped and encouraged.
The immersive workshop environment enabled participants to communicate issues of personal importance and to make connections between their values and beliefs.
The design outcome of the community engagement process was Notblocks and Sticks. A game to assist individuals to harness energy for change.
Polymer Dreams Lab - Workshop 1 from Ben Paul on Vimeo.
