Unit 1: Age of Empathy Research by Nadia Pearce https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9 Made with the strength to succeed en-us 2021-09-29 15:12:26 UTC 2024-08-19 18:42:48 UTC hello@padlet.com The Anatomy of Loneliness nadiaellapearce https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1778525092 - There is no clear opposite of loneliness, being with people does not remedy it. In many ways happiness is the opposite of loneliness and for me this is defiantly the case. Maybe the opposite could be a preoccupied and happy mind where you are not trapped thinking about your problems. 
- What do we want other than loneliness? working this out is the way to cure it. Contentment, connection, happiness and friendship are the most Widley viewed opposites to loneliness but the vast majority had know idea what to say. How can we remedy it without not knowing what to replace it with. 
- Example: Caring for mother with dementia, not a conscious decision but plunges you into isolation. Life becomes smaller and smaller and is unstable. Physically it's draining and full of doubt. Both physical and mental manifestations and takes away many levels of humanity. 
- Loneliness reduces immune system and increases inflammation the same way adverse life experiences do. Lonely people are more prone to degenerative mental illness and even cancer increasing mortality rate. Loneliness makes people sick furthering this idea of isolation. Viral illnesses are more common.
- Loneliness is like a hunger and can act as a prompt but chronically and left without remedy it manifests dramatically.
- Youth Focus North East: Alternative prom from a range of teens who may have missed the experiance for a wide variety of reasons whether they are social, financial or mental. Groups that are often excluded from society. Provides opportunity for inclusion and experiance. Mental health really does contribute to loneliness and this cycle is difficult to break.
- At young age loneliness manifests in dangerous behaviours of drinking and smoking but also increases risk of mental illness that is long term. There is also a genetic factor of 40% of loneliness. This is through an eversion in the evolutionary process to being isolated and working on your own. There is safety in numbers. 
- Depression and loneliness although separate are linked, lonelier individuals are twice as likely to show major depressive disorder. The genetic influence is common between both issues. 
- Lonelier individuals reportedly had poorer sleep and struggles with completing every day tasks. 
- Concern for loneliness showed in the 2nd world war interpreted as moral with psychological resilience. Observations conducted on states of mind found that because of grief and separation the majority experienced it despite knowing and understanding the reasoning and purpose. 
- The concern of loneliness is acute right now but this stems from an increase in individualism that fails to deliver in ways that meet needs. There is s growth in single person households which is a shift from a time where people would be together every day and sharing life in many more ways.
- Concerns for loneliness are rising in plans for development. We are having to make an effort to design a neiboroughly environment to help people feel connected to those around the. Small incidental connections really increase a since of belonging and relationships. 
- Independent cultures encourage separation and individualism but interdependent encourage seeing yourself as part of a community. These effect how we form relationships with others and relate to others. independent cultures pick connections but interdependent are communities that are stronger and as a result much more resilient. They have lowered levels of loneliness. Care in interdependent cultures is much stronger and more personal with the elderly and young people feeling much more secure than in other countries.

]]> 2021-09-29 15:38:53 UTC https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1778525092 Project 3 nadiaellapearce https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1778530157 Ideo is a community of designers, researchers and teachers who work collaboratively with a user centred approach that looks at the experiance in the whole rather than isolated events. Looking at their takes on government project they characterised users through interviews research and reviews to produce a project that is truly created for and relevant to the users. 
Why is it relevant? 
  • This project is relevant for a number of reasons one of which being their characterisation concept. In order to understand how to produce a design we need to understand the audiences and the experiences. With our project we want to target the specific audience so this approach of characterisation can help us to understand the work that we are designing and the effect that it will have.
  • The visuals used in this project are also relevant. We felt the resources provided to us where plain and unrelatable and feel as though using icons like in this it is more personable.
What makes it effective? 
  • It bridges understanding with experiance. Th users are able to relate to the work and see themselves represented. It allows users to find help specifically cantered to them and feel understood.

]]> 2021-09-29 15:40:18 UTC https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1778530157 My response nadiaellapearce https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1778548875 In relation to my own work this piece really sparked an interest in the marginalisation of certain groups of young people. In a project looking at loneliness when starting in a new environment I really want to consider how people of socially do not feel accepted have differencing experiences of loneliness when starting at university and where there experiences where more intense than other. 
In the work we are creating to tackle this issue of loneliness I really want to focus on this idea that small incidental differences that encourage positive relations increase understanding and comfortability and look at how these can be created. 
Also in terms of building community when starting university this idea of interdependence is key. I want people to feel understood and seen not on there own so want the work we create to really invoke positive understandings of experiences to form foundations for looking after each other. Understanding is key to community and shared experiance lead to this being formed. ]]> 2021-09-29 15:45:35 UTC https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1778548875 Model of the creative process nadiaellapearce https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1778583110 For me this model is vital in creating work that truly understands and works with a wicked problem. A wicked problem is something with no clear end or resolution, any solution suggested will be the end of the problem and really it is not something to solve but instead something to work with. This model gives room and space that is needed to truly understand the nature and nuances of something so complex. Through process of observation, production and reflection we begin to experiance the problem and how it is function and how it is constructed and to truly understand something experiance is key. This model bridges the gaps between production without though and experiencing. This bridge is more than a band and allows consideration and empathy.
Through this process of reflection we can identify boundaries and uncertainties and adjust approaches to be measured and effective. It also allows us to adapt to the changes within wicked problems that due to their complex nature are continually evolving.]]> 2021-09-29 15:55:18 UTC https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1778583110 Week 1 Required Reading: “Decolonizing Means Many Things to Many People” nadiaellapearce https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1778717460 Decolonisation of design is such a hard thing to understand as it means something different to different people.. The way in which we experiance and understand the world can never be the same and with something like this our experiences define the change we want. The decolonisation of design can mean centring native voices, making space, taking space, acknowledging, shifting glance and giving agency. But most importantly it is not one thing and not just around or affected by design We need to be flexible and we need to be considerate.
'Decolonizing is about unearthing, shifting the glance, de-centering, giving agency, being vulnerable, making mistakes, ideation, thinking about our communities, and not so much design.'
Design is propagated by those in power and privilege and we need to break away from this to truly decolonise design. We are stuck in boundaries and categories that restrict us.

'In these definitions, sometimes design is an instrument of colonization, or sometimes it’s design that has been colonized.'

To decolonize design we need to listen, we need to experiance and we need to research. Intruding on spaces propagates these colonial ideals we are trying to escape. Building relationships is the best way to encourage understanding. We need to continuingly critique the world of design and our processes to ensure constant growth. 
In many ways this a wicked problem and the make observe reflect approach would be beneficial. We need to use to understand where we are and what's working and what isn't. The nuances of this issue will evolve and so we must keep up with them. We need to work and grow with this and build relationships of understanding and experiance. 

Relating this back to what we are doing now I feel I need to be much more aware of the position I hold in the situation of starting university as someone who has already lived in London for a year but still struggles with anxiety. In making people feel seen and at ease I also feel more aware of the importance of observation and recognition of position in understanding differing experiance which will enable use to produce work that really listens and is able to be humorous and relatable in a way that is helpful.

]]> 2021-09-29 16:38:31 UTC https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1778717460 Week 1 Required Reading: An Ethnography Primer nadiaellapearce https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1778753880 The purpose and role of designers is to invoke, inspire, provoke and provide utility for people and in order to do that empathy needs to be present for connections to be built.
In many instances we are removed or intruces on spaces meaning the empathy and connection is absent. Ethnography though with observation remedy's this. In observing people in natural environments we are able to see how individuals perceive their position in the world and behave. It crosses the bridge between empathy and understanding which is something I feel is key to our project. 
People are complex and individual, in order to understand we cant purely perceive them but instead need to immerse ourselves in their world. 
We perceive ourselves one way but actually act differently. Asking questions limits ourselves to these perceptions but emersion we learn about choices and can create environments and messages that create to an individuals reality.

I found this piece really enlightening. It has helped me realise that in completing a project on student adjustment and loneliness I really need to utilise my own experiance and identity of being a part of the community to make my observations. Rather then separating myself I need to immerse myself in this part if my identity and recognise the behaviours rather than simply enquire. From here I am setting myself the task of walking around CSM and watching the interactions, behaviours and relationships exhibited. I will capture through photography. ]]> 2021-09-29 16:50:19 UTC https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1778753880 Key Quotes nadiaellapearce https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1778830731 1. Designers need to understand the relationship between what they produce and the meaning their product has for others.
- I found the products designed for CSM welcome packs          lacked humanity and lost the meaning of welcome, we didn't    feel put at ease.

2. Ethnography offers a way to make sense of this complexity. It lets us see beyond our preconceptions and immerse ourselves in the world of others.
- Rather than simply interviewing we are utilising our experiance and observations that are honest and true. We need to collect and observe ourselves and others and be free of perception to produce work that is understandable and relatable.

3. Design is a social process with social outcomes

4. We neednt search for sources, there are sources all around us. 

5. We define co-design as "an approach that centres around the idea that people who are affected by a decision, event or product should have an opportunity to influence it."


]]> 2021-09-29 17:16:21 UTC https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1778830731 Week 1 Required Reading: Great Estates Project nadiaellapearce https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1778980681 We define co-design as "an approach that centres around the idea that people who are affected by a decision, event or product should have an opportunity to influence it."
- Inclusivity is key to understanding. Listening and including means experiance is spread and therefore again bridging occurs. Decisions made for a group without involving them are often invasive. An immersive approach is key. 
Breaking the process into four key steps really allowed personal and individual space as well as involving the residents input at every stage so they can direct their own learning and relationship with the program being put forward. There was no requirement rather an opportunity at each stage which also maintained participant autonomy key to an empathetic approach but also an effective outcome. 

With my own work I would really like to adopt the step by step model to ensure my audience are engaged so it does not become narrow and self concerned. It will also allow me to reflect and ensure that my goals are met and that.]]> 2021-09-29 18:09:19 UTC https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1778980681 Week 1 Required Reading: Chapter 10 Collaborate nadiaellapearce https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1779013325 The only way we can grow and develop is through exposure and our relationships and connections are our largest sources of communication as designers. If we are open we really can be each others sources and sharing personal experiences amongst us is key to enriching our own understanding. 
We need to prioritise social experiance as it critically enriches our practice and makes us stronger as communicators.
Design is a social process with social outcomes so working individually is massively restrictive. 
Seeking outside of our area is often considered as better but really working close to home allows us to place importance on our own experiance and knowledge and form string foundations for the work we are producing. 
We needn't search but look for something within us. 
This relates to our chosen project. Working personally allows us access to each others knowledge and experiance. We can utilise this to relate to others and produce work that tackles an issue we all are currently facing and experianceing.]]> 2021-09-29 18:21:06 UTC https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1779013325 Project 1 nadiaellapearce https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1779019813 A project based on the idea that cultural differences between each of are not hindrances but are instead points that allow us to have deeper connections and understandings of each other. In seeing other we evaluate our own. With his current project he intents to open up this dialogue. The project is indented to hold up a mirror to distorted expectations expressing a whole character rather than a traditional expectation. 
Why is it relevant? 
  •  This project seeks to understand people for who they are in the round not just who they are on paper. With our work we are trying to express experiences and emotions not just how we present. In this way this work as we want to express true experiance rather just what is factually happening on paper.
What makes it effective? 
  •  I think this work is effective because of the wide scale engagement. It seeks and listens to a variety of people from very background bridging rather than bonding. It seeks to understand and share and express in a ew way where people can form a personal relationship with the work.
  • I feel also the simple and playful design style is effective as it is left to audience interpretation but also makes it fun and joyful which is a really beautiful and effective way of forming connections.
]]> 2021-09-29 18:23:35 UTC https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1779019813 Project 4 nadiaellapearce https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1779023307 This is a project in New York designed to provide resources and skills need to individuals from a variety of backgrounds to rise above adversity and find positive direction with their lives. A key value of this project is connection and has a strong and soul focus on the individuals in the group. They form foundations of understanding and support and build upon them to enable individuals to take their own steps to grow. 
Why is it relevant?
  • This work is not directly related to the project that we are producing so the relevance is different . I feel this work is relevant with it's individual centred approach. I feel like the way they support without intruding is key to settling in somewhere. If you don't find your own feet you feel excluded so I feel as though this idea of utilising networks to find your own place is really relevant and key to the project that my group are producing.
What makes it effective? 
  •  I think for this work what makes it effective is the way it engages people in deciding what they are offered. The project is deigned by it's users. I also feel it is effective as it supports and therefore allows users to presever autonomy.

]]> 2021-09-29 18:24:55 UTC https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1779023307 Project 5 nadiaellapearce https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1779027346 This project, designed by students and coordinated by a student, is aimed at tackling student loneliness in lockdown. She utilises her own experiences and peers to design gatherings encouraging others to connect so they do not feel alone in the world or lost with the experiance. It has resulted in a range of organised events over zoom being set up to tackle loneliness as students living during a pandemic. 
Why are they relevant?
  • This project has many parallels to our own and has the same goal, tackling student loneliness. I feel it is relevant as it displays how utilising experiance and peers is effective at working solutions. It also looks at how connections are often the remedy for negative feelings and can really settle us.
What makes them effective? 
  •  She utilises her own experiance find common ground with others. The activities are suggested and therefore chosen by participants so the project can be as effective for the participants as possible for challenging loneliness.

]]> 2021-09-29 18:26:32 UTC https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1779027346 Project 2 nadiaellapearce https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1781066235 This project investigates the effect that participatory design has on enhancing community and the overall effectiveness of the outcomes generated through this method. This project recognises that there is fragmentation and a loos of networks isolating people and also meaning people do not know what to do in curtain situations.
Why is it relevant?
  • Looking at student population when starting school there are parallels. Starting is an isolating experiance and the design of resources is unclear. There is a lack of a network disadvantaging people and leading them to struggle in the situations that they are in.
  • We found the resources deigned to be quite cold and clinical. It didn't feel as though new students where engaged and felt very separate. We feel that playful design engaging others and discussing experiance will help produce work that connects everyone in the way that this project did.
  • It's relevant to us as we are also looking at active participation and playful design but also informs us of new ways to engage with an audience.
What makes it effective? 
  •  The use of engagement. The work of this project allows the participants to form their own ideas and designs in a playful way. It removes the level of fear and makes it fun meaning the structures in place and work outputted is really suited to the audience but also the production of it has built networks. 
  • Perhaps the thing that makes this the most effective is that it has built understanding to avoid ‘imagined’ notions of a community that can hide social heterogeneity and crossed bridges between understanding and experiance.

]]> 2021-09-30 11:51:55 UTC https://padlet.com/nadiaellapearce/mbh28lroco0i7jh9/wish/1781066235