Future Experiences – ‘The Global Knowledge Exchange’
By 2030, aid should no longer be something administered to the Global South by the Global North. There should be opportunities for an exchange of knowledge and skills rather than the simplistic provision of money and resources. ‘The Global Knowledge Exchange’ sees ambassadors in the Global North and Global South teaming up to discuss ideas that are important to their communities.
The Global Knowledge Exchange – User Journey
Using virtual-reality headsets and a series of tools to aid their conversation, the mentors are able to uncover knowledge that they then share with their communities. The three artefacts are used as tactile input devices to support discussion. The mentor can also wear the objects as jewellery to prompt conversation within the community.
The Global Knowledge Exchange – Mobility of Knowledge, Expert Input Day
The Global Knowledge Exchange’ builds on an insight I was introduced to while continually working with experts, shown above. This system will challenge this common misconception, proving the Global South has much to offer the Global North. This was the central focus of this project - an equal knowledge exchange.
The Global Knowledge Exchange – Form and Colour Exploration
Although people were important during this project, how to communicate with one another with the issue of a language barrier was another crucial factor. The artefact inspiration came from the connotations surrounding crystals and how they are symbolic to people. I was deeply interested in getting to people through artefacts which required a form development to reach the final outcome.
The Global Knowledge Exchange – Final Artefact in Use
The artefacts demonstrate a gestural, haptic language that is tactile for the ambassadors to communicate effectively with one another in a new, universal language. The series of three artefacts allow the users wider accessibility to one another while also relating to each object on a personal level.
Self-Initiated – ‘Link’
The central focus for this project was to create a better ‘Link’ between society and post homeless people through food. From the research conducted I found that currently there is a lack of communication between stakeholders surrounding post homeless people. ‘Link’ would ensure that all stakeholders create a better network for homeless people, situating society at the forefront of this.
Link – Field Research
Research shows that there is a vital time to implement change to ensure the cycle of poverty is broken within the post homeless community. For this to succeed, homeless people need to feel like citizens and a part of society. While conducting interviews with homeless people (past and present), community kitchens, and soup kitchen volunteers, it became clear that most homeless people in Glasgow do not, and often never, feel a part of society.
Link – ‘The Struggle of Struggling’
Speaking to a man who was ‘hidden homeless’ triggered the thought that many people want to help those in need, sometimes we just don’t know how to make a big enough impact. Not only is this valuable for the receiver, it is also equally beneficial to the donor. ‘Link’ would be a collaborative cooking and dining experience, with equal benefits to both users.
Link – Distilling Research
After discussions with various stakeholders showing my work, it was evident that this service would take form of a system that allowed a domino effect of support to be accessible. ‘Link’ allows the post homeless user to establish a connection with a buddy with the idea that they will later become a buddy for a new user down the line.