Social Innovation Tollkit - Documentation

MEDes Major | Project Documentary | Fee Schmidt-Soltau

Social Innovation Toolkit The activy toolkit and platform for community groups

Fee Schmidt-Soltau Major | Design Project Process Documentary Master of European Design Glasgow School of Art 2010

Fee Schmidt-Soltau Glasgow School of Art Master of European Design Year 5 Major Project 2009/2010

Supervisors Historical & Critical Studies: David Sweeney Design: Mil Stricevic

Foreword & Thanks This project, the final piece to a fantastic

Many thanks to Jack Simpson, the com-

five year course, has been a great and

munity worker who patently explained

enjoyable challenge. The deep theoreti-

me the present procedure and pointed

cal part of the thesis prior the project has

me in so many other directions to

let to a very different approach from any

research. Ted Scanlon, the PhD student,

project before. Hence it has been one of

community worker and educational-

the most rewarding and learn intensive.

ist who provided feedback and insight knowledge into current political and

The project would not have been the

community engagement procedures.

same without the support and the advice

Rhonda Bell & the Garthamlock Group

of fellow friends, students and of course

for enthusiastically taking part in my

the warm and enthusiastic people who

research. Lisa Bradley, a GU Master stu-

kindly took part in my research. Before

dent in social research for pointing me to

embarking on the journey of this project

sources for theoretical research.

I would like to thank all the people who have been part of this great adventure:

Lastly to Lukas Golyszny and Roberta Knox for bouncing presentation and ideas off.

3

4

Contents activy

5

8

Introduction

12

activy Toolkit

28

activy Platform

36

Background and Research

39

Political Relevance

42

VOiCE Conference

46

User Research

58

The Role of the Community Worker

62

Theoretical Research

64

UCD Research Tools

66

Autonomous Tool Criteria

50

Engagement Tools

74

Toolkit characteristics

76

Tool Development

78

Tests and 1st Iteration

82

2nd Iteration

84

Reflection

6

Introduction

“

Communities need to be part of the solution not the problem. We need a participatory democracy.

”

Alex Niel MSP - Minister for Housing and Communities (VOiCE National Conference, Edinburgh 11.5.2010)

Under the new government elected in

The examination of current community

2010 in Britain, the Big Society Plan draws

engagement tools, numerous interviews

on greater community involvement, as-

and the attendance of a national confer-

pired to lead to increased responsibility.

ence highlighted the necessity for a true

Under the title of ‘responsibility revolu-

bottom-up approach.

tion’ new roles and responsibilities need to be realised by citizens.

This project’s outcome is a social innovation toolkit feeding into a platform to

For this new community ownership

cater for such change, whilst providing a

models and grassroot initiates need to be

profound support system, which allows

encouraged. The number of community

grassroot initiatives to gain momentum,

workers will decrease by half in Scotland

working around the current framework,

alone in the next financial year. This puts

to inspire community groups to take

pressure on engagement tools to support

ownership and initiative.

this responsibility transition. It requires a framework through which practices and

The project’s outcome, a theoretical

experience are shared amongst com-

responds, has been informed by research

munity groups to support each other

with a group based in Garthamlock,

becoming active.

Glasgow.

8

Toolkit + Platform The main focus of this project is a social innovation toolkit for community groups. This toolkit contains a range of tools which support groups to organise themselves to establish local projects and activities.

This toolkit is supported by an online platform, called activy. activy unites communities which follow the same vision and process. It focusses on small changes that have an impact, which communities can do themselves, are cheap to realise and encourage community mutuality.

The three intersecting circles of the activy logo represent the learning circle and the consideration of different viewpoints. It also expresses that, although the toolkit’s stages are numerically structured, the process of understanding is not a linear one, but involves iterations.

9

10

The Toolkit

11

12

Toolkit Criteria

External Motivation & Support

Encouragement

Confidence and inspiring, mobilising people to step up, become active

The requirements for the toolkit has been derived at through numerous intense in-

Sustainability & Realisation of Activities

terviews with community workers, social

Funding

research students and hands on primary

The process acts as a type of evidence and credibility to apply for funding, micro funds

research through a workshop with a user group from East Glasgow.

Expert Knowledge

Advice / Support

Group dynamics, how to play the system, strategies, best practices Communication & Ease

Easy Access

Internet access only in libraries, colleges or regeneration agencies Verbal Communication

Equal Say

Encouraging letting everyone come to word, take turns Teamwork

Natural Interactions

Individual & Group Tasks, making feel people at ease, natural behaviour The toolkit is contained in a messenger bag. This allows the toolkit to be mobile, to be brought along to meetings and be relatively easy to be posted or delivered to groups.

13

14

Toolkit Contents

x 1 3G Netbook

This Toolkit is for aim definition, mapping

Furthermore the benefits of free internet

local resources and identifying opportu-

phone calls address the needs of lower

nities how to work towards the aim.

income communities.

UMTS Internet netbook

4 Meeting Tools

The netbook contained within the toolkit

Each tool is working towards a map,

is pre-set up, ready to go with tapping

a visual outcome, a template to work

the start button. This means that the

towards. Each meeting is designed so

UMTS internet connection would ensure

that it can be accomplished within 30

a constant internet connection whilst

minutes, including individual and group

the use of the computer is made easy,

tasks to ensure equal contribution and

on start up, directly being taken to the

discussion.

activy platform.

x 4 Session Sheets

The meetings and the materials are

x 4 Instruction Sheets

From the research, limited access to

designed for smaller groups, groups of

internet and a computer was highlighted.

six. This is based on the effectiveness of

However the reliance on computer and

group dynamics. Furthermore it allows

internet for communication with organi-

meetings at home or in the pub, an

sations make easy access and free use a

environment which feels natural, not

very important aspect for motivation.

necessarily like work. This is also reflected in the playful characteristics adopted by the toolkit.

x 600 Stickers 15

x 12 Marker Pens

x50 Voting Stickers 16

activy Toolkit A step by step process.

Game characteristics.

The toolkit is divided into four sessions.

The tasks borrow game analogies. The

Each session consists of a range of tasks

sessions are designed to be fun and en-

that build up on one another to slowly

courage humour whilst making construc-

develop a greater understanding of the

tive process and decisions. It involves the

context. The tasks range from individual

participants to engage in dialogue whilst

to small groups to large group discus-

providing achievable aims addressing

sions. Therefore it requires each indi-

complex issues.

vidual to externalise their own opinion before sharing it with others and deriving

Toolkit cost

at conclusions at the end of each session.

Netbook

£ 75 / year

Continues reflection.

Mobile 3G flatrate

£ 180 / year

After each session the participants are

Working Materials

£ 40

asked to record their feelings and reflec-

tions of the individual sessions. This on

£ 295

the one hand supports the development of the tools, but is also an essential learn-

Due to the high political interest encour-

ing opportunity to avoid similar in the

aging community empowerment and

future whilst preventing possible group

reduction of community worker jobs, the

conflicts.

toolkits would initially be provided and paid for by governmental bodies.

17

18

activy Process

Preparation

Individual Tasks

From understanding to action The four sessions provided with the activy TOOLKIT do not lead to an action-

1. Get Started Meeting

Introductory Session: Explaining activy and the tools. Highlighting their purpose and aim within the overall process.

2. Map your Community

3. Your Dreams

Map all key people and organisations, considering meeting facilities and people with expert knowledge.

Aids defining the groups aim or project objective through mapping concerns and dreams.

able outcome or a solution. However

4. Discover Solutions

it aims to develop an understanding, a critical standpoint rather than rushing

Systematically looks at the problems highlighting areas of where to find out more about it, making use of activy and the community map.

to solutions. It aims to focus the group on the real issue, which needs to be addressed to really make a change.

Due to time constraints this next step to actionable solutions has not been ad-

Outcome

dressed, however it can be assumed that through the visualisation of the process funding could more easily be secured, supported by the activy network.

Reflection

PROJECTS

MEMBERS

HELP

SIGN-UP

username

login

password password recovery

Toolkit

Garthamlock Women’s Group Support us, we are organising a community game of catch the flag

Photos (20)

10

Supporters

Saturday, 6th June Garthamlock Football Pitch

Meeting Outcomes & Reflection Past Projects (2)

Related Projects

Tables Cake for Fundraising Food Snacks Drinks

Kids Go in Easterhouse

Creative Us in West Kilbright

Green Living in Edinburgh

Green Garden in Bristol

Travel Shop in Gloucester

Local Made Comments

19

in Weston

20

Instruction Sheet Each meeting is enclosed in one folded

Each step is supported by a drawn icon.

map. All materials required for this meet-

This graphical language is adopted to

ing is inclosed, like stickers and pens.

let the tools appear more human and approachable, rather than being associ-

The four step instructions are inclosed on

ated with work and rigorous bureaucratic

a sheet 210 x 210 mm. This gives the tools

processes, like writing a constitution.

a game character, like a game manual.

Each session has a constructive outcome,

Each step is phrased in simple language,

but encourages a lighter atmosphere

highlighting its purpose and sub steps.

through teamwork.

Each session is structured the same way: Tips and references are made back to the

9 21

1. Share Individual Task

activy website throughout. The physical

2. Discuss & Add

toolkit as a gateway to the online plat-

3. Map & Document

form is an essential feature and intensi-

4. Individual task for next time

fied stage by stage.

22

Session Maps Each session contains a map. In their full dimension they are 480 x 480 mm, designed to fit onto a kitchen table and thus usable in a home setting.

Folded up the sessions are 420x420 mm.

Each map comes with stickers, which are used to permanently record and visualise the group’s discussion and outcome.

We want to...

Our Community

Our Concerns

What exactly is the problem we want to solve?

What do we know about it? What are its causes?

What do we have locally that could help?

How do others solve it, elsewhere?

How can we find out more about it?

23

24

Individual Booklet and Tasks Each group member receives a booklet,

than the large goals.

which contains general information about activy and individual tasks in

4. The Facts You Know

preparation in between meetings.

Based on the priorities, what do you know for definite about the issue which

1. Your Story

are important in your community.

Asks individuals to write down how and why they joined the group. What they

5. Recording Evidence

would like to see and what their motiva-

The forth meeting leads into activities to

tions are to be part of the group. This

accumulate knowledge involving meet-

helps later to distribute tasks.

ing people and organisations. Recording people’s stories so that they can be

2. The People You Know

shared with the group and the wider

This task asks people to think about the

network in order to decide what to do

skills and knowledge which their imme-

next.

diate network, friends and family, has, Folded up the sessions are 420x420 mm.

which they can be made use of easily in

6. Reflection

the future.

Reflection and individual perspectives are core to activy. The booklet includes

3. Your Concerns

tips on what to consider and note pages

Rather than overall concerns, this task

to record thoughts.

is about personal concerns and dreams, which would be easier to be addressed

25

26

activy.org Philosophy PROJECTS

MEMBERS

HELP

SIGN-UP

username

login

password password recovery

Toolkit

Activy, get involved

means that the tools encourage to step

It is a platform for community groups

back and explore the wider context be-

to exchange and learn from each other.

fore making decisions on how to act.

These groups are linked through process tools that are applicable to a range of is-

These tools originate in the Design Think-

Activy is the easiest way to get engaged in your community. You will find here the collaboration

sues and group intentions. These activy

ing and user design research process.

partners and the tools you need to get started and manage your progress.

tools do not assist in solving a certain

This is a qualitative research based,

issue, but rather provide a guide on how

opportunity finding, solution process.

to conduct research to gain a greater

Therefore the tools encourage to identify

understanding of the situation before

opportunities which may be different

taking decisions on what to do to solve

than the spontaneous reaction to find a

their respective issue.

solution.

Most recent

Garthamlock, Glasgow welcome them

27

activy links community initiatives.

Next Door

Renton, Scotland Community Wind farm

Support Us

Stirling, Scotland Shop with us

Success stories

Sidcot, Somerset Frame the people

Kids Go

Green Living

Community Cafe

Travel Shop

in Easterhouse

in Edinburgh

in Ceddar

in Gloucester

Especially in communities the solution is

activy focuses on visibility.

Creative Us

Green Garden

Mutual Care

Local Made

not easily apparent as it involves many

in West Kilbright

in Bristol

in Cheltenham

in Weston

activy as a project platform requires the

different stakeholders and their varying

groups to document their process and

view points and motivations. This as well

reflections online. This aids the sharing

as monetary, legislative and lifestyle bar-

and exchange of experiences, so that

riers are to be taken into account.

best practice is increasingly shared.

activy focuses on understanding.

This visibility also aids as proof and pro-

The tools developed within this project

vides evidence for outsiders to under-

encourage to ask the question 0. This

stand the issue at a personal level.

28

activy Individuals

Local activities Get inspired and see what is happening in your area by your community Order Toolkit Order toolkit or pitch for a project to receive a toolkit for free, provided by funding partners based on community voting system

Contribution Individuals can sign up to activy view active groups in their location.

Contribute and support through own participation or financial support as well as pass suggestions.

29

activy Groups

Knowledge & Advice Internet Research, Other Groups, Social Organisation Partners Funding & Resources Through local contribution and Social Organisation Partners Archive & Inspiration Other group’s processes and project would be documented

Documenting & Process As part of activy, groups are asked to document their process by taking photos of their meeting maps Reflection & Discussion This and documentation is aimed to engage groups in discussions about opportunities

30

activy Group Platform PROJECTS

MEMBERS

HELP

SIGN-UP

username

login

password password recovery

Toolkit

Related Projects

2 members uploaded their stories

Kids Go in Easterhouse

Creative Us in West Kilbright

Green Living in Edinburgh

Meeting Outcomes & Reflection

in detail as the focus lay on the toolkit within the time frame of this project.

Garthamlock Women’s Group Currently looking for a project to organise kids activities.

Photos (20)

The platform has not been designed

Green Garden in Bristol

However, the groups website would be based on short messages, like facebook statuses or twitter, which do no require much time to be updated. This requires little time in comparison to a blog entry and is likely to encourage groups to update their status frequently.

Travel Shop in Gloucester

Local Made in Weston

As an extended feature, activy would extend as a measurable engagement status to facebook, acting as a marketing platform.

31

32

activy Grassroot Initiatives As already mentioned, the activy process

Youth Activities Sustainable Living Community Run Social Enterprise

is a generic research, solution approach.

Urban, lower income communities, on

This enables the TOOLKIT to be used in

the other hand would be dealing with is-

a range of issues, ranging across social

sues such as community planning or dis-

classes.

satisfactory public services. They would predominantly be interested in gaining

Communities urban or rural would

a voice to repel against the present

have different issues they would like to

hegemony and oppression. The evidence

Garthamlock

address. For instance one community

which they would be collecting with the

Organises activities for children.

group may would like to address a more

activy TOOLKIT would aid them to identi-

sustainable way of living, sparked by

fy cheaper, easier to implement solutions

slow policy and legislation decisions.

not based on a spontaneous reaction. It

TRANSITION TOWNS addresses these

would also collect evidence which would

communities to tackle issues of peak oil

assist them in gaining necessary funds to

and climate change on a local level. The

act, implementing change.

activy TOOLKIT could assist the com-

33

munity to highlight opportunities of

The needs and requirements of external

where to change their behaviour. The

support and dialogue are different for the

tools would assist them to approach the

target groups, however activy aims to

situation from a beginners’ mind helping

encourage a grassroot, side by side ap-

them to understand their own behaviour,

proach rather than a top-down, outsiders

individual and collective.

initiated collaboration.

34

Background & Relevance

35

36

Research Time line 20th April

Expert Interview

Jack Simpson

Community Engagement Team GERA, Easterhouse

22nd April

VOXUR: Engagement Tool Designer

Tommy Petillo

55 Degrees, Design Consultancy

20th April

User Interview

Rhonda Bell

Secretary Garthamlock Group

4th May

User Interviews

Garthamlock Group Regeneration Agency, Garthamlock

37

Key Learnings Describes community worker’s role as background support person. It’s always the same active people attending events and meetings.

11th May

Key Learning Stand alone tool. Verbal responds and direct replay encourages use. Short, precise explanatory video. Expensive and reliant on organisation.

12th May

Key Learning Feel they do what the council should be doing. Are proud that they finally get listened to, standing up against all odds, fighting their rights.

11th May

Key Learning Receive encouragement and practical knowledge through community worker. Group is representative for entire community and its issues.

11th May

VOiCE National Conference

Jennifer Stubbs NHS Ambulant Services

Expert Interview

Ted Scanlon

Community Worker for Home Scotland and PhD Student GU

VOiCE National Conference

Alex Neil

Minister for Housing and Community

VOiCE National Conference

Dora Kollar

Social Research Student

Key Learning Loneliness and boredom are motivators. The more people participate in organisational planning, the more they lose community representation.

Key Learning Education for democracy is required.

Not coherence but questioning present society and government intentions.

Key Learning Stresses the political necessity to encourage participation, especially in the <30 age group with less than 60% voting participation rate.

Key Learning Community trusts in communities allow new ownership models which would be required for a participatory democracy.

38

Political Relevance The 21st Century shows a significant shift

service tries to serve. By involving the

towards participation and mutualism.

‘real experts’ public funds can be more ef-

tokenistic and top down. An outside organisation enters a community to involve

fectively used as this may lead to greater The Scottish Government presently

participation and less animosity.

encourages organisations to genuinely involve communities into decision mak-

However by the Scottish Government

ing to do with community planning

setting National Standards of community

and social services. Co-production (the

engagement which organsiations need

involvement of locals to run services by

to comply with and providing the neces-

shifting ownership and responsibilities) is

sary planning tools that easily provide

one aspired vision and partially imple-

evidence of such engagements, the true

mented in rare US and UK locations. 1

nature of the engagements can be quesstep in the right direction.

of all the present economic climate suggests its necessity. Alone in Scotland the

Communities need to be part of the solu-

number of community workers will be

tion not the problem. We need commu-

halved this coming fiscal year whilst cut-

nity engagement and empowerment. 2 Community engagement and empower-

to maintain current services, however on

ment were used interchangeably at the

the flip side it is also a positive movement

VOiCE conference. The approach and

as it acknowledges the individuals the

the way it is spoken about is still rather

39

Currently the key to a more participatory

based on feedback rather than on direct

democracy is seen by providing capac-

involvement at first, Alex Niel referred

ity building. This means that individuals

to ‘We need to make a genuine effort to

and groups receive training to build skills,

consult communities, not just issue an

gain employability and greater confi-

consultation paper’. 3 Current consulta-

dence and thus are likely to take greater

tion methods do not reach a fast audi-

ownership over local issues.

internet access when conducted using

However critiques state that it requires

SurveyMonkey.com or when inviting

an educational shift. Presently people

people to so called consultation events.

become active when there is something

Considering this, it is not a surprise that

wrong. People come together out of a

many decisions are met with opposition

sense of urgency or opposition. Ted Scan-

by communities feeling not properly

lon, a PhD Social Research Student at the

consulted.

Glasgow University states that education is required to let people be more critical

ting public funds on a national basis. This shift could be seen as a cheap alternative

people. This engagement is likely to be

ence, whether this is based on limited

tioned. However it can be seen as a first This movement can be seen critical. First

engagement since the 1970s. 4

1 Boyle, Co-production Paper, Nesta 2 Alex Niel, Minister for Housing and community, VOiCE conference, 11th May 2010, Edinburgh 3 Ted Scanlon, 12th May 2010 Interview 4 Alen Barr, SCDC, VOiCE conference, 11th May 2010, Edinburgh

A participatory democracy, a concept

of what is happening around them. There

which Pericles already referred to as an

is generally a need for different models of

essential tool for modern growth, is not a

responsibility and community ownership.

new concept in Scottish policy. On paper

activy is based on a supporting network

it has been encouraging community

consisting of other communities .

40

VOiCE Conference Although the conference was about

overall system, does not allow interaction

community engagement, there was

between organisation and the people

not a single representative of a com-

involved. It requires extra work processes

munity member. Just organisations and

to fill it out to fill out the software, as it

politicians who decide what community

does not substitute management soft-

engagement should be like.

ware. It provides one click reports of each of the sections, which give an overview

The entire event stressed the necessity

of the engagement. This however could

for community engagement - national

be seen as a sole communication tool

standards which need to be met and

between organisation and higher bodies.

tightened audit criteria with the wonderful name of BV2 ( Best Value Toolkit 2).

Limited access and use for community members. It states that there is the po-

The VOiCE tool, developed by SCDC

tential for community use, but the soft-

(Scottish Community Development

ware has obviously not been designed

Centre), is a planning and evaluation

for this purpose.

software, which is aimed to assist comPeople spoken to at Conference:

munity involvement. It aids the planning

Alex Neil MSP, Minister for Housing and

Jack Simpson Glasgow East Regeneration Agency

and evaluation process by asking ques-

Communities warned of the dangers of

tions following a common logic model

professional community workers and

of ANALYSE, PLAN, DO, REVIEW. One

politicians developing a cosy consen-

could say that it is solely tool for proofing

sus about how and when communities

engagement. It is not integrated into the

should be engaged with. Instead, he

Angus Hardie Local People Leading Dora Kollar University of Dundee Social Work & Research Jennifer Stubbs + James Stevenson Scottish Ambulance Service NHS

41

42

Impressions and Quotes extolled the virtues of community control

“In the 21st century consultation is not

and ownership of assets, and cited the

enough, active participation is required.

work of community development trusts

We currently do not live up to commu-

in Blairgowrie and Neilston as the way to

nity engagement and empowerment! I

build a strong, grass root participatory

believe, we got a lot to learn. We have to

‘Democracy needs to move from repre-

‘Not everyone wants to be involved.

democracy. (Source: Local People Lead-

practice.”

sentative to participatory.’

Many people who take part in commu-

ing)

nity activities in fact feel lonely.’

At present communities only come to-

‘Our role changes from being responsive

‘We as politicians need to make sure

gether when there is opposition, a sense

to opportunistic. We need to be honest.

‘The more people get involved the more

consultation is not just issuing a consul-

of urgency. They become active and

We need to accept that we don’t have the

they get absorbed by the structure of the

tation paper, but it needs to be genuine!

engaged when something is wrong. Alex

solution. We need to redefine relation-

organisation, in consequence lose their

It needs to be honest and open. Self

Neil suggested that this mindset needs to

ships and learn to create together.’ (Alex

representation factor.’

interest needs to stand outside, this is

change - cooperation should be wel-

Neil, Minster for Housing & Communities)

about addressing the wider interest. We

come between users and organisations.

need to be bold enough to make the

Feedback systems need to be integrated,

‘There needs to be dialogue. We need to

mass. ‘ However unless they will realise

right decision.’

which encourage people to take more

challenge exciting communities. Com-

that they are dealing with individuals

ownership in regional decisions.

munities are part of the solution not the

here, there will be no talk on an equal

problem.’

level.

‘In this economic climate there needs

‘They talk about people as a generic

to be a genuine attempt to involve lo-

Focus on Youth & Local ‘The current

cal people.’ There needs to be a shift in

generation is disengaged in the decision

‘We need to adapt a corporate approach

There are different motivations to be

mindset, not to see them as a problem,

making process. This can be observed in

for meaningful engagement. This has not

involved: personal interests, urgency, op-

but as assets.

the falling numbers of vote participation.

been practice of the past, but needs to be

position, loneliness.

Currently only 65% of <30 are voting.’

in the future.’

43

44

User Research

45

46

Garthamlock Women’s Group The default answer of why they are meet-

central hub. However one may argue

ing is ‘there is nothing for the kids to do’.

that this is the direct solution and a

However the group has now taken on a

costly one. Presently they have a van with

representative character of the Gartham-

which they transport the kids to the next

lock community. At the beginning of May

community centre.

I attended their monthly meeting. The meetings objective was to decide on a

Diffused Focus

strategy and the communication they

Although the main objective is kids ac-

would adopt to oppose the current posi-

tivities, the group has become represen-

tioning plan of the MUGA (Playground).

tative for the whole community.

Discussion Facilitation

No Encouragement for Smaller Solutions

Ted Scanlon did not lead the discussion

Many kids activities do not require room

per se, but pulled it back to the core of

facilities and do not require a purpose

the discussion when it went off on a

build building. However this aspiration

tangent e.g. gossip or repetitive com-

can be seen as a statement against their

plains about how neglected they feel by

oppression. Receiving this building even-

the council, not taking their needs into

tually would symbolise success.

account.

Unequal Discussion Contribution Garthamlock Group Contact Rhonda Bell 07939876525 garthamlockcg@googlemail.com

9 47

Default Aspiration

Quiet members did not contribute. The

The group aspires for a ‘purpose build

discussion was dominated by loader

building’ i.e. community centre and

members who often led the discussion

48

side track. A quick chat with Rhonda,

Lack of Funding

be applied to e.g. the BIG Lottery Fund.

Change of Mindset

their spoked person highlighted that she

Lower Class communities do not have

However these external agencies are not

The status quo of their discussion is more

saw the lack of contribution as a negative

the required funding which it takes to

sustainable, as they suggest a dependen-

like a social gathering. One person takes

aspect. However she did not throughout

buy stationary, bus tickets and so forth.

cy and do not offer continues support.

the lead, everyone shares what has been

the discussion encourage people to raise

Even to the bank where they have situ-

their voice and contribute their opinion

ated their group funding is only acces-

Benefits verses Action

about what should be done.

sible via a bus and they do not have cars

In lower class communities individuals

themselves.

need to be careful not to be too active to

No Financial Sustainability

still be eligible for benefits.

The group does not aim for financial

No Internet or Computer at Home

happening, whilst one person takes the minutes.

sustainability. They do not seem to be

However most conversation and interac-

Quantitative Mindset

tion is facilitated through email nowa-

Community representations by statistics

Not Everyone Wants to be Involved

thinking about the scenario once dona-

days. Jack Simpson said it was not an

is the language of organisational struc-

Few active individuals take on more and

tion periods have run out or once their

issue as internet can be used at centres

tures. The group conducted a survey of

more responsibility as the group diverges

funds have been depleted.

e.g. Gera or collages. Access may seem

180 households to console the location

to be representative for the community.

simple, but people need to go out of

and preferences of the community to do

their way and time to go to the facilities.

with the children playground.

Dependencies Long Processes

The group is happy in its dependence to

Applying for funding and dependency on

community worker and external agents providing funding and facilities.

Lack of Meeting Facilities

Numerous Support Opportunities

external agents draw out the process of

The group is presently using a computer

Regeneration Agencies offer capacity

action. Groups meet few times during the

suit of the Regeneration agency situated

and training opportunities. They also

month, therefore each meeting should

Degrees of Literacy

in Garthamlock. This room does not have

have advisors for social enterprises, how

be effective and to the point.

Members did not write very well. These

a central meeting table, nor does it have

to write a constitution or business plans.

considerations need to be taken into

a white board to record discussions onto.

There are numerous funds which can

account.

49

50

The Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Journey To learn about the process they have gone through, the support they received, I let them plot out their journey.

1. Individual Profiles Their reasons and motivations they are part of the group 2. Milestones such as applied for constitution, received funding, first time kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities 3. People they met and what they learnt The support and direct input they received to get them where they are today 4. Positive and negative emotions Hopes and things that did not work out as hoped 5. Future Plans

51

52

Journey Tools Reflection Each step was colour and shape coded

No Generative Talk

with a question on the card itself to

As a consequence of the facilities, it was

prompt participants for responds.

difficult to engage the group in constructive talk. Members filled out the cards

Visualising overall Goal and Purpose

individually unless they were confused

In preparation the journey was mocked

and thus copied their neighbours.

up, depicting possible answers Sole Facilitation Need for Precise Questions

It was challenging to facilitate the group

The open question words of ‘who’ ‘what’

alone. However considering it was a first

and ‘why’ intended to prompt to write

time event, I was perceived positively.

whom they met, what happened and

Considering at the beginning of the

what they wanted to get out of it. Howev-

meeting only two individuals agreed

er members were confused. The question

to stay behind to take part, the whole 8

should have been more precise.

members ended up participating too. It helped that Ted Scanlon, their commu-

Need for Facilities

nity worker was rather interested in the

The facilities the workshop was hosted

exercise himself.

in was not ideal. There was no wall space and the table space available did not allow people to gather around.

53

54

We will need a new solution soon to keep the youth activity running.

The donation period of the current transport will soon be over.

We need....

Insights ‘I believe that change can only really hap-

Greatest hurdle is funding

pen with active community participation.’

At present most kids activities run on a

Ted, the community worker by Home

donation basis from organsiations. These

Scotland aids the discussion. He believes

are time limited agreements.

in supporting community groups so that new responsibilities and roles in society

Business plan / Constitution

can be achieved. He is an educationalist.

Ted referred to it as ‘playing the system’.

Due to lacking infrastructure and money,

We need a strategy to convince city planning that the planned location for the playground will be a waste of money.

Reliance on community worker

he ensures that the women have a little

It is daunting to think how to go about

cash to treat themselves once in a while.

changing things when faced with large

He advises them on where and how to

bureaucratic organisations. The com-

apply.

munity worker, supports and advises the

I am glad Mum convinced me to take part in the group. I like to shape a better and safer environment for my kids.

groups action. Steps into discussions

Natural behaviour

when they trail off and suggests methods

Workshop tasks, such as known from

and actions that can be taken to gain a

co-creation workshops are not natural for

greater voice and action.

the group. Everyone worked on the tasks individually. There was no discussion

‘I want to help to create a clean safe com-

apart from then the task was not clear

munity.’ Children future and safety is the

enough, which led to people copying

main driving force behind the group.

from each other. This behaviour was observed by members who are there because they were asked by others.

55

56

The Role of the Community Worker The role of the Community Worker

Jack Simpson works for the Community

What are the greatest hindrances?

Community workers win the trust of a community. This can be a long process of several

Engagement Team at GERA for the past

‘I don’t like to call it hindrances, I call

months. The role of a community worker is background support. They advice commu-

three years and over 34 years in the vol-

them challenges and the greatest chal-

nity members and groups on support/grants they are eligible for or help to organise

untary sector. He loves his job.: ‘last week

lenge is apathy, bridging people’s lazi-

themselves, lead discussions and provide input of aspects which may have been over-

I worked 4/5 nights, this week was more

ness, getting them out on a rainy night

looked. Even though the community worker is accepted and trusted, they can never

like a 9-5 job. It is most important to be

to a meeting or an event. The first thing

become part of the community.

flexible.’

when we organise events is to check whether football is on. We also try to ar-

I am the person in the background: com-

range meetings at new locations, so that

munity workers can never be part of the

people come along out of curiosity. For

community: my job is to suggest things,

instance GERA has bought this mansion

make sure that people have considered

and renovated it, which is now frequently

everything and help them when they

used for meetings. The other week we

need support. For instance when they

held a community meeting in a second-

need to write a constitution, or when

ary school which just had the theater

they like to organise an event.

done up and people had read about it in the newspapers, so that came along out

They (community workers) enter com-

of curiosity.

munities by getting to know the active Jack Simpson Community Engagement Advisor GERA Glasgow East Regeneration Agency 69 Aberdalgie Road Glasgow, Lanarkshire, G34 9HJ 22nd April 10 am, Easterhouse jsimpson@gera.org.uk 0141 781 4194

57

members of a community. Through this,

Support of community members

word of mouth, and flyering they encour-

Jack is the administrator of the En-

age people to come along to community

gageme Website. The website was

consultation events.

explained to the community through a

58

role play by active community members,

Community worker for Home Scotland

thus a bank account and check books,

who step by step took people through

as part of its wider role engagement

the access to the bank is limited. They

the website using their language. Jack

program, supporting the Garthamlock

need to take a bus there and back.’ This is

wrote a suggestive script which then was

Group.

not financially economic. Therefore it can

altered by the community members he

be said that Home Scotland is presently

was working with.

Referred to as ‘Uncle Ted’ in Gartham-

provide the necessary funds from the left

lock. He assists and leads the discussions

over survey grant for the women to buy

It’s always the same individuals, who are

of the group. He provides the outsiders

biscuits for their meetings and a treat

attending the representation meetings

view and suggests strategies. It took

once in a while. ‘You need to play the

and who participate in the community

him six months to win the trust of the

system.’

meetings.

community. After the group meeting he collected a members child from the crush

Ted is also a PhD research student at the

with his car.

Glasgow University, researching educational democracy, autonomous and

He helped the women to receive a grant

self sustaining communities and new

of 5000 pounds to conduct a community

ownership models in which communities

survey to oppose the MUGA (playground)

generate their own electricity.

plans of the local housing building or-

Ted Scanlon

59

ganisation. Now this money is being used

He lived for many years in Brazil working

to finance the groups activities.

with communities there and experiencing social conflicts.

Home Scotland | www.homegroup.org.uk Community Regeneration Programme Officer & PhD Research Student

‘These women do not have much. Al-

ted.scanlon@homegroup.org.uk 07872 033 393

though the group has a constitution and

60

Theoretical Research

61

62

UCD Research Tools Desirability

Business

People

at io n fo rm In

y th pa

Em

Designers

Designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Muse Research Model (F. Schmidt-Soltau 2010)

In User Centred Design Research Design-

This was mapped out to gain an overview

ers use participants as information and

of current practice whilst deciding on

inspiration source. Information is extract-

methods that would be adoptable for

ed through tools, interviews, observation.

autonomous collaborations. All methods

They aid to generate evidence as well

apart from self-documenting methods

as understanding and the revealing of

rely on the facilitation of the designer.

opportunities for design solutions. The

The tools do not work by themselves,

evidence aids as a communication tool

often need to be adjusted and fine tuned

for clients to understand the decisions

to its context. Often the tasks require

taken by the designer. Furthermore the

explanation and encouragement to

designer delivers empathy and under-

step outside the status Quo and adopt

standing of the user to the service or

drawing and other expressive methods.

product provider, so that they gain a

Visualisation has been identified as the

picture of whom they are serving.

greatest challenge, however it can be said that non-designers do not require as

The wall on the left maps out the current

a visual communication for interaction.

methods adopted in UCD. It ranges from no involvement to full participation. The next double spread shows a clear diagram of the different methods.

7 63

8 64

Dialogue - Informing the Designer

Autonomous Tools Tools, that bridge the process step of Synthesis.

As they are generated, used as discussion platform,

Designer assists / facilitates Process & Idea Generation Flow Chart

Role Script

Opportunity / Insights

Poster

Storyboards

Tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Headlines

Communication

Question - Answer Inspiration Insight

Inspiration / Information

they also serve as communication / deliverable

Synthesis

piece, proof of situation and visualisation.

Issue Map /Cards Contextual Interviews

Persona Warm-Up

Persona

Experience Journals

Journey Mapping

Motivation Matrix

Scenario Brainstorm

Empathy Tools

Lab / Shadowing

Participant Journals

Collage Expression

Mind Maps

Mood boards + Comments

Trend Forecasting

Still Video - Time log

Cultural Probes

Card Sorting

Group Sketching

Market Research

Participant Observation

Surveys / Interviews

Walkthrough

Lego Proto run through

Relationship/ Stakeholder Mapping

Questionnaires

Thinking aloud

Design Games

Graphic Facilitation

Culture Hunt

Not at all 13 65

Passive

One way Communication

Engaged Participation

Co-design

Gather

Observation

Autonomous 14 66

Autonomous Tool Criteria Individual Stories Their dreams & aspirations feelings

Key Criteria

Direct Outcome Visualisation whilst generation / discussion

Social Fabric Fun factor and wider engagement

Rich Stories Photos Quotes Video A bit of you in it Personal Results Persona template Empty Maps Started Matrix to add to Pick and Mix Themes Blanks Feedback Humor / Mistakes donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter Quick Responses, we listen Prize Draw / Motivation Equal Say / Participation Rules & Rounds

The aim of the analysis was to derive at criteria of tools that do not rely on a facilitator to increase independence of external agents.

The criteria on the left correspond to aspects highlighted in the open book of Social Innovation.

Mapping Needs Feedback System Integrated User-Derived Data Holistic View Point

High Affordance Knowing what to do from form, shape, layout etc

67

Easy & Quick Clear objective Example of outcome Cards to chose from Blanks to fill out Grids to fill in Step by step

Generative Paradigm (Benchmarking) Changing Roles / Enactment

68

db ack Fee

ion

tat en

An im

m ple

Planning for Real

VOiCE

Is a large event in which community

Is a planning tool. It uses the stages of

members plot out an alternative housing

Analyse, plan, do, evaluate to assist com-

structure and planning of their commu-

munity planning as well as provide one

nity. The mapping includes a large scale

click reports of the different stages. The

map with miniature house models which

tool has been developed by the SCDC

resemble some current houses to provide

(Scottish Community Development

and anchor point for the participants.

Centre) under the remit of the Scottish

nt

me

ge

Top-down

ga

En

Les s

Im

osi ty

Current Engagement Tools

Government. Although the tool is freely Voxur

downloadable it could be said to solely

Is a verbal feedback tool which lets

assist top down engagements.

people record responses to questions in-

Spreading Word Communication Current Community Engagement Model, Fee Schmidt-Soltau (2010) Even genuine community engagement is top down as long as it involves an outside organisation entering a community to engage them, the people, into feedback and discussion.

69

dependently. Voxur is enclosed in a kind

Photovoice

of box, which is placed by organisations

Is a photo novella technique which pro-

in locations so that participants can freely

vides cameras to community members

give feedback so that their views can be

to take their own stories and impressions

taken into account.

of their surrounding. It is seen to give

This tool however does not allow genera-

deprived communities a voice. These

tive talk. It highly depends on the set up

photos are often published as part of an

of the external organisation to set the

exhibition. Associated with foreign, de-

questions, and place it in the required lo-

prived cultures, but also used in a project

cation. Although the tool is merely more

in Govan, Glasgow, to do with asylum

than a software in a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ready mealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; package.

seekers.

70

VOiCE

Planning for Real

Photovoice

Only feedback, no generative

Computer and internet dependent

Mapping as a communication platform

Tools into the hands of participants

Participants are invited to give verbal

VOiCE is freely available online. There

The map is large. It provides anchor

Cameras are given into the hands of

feedback to questions.

will be an online version shortly, but is a

points of already existing houses and

community, so that they can depict their

software with different text boxes that

localities. It invites people to be engaged

environment from their own perspec-

aid the process.

into dialogue whilst they are mapping

tive. It is a novel event met with enthusi-

and expressing their thoughts.

asm. However the generated content is

Instant review Participants see themselves whilst they

primarily aimed at the view of outsiders

record their answers, before going to the

Not integrated into process

next they can review their responds and

It is seen as extra work pre and post of

Planning and facilitator required

as part of an exhibition, which challenges

decide whether they are happy with it.

engagement. It does not support simul-

It is a large event that requires a lot of

preconceived images and associations.

taneous working or direct involvement

planning, advertising and preparation.

whilst engaging with communities.

The result cannot be extracted easily.

Visualisation and expression

Most insights will originate in peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

it is an externalisation if issues and vi-

Difficult evaluation Although the software allows the responds to be sorted automatically into

Evidence priority

talk. It is highly facilitator and expert de-

sualises people lives whom one may not

sub groups, the evaluation or the cre-

It aids and records the process. It pro-

pendent, who write the report capturing

be aware of: however these project may

ation of an engaging outcome depends

vides quick summaries of the process.

peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responses.

often fall under the heading of art and

on experts and requires time.

71

community art:

72

Event / Engagement

Planning +

+

Autonomy

Autonomy

Voice

Toolkit Characteristics

Photo Voice

Voxur Photo Voice

Provision and Access

Affordance and Use

Community members and groups can

Tools and task language need to be in the

access the tools themselves. They are

language of the participants.

not dependent on external agencies to provide them the tools.

Planning for Real

Planning for Real

Voxur

Time Management

Time Management

+

The outcome and the objective of all

+

+

+

Voice

73

Voice +

Depending on the demographic of the

execution. Why are we doing this now?

community, internet and computer ac-

Where will it lead us and where are we

cess is limited. However the communica-

presently in the overall goal?

organisations. Meeting minutes are type

Time and Manageable

written and distributed.

Community members have a busy life

Impact

Autonomous Working

Sessions need to be broken into manage-

The tools enable the group to steer their

able chunks with clear outcomes at every

process out with external facilitation.

end.

There may be the need of a moderator

Planning for Real

Planning for Real Time Management

Photo Voice

Autonomy

Autonomy

Photo Voice

tools need to be made clear before

between family commitments and work.

Voxur

Voxur

Internet Access

tion channel is predominantly email with

Visibility

Synthesis

Process and outcome

+

from amongst the group to manage

Purposeful Dialogue

transitions of tasks and time. Community

Tools are a communication platform.

workers may be present at the meeting,

They aid the sharing of information and

but act as participant rather than leader

discussion.

or advisor.

74

Tool Development

75

76

Toolkit Tests As I was looking to design a system allow-

new context and need. It was important

ing for new community ownership mod-

to remove the tools linguistically from its

els to flourish, the needs and the design

original design context, by the adapta-

specifications could not stem from the

tion of the language.

research alone. A new set of tools were to be developed, which allows groups to

Easy language was the greatest chal-

independently organise themselves and

lenge. The tool manual needed to be

establish projects. Therefore co-creation

constructed and written in a way that

at this stage of the project did not seem

would be engaging whilst being clear

an option. I decided to base my design

and straight foreward first time reading.

process on feedback through which I would come closer to tools usable and

Already when setting off I realised that

useful for non designer. This required

this was an ambiguous aim I had, but

quick decision making and prototyping.

I were not looking to design a finished and done product in the given time. Its

Developing the first tools took more

a first iteration. Alternatively I could have

time than anticipated. The core of the

focused on one tool, however this would

tools are either based on team manage-

have lacked the holistic purpose and

ment methods and design tools which I

context and thus questioned the value

personally used in my design degree in

of feedback. It was important to design a

international and multidisciplinary team-

toolkit that carries the impression of be-

work. The design task would be the ad-

ing complete and working as an entity.

equate abstraction of such tools for this

77

8 78

AIM

Time:

1-1.5 Hours

Cards: 4 Colours Exercise Type:

Time: 10 Minutes Exercise Type:

Individual

Pens Small Group

Individual

Large Group

OUTCOME

DEFINITION

1

Aligning Expectations

Materials:

Difficulty:

QUESTIONS:

This task visualises and aligns

1st Iteration of Tool

Why are you here today?

intentions, goals and expecta-

What are you hoping to learn?

tions. The outcome of this task

What would make your day today?

will be a mission statement. This

Which difficulties do you feel you/ the group will face?

will help the group to communi-

Activy Toolkit : Group Dynamics

cate their intentions to outsiders

The first Steps are taken. You came together as a group and each of

4

whilst focusing teamwork and

you has his or her reasons to be here. Now itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to get your inten-

discussions throughout the pro-

tions on paper. This will help you plan your further actions as well as

cess and further exercises.

share individual motivations and expectations. This will help you dis-

I think...

Questions

tribute tasks more efficiently and make sure no one is doing tasks they

Write

Share your Thoughts

Collect Answers

do not see as being valuable.

2

Setting the Goal... What for?

Time: 15 Minutes Exercise Type:

Individual

Large Group

Who is involved?

Time: 10 Minutes Exercise Type:

Individual

Who is involved / affected by the situation. Who would need to support?

Who can contribute knowledge? Who needs to be on the ball?

I think...

Read out Answers

Share your Thoughts

Write new Answers

Collect Answers

Write

3

Exercise Type:

Share your Thoughts

Questions

reasons.

4

Intentions of this tool was to unfold step

munity groups would provide a good

by step. It catered for a larger group

first feedback for the aim definition tool

and thus folded out to a map with full

before approaching the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group:

dimensions of 900 x900 mm. This was too

Ted Scanlon, 12th May Glasgow University Student Cafe

Unclear Purpose

limitations of facilities. Integrating the

The tools are deliberately using an open

instructions with the working map did

process based on logic and lateral think-

not work effectively.

ing. However the overall aim and intenCollect Answers

Write

Discuss

Collect Answers

CONSIDER BEHAVIOUR OTHER PARTIES What will other people feel and do when

Start zooming out exploring the widTip

clusters, group and personal

Small Group

His insights by working with various com-

...kniht I

ZOOM OUT

Divide the Answers into two

Individual

How and on what will you measure the success of the final outcome?

4

I think...

PERSONAL & GROUP REASONS Tip

Large Group

Folding Map

large and did not take into consideration

We would be successful when...

Time: 15 Minutes

I met Ted for a more detailed interview.

Tip

er context of the problem.

tion was not clear at that point of time.

Language

This let the next iteration to be a more

Although already taken great care of, the

coherent toolset which feed into each

language was still rather design-led with

other.

certain phrases being unclear e.g. define

goal has ben achieved? How will you sus-

Why do you think the situation is the

tain change? How will you ensure and in-

way it is? Consider the view point of

spire others?

the other parties involved.

5

The Solution could look like...

A One Sentence Objective

Time: 20 Minutes

Time: 15 Minutes

Exercise Type:

Individual

Small Group

Think about solutions you have seen somewhere else which address a similar issue. Maybe you have got ideas already of how it could be solved alternatively.

Exercise Type:

Large Group

6

Document the Outcome Time: 10 Minutes Exercise Type:

Small Group

7

...kniht I

Discuss

Write

Write

Collect Answers

SIMPLE & MANAGABLE I think...

Write

79

Read out answers

Share your Thoughts

GROUP PICTURE

Phrase the intent in simple and broad Tip

terms. Not too constrained, but mana-

Document Outcome

A picture of the Group provides a face Tip

to outsiders who are interested in the

gable.

progress of the group.

ACTIONABLE

WRITE IT SIMPLE

Phrase it actionable and like a ques-

Summarise the results of the session

tion e.g. How can we incourage peo-

in short, simple phrases. Remember

ple to buy fruit and vedge locally?

you can always change details later.

Collect Answers

Upload

Document

your aim in simple and broad terms.

Wider context and understanding As an educationalist, Ted agreed with the

The challenge would be to make the lan-

understanding of a wider context. In his

guage simple, but at the same time not

opinion such tools should be prompting

make it too reduced and thus patronising

critical questions that lead to opposition

or too logical.

and thus change within communities.

As he said: change can only be achieved through community participation.

80

2nd Iteration of Tools Due to the tight time schedule and other unforeseen reasons the group in Garthamlock was not able to meet once more to give feedback on the tools. Alternatively feedback was sought by people met in the Savoy shopping centre and the local community centre. ‘ We do get what these tools are trying to do and it seems like a good idea. The design (visual appearance) is lovely.’ 1 ‘These tools seem to be for people who are not experienced. Some of these things (how to collect and record evidence) would have been touched upon in school.’ 1 ‘It makes sense. It is important to look for alternatives, so people can do stuff. The 1 Top, left: Sue and Ikk from Birmingham Tourists, visiting the GSA

booklet is neat.’ 3

2 Top, right: Martha at the Garnethill Community Centre 3 Bottom: Claire from Glasgow

‘I don’t know. I do not know anything about the internet.’ 2

81

82

Reflection

83

84

My Reflection This project has been challenging, al-

tion of this social innovation toolkit. It

group, but due to unforeseen circumstanc-

each other. The toolkit tries to substitute

though highly fascinating and beneficial

is based on user centred research data,

es and the time frame, this meeting did

the community worker, although he holds

for my personal development. The tight

but to be profound and tested, the tools

not formalise. This may have been because

a crucial purpose and function within the

time frame and the unusual project struc-

would need to be iteratively developed

of the approach I took, therefore not deliv-

group dynamics. He is the expert provid-

ture of a thesis prior to the design project

with a range of groups requiring a much

ering sufficient benefit for collaboration.

ing support. It seems contradictory for

has resulted in a rather theoretical kick-

longer and larger design team to cater for

Alternatively, to my knowledge, the same

the British government to cut community

start. The initial approach had been to alter

the work load. I have highlighted a project

group had been approached by many

workers by half whilst pushing for commu-

design thinking and research tools, so that

with great current relevance, however the

Glaswegian based organisations interested

nity empowerment. This also leads to the

they can be used by non designers. The

testing has already highlighted, that more

to boost community engagement politi-

question whether the state is just passing

increased interest in mutuality and owner-

tools covering the holistic process would

cally, therefore the group may have simply

off their responsibility and where this is

ship whilst business is increasingly interest-

be needed to cater for different focuses

been too busy to reply.

leading to? How will communities respond

ed in the design process demonstrates the

and skill sets.

necessity for such new tools. The intense

by allowing groups to take ownership over The research and the reflection of the

local assets? Is it really a being â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;allowedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or

interviews with community engagement

The further development of the toolkit

Getgo Minor Master project has highlight-

is deliberately a sense of urgency created

workers and the user research has altered

would require an intensive co-creation

ed the strong intentions of external agents

which leads to its necessity and therefore

the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus, which was required

approach, working with a group as they

approaching community groups - gov-

action rather than driven by own motiva-

to remove the design from its theoretical

establish themselves and become active.

ernment, organisations, educationalists,

tion to be more involved?!

approach. The current political intensions,

The group in Garthamlock was from the

designers. A big question I tried to answer

make it a highly relevant project - develop-

start seen as research and inspiration, as

for myself within this project is whether

This project has brought up a lot of ques-

ing tools and a holistic support system that

the group was already well on their way,

autonomy exists, whether it should and

tions, which let me question the intentions

stems solely from user research and data.

with many community issues on their

if so, what would need to be the char-

of hierarchies and whether I, as a designer,

shoulders.

acteristics for it to exist. Independence

want to be actively shaping these inten-

I had hoped to gain feedback of the same

contradicts with mutuality and helping

tions to be realised.

The outcome of the project is a first itera-

85

86

Fee Schmidt-Soltau Major | Design Project Process Documentary Master of European Design Glasgow School of Art 2010