“Stories go in circles.They don’t go in straight lines. It helps if you listen in circles because there are stories inside and between stories, and finding your way through them is as easy and as hard as finding your way home. Part of finding is getting lost, and when you are lost, you start to open up and listen.”
(TAFOYA, 1995, P.12, AS CITED IN WILLSON, 2008, P.6)
THE START OF THE RESEARCH
NORTH CAUCASUS
I have a mixed heritage, half Adygea and half Dagestani. I am part of the North Caucasus that went through the Circassian diaspora on the 21st of may 1864. Although I have never visited, I have heard many stories about the region. Whether from elders, parents, friends of the family or other Circassians I have met. Each had their own tale as much as my own.
SYRIA
I was born in Syria, I never really had the opportunity to live there.
I have visited the country a few times and have managed to weave sweet memories of my own.
UAE
I was four years old when my parents decided to move to the UAE. Ever since then and until two years ago, I have lived the same old trial of life that the UAE naturally enforces upon its residents. A stark contrast of mixed realities, deeply interdependent of one another. On one end: a select few living a lavishly good life, while on the other, a large majority (roughly 85%) living a life of impermanence.
NETHERLANDS
I decided to study situated design because I was influenced by my background and my passion for understanding the kind of impact design can bring to people’s lives.
And that inspired me to explore the role of design in shaping post-war narratives within my project Ground Shifting.
DESIGN
EXISTS TO
Bring about a future that is built from the bottom-up. Where the starting point to every solution begins from the end of the spectrum most affected by the problem.
MEANT TO
Serve anyone and everyone. It is not a privileged practice reserved for any set social segment
A TOOL THAT
Enables people of all social statuses to find common grounds that could serve as the starting point
I craved personal answers
I created an invitation, targeting refugees, immigrants, and middle eastern students, to help me get in touch and connect with lesser-known and lesser-publicized personal stories of people who are living the post-crisis narrative.
I opted for a casual approach that theoretically enables a natural conversation to flow for both sides to feel comfortable with vulnerability.
Those simple guidelines were designed for me to stay true to my personal ethics as a design researcher
I AM ZAIN
The script follows the Ground Shifting Method and is narrated by Heba in audio format.
THE CONVERSATIONS
I had conversations with five individuals who fell under my target audience. Some were refugees, immigrants and middle eastern students. I decided to title these conversations based on a memorable moment or experience derived from our conversation.
THE CONVERSATIONS LEAD TO
GROUND SHIFTING METHOD
WHICH CONSISTS OF
The start of the one-to-one conversation process, the action of sharing or unfolding
PURPOSE
The speaker can establish a personal connection with me, which can alleviate feelings of being understood and heard.
INTENTIONS
Sharing a vulnerable aspect of oneself that is not typically revealed to others.
HOW
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Ensuring a private setting.
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Introduce ourselves again and the purpose.
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Share and welcome moments of silence.
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Do not force vulnerability, a feeling or a topic.
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The length of time differs based on the speakers needs.
The stage in which a designer engages in introspection
& reassessment.
PURPOSE
Actively seek feedback while understanding the needs, behaviors and thoughts of the designer and speaker.
INTENTIONS
To share a glimpse of the conversation experience with a fellow designer to meditate and reflect.
HOW
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Ensuring a private setting.
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Thoughtfully converse with a trusted friend or tutor while maintaining privacy.
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Engage in the practice of writing as a form of retelling.
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Introduce the conversation setting, location, feelings, and thoughts.
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Accountable and true to thoughts.
The realization stage involves questioning a designer's process and knowledge.
PURPOSE
Evaluate the designer's position and approach, and carefully examine assumptions, ideas, and thoughts.
INTENTIONS
An iterative and flexible process that encourages designers to learn, refine, and improve.
HOW
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One shift happens after Unraveling.
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The second shift happens after Reraveling.
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A level of self-reflection and accountability.
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The shift may lead to another unraveling conversation with the same speaker.
THE WIND
The script follows the Ground Shifting Method and is narrated by Heba in story format.
Where can we use the Ground Shifting method?
This research methods let us embrace the fact that we do not know, let go of our biases and the information we heard, and treat each individual as their own
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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To understand community members' specific needs, concerns, and aspirations.
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This helps formulate effective strategies and policies based on grassroots-level input.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
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To identify shared interests, concerns, and potential areas of collaboration.
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This approach can support the development of effective conflict resolution strategies based on mutual understanding.
EDUCATION SYSTEM
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Understand the unique challenges faced by students.
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Identify effective teaching strategies.
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Gather feedback on educational policies and programs.
HEALTHCARE
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One-to-one conversations with patients, and healthcare providers, can help identify gaps.
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Understand patient experiences.
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Gather input on improving healthcare delivery.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
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Can provide insights into environmental challenges, perceptions, and attitudes.
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To understand the socio-cultural dynamics related to environmental issues.
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Explore sustainable practices, and develop context-specific solutions.
CULTURAL RESEARCH
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To explore individuals' experiences, beliefs, and practices within a specific cultural context.
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Gain deeper insights into cultural identities, social norms, and the impact of cultural factors on individuals' lives.