Blueprints physical to digital: curation of media to support ongoingness

Through describing ‘Blueprints’, a series of fabric collages, we detail a method for translating physical properties of objects into digital materialities of media compilations. This method has emerged within a piece of design research seeking to develop new ways to curate digital media to support ongoingness. The project context centres on working firstly with people who have a life limiting illness, secondly people living with an early stage of dementia and thirdly people who are bereaved. Ongoingness is a theoretical construct denoting an active dialogical component of ‘continued bonds’, which is an approach within bereavement care championing practices that enable a continued sense of connection between someone bereaved and a person who has died. ‘Blueprints’ are fabric collages made from scraps of fabric symbolising digital media (in this case photographs) from 2 people – one bereaved and one now deceased. The physical qualities that result from making the fabric collages (variation in layerings, thicknesses, stitching, fraying) each map onto directions for how the corresponding digital media will be composed in a compilation, and serves as a collaborative method of curating media in new ways. The ‘Blueprints’ method enables us to research if and how physical making of things can serve as a gentle way to engage with the complexities of media curation. It considers the potential value of indirect ways of curating digital media to enable ongoing connections between people through the unexpected compilations that the method creates

The Dog Internet: Autonomy and Interspecies Design

<p>Activity trackers, smartwatches and other wearable technologies have become ubiquitous, and there is a corresponding interest in designing similar systems for pets. For example, Whistle, FitBark, and TailTalk, are devices that attach to dogs’ bodies and record data using a range of sensors and radio transmitters, ostensibly to facilitate health and activity tracking by owners. However, arguably these developments reduce animals into just another data source, or “things” to be sensed, which raises issues of autonomy of the animal that is being subjected to technology that it does not understand. There appears to be significant tension in the design of such systems; narrative frequently flips between the wellbeing and welfare of the animal, and the entertainment and satisfaction of the owner. Devices that appeal most to the human will be bought and used, regardless of whether there is any scientific basis to the claims. To problematise this impending “Internet of Dogs”, this Research through Design project asks instead what an “Internet for Dogs” might look like. Through the design and construction of a series of prototypes for canine users, based on their needs and capabilities, the Dog Internet exposes some of the profound challenges presented by inter-species technology design.</p

Designing technology-mediated peer support for postgraduate research students at risk of loneliness and isolation

Student mental health and wellbeing have come under increased scrutiny in recent years. Postgraduate research (PGR) students are at risk of experiencing mental health concerns and this, with the often isolated and competitive nature of their work, can impact their sense of community and social connectedness. In response to these concerns, we designed Pears, a system to connect PGR students for regular “pearings” (in-person meetings) and provides activities to promote reflection and conversation. A four-week evaluation of Pears with 15 students highlighted its potential to sometimes, but not always, facilitate peer support. Some participants would instead meet formally and according to their needs, others instead used the system to make new social connections. Additionally, some participants who faced work-related difficulties during the study found using the system contributed to their stress levels. We conclude by noting how technologies that encourage peer support can help build social relationships, providing an avenue to share similar PhD experiences and guidance for those new to the experience, while importantly raising awareness and an understanding for the need to take time for self-care. However, these technologies must be utilised carefully, and are not a replacement for other sources of student support in universities