EXPLORING CONTEXT AND BUILDING EMPATHY WITH THE YOUTH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
Abstract
This paper explores the use of a collective imagery framework, as part of a participatory design workshop, facilitated by the My Dream World
project in Namibia. The workshop focused on issues relating to youth unemployment in Southern Africa. The collective imagery framework, discussed in this paper, was the first phase of the participatory workshop. The framework aimed to externalise individual creative imagery, in order
to create a safe, creative space for participants to explore their own perceptions regarding youth context and unemployment, as well as those of others. This paper documents the context, process, and participant experience, and aims to identify outcomes as well as factors that contribute to, or challenges empathetic interactions and storytelling within participatory design practices.
project in Namibia. The workshop focused on issues relating to youth unemployment in Southern Africa. The collective imagery framework, discussed in this paper, was the first phase of the participatory workshop. The framework aimed to externalise individual creative imagery, in order
to create a safe, creative space for participants to explore their own perceptions regarding youth context and unemployment, as well as those of others. This paper documents the context, process, and participant experience, and aims to identify outcomes as well as factors that contribute to, or challenges empathetic interactions and storytelling within participatory design practices.