Thesis
Developing a relational design process: visually representing threads of storied knowing for making connections
Southern Cross University
Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies (DIndigPh), Southern Cross University
2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25918/thesis.194
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Abstract
This exegesis is a story all about the development of a practice-based process called ‘weaving-the-threads’ framed by Indigenous Knowledge. Through peoples’ shared stories, ‘weaving-the-threads’ provides an alternative way of bringing about shifts in understanding. Fundamentally, with relatedness being foundational to Indigenous Knowledges, the research was influenced by Indigenous methodologies and methods such as yarning, which determined the utilisation of an Indigenist paradigm. Along with contextual knowledge, the ‘re-seeing’ of different research elements from different angles, new connections within the layered research story emerged. The pattern of this movement was reflected in the way ‘weaving-the-threads’ design evolved and connections were made between people based on grounded practices.
Weaving-the-threads design was fundamentally shaped by my own ideas so, this exegesis explains the theories in relation to how an emergent Relational Design process developed. This project looked at why the process for making connections was of value, and the how of making across-cultural connections between people possible was answered by practising the developing process. So, this research story was grounded in a hands-on way of ‘doing’ relational to why and how things were done, and what allowed weaving-the-threads to be developed. The qualitative data, illustrating knowledge from shared stories, shows how co-creating within a protected space enables peoples’ knowing or contextual knowledge to emerge.
Weaving-the-threads design incorporates a framework called StoryMap, an adaptable Relational Design tool that enabled four StoryMap Designs (visual data) to be created through the layering of visual representations, the ‘tracks’ which were translations of distilled knowledge. StoryMap is like a ‘scaffold’ that the hand-drawn tracks were placed on; a knowledge ‘holding place’ for meaningful information from tracking shared personal stories. The StoryMaps are all visually different, but the practice of ‘forming’ was the same as visually representing peoples’ values and worldviews depended on group interaction. So, as tracks were ‘fixed’ in place multiple ‘truths’ sat side-by-side, ‘grounded’ and validated.
Ultimately, for people to make connections, for the StoryMaps to evolve, inclusive critically reflective conversations, and a collaborative hands-on way of doing things together were essential. So, the interweaving of peoples’ knowing, their values bound with memories, was key to weaving-the-threads development. At all stages each StoryMap was only useful if peoples knowing was reflected back; the illustration of connections between people, the unseen and the unheard was of significance. StoryMap can be likened to a bridge for connecting peoples’ values and differing worldviews through the sharing of stories that provide opportunities for shifts in understanding.
Details
- Title
- Developing a relational design process: visually representing threads of storied knowing for making connections
- Creators
- Sieglinde Elke Edward
- Contributors
- Shawn Wilson (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityStuart Barlo (Supervisor) - Southern Cross University
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University; Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies (DIndigPh)
- Theses
- Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies (DIndigPh), Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University
- Number of pages
- 188, 19.
- Identifiers
- 991013005398802368
- Copyright
- © Sieglinde E. Edward 2021
- Academic Unit
- Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples
- Resource Type
- Thesis