The research kits I designed in the fall were returned by eight participants (four family members and four volunteers). The kits were designed as a kind of non-traditional recording device to collect information about the participants on issues of the past, their histories, and the transmission of information between people.
I visualized and analyzed their responses to find patterns and particulars.
Some of my findings included:
The participants felt that remembering the past was significant, but expressed a tone of powerlessness in talking about the past. Many seemed more focused present and showed ambivalence towards the future.
Technology is a postitive thing, but is viewed as invisible, not well understood, intangible and far-reaching.
Families and close communities were often mentioned.
Many responded with stories–and narratives often naturally emerged from the more abstract responses such as the photos and the
word maps.
Structures, such as maps and timelines, are helpful for collecting, giving context and understanding information.