• 2022 DCG conversations open forum

  Conversation reply

  Posted by Maria Chiriboga on March 7, 2022 at 8:33 am

  Dear Ursula,

  I am so glad I was able to attend the weekend conferences. It was very enriching and if before I had already fallen in love with these themes and ways of practicing design and activism, now much more.

  Each project, initiative, studio demonstrates the commitment and strong belief that design is a powerful medium for social change and that it has much more potential than what we have traditionally learned. Why is done, inspires!

  I love that there are these kinds of events and tools that invite professionals from different areas and from all over the world to learn by unlearning. To open up to new perspectives and possibilities.

  For this reason I dare to make some observations that I think can help to make the difficulties and boundaries continue to disappear.

  If it is a Netwok of Networks I believe that language is an important issue. Although English is the universal language, I think it can also be limiting. The Design for the common Good web page should have the possibility to change to different languages (Spanish, German, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, etc).

  Maybe Deeple or Google translation could be contacted so that in some way (I don’t know what it would be) texts could be translated, in an easier way. There is a Google application that allows you to do it just by turning on the camera. Maybe something similar can be done to allow people from all over the world to have access to the studies and information in an easier and faster way and in this way decentralizing it. Asking doesn’t cost anything. I also think this could motivate IT professionals and students to look for options. Brainstorming is always good!

  Another thing that I would find interesting is that when sharing information it can be classified into different topics which would make it easier to find the information and search for specific topics. You can use the filter system for that. And I think that everyone should have the possibility to share literature, videos etc. that they consider can enrich the platform. However, I also believe at the same time that a system of control and filters should be taken into account so that the platform does not lose its quality and credibility.

  Regarding the topic of information, I consider it very necessary to include literature, texts, studies, reports, etc. from professionals, students, originating from the countries in which it has been worked and in which it is planned to work. I believe that this is a very important topic when dealing with themes of inclusion, diversity, respect, decolonization of information. And I believe that it should even be taken to the extreme of including all communication channels. As we know, in many cultures the flow of information is verbally. Maybe part of the information; or even a project, could be to collect and record these stories, these voices and spread them. I think that would be a great step towards inclusion, tolerance and respect.

  Concerning the great challenge of what happens after graduation and leaving the academic system. Maybe it is something that has already been considered and I am sure it is because it is reflected in the results of many of the projects and initiatives. However the traditional academic system in my opinion is the problem. You cannot expect to have different results when the educational bases and models continue to be the same.

  I believe that this great initiative and encouragement for students to specialize in these areas, has to be supported by another educational model. Design Build is the pioneer in this, it is true, but unfortunately it is still limited by the traditional system. And the little interest of the universities to include it permanently in their programs.

  The traditional education system responds to the needs of the labor market. It is dedicated to train professionals who, when they graduate, will look for a job and at some point will work to continue feeding the system. It is a mutual dependence.

  But there are also other markets that create their own labor force and their own experts. This is the case of the German cooperation GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für international Zusammenarbeit) which in its “Traineeprogramm” program is dedicated to train its own experts by investing in them from the beginning and giving them jobs from the beginning. It is more or less like a Design Build but using the system to their favor and in the “real” labor market.

  It is clear that in order to be part of these programs you need to have previous knowledge. And that is why I believe that this could be an interesting alternative that complements the traditional educational system and model. We could also talk about agreements, partnerships and working together.

  I am convinced that all this is possible. Especially now that young people are much more sensitive to social and environmental themes.

  I hope I have been able to contribute something and I invite everyone to do Brainstorming because 2,3,4,5,100 brains work better than one!!

  Greetings from germany

  Majo

  Maria Chiriboga replied 2 years, 9 months ago 1 Member · 0 Replies
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