Action 5 | Grad Studio I
“Our knowledges are always situated” (Donna Haraway, 1988).
Many aspects of our modern world have been operating on a partial perspective for a long time; From art and education to policy-making and healthcare. Design is also not an exception.
Design in the modern world has assumed a universal viewpoint and has implemented that viewpoint in various contexts.
But that fact is all viewpoints are partial. They are all true, but none is the whole truth.
What we see is what we believe
Taking advantage of this partial viewpoint has been the underlying system of many technologies and online platforms because we tend to believe information that aligns with our viewpoints.
In my last video, I raised the question of storytelling with partial knowledge. Museums are a small example of this matter. Some of the more significant and influential examples are news, media, and online platforms. Most media, operate on a partial knowledge system, presenting only the version of the reality they see while ignoring other voices that are affected, mostly from the more vulnerable groups. So how can we believe the marginalized stories if they are not even shown?
Can we create a holistic viewpoint?
Can we create a whole and complete perspective that takes into account all the standpoints? Can we ever build a holistic perspective in media, news, and online platforms? Can we make sure all the voices are heard?
The power of Circle
In this video, I used the shape of a “circle” as the representation of the complete perspective. I chose a circle with very little thought. To me, ‘circle’ is the most complete shape. The circle is unique in the sense that it covers the maximum possible area for a given perimeter. It also represents unity and balance.
In Action 5, Marcia had also explored the features of ‘circle’ by studying examples from her cultural background. She also had drawn from the Bowker & Star, Sorting Things Out (2020), to articulate how circles can become a bubble that you sometimes don’t belong to and are not welcome to. Concluding that sometimes circles can easily get bigger and expand to have you, or not.
Is circle the closest shape to inclusion and a non-hierarchy system? If it is, how can we use its features to create a more inclusive viewpoint? One that is based on engagement, active citizenship, marginalized voices, and heterarchy?
How would these notions of responsible engagements and active citizenship look like in our digital space?
Or Is there another shape that could better represent the holistic viewpoint?