After digesting the thoughts of academic writer, John Law, and taking advice from my tutorial, it’s time to think a little bit about the methods of research we’re going to use throughout the semester’s collaborative work with Lentara.
“what happens when social science tries to describe things that are complex, diffuse and messy. The answer, I will argue, is that it tends to make a mess of it… “This is because simple clear descriptions don’t work if what they are describing is not itself very coherent.” – John Law
Law argues that we need to think broader, looser and stray from conventional understandings not only of research but of thinking. While I found the reading rather convoluted and repetitive, I was able to resonate (albeit at a stretch) with some of the ideas to benefit the Lentara research process.
While collecting data and analysis of Lentara – interviews, statistics, facts & figures, brand reception, etc. , it is important not to develop a more thorough understanding of the environment, in order to better convey its personality. Looking more specifically at Lentara, when we visit its various locations, obviously capturing photos is important for reflection and recognition, but as the studio professors suggested, analyse the little things. What will be the sense and feel of the Asylum Seeker community housing? A smell or an ambient sound? Do the residents seem happy, troubled, worried or calm? What colour are the walls, and do they create a neutral, negative or positive environment. Beyond the housing, what is the streets and suburbs like? How does one feel within that space? This first-person, subjective view would be one source of information, and help to describe one section of Lentara’s identity. In addition, incorporate other sources; ask the opinions of unknowing bypassers, survey different types of people with various socio-economic status, age, sex, etc. Who has heard of Lentara? Is there particular audience oblivious, if so how can we as a Media and CommDesign team adhere to an issue such as this?
On another note, in the case of the community housing, while absorbing the new, foreign environment, it is crucial not to be obtrusive, offensive or threatening. These people would mostly originate from underprivileged societies, and may hold alternate values or methods to what Australian students are accustomed to. Therefore, while I will certainly take a camera for research documentation, it’ll be important to analyse surroundings of people and places before using it, and understanding that it’s okay.
To wrap it all up, think outside the box when conducting research and creating briefs, concepts or projects, avoiding simply verbatim (thanks Peter for the new word today). Also to be aware and considerate of the culture and environment you have stepped into as a visitor.
Signing off.
