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AfroFuturism and UX Research
Gold
Monday, March 27, 2023 • Advancing Research 2023
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AfroFuturism and UX Research
Speakers: Florence Okoye
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Summary

What might a communal, speculative, Black-centred action research method look like? Reclaiming the discarded, the half-forgotten, the oppressed and marginalised is a key technique in AfroFuturism, whether for creating provocative fiction, exploring alternative technologies or developing radical means to thrive within white supremacist systems. How might this perspective be incorporated into user research? What impact could it have on our artefacts and ways of working? This talk will take precedents from projects that range from introducing masquerade performativity to structure research activities, to early stage research into how service design might intersect with narrative to co-design local policy rooted in anti-racist practice. Join us as we explore both how AfroFuturism can be used as design research methodology and what it can offer user research on a broader scale.

Key Insights

  • Afrofuturism serves as a radical framework for design methodology that emphasizes black-centered perspectives.

  • It challenges notions of objectivity inherent in traditional research by centering marginalized experiences.

  • The concept of the commons is vital in creating accessible resources and involving communities in decision-making processes.

  • Cultural practices can be reinterpreted as research methodologies, allowing richer insights into design strategies.

  • Storytelling and communal practices are effective techniques for engaging diverse participants in research processes.

  • Research must be rooted in the realities of racial capitalism to accurately reflect the lived experiences of marginalized groups.

  • Artistic practices, such as those found in African traditions, can inform and improve participatory design methods.

  • Afrofuturism connects historically oppressed communities through shared cultural narratives, fostering collaboration and innovation.

  • The effects of systemic racism on research design must be actively addressed to create more inclusive and equitable outputs.

  • Design interventions should emerge from a place of respect for cultural heritage and lived experience, allowing for true representation in research projects.

Notable Quotes

"Afrofuturism can provide insight into practices that can design inclusively from much-needed perspectives."

"Modernity was built on Blackness, influencing legal and artistic means of rebellion and liberation."

"To center racialized experiences ensures that our research methods are relevant and responsive to the realities of marginalized communities."

"The process of research should not just be about objectivity; it should live up to the complexities of human experience."

"Racialization is a dynamic technology; centering it in research is essential for true inclusivity."

"Combining storytelling with design methods allows participants to more deeply engage with their own experiences."

"Cultural performances are valuable research techniques that reveal community needs and aspirations."

"Affirming our positionality fosters openness, making it easier for others to share their experiences."

"Afrofuturism breaks down the borders of traditional disciplines, providing a holistic view of innovation and identity."

"Techniques from the past can guide us in addressing current social challenges, reminding us of the importance of cultural heritage."

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