Summary
The last year-and-a-half of crises demonstrate why researchers and designers must anticipate and plan for trauma as it emerges in our work (and our lives). This session is an introduction to trauma-informed design frameworks. Through real-life examples, attendees will see how concepts from care fields, like social work, are integrated into the research and design process to center the safety and empowerment of the individuals and communities we serve. Attendees will leave the session with an understanding of how they can begin to explore using trauma-informed frameworks in their own practices.
Key Insights
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Trauma influences design more deeply than just stressful experiences; it's about the relationship we have with events that affect us.
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Understanding trauma in design requires both awareness and practical applications, merging advocacy with creativity.
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Core values like integrity and authenticity are crucial for ethical and responsible design practice.
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Design should prioritize emotional, psychological, and physical safety for all participants.
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Building trust through transparent design practices is essential for meaningful engagement with communities.
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Collaboration and mutuality are necessary, but challenging to implement in design work.
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Respecting the lived experiences of marginalized groups can enrich the design process and outcomes.
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Trauma-informed design connects with social justice and anti-racism, making it a broader ethical commitment.
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Designers need to navigate the complexities of consent and participation, especially when working with vulnerable populations.
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Continual education and reflection on trauma impacts are necessary for designers to remain impactful in their work.
Notable Quotes
"I almost did not make it here today, but my family has recovered from COVID, yet the lingering fear from that experience remains."
"Trauma isn't just about sharp shocks; it relates deeply to belief systems and our connection to events."
"We are swimming in a sea of collective overwhelm and understanding how to design through this is crucial."
"My work is rooted in social work values, which I believe must inform designer practices."
"There is power in trauma that demands we take a trauma-responsive approach to our work."
"How can we as designers become trauma-informed?"
"We need designers who are dispersed and savvy and understand the implications of design."
"Moving at the speed of trust is important, but what if we instead moved at the speed of care?"
"We must ask ourselves, who are the moral owners of our work in civic design?"
"If you’re going to be trauma-informed, you must commit to anti-racist work as well; it’s non-negotiable."
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