THE CHINDNESS OF STRANGERS
Exploring Reciprocity and Pro-Social Action in HCI
This analysis delves into a proposed CHI meet-up designed to foster new community connections through reciprocal gift-giving and discussion, building on principles of care ethics and research through design.
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Meet-up Structure & Gift Exchange Flow
The CHIndness of Strangers meet-up orchestrates a unique gift exchange, starting with delegate interest registration and culminating in an exhibition and discussion. This process facilitates novel connections and exploration of reciprocal acts within the HCI community.
Enterprise Process Flow
Fostering Community and Pro-Social Behaviour
The meet-up aims to establish a new CHI community around digital means to facilitate non-digital reciprocity and pro-social action, drawing interest from various existing communities like Arts in HCI, Research through Design, feminist HCI, and those focused on care ethics. It provides a unique space for exploring kindness and wellbeing in a challenging political climate.
Inspired by the Clay Connections Project
This meet-up adopts an approach developed by the organizers' 'Clay Connections' project. That project focused on reciprocal making between members of pottery groups for people with brain changes (including dementia) and mental health problems. Participants responded to design probes, made dinner settings for project partners, and engaged in an exchange event followed by a public exhibition. This proven methodology informs the current meet-up's structure for fostering community and connection.
Key Areas for Community Dialogue
Central to the meet-up is a facilitated discussion exploring various facets of reciprocity, making, and pro-social action within the HCI context.
Informal Schedule of Discussion Topics
- Making, reciprocity and wellbeing
- Digital platforms for reciprocity
- The role of anonymity in gift exchange
- Lessons for feminist HCI and research through design
- Layers of care (implicit, explicit, overt, and covert) embedded in an exchanged gift
Expertise Driving the Initiative
A multidisciplinary team of academics and practitioners from Northumbria University, Royal College of Art, and Indiana University is leading this initiative, bringing together expertise in psychology, design, craft, AI, and informatics to explore the nuances of human connection and care.
Meet-up Organizers
- Pamela Briggs: Professor in Applied Psychology at Northumbria University. HCI work explores trust, identity, privacy, wellbeing, and ceramics.
- Jayne Wallace: Professor of Craft and Wellbeing at Northumbria University. Explores design, digital technologies, jewellery, and making for self-sense.
- Rob Bowman: Senior technician and photographer at Northumbria University. Supported clay connections project.
- Kyle Montague: Professor of Participatory AI at Northumbria University. Addresses social problems, designs digital technologies for marginalized communities.
- Claire Craig: Helen Hamlyn Co-Chair of Design and Professor of Inclusive Design in Ageing at the Royal College of Art. Uses design methods for vulnerable individuals.
- Austin L. Toombs: Associate Professor of Informatics at Indiana University. Researches digital technologies, community formation, and interpersonal relationships.
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