Nicola Fuller-Design proposal

Can communication design provoke behavioural change in the Vancouver community that slows down the fast paced lifestyle?

slow living awareness

executive summary

design proposal

audience or user profile

human factors

market research

feasibility

educational goals

resources / contacts / mentors

schedule & deliverables

budget

appendices

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

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table of contents

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executive summary

1.0

Our grad project began when we asked ourselves: “Can communication design provoke behavioural change in the Vancouver community that slows down the fast paced lifestyle?” Throughout our research we have continued to refer back to this question. We have been able to identify symptoms on a global scale of the fast paced lifestyles being lead. We know that something has to change for the sake of our planet and the well-being of society. The problem is fast and the solution is slow. It can be put so simply yet we have to ask ourselves, why hasn’t it happened?

Using communication design as our tool we are striving to close the gap between an idyllic concept and action. We will use persuasive design techniques to foster long-term behavioural change in our audience.

executive summary

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In Vancouver we are currently living a fast-paced lifestyle where we have become obsessed with the idea that there is not enough time in a day. Consequently this leaves people in a rush, stressed, impatient, aggressive and is generally an unhealthy way of living. Through the practices of communication theories, persuasive design and psychology, we propose to design an informing and thought provoking visual tool that will help change behaviours of Vancouver by slowing it down. As we introduce our community to a new kind of belief around lifestyle, Vancouverites will learn to not obsess over time and enjoy each passing moment. We define lifestyle is a series of choices we make that becomes an everyday routine. Drawing on the idea of micro transformations, we intend to achieve small changes in behaviour in hopes that it will allow a majority of our community to ease into living a slower lifestyle.

design proposal

2.0

design proposal

2.1 research summary

Derived from the slow food movement in the late 80’s in Italy, the slow movement is now a globalized lifestyle that many people are beginning to make a shift to. The lifestyle has easy going and laid back ideologies that require fast paced and tightly wound people to shift their perspective to a slower way of being. The movement calls on them to find joy in the moment while proposing they live a thoughtful and more patient lifestyle. Cecile Andrews and Carl Honore are well recognized figures for their advocacy of the slow movement. They have written books and spoken publicly through ted talks to promote awareness. They both discuss how slow can be beautiful and powerful in sustaining our personal health and the health of our planet.

As a lifestyle goal, slow living will need people to take action to reach the minds and lives of an audience. Currently this ideology has begun to have an impact on the design industry through the form of slow design, which is aimed to support the idea of slowness. An example is slowLab, a non profit organization based in New York who was inspired by this global movement and have been fostering a network of slow creative activists since 2003. They are a resource with diverse ideas evident in the curation of slow design projects that they share on their website.

Current literature on communication theory, persuasive design and psychology are other sources that can also be applied to the learning of how to take action through design. Ann Taylor discusses in her article “Shaping Belief” that the audience has to be considered when communicating a message. Taylor writes that all design is meant to persuade an audience and that the primary deal of design is to induce action, to educate and to create an experience. “Shaping Belief” urges designers to pick an argument that will persuade a particular group.

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To persuade a group to change their everyday routines is a very complicated and delicate task. BJ Fogg, author of: “Creating Persuasive Technologies: An Eight-Step Design Process.” simplifies this complicated undertaking by outlining the design process in 8 steps. The simplified steps urge one to focus on achieving small successes, rather than being ambitious and trying to tackle a complex problem that is too big to make any progress with. This is similar to author, speaker, educator and founder of desis (Design for Social Innovation Towards Sustainability) Ezio Manzini’s theory that change needs to happen through micro transformations. Changing the ingrained behaviors in a group is indeed difficult and baby steps towards larger goals is an appropriate and manageable approach. Despite the fact that slow living has principles that most people want to apply in their lives many have been unable to. Using the tactics described by Fogg, Manzini, Taylor and others, slow living as a future goal has the potential to succeed (See Appendix C).

2.2 design problem / opportunity

Ever since mankind began managing time, society has been dominated by the clock. The first thing we do when we wake up is check the time; it influences our course of action in the morning–do we wake up right away? Or can we spare a few more minutes in bed? Time keeps everything running but it also controls our lives. We fear that we don’t have enough time so we begin to obsess with saving time and trying to do everything in a day, and doing it fast; this is known as “time-sickness.” From this fear, speed has become second nature to us. We learn to speed read, speed walk and speed drive. The question is, why the rush?

As citizens of Vancouver, we are currently living in a fast-paced society that results in people becoming more impatient, aggressive and stressed with the expectancy for things to happen right away. At restaurants we demand food to

design proposal

be brought out right away. We get annoyed if someone takes their time getting their change out when paying at the cashier. We get road rage when a car ahead of us is driving the speed limit. Truth is, we have no tolerance for any slowness and it needs to change.

There is a need in our society to change this mind-set and appreciate time, rather than worry there is not enough. We need to start living better in a fast-paced world and learn to not obsess over time, but rather slow down and enjoy each passing moment. It is important for us to understand how to balance our life and choose our own tempo–know when to slow down and when to live in the fast lane.

We need to value quality-over-quantity; to value home-cooked meals instead of microwavable ones. To value spending time with family and friends and build a relationship instead of conversing with post-its on the fridge. We need to learn to remain calm and be patient even when the circumstance forces us to rush.

2.3 design objectives

In a city driven by work, creating an awareness of slow living will add value to Vancouverites’ lives in a positive and healthy manner. It will offer an opportunity for our city to learn to live better by balancing our lives and realizing that work is not everything. It is about learning to take time to enjoy things that give us pleasure and slowing down to make moments last. It is about making meaningful connections with the people around you, with culture, with work and with our mind. This awareness will help cure anxiety and stress, which are common problems in our fast living society, as well as ameliorating our eating habits and realize the importance of relaxing our mind.

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2.4 design criteria

This project will appeal to adults in Vancouver, between the ages of 18-60 years old, who are living in a rigid schedule and feel they do not have time for leisure (See Appendix B).

Structurally our solution will be simple and durable because we want it to be permanently implemented into Vancouverites’ lifestyle .

Our proposed solution will be designed in an abstract and ambiguous manner to allow the user to interpret the information in their own way. This will increase the opportunity to reflect on our design in hopes that people will motivate themselves to change based on what they read/see. Though our design will be in public display so that it is available and accessible to everyone, it will not be intrusive.This is so that it can be ignored if necessary. This is a reflection of our hopes that user’s make the decision to interact with our solution on their own (See Appendix F).

The aesthetics of our project need to sustain the interest of our audience to ensure they maintain the behaviour of slowing down.

At this point we envision our solution to be a collection of resources to educate and inform our target audience to slow living and help them change behaviour (See Appendix E).

Our design will encompass social marketing to accurately promote and make awareness of slow living.

2.4.1 user / audience criteria

2.4.2 structural criteria

2.4.3 performance criteria

2.4.4 aesthetic criteria

2.4.5 technical criteria

2.4.6 marketing criteria

design proposal

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3.0


3.1 introduction

3.2 age or generational factors

3.3 gender factors

3.4 ethnic or cultural factors

3.5 educational, knowledge & skill factors

Our target audience are adults in Vancouver, between the ages of 18-60 years old, who are living in a rigid schedule and feel they do not have time for leisure. They are not currently happy with their life and the way things are going, and have become aware that something needs to change. They are at the stage of either seriously considering to change or they are intending to take action sometime in the near future (See Appendix D).

18-60 years old

Our design is intended for both male and female users.

We have no specific ethnicity or cultural factors for our audience.

Our audience have attended educational institutions in the past.

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3.6 income level(s)

3.8 language(s) spoken

3.9 geographic region(s) of home & workplace

3.10 lifestyle factors

3.7 household composition

Our target audience are residents in the middle-class range; people who are neither far above or below the poverty line with an above average annual income.

No requirements just that they speak and understand the English language.

We are mainly targeting people in the city but also to those who are living in small towns with a busy, fast-paced lifestyle.

Our target audience are adults open to new ideas and a new way of living. They believe there is not enough time in a day and consequently are easily stressed, demanding, impatient and tightly wound. They value in being productive and getting many things accomplished in a day.

Our project is open for any adults, who are either single, partnered or with a family, so long as they are living in a busy schedule.

(single, lone parent family, partnered, etc.)

(attitudes, interests, opinions, values)


3.11 ability factors

With our proposed solution we require our audience to have the ability to see but otherwise there is no restrictions, in terms of mobility or hearing because it does not prevent them from changing their behaviour and live slowly.

We imagine our audience to initially interact with our proposed solution through exposure of our campaign to slow living. We hope that our audience will not feel pressured to view our solution but rather decide on their own terms based on their personal realization.

(sight, mobility, hearing, etc.)

3.12 one or two examples of how people might interact with the proposed design

3.13 conclusion

In summation we hope our target audience in Vancouver will be willing to consider changing their fast-paced lifestyle to slow living. Since the goal for our project is to keep as broad of an audience as possible, we aspire to persuade as many Vancouverites as possible to adopt a new lifestyle.

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human factors

4.0

With our project there are psychological factors that will influence the constrain of the design of our project. We will be specifically looking at the methodologies of neuroscience and examining how people make decisions and how we can allow for change in behaviour. Spirituality is another factor that will have influence on our solution as it will help us understand how one can relax their mind. We will be looking into theories in persuasive technology to understand the different stages an individual undergoes when changing their behaviour.

human factors

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market research

5.0

market research

In terms of the market research on lifestyle, behavioural change and slow living there is a collection of literature to refer to. The slow food movement is a term with the most global recognition while slow living is more loosely understood and irregularly adapted. However, there are a collection of people that work in organizations that advocate a slower lease on life.

5.1 introduction

5.2 existing products, communications & items

benetton ads (See Apendix G): The Benetton ads used controversial methods to educate their audience and make awareness about the issues and values they reference. Our project is inspired by campaigns that spark dialogue and make lasting behavioural change in their audience.

breakaway (See Apendix H): Breakaway is the name of a small statue that sits on a desk in a work office. The statue slowly and inconspicuously bends throughout the day. When the statue is slumped over the employee is reminded it may be time to get up and move around. The idea is that work can become so entrancing that the person may forget to get up to take a break. The sculpture is designed to work in social spaces by blending in with the work place environment. Breakaway relates to our project in that it uses visual representation to snap the user out of their regular routine.

pop rocks (See Apendix J): Viva Vancouver, Matthew Soules, and AiFDJ design studio collaborated in transforming recycled boat sails into giant bean bags. These giant bags were distributed all the way down a full city block. Pop Rocks gave people the opportunity to take a break from their routine to play and socialize in a vibrant public space. We see this installation as having the

similar to ones being proposed

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same values as our project. It challenges people to look at how they interact within their city. It acts as a happy moment that a whole community can enjoy together. We see this project as a baby step in the direction of slow living and we admire their work in the public sphere.

Sasa Clock (See Apendix K): Sasa Clock is a Slow Clock that a 2007 grad student named Thorunn Arnadottir designed. The clock is constructed of brightly colored beads, each color representing an increment of minutes or hours. It is positioned on a wall mounted wheel which turns slowly releasing one been every 5 minutes. One has to carefully count the hour and 5 minute beads to calculate the time of day. One is able to take the beads off the wheel to wear as a necklace representing freedom from time. Thorunn describes her project as: “An emotional perception of time measured in relation to events in ones life rather than rigid units most of us slice up our day.”

5.3 benchmarksthe best of the available products/materials of this kind

Cittaslow International (See Apendix I): Is a multinational organization that assesses cities based on their slowness and commitment to improving life quality. Cittaslow is one of the best examples of a group advocating the slow philosophy. They successfully network 100 small towns who live simply, thoughtfully and environmentally.

Sloth (See Apendix L): Sloth is a not-for-profit Japanese club that promotes the slow life movement. They aspire to live like the sloth and even use the animal as a mascot. The organization invites speakers to give talks at special events that they hold. Sloth is a great example to model our project after especially when looking at their “Slow Business School” and “Cafe Slow”. They have been able to inject their beliefs into a variety of different environments and prove successful.

market research

slowLab (See Apendix M): slowLab is a non for profit organization based in New York that collects and supports slow living design projects. Slowlab is similar to our proposed project in terms of their open knowledge perspective. They strive to share and spread the notions of slow living through an online database of beautiful and informed projects.

5.4 summaryof primary and secondary research

The research that has been gathered thus far, and the examples of existing products communicating similar concepts to are own, are inspiring. Pop Rocks is an excellent example of bringing slow living concepts to a fast paced city. It has become apparent in other examples that the people involved in the slow living movement live in predominantly slow environments. Citta Slow for example only characterizes a town as ‘slow’ if they have less than 50,000 people. This excludes larger cities and the people living in them. Our goal is to introduce the slow living frame of mind to people otherwise unaware of the high speed lives they lead.

To begin our market testing we surveyed 100 people, mostly between the ages of 20-30 with 15 questions. The questions ranged from their eating habits to their stress level. The most interesting things we found were that only 28 percent of participants found joy in their current routine, and that most people were living in the past and anticipating the future instead of living in the moment.

Currently the response to our project is largely positive. The topic is attractive and idyllic which makes the audience support our aim. Living simply is something that the world will have to adapt to, as our resources dwindle

5.5 market testingaudience response to project theme, idea, initial concepts or prototypes

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5.6 conclusion

Slow living is being tested in a variety of different contexts. The strength of our project is in its optimistically expansive subject matter. We will be working with a diverse group of people to change their relationship with time for the better. We will do so by introducing small ideas into inconspicuous areas of the day to day lives of our audience.

market research

and our lifestyles have become unsustainable. The audience is hopeful and encouraging despite the overwhelming magnitude of the problem being addressed. People may be skeptical of the change we are capable of making in the rigid routines of the modern popular lifestyle. In narrowing our project down to something feasible we are confident in making real change.

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feasibility

6.0

feasibility

The production of our project will run smoothly by following the schedule we have created. The most difficult and time consuming segment of our process will be digesting the huge amount of writing on our topic and related topics.

6.1 production

6.2 audience response

Within the last 30 years the slow movement has gained notoriety in the public realm. It’s development has happened in conjunction with other counter-culture movements such as the simplicity movement. The audiences response to the idea’s in the past have been positive, although they have had trouble putting the ideas into actual practice. This has taught us to closely consider the reception of our project.

6.3 research

We aspire to make real and lasting change in our audience. The difficulties will be in integrating our product unobtrusively in the complex lives of our users (or perhaps intrusively depending on the strategy devised). The feasibility of our project largely depends on the scope we end up working with, we imagine having to make baby steps towards big change. We will target a small area that we can envision a project working and then use our success as a template for bigger opportunities.

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educational goals

7.0

01. Understand how communication design can help ameliorate a lifestyle

02. How we can intervene in someone’s life through design

03. How to aspire a difference in people’s lives for the better

04. Learn what it means to take action in a community

05. Explore the role of design in modern context

06.

07. Learn the process of rapid user-testing and prototyping

08. How to conduct an informed interview

Understand the principles of persuasive design and its process to behavioral change

educational goals

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8.0

01. Deborah Shackleton: Faculty Supervisor

02. Charles Dobson: Faculty Supervisor


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9.0


grad project timeline

fall semester

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secondary research

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spring semester

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work on exhibition display

finalize design

refining prototype

user-testing

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budget

10.0

Our exact budget is currently indeterminate. We expect to be able to manage our budget independently and split the cost evenly.

budget

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appendices

11.0

appendices

a. annotated bibliography

Alexander, Samuel. Simon Usher. “The Voluntary Simplicity Movement: A Multi-National Survey Analysis in Theoretical Context” (October 8, 2011). SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1941088 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1941088

The Simplicity Institute launched a multi-national online survey to insight into the ‘post-consumerist’ social movement called the simplicity movement. 1,941 participants in the movement completed a 50 question survey covering topics of lifestyle, behaviour, values, motivations, happiness, income, community and politics. This article helped us gain insight into the lives of people who are choosing to move away from high consumption lifestyles and are embracing lifestyles of reduced income and consumption.

Andrews, Cecile. Slow Is Beautiful: New Visions of Community, Leisure and Joie De Vivre. Gabriola Island, BC: New Society, 2006.

Cecile Andrews analyzes the consumer and political impacts that forces people to live a joyless life. By referring to psychologists, philosophers and other authors, the author provides insightful ways to live our life with joy, or as she calls it the joie de vivre. Through rediscovering a sense of community, understanding the value of leisure and happiness, Cecile offers a way to better connect with the life we have. She makes this book personal by providing personal experience that allowed her to change her lifestyle where she now enjoys staring at her clothes dry. Reading this book helps us understand the importance of connecting with others, with ourselves and with our community which is essential for living a slow lifestyle. It’s important for people to slow down and enjoy their life, enjoy the moment and reconnect with what life has to offer.

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Bennett, Audrey. “Interactive Aesthetics.” Design Issues 18.3 (2002): 62-69.

This article discusses how to produce design with an audience that does not speak the same visual language as you. Using the theory of Interactive Aesthetics (IA), Bennett proposes for graphic designers to use technology to facilitate participation from the client and the audience during the design process. This participatory design will ensure designers to successfully communicate and persuade an audience without the issue of language barriers or misinterpreting the design. This article helps with our project because the audience for our design is a multicultural group, so there are chances that some will not speak the same visual language as us and may require for us to apply the theory of IA during the design process.

Blumenthal, Ralph. Rachel Mosteller. “Voluntary Simplicity Movement Re-emerges” New York Times. 18 May. 2008. <nytimes.com>

This article addresses the return of the simplicity movement which began in the late 1980’s in Seattle. Within it several families speak about abandoning their possessions in search for a clean, self-sustained and simple life. The article concludes with a simple life participant saddened by throwing out a box of Christmas decorations. This shows the lifestyle decisions may be easier said than done which is important to consider during our designing. The moment people decide to abandon their current lifestyle for a different one is the circumstance we are going to study. This moment informs our project as we are hoping our design will be catalyst for change.

Carroll, William K. Robert A. Hacket. “Democratic media activism through the lens of social movement theory” Media, Culture & Society. 01/01/2006

appendix: a

This paper explores whether media activism can be considered a movement within itself or if its ever-changing and fluid identity enable it to cut through other movements without having to take real shape individually. This article draws upon interviews with media activists within Vancouver around social movement theories. This article is relevant in terms of our project as it reveals the network of other movements slow living exists within.

Consolvo, Sunny, James A. Landay and David W. McDonald. “Theory-Driven Design Strategies for Technologies That Support Behaviour Change in Everyday Life.” CHI 2009 (2009): 405-15

In this paper, the authors propose a design strategy that will help change people’s behaviours in their everyday lives through technology. Methods of persuasive technology theories and models are described to discuss ways of encouraging people to breakaway from their normal lifestyle and begin to adopt a new one. Knowing these theories helps with our project because it allows us to understand the different stages an individual may face when attempting to change their lifestyle, which is what our project is demanding one to do. Furthermore it was useful to know that with these stages, there are ways to design and target them in a different manner to help an individual change their behaviour.

Dobson, Charles. The Troublemaker’s Teaparty: A Manual for Effective Citizen Action. New Society Press. 2003/2008.

Within this book is the “Citizens Handbook” which empowers people in their own small communities and neighbourhoods to make real and lasting change.

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The idea is that nobody knows what needs to happen and how to do it like the citizens who actually live in the places where the action needs to take place. Their website acts as a tool kit for those people who voluntarily strive for change and do not work within an organization. This book outlines how to get others involved, how to find the resources to make change, and how to get people to listen.

Faud-Luke, Alastair. Carolyn F. “Slow Design Principles: A new interrogative and reflexice tool for design research and practice.”

Alastair Faud-Luke and Carolyn F. work with slowLab in curating and supporting slow design projects. This paper introduces their six principles of slow design and uses case studies to outline their ideas. The paper calls for the evaluating and critiquing of design practices and puts forward new ones.

Fogg, BJ. “Creating Persuasive Technologies: An Eight-Step Design Process.”Persuasive (2009): 44-46.

This article discusses the author’s methodology towards designing a persuasive technology with only eight simple steps. His main argument is to focus on achieving small successes, rather than being ambitious and tackle a complex problem, because otherwise they will never get completed and thus fail. Fogg’s article works with our project because we learn step-by-step process towards changing individuals’ behaviour. We learn the importance of understanding what prevents people to change behaviour, and the use of rapid user-testing and prototyping to learn what works and what does not. These are ideas we will keep in mind when working on our solution to our project.

appendix: a

Grigsby, Mary. Buying Time and Getting By, The Voluntary Simplicity Movement State University New York Press, 2004.

This book follows the simplicity movement from it’s inception during the late 1980’s. The novel introduces participants of the simplicity movement through interviews that cover their thoughts about ecological and cultural change and their striving for quality of life rather than profit. Grigsby explores race, class and gender in relation to the movement. The simplicity movement is related to the slow living movement in many ways. This book is a helpful resource in learning about what, why and who are involved these new approaches to living.

Honoré, Carl. In Praise of Slow: How a Worldwide Movement Is Challenging the Cult of Speed. Toronto: Vintage Canada, 2004.

This novel provides a helpful understanding of the growing international movement about people learning and adapting to live slowly. The author addresses society’s current problem for the need of speed, and how we are constantly rushing to get things done. With an overview of different areas in our lifestyle where slow living can be applied, Honore provides insightful ways to start slowly live our life. He makes this book personal by providing personal experience to the subject matter and how he has changed to live slowly in our fast-paced society. Reading this book was great starting point to the research because it has provided a general overview of slow living and helped us establish areas where we need to research in more depth.

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Jennings, Lane. “Slow Is Beautiful: Living As If Life Really Mattered.” Futurist 39.2 (2005): 12-13. Academic Search Premier. Web. 9 Sept. 2012.

This article discusses how our society is currently living in a overscheduled world which consequently makes us unhealthy citizens with an attention deficit disorder. As we become more demanded to learn how to rapidly process information, function in a chaotic atmosphere and remain prepared to rapidly shift from one activity to another, our mind gets overworked. Consequently it demands rapid alterations in our brain to facilitate these rapid information processing, which is unhealthy in the long term. To help the ease the mind, Jennings examines U.S. journalist Carl Honore’s realization to slow living and provides examples of how this movement is beginning to appear in different aspects of our lifestyle. This article helps our project as it supports our theory that living in a fast-paced lifestyle is unhealthy in the long run.

Lehrer, Jonah. How We Decide. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2009.

This book examines how people make decisions through the studies of neuroscience. While referencing various neuroscientists with their studies and providing other case studies regarding decision-making, the author helps readers understand the complexity of our brain in the simplistic matter. As readers we learn the importance of our emotions and instinct when making decisions because study shows that a brain that can’t feel is unable to make up its mind. Lehrer’s novel definitely helps our project as it provides some key points to decision making, to keep in mind, when we start working on the designs of our solutions. Some of those points include the negativity of statistics because it will not persuade people in making decisions, and to not include too much information for our final product because it will cause people to over think. Consequently people will become extra self-conscious and over analyze our product, which we would like to avoid.

appendix: a

McCracken, Grant. Culture to Advance Innovation TEDxHarlem. August 2012.

McCracken describes the term “Culturematics” which he explain are tiny experiments that are cheap, cheerful, clever and opportunistic. He explains that for the first time in history the public masses have the chance to invent their own culture largely thanks to the use of digital devices. He talks about the passive recipients of culture that most people have been throughout history. He envisions an exciting journey to the democratization of the cultural progress.

Meroni, Anna, and Priya Bala. Creative Communities: People Inventing Sustainable Ways of Living. Milano: Edizioni POLI.design, 2007.

This book discusses various examples from the “Sustainable Everyday Project”, which is one of the organization that Ezio Manzini is a part of. In this book, Manzini has written an essay where he discusses his interest in changing individual and community behaviour to become more sustainable by challenging the traditional ways of doing things. His opinion of change is through micro transformations and the new systems that could stem from those changes. This is an ideology we would like to implement we would like to implement for our project since we realized the easiest way for people to start changing their lifestyle is by taking baby steps towards slow living. Because in the end we do want people to change their lifestyle, without really changing their lifestyle.

Orr, David. “The Nature of Design” Oxford University Press. 2002

The Nature of Design discusses ecological design as an emergent field which

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encompasses the understanding of how humans work within the world as a biophysical system. David Orr reveals the impact fast knowledge, competitive human progress, technological advances, and the rise of economy have had on the well-being of both humankind and our planet. The Nature of Design is theoretical, practical and serves as a call to action.

Parkins, Wendy. “At Home In Tuscany: Slow Living And The Cosmopolitan Subject.” Home Cultures 1.3 (2004): 257-274. Academic Search Premier. Web. 9 Sept. 2012.

This article examines various literatures where the narratives takes place in Tuscany and shares the city’s alternative lifestyle for an enriched life. The author mainly focuses on the practice of slow living, which the Italians refer as “la vita lenta,” and people’s desire to achieve a more “authentic” lifestyle. This article provided us with knowledge on how the slow movement has started to influence authors and as a result, it is beginning to appear in many literature to promote and make awareness of the new lifestyle.

Rubin, Gretchen. The Happiness Project: Or Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun. New York, NY: Harper, 2009.

This biography discusses the author’s one year dedication on her pursuit of happiness, which allowed her to appreciate more of what life has to offer. By recognizing the importance of enjoying now, enjoying the present moment, with no anxiety for the future, Rubin was able to slow a bit of her life down and be happy. While sourcing famous philosophers, psychologists and well-known authors, Rubin provides helpful suggestions in which she, herself, followed on the journey to happiness. This book helped us understand that happiness is a component of slow living, as there were some parallels between the author’s ideas and the slow movement attitude.

appendix: a

Smart, Reginald G., and Robert E. Mann. “Deaths and Injuries from Road Rage: Cases in Canadian Newspapers.” Deaths and Injuries from Road Rage: Cases in Canadian Newspapers 167.7 (2002): 761-62. Canadian Medical Association Journal. Web. 03 Oct. 2012. <http://www.canadianmedicaljournal.ca/content/167/7/761.full>.

This article examines the reports of road rage incidents, which is a recurring problem for Canadians while driving. Based on reports and marketing polls, 1 in 5 Canadians has been a victim of road rage and 72% of these participants cited stress as the main reason they have little patience on the road. This article helps with our project as it supports our theory that living in a fast paced lifestyle is consequently causing harm in our life, hence while driving, people are becoming less patient and more aggressive.

slowlab. slowlab.net.

slowLab is a fantastic resource that collects and supports slow design projects and posts them on their website for people to view. They showcase projects from around the world that follow the principles of slow design which they have outlined on their website. We have been specifically inspired by Thorunn Arnadottir Sasa clock. (Refer to Apendix k). It is helpful to find an organization that has a definition of slow design principles that align with what we believe in and compliment the direction of our grad project. slowLab works with hundreds of people in the fields of design, architecture, urban planning, artists, environmental technology, social innovation and local community members. They refer to themselves as creative activists and make it there goal to share information and their practices openly with the public.

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Taylor, Ann C. “Shaping Belief: The Role of Audience in Visual Communication.”Design Issues 9.1 (1992): 21-29

This article discusses how we need to consider our audience when communicating an idea through our designs. Since all design is meant to persuade an audience, whether to induce them to take some action, to educate or to create an experience, the goal of visual communication is to convince them to adopt a new belief. To do so, designers need to find an argument that will persuade a specific audience. Taylor mentions the controversial series of Benetton’s ads where the intent was to educate the audience and make aware of the issues and values they referenced through their campaign. The company wanted the audience to remember Benetton and support them if the audience identified with the values the ads implied. Reading this article helps us with our project because for our project we need to persuade our audience to adopt our proposed belief, and to do so we need to consider our audience and their role in our design

appendix: a

b. ethics forms

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General Invitation / Consent Form

Date: Thursday, October 4th, 2012

Project Title: Slow Living Awareness

Principal Investigator:

Katherine Pihl, 4th year Communication Design student

Emily Carr University of Art and Design

604-271-1780; [email protected]


Nicola Fuller, 4th year Communication Design student



INVITATION

You are invited to participate in a research study. The purpose of this study is to better understand how the community of

Vancouver are currently feeling about their lifestyle by asking a range of questions about their way of living. From

knowing the individuals’ eating habits to their stress level, we intend to investigate whether people feel rushed all the time

and if they want to change how things are going with their life.

WHAT’S INVOLVED

As a participant, you will be asked to answer a range of several questions about your lifestyle. Questions include your

work schedule, eating habits, stress levels, your affordance for leisure, family, friends, and your opinion on the

community. Participation will take approximately thirty minutes with little to no effort required of participants’ participation.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS AND RISKS

Possible benefits of participation include assisting a grad project by providing insight to the current lifestyles of

Vancouver. During the interview participants may realize that their way of living is one that they enjoy or one they wish to

change for their well-being. There are foreseeable risks associated with participation in this study through exposing their

personal life while answering the interviewed questions. We will try to mitigate these risks by conducting the interview in

a location where the participant feels safe and comfortable to share their lifestyle. We will also ensure the participant’s

name and their specific information remains confidential without their written consent.

Office of Research & Industry Liaison

EMILY CARR UNIVERSITY RESEARCH ETHICS BOARD (ECU-REB)

Permission to adapt form granted by OCAD University’s Research Ethics Office. This form DOES NOT include the provision for Assent and Consent of participants who are minors or who are under legal guardianship. A TEMPLATE Invitation / Consent & Assent Provision for Minors or Others Under Guardianship is available for this purpose from the ECU-REB. Page 1 of 3

appendix: b

CONFIDENTIALITY

For confidentiality purposes, the participant’s name or image will not appear on any documentation without prior

written consent.

At the conclusion of the research project, the confidential data collected during this research, including your contact

information, will be securely stored at Emily Carr University for 5 years, after which time it will be destroyed in a secure

manner. Access to this data will be restricted to the principal investigators, Nicola Fuller and Katherine Pihl, and their

faculty supervisor, Deborah Shackleton.

VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION

Participation in this study is voluntary. If you wish, you may decline to answer any questions or participate in any

component of the study. Further, you may decide to withdraw from this study at any time, or to request withdrawal of

your data. You may do so without any penalty or loss of benefits to which you are entitled.

PUBLICATION OF RESULTS

Results of this study may be published in professional and scholarly journals, student theses and/or presentations to

conferences. In any publication, data will be presented in aggregate forms. Quotations from interviews or surveys will not

be attributed to you without your permission. Images of you will not be published without your permission.

Feedback about this study will be available in May 2012. Please feel free to contact the Principal Investigators, Katherine

Pihl and Nicola Fuller, using the contact information provided above.

CONTACT INFORMATION AND ETHICS CLEARANCE

If you have any questions about this study or require further information, please contact the Principal Investigators,

Katherine Pihl and Nicola Fuller, using the contact information provided above. This study has been reviewed and

received ethics clearance through the Research Ethics Board at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design ECU

REB#____ on ______ 2012. If you have any comments or concerns, please contact REB Assistant, Lois Klassen at

[email protected]




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CONSENT FORM

I agree to participate in this study described above. I have made this decision based on the information I have read in the

Information-Consent Letter. I have had the opportunity to receive any additional details I wanted about the study and

understand that I may ask questions in the future. I understand that I may withdraw this consent at any time.

Name: ________________________________________________________________________

Signature: __________________________________________Date: _______________________

Thank you for your assistance in this project.




appendix: b

Page 1 of 2

RELEASE AGREEMENT

Date: Thursday, October 4th, 2012

Project Title: Slow Living Awareness


Katherine Pihl, 4th year Communication Design student




Nicola Fuller, 4th year Communication Design

student



PROJECT DESCRIPTION The purpose of the Slow Living Awareness research study is to better understand

how the community of Vancouver are currently feeling about their lifestyle by asking a range of questions

about their way of living. Currently in Vancouver we are living a fast-paced lifestyle where we have become

obsessed with the idea that there is not enough time in a day. Consequently this leaves people in a rush,

stressed, impatient, aggressive and is generally an unhealthy way of living. Through the practices of

communication theories, persuasive design and psychology, we propose to design an informing and thought

provoking visual tool that will help change behaviours of Vancouver by slowing it down. As we introduce our

community to a new kind of belief around lifestyle, a series of choices we make that becomes an everyday

habit, Vancouverites will learn to not obsess over time and enjoy each passing moment.

CONTACT INFORMATION AND ETHICS CLEARANCE If you have any questions about this study or

require further information, please contact Principal Investigators, Katherine Pihl and Nicola Fuller, using the

contact information provided above. This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through

the Research Ethics Board at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design ECU REB#____ on ______ 2012.

If you have any comments or concerns, please contact REB Assistant, Lois Klassen at [email protected] .

RELEASE STATEMENT In signing this release it is my understanding that the material is to be used solely

for educational purposes and that the major outcome will be public critique of the final project. The critique

will involve members of the University community and to the community of Vancouver.

I understand the risks and contributions of my participation in this project and agree to participate.

Office of Research & Industry LiaisonEMILY CARR UNIVERSITY RESEARCH ETHICS BOARD (ECU-REB)

This form DOES NOT include the provision for Assent and Consent of participants who are minors or who are under legal guardianship. A TEMPLATE Release Provision for Minors or Others Under Guardianship is available for this purpose from the ECU-REB.

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Page 2 of 2

I agree to allow use of images, clips of video footage and/or audio clips for documentation and display of the

project results as identified below. Please check all that apply:

ANONIMITY -

Yes, I consent to the inclusion of my identity (name) in all documentation and publications

No, I do not consent to the inclusion of my identity (name) in all documentation and publications. I choose to

remain anonymous.

DIRECT QUOTATIONS -

Yes, I consent to being quoted in all documentation and publications

No, I do not consent to being quoted in the documentation and publications

IMAGES AND RECORDINGS OF ME OR OF MY PROPERTY -

Yes, I consent to the use of digital images (photos or video) or audio recordings taken during the research

user trials to be used for research and publication purposes.

No, I do not consent to the digital images (photos or videos) or audio recordings taken during the research

user trials to be used for research and publication purposes.

Yes, I consent to my photo being published in any of the final publications

No, I do not consent to my photo being published in any of the final publications

I will indemnify and hold the student, and the University, and its employees safe and harmless against any

legal prosecution or suit arising from or prompted by the use of all or any portion of the material in which I

am quoted or appear.

I am signing this release freely and voluntarily and in executing this release do not rely on any inducements,

promises or representations made by said student or Emily Carr University of Art and Design.

Name:_____________________________________________Date:_______________________________

Signature:_____________________________________________________________________________

Witness Name:______________________________________Date:_______________________________

Signature:_____________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for your assistance in this project.

Office of Research & Industry LiaisonEMILY CARR UNIVERSITY RESEARCH ETHICS BOARD (ECU-REB)

This form DOES NOT include the provision for Assent and Consent of participants who are minors or who are under legal guardianship. A TEMPLATE Release Provision for Minors or Others Under Guardianship is available for this purpose from the ECU-REB.

appendix: b

1

ECU-REB PROJECT-BASED APPLICATION

Permission to adapt form granted by OCAD University’s Research Ethics Office, and Behavioural Research Ethics Board, UBC

EMILY CARR UNIVERSITY RESEARCH ETHICS BOARD (ECU-REB) PROJECT-BASED RESEARCH APPLICATION

Application for Ethical Review of Research Involving Human Participants at Emily Carr University

The title Principal Investigator designates the person who leads the research. The Principal Investigator is assumed to have the abilities to supervise other researchers, be responsible for the financial administration of the project, have the authority to ensure that appropriate guidelines and regulations are followed, and be competent to conduct the research in the absence of faculty supervision. A student cannot be identified as a Principal Investigator, but for the purpose of recognizing a student’s leadership role in the research, a faculty member may designate a Principal Student Investigator. The restriction of the term Principal Investigator to faculty does not impact the ownership of intellectual property of publication authorship. (See Emily Carr University Policy # 5.2 Intellectual Property.) All of the researchers who are listed as investigators on this form will have exclusive access to the data once it has been deposited into secure storage following the conclusion of the research.

Send an electronic file of your completed application and all of the accompanying documents listed on the Document Checklist (page 2) to: [email protected] This application will not be considered complete and ready for review until all of the documents have been submitted electronically, and one signed copy of the Declaration Form from each applicant has been submitted in paper or as a scan. No research with human participants at Emily Carr University shall commence prior to approval from the ECU-REB.

(ECU-REB Use Only) ► File #:

Date Received: Date Reviewed:

Reviewers:

Status/Date:

PROJECT TITLE:

PROJECT SCOPE: (Check as appropriate)

Graduate Thesis Project Faculty Research Administrative Research Other (specify) ___________________________________________________________________

PROJECT DATES: (Commencement to Completion)

RESEARCHERS:

Name Faculty position/ MAA year of enrollment

Faculty/ Program

Phone E-Mail

Principal Investigator (Faculty Member)

Principal Student Investigator (if applicable)

Co-Investigator

Co-Investigator

Slow Living Awareness✔

09/6/12–04/20/13

Deborah Shackleton Associate Professor, Design & Dynamic Media, Graduate StudiesFaculty 604 630 4575 [email protected]

Katherine Pihl 4th year Communication Design 604-271-1780 [email protected]

Nicola Fuller 4th year Communication Design 604-505-8291 [email protected]

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SECTION A – DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

Document Description: - Eg.

“Dr. Wilson’s Signed Applicant Declaration” “TCPS2:CORE Certificate for Dr. Wilson”

Electronic file name: - Eg.

“Wilson_Project-based_ApplicantDeclaration.pdf” “Wilson_TCPS2cert2012.pdf”

Is this document included with the application?

Applicant Declaration: (Each investigator is required to submit a signed copy of the applicant declaration that accompanies the application form. The signed copy can be submitted in paper form, or as files made from scans of the original signed copies.)

TCPS2: CORE Tutorial Certificates: (Each investigator is required to supply evidence of their completion of the TCPS2:CORE.)

Letters of Agreement with External Agencies: (eg. Letters of Agreement or Approval from cooperating organizations, funding agencies, school boards, or other partners)

Project Proposals: (eg. Funding proposals, Thesis Proposals, or Project proposals for external agencies, etc.)

Data Gathering Instruments: (eg. questionnaires, survey, interview guides, probes, co-creation and ethnographic process documents, participant observation and storytelling documentation materials, etc.)

Recruitment Materials: (eg. Letters of invitation, telephone or verbal scripts, advertisements, social media notices)

Consent and Media Release Documents: (other than ECU-REB templates)

Katherine Pihl & Nicola Fuller'sSigned Application Declaration ✔

TCPS2: Core Certificate forKatherine Pihl & Nicola Fuller ✔

Project Proposal✔

Interview guides✔

General Invitation / Consent form✔

Media Release form

appendix: b

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SECTION B – EXTERNAL FACTORS IMPACTING THE PROJECT

1. External Partnerships -

All external partnerships in participant research must conform to the criteria listed in Emily Carr University Policy 3.4 Educational Partnerships. The ECU-REB requires letters of agreements with all external partners to be received prior to the start of participant research. External partners in research might include school boards, hospitals, Aboriginal community organizations, owners of private locations upon which research is conducted, industry partners, funders, and more.

If partnerships develop during the course of the term, the applicant can submit the letters of agreement to the ECU-REB when they arrive and in advance of the start of participant research.

Attach any other approval documentation that has been produced for or by any partnering organizations or funders. Name of External Partner (List the organizations and locations)

Name of Contact Person

2. Research Settings -

List all of the locations where the research will be conducted. This might include Emily Carr University facilities, community settings, hospital departments, schools, and more. Be as specific as possible by including street addresses.

-Emily Carr University facilities (1399 Johnston Street, Vancouver BC)-Community settings (coffee shops, cafes in Vancouver)

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3. Other Ethics Clearance -

Has another University or Institutional Research Ethics Board approved this research? Yes No If YES: File number & title of the project on the other REB applications: _____________________________________________________ Name of the other REB: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Date of the decision: _______________________________________________________________________________________ A contact name and phone number for the other REB: ____________________________________________________________ If NO: Will another individual, University or Institutional REB also be asked for approval? Yes No Provide details of the plan for other REB approval (deadline, name of REB, etc.): ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Funding

Is this project currently being funded? Yes No If YES: Include the funding proposal with this application. Period of Funding (YY/MM/DD): __________________________________________________________________________

What is the source(s) of funding?: CIHR NSERC SSHRC Other (specify): _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Funding / Agency File # (not your Tri-Council PIN): ________________________________________________________________ If NO: Is funding being sought?: Yes No What is/are the anticipated source(s) of funding?: _________________________________________________________________

The deadline is October 4, 2012 by Deborah Shackleton

We will be providing with our own funding for this project.

appendix: b

5



SECTION C – CONFLICT OF INTEREST

1. Investigators

Will any of the investigators, members of the research team, other students involved in the project, spouses, or immediate family members of the research team receive any personal benefits related to this study (e.g., financial remuneration, patent and ownership, employment, consultancies, board membership, share ownership, stock options), other than academic credit? Yes No If yes, please describe the proposed benefits and the rational for the proposed benefits:

2. External Agencies

Describe any restrictions regarding access to or disclosure of information (during or at the end of the study) that any of the external partners, agencies, or sponsors have placed on the investigator(s):

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SECTION D – SUMMARY OF PROPOSED RESEARCH

1. Rationale Briefly describe the purpose and background rationale for the proposed project, as well as the hypothesis(es) / research question(s) to be examined. Please describe the project in terms of phases and a time line. Research proposals that were used for funding applications or thesis proposals can be included in the accompanying documents. If they are included, please record them on the Document Checklist on page 2.

In Vancouver we are currently living a fast-paced lifestyle where we have becomeobsessed with the idea that there is not enough time in a day. Consequently thisleaves people in a rush, stressed, impatient, aggressive and is generally anunhealthy way of living. Through the practices of communication theories, persuasivedesign and psychology, we propose to design an informing and thought provokingvisual tool that will help change behaviours of Vancouver by slowing it down. As weintroduce our community to a new kind of belief around lifestyle, Vancouverites willlearn to not obsess over time and enjoy each passing moment. We define lifestyle isa series of choices we make that becomes an everyday routine. Drawing on the ideaof micro transformations, we intend to achieve small changes in behaviour in hopesthat it will allow a majority of our community to ease into living a slower lifestyle.

Some research questions to be examined are:-What does it take for designers to intervene in the everyday lives of people forlong-lasting positive change?-How can we help people maintain their changed behaviour?-Other than the use of technology, what other platforms can aid in changing people'sbehaviours?

Project timeline:-Research phase (Oct 4-Nov 15): conducting primary & secondary research-Iteration phase (Oct 25-Nov 17): iterating concepts & prototypes-Finalize initial prototype (Nov 17-Dec13)-User-testing phase (Dec 13-Jan 3): testing our prototype with a group of people inour community-Refining prototype (Dec 22-Feb 21): reworking our prototype based on feedback-User-testing phase (Jan 24-Feb 7): retest our prototype with a different group ofpeople in our community-Finalizing design (Feb 21-March 21)-Work on exhibition display (March 21-Apr 20)

appendix: b

7



2. Methods Check all of the procedures or methods involved in this course research.

Questionnaire/survey (mail, email/web) Questionnaire (in person) Interview(s) (telephone, Skype) Interview(s) (in person) Secondary Data Computer-administered tasks Ethnography/Documentation Observational Field Notes Oral History

Focus Groups Journals/Diaries/Personal Correspondence Photo/audio/video recording Unobtrusive observations Non-invasive physical measurement Participatory Design (probe, co-creation, storytelling) Other (specify below)

Describe sequentially the methods involved in this study and all procedures in which the research participants will be involved (paper and pencil tasks, interviews, questionnaires, physical assessments, physiological tests, time requirements, etc.). Please provide copies of any questionnaires, interview guides, or other instruments that have been generated for this research project. Include them on the Document Checklist that is found on page 2 of this application form.

✔

✔

✔✔

We will be conducting interviews with residents of Vancouver mainly in person,however in some circumstances we may have to interview the individual over thephone and/or through Skype if it is of a better convenience for them. During theseinterviews we may consider relying on audio/video recording to document theparticipants' answers, however we will only do so if they sign the media releaseform. We will also conduct unobstrusive observations of our community to betterunderstand how Vancouver, as a collective, is living their lives.

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3. Professional Expertise/Qualifications:

Do any of the procedures require professional expertise or recognized qualifications (e.g., first aid certification, registration as a clinical psychologist, or counseling certification)?

Yes No

If YES, describe if any members of the research team have the professional expertise or recognized qualifications required or if professional expertise or recognized qualifications will be sought elsewhere?

appendix: b

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SECTION E – PROPOSED RISK / BENEFIT RATIO

1. Participants Describe the number and demographics of the participants that will be involved in this course work. The TCPS2 (2010) specifically cautions against research design and recruitment that contributes to the exclusion of groups from research on the basis of criteria such as their ability, age, gender, and cultural identity. Therefore, exclusion of specific groups (like children, elders, pregnant women, disabled people) needs to be justified. If it is not obvious, please explain the rationale for any specific inclusion or exclusion criteria.

2. Recruitment

Describe how participant recruitment will be administered in this research project. Describe how and from what sources the participants will be recruited, including any relationship between the investigator(s), sponsor(s) and participant(s) (e.g., family member, instructor-student; manager-employee). Include any recruitment tools including posters and invitations. List them in the Documents Checklist on page 2 of this application.

The demographics of the participants are adults in Vancouver, between the ages of18-60 years old, who are living in a rigid schedule and feel they do not have time forleisure. They are not currently happy with their life and the way things are going,and have become aware that something needs to change. They are at the stage ofeither seriously considering to change or they are intending to take action sometimein the near future. We hope to have at least 50 participants involved in this courseof work.

We will mainly be recruiting participants through our relationship with people we know(ie. family members, peers, co-workers) by sending them invitations via emails, socialnetworking sites and by word of mouth.

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3. Incentives and Coercion Describe any compensation or incentives to participation that will be used in research during this course. If the researcher is in a position of power over the participant, as with Faculty Member’s whose students are participants in his/her study, there is the potential that the participants will feel an obligation to participate to ensure the Faculty Member’s favourable perception of their performance as students. Explain how the researchers can mitigate the risk of this kind of undue participant coercion in this study.

4. Known risks to participation Is the probability and magnitude of possible harm implied by participation in this research greater than the possibility of harm encountered by participants in aspects of their everyday life that is related to the area of this research?

Yes No If yes, describe those probable risks of harm. Are they:

Physical (including bodily contact with participants, physical stress, or administration of external substances)? Psychological (including participants feeling demeaned, embarrassed, worried, upset, or emotional stress)? Social (including possible loss of status, privacy, and / or reputation for participants)? Is deception involved in the research design?

Describe the probability and magnitude of the risks of harm listed above. Describe how the research team will mitigate these risks. Explain why less risky approaches cannot be used.

We will ensure that our participants are not being forced to participate in theresearch by stating in the consent form that it is a voluntary participation. Since wedo not want the participants to feel obligated to participate, we will emphasize thatthey can withdraw from the research at any time.

✔

Since we are asking questions about people's lifestyles and their ways of living, thismay cause participants to feel embarrassed, worried, upset or even stressed to sharetheir personnel stories. We will try to mitigate these risks by conducting the interview ina location where the participant feels safe and comfortable to share their lifestyle. Wewill also ensure the participant’s name and their specific information remainsconfidential without their written consent. Less risky approaches cannot be usedbecause we specifically need to investigate Vancouverites' lifestyle to betterunderstand how our community is currently living their lives. This will inform us whatneeds to be improved and changed in people's lives.

appendix: b

11



5. Known benefits to participation

Discuss any potential direct benefits to the participants from their involvement in the project(s). Comment on the (potential) benefits to the scientific community/society that would justify involvement of participants in this research.

Possible benefits of participation include assisting a grad project by providinginsight to the current lifestyles of Vancouver. During the interview participants mayrealize that their way of living is one that they enjoy or one they wish to change fortheir well-being. Scientific societies may benefit with participating in our researchby examining how the design process to changing people's behaviours, and notscientific theories.

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SECTION E – CONSENT AND WITHDRAWAL PROCESS

1. Informed Consent Process A process that ensures the voluntary, informed and ongoing consent of participants in research involving humans is at the core of an ethical research practice. The characteristics of an ethical informed consent process are outlined in the “ECUAD Informed Consent Checklist”. The ECU-REB also provides a Template Informed Consent Form and Template Media Release Agreement. Will the researchers in this course-based research be using the ECU-REB checklist or template agreements in their informed consent process?

Yes No If no, explain the rationale and details of the informed consent processes that will be used. Include all of the Informed consent materials (forms, scripts, media releases, etc.) and list them in the Documents Checklist on page 2. If yes, include Informed consent materials (forms, scripts, media releases, etc.) in the way that they will be presented to the participants (i.e. modified with the project name, the researchers’ names, project descriptions, etc.). List them in the Document Checklist on page 2.

2. Capacity

The TCPS2 explains “capacity” as “The ability of prospective or actual participants to understand relevant information presented about a research project, and to appreciate the potential consequences of their decision to participate or not participant” (Chapter 3). It is recognized that capacity might not be constant in the case of people with impairments (like dementia) or children (who might have variable capacity to understand). Further, the TCPS2 recognizes that individuals who lack capacity should not be excluded from research. Instead researchers should aim to include them, while protecting their interests. Describe the ways, other than those described in the Informed Consent Template, that researchers will accommodate conditions of limited or variable capacity in research participants?

-Invitation/consent forms-Media Release forms

Since our project targets adults in Vancouver, we will not consult with children. Forthose with impairments, like dementia, we will accommodate those conditions inresearch participants by asking their guardian(s) to help facilitate the interview. Thiswill ensure the participants understand the questions and help them feel comfortableduring the interview.

appendix: b

13



3. Disclosure and feedback to Participants Explain how feedback/ information will be provided to the participants after their participation in the project(s). Explain any restrictions to disclosure of the results of the research.

4. Withdrawal Process

According to TCPS2 Article 3.1, voluntary consent requires that the participants understand their right to withdraw their consent from the research at any time. According to the BC Privacy Act, the use of identifiable materials (portraits, names of others) without consent is an actionable violation of privacy. For this reason, participants have the right to withdraw identifiable materials from the data or research results at anytime. Explain how the participants’ right to withdraw is ensured through the informed consent process, and in the way data and research results are stored.

Feedback/information will be provided to the participants after their participation in theproject through our final research paper and our proposed design solution presented inMay 2013 at the ECU grad show. If any of the participants state in the consent form tonot release their information for our paper, it will be ensured that their responsesremain unused and confidential.

The participants will be ensured through the informed consent forms that they areeligible to withdraw from the interview at any time and be educated in how we store thedata and research results for confidentiality purposes.

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SECTION F – CONFIDENTIALITY AND SECURITY According to the TCPS2 (2010), it is the obligation and ethical duty of the researcher and partnering organizations to safeguard entrusted private information. “The ethical duty of confidentiality includes obligations to protect information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, loss or theft. Fulfilling the ethical duty of confidentiality is essential to the trust relationship between researcher and participants, and to the integrity of the research project.” (Chapter 5) Researchers collect, use and share different types of information. Check the categories from the TCPS2 of information gathering and storage, which will be used in this research project (check all that apply):

Directly identified information – the information (data) will identify specific participants through direct identifiers like name, address, social insurance number, personal health number. Indirectly identifying information – the information (data) can reasonably be expected to identify specific participants through a combination of indirect identifiers like date of birth, place of residence, etc. Coded Information – direct identifiers are removed from the information (data) and replaced with a code. There exists a possibility that with access to the code, it may be possible to re-identify specific participants. Anonymized Information – the information (data) is irrevocably stripped of direct identifiers, a code is not kept to allow for future re-linkage, and risk of re-identification of individuals is low or very low. Anonymous information – the information (data) never has identifiers associated with it (e.g. anonymous surveys) and risk of identification of individuals is low or very low.

1. Directly or Indirectly Identified Information If “Directly identified information” or “Indirectly identifying information” from the above list is checked, provide a description of which identifiers will be kept and a comprehensive rational for why retention of this information is required. Explain in detail how the information (including the consent and release forms, photographs, video and other recordings) will be securely collected and stored, including who will have access to it before the conclusion of the course.

✔

appendix: b

15



SECTION G – STORAGE AND SECONDARY USE OF DATA

Emily Carr University Procedure 5.1.1 “Integrity in Research and Scholarship” states,

“A complete set of all original research data must be retained by the principal researcher for a period of five (5) years from the date of publication of results based on the data. All collaborators must have free access to the relevant data at all times, and authorization to copy may not be withheld by any team member without valid reason. In no instance should primary data be destroyed while investigators, colleagues or readers of published results may raise questions requiring reference to original data.”

1. Storage and access within the University

The ECU-REB Office will securely store and make available to the researchers all confidential documents and information (data) collected during the research projects from the time of the conclusion of the course until 5 years have passed, unless the researchers provide evidence of an alternative plan for storage and retrieval. If there is an alternate plan for long-term information storage and retrieval of information (data) from the course-based research projects, describe it in detail here.

2. Storage and access to data outside of the University

Will any of the information (data) be made available to researchers outside of the university? Yes No Describe in detail what information will be released, to whom, where they will store it, and any other details of the transfer. If this is an external transfer, include a letter of agreement or transfer agreement with this application and include it in the Document Checklist on page 2. Explain how participants will be given the opportunity to consent to this secondary use of their contributions.

N/A

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SECTION H – MONITORING OF RESEARCH AND SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENTS (SAE) In accordance with Emily Carr University Procedure 5.1.2 “Procedure for Research Involving Humans”, the ECU-REB continues to monitor research after the application has been approved:

“1. The REB will maintain a continuing interest in the research after the project has undergone ethical approval. The REB will be available for additional advice, if requested. 2. If a change in the research procedures is contemplated, the principal investigator(s) will immediately submit an amended proposal to the REB for review. 3. An on-going status report on the research must be submitted to the REB by the principal investigator(s) annually, or as required by the REB. 4. A report must be submitted by the principal investigator(s) to the REB when a project is completed.”

1. ECU-REB Monitoring

Is it expected that this project will require additional monitoring, beyond the minimum yearly requirement?

Yes No If yes, describe in detail below.

2. Anticipated Additional Research

Is it expected that any of the research described in this application will continue beyond the conclusion of this project?

Yes No If yes, describe in detail below. Changes to the scope of the research can be reported to the ECU-REB at anytime.

Serious adverse events (unanticipated negative consequences or results affecting participants) must be reported to the ECU-REB [email protected] and the Director, Office of Research & Industry Liaison [email protected] as soon as possible.

appendix: b

PROJECT-BASED APPLICANT DECLARATION

EMILY CARR UNIVERSITY RESEARCH ETHICS BOARD (ECU-REB) PROJECT-BASED RESEARCH APPLICATION - APPLICANT DECLARATION

Each of the research investigators listed on the Project-Based Application is required to sign and print a copy of this form to complete the application.

Please indicate that you have read and fully understand the following research ethics obligations by checking the box beside each statement.

(All Investigators) I have read the Emily Carr University Policy and Procedures 5.1 – 5. 2.1. I will ensure that all participant research activities that are administered in this project will meet these Emily Carr University standards and any other legislation or professional codes of conduct that may apply. (All Investigators) I have completed the TCPS2:CORE (Course on Research Ethics) that is found here http://www.pre.ethics.gc.ca/eng/education/tutorial-didacticiel/ . Certificates of completion are included in the application and noted on the Document Checklist (page 2 of the application). (All Investigators) I will comply with all of the provisions for confidentiality and security that are outlined in this application. I will comply with the maintenance and storage of the data and results generated in this project so that the privacy and property rights of all involved are lawfully protected. (All Investigators) During the course of the research, I will inform the ECU-REB of any changes to participant research in this project or any incidents of adverse effects relating to the participant research covered by this application. (Principal Student Investigator) I will ensure that a request for renewal of this application is submittedif the research continues beyond the expected date of completion. (Principal Student Investigator) At the completion of the project, I will assemble all of the documents including the signed consent forms and media release forms, data sets, completion form, and any other pertinent documents including correspondence of adverse effects. I will submit this package to the Emily Carr University Research Ethics Board Office for secure filing for five (5) years, in compliance with Emily Carr Procedure “5.1.1 Integrity in Research and Scholarship”. Alternatively, I will supply accurate information to the ECU-REB office of the location of these documents during the five (5) year period. I understand that this evidence needs to be available to the ECU-REB before any subsequent ECU-REB applications from any of the researchers involved in this application can be processed. (Principal Investigator) I agree to provide the proper supervision of a graduate student engaged in her/his thesis project to ensure that the rights and welfare of all human participants are protected. (Principal Investigator) I take full responsibility for ensuring that all other investigators involved in this research follow the protocol as outlined in this application.

PRINT NAME SIGNATURE Designation (check) Principal Investigator

(Faculty Member) Principal Student Investigator (if applicable) Co-Investigator


PROJECT TITLE: Slow Living Awareness

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PROJECT-BASED APPLICANT DECLARATION

EMILY CARR UNIVERSITY RESEARCH ETHICS BOARD (ECU-REB) PROJECT-BASED RESEARCH APPLICATION - APPLICANT DECLARATION

Each of the research investigators listed on the Project-Based Application is required to sign and print a copy of this form to complete the application.

Please indicate that you have read and fully understand the following research ethics obligations by checking the box beside each statement.

(All Investigators) I have read the Emily Carr University Policy and Procedures 5.1 – 5. 2.1. I will ensure that all participant research activities that are administered in this project will meet these Emily Carr University standards and any other legislation or professional codes of conduct that may apply. (All Investigators) I have completed the TCPS2:CORE (Course on Research Ethics) that is found here http://www.pre.ethics.gc.ca/eng/education/tutorial-didacticiel/ . Certificates of completion are included in the application and noted on the Document Checklist (page 2 of the application). (All Investigators) I will comply with all of the provisions for confidentiality and security that are outlined in this application. I will comply with the maintenance and storage of the data and results generated in this project so that the privacy and property rights of all involved are lawfully protected. (All Investigators) During the course of the research, I will inform the ECU-REB of any changes to participant research in this project or any incidents of adverse effects relating to the participant research covered by this application. (Principal Student Investigator) I will ensure that a request for renewal of this application is submittedif the research continues beyond the expected date of completion. (Principal Student Investigator) At the completion of the project, I will assemble all of the documents including the signed consent forms and media release forms, data sets, completion form, and any other pertinent documents including correspondence of adverse effects. I will submit this package to the Emily Carr University Research Ethics Board Office for secure filing for five (5) years, in compliance with Emily Carr Procedure “5.1.1 Integrity in Research and Scholarship”. Alternatively, I will supply accurate information to the ECU-REB office of the location of these documents during the five (5) year period. I understand that this evidence needs to be available to the ECU-REB before any subsequent ECU-REB applications from any of the researchers involved in this application can be processed. (Principal Investigator) I agree to provide the proper supervision of a graduate student engaged in her/his thesis project to ensure that the rights and welfare of all human participants are protected. (Principal Investigator) I take full responsibility for ensuring that all other investigators involved in this research follow the protocol as outlined in this application.

PRINT NAME SIGNATURE Designation (check) Principal Investigator

(Faculty Member) Principal Student Investigator (if applicable) Co-Investigator


PROJECT TITLE: Slow Living Awareness

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appendix: b

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appendix: b

interview questions

01. How would you best describe your relation to time?

02. How you always felt yoursel tightly wound or easygoing by nature? Have you always been this way?

03. How would you best describe your current lifestyle?

04. Are you currently living a lifestyle you expected to be living?

05. What are current obstacles preventing you from living your ideal lifestyle?

06. If you are satisfied with your lifestyle, what is making this possible?

07. Have you ever felt the need to make a lifestyle change? If so, what instigated that feeling?

08. What kind of environment would help inspire you to live a fulfilling lifestyle?

09. What is your opinion with Vancouver’s current lifestyle?

10. Do you find joy in your current routine? Why or why not?

79 appendix: b

It is clear through observation that citizens of Vancouver experience a hyper controlled relationship with time. Advancements with technology, competitive human progress, and the rise of economy have motivated people to live fast lives. These fast paced lives leave little time for family, to connect with nature, for hobbies and to really enjoy life. Instead people are rushed, stressed, impatient, aggressive and generally unhealthy. People speed date instead of date, grab fast food instead of home-cooked meals, and rush through self checkouts at the grocery store. It is evident that the lives many people lead need redefining. This call to lifestyle change has been addressed before by thinkers, writers, artists, and designers. To start it has to be understood how and what symptoms of the dominant fast-paced lifestyle exist and play out in modern society.

It is learned through the article, “Deaths and Injuries from Road Rage: Cases in Canadian Newspapers,” that 1 in 5 Canadians experience road rage and 77% of participants cited stress as the main reason they have little patience on the road. The underestimated danger that stress can cause is clear on the roads of urban landscapes. What is less tangible while deeply interesting is the happiness Vancouver citizens. Impressively Canada scored 2nd happiest country in “The Center for the Study of Living Standards” survey. Less impressively British Columbia scored amongst the least happiest provinces within Canada. In fact, each of the lowest scoring Provinces contains one of the largest cities in the country. There has to be something that is going on within cities that affects the happiness of the people within them. Happiness is a surprisingly recent area of psychological study. The Happiness Project: Or Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle and Generally Have More Fun written by Gretchen Rubin urges the reader to appreciate life more and to recognize the importance of enjoying

c. literature review

the effects

81

now. Rubin experimented with her own life by slowing it down in the pursuit of happiness. Rubin is an example of what is currently being explored in terms of everyday slow living. Rubin took it upon herself to slow down her life despite all of the factors involved in trying to speed it up.

Cecile Andrews author of Slow is Beautiful: New Visions of Community, Leisure and Joie De Vivre analyzes the consumer and political forces that catalyze joyless lives for people. She refers to current psychologists, philosophers and other authors while collecting and providing insightful approaches to living life with more joy. The author offers a rediscovery of community, and the valuing of leisure time and a general slowing down as advice for finding joy and reconnecting with what life has to offer. Carl Honore author of, In Praise of Slow: How a Worldwide Movement is Challenging the Cult of Speed, discusses the same topic as Andrews while elaborating on the growing international movement of slow living. Honore’s book addresses society’s current need for speed and constant rushing around. When trying to understand exactly what effect leading fast-paced lifestyles have on our mental health Lane Jennings’ novel, Slow is Beautiful: Living As If Life Really Mattered is an excellent resource. Jennings examines Honore’s slow living concepts and how they are beginning to appear in our modern world. Honore, Andrews, and Jennings all provide insightful general applications for slow living.

Cecile Andrews, Carl Honore and Lane Jennings all offer a starting point in understanding the mistakes in the lifestyles currently being lead by many citizens of urban environments. Beyond the damaging effects time dependant, economically driven, and competitively productive lifestyles cause individual people within a society, the entire planet is in danger. As David Orr writes in The Nature of Design, ”We bought into the ideology that faster is better without taking the time to think it through” (92). In The Nature of Design the relationship between humans and the planet as a biophysical system are

precedents: slow living

appendix: c

viewed through the study of Ecological Design. Orr motivates a philosophy that connects people to life, to community and to generations to come by calling for respect of wisdom and slow knowledge. Interestingly, Orr describes how Amish people live with restriction to keep their lives in balance. They use horse and buggy meaning they can only travel as far as a horse, and carry as much as the buggy can hold. This limits consumption and the use of planes, trains and cars that are all detrimental to our planet while enforcing a stronger sense of community. Orr relates this to mainstream society and our reliance on technology and asks, what are our restrictions?

A common thread between the readings thus far have been that they communicate to their readers the problem with fast paced living and the attractive qualities of slow living. Rubin began the conversation about what it takes to lead this kind of lifestyle when she invited an audience to read her own personal journey. Questions still exist though in terms of how the lifestyle truly works in our modern world. The simplicity movement is happening in tandem with the slow living movement but works in somewhat of a different way. Instead of focussing on our relationship with specifically time, the simplicity movement is a rejection of the consumerist lifestyle. The simplicity lifestyle is lead by this thinking: Have less stuff, desire less stuff, work less hours to acquire stuff and spend more hours enjoying life with loved ones while doing exactly what you want to do. These thoughts are outlined in Mary Grigsby’s Buying Time and Getting By in which she describes the motivation behind living a simplified life. Grigsby provides a comprehensive overview of the simplicity movement in terms of race, class, and gender. In terms of learning how big the involvement is in the simplicity movement, Samuel Alexander and Simon Usher conducted: The Voluntary Simplicity Movement: A Multinational Survey Analysis in Theoretical Context is a great resource. 1,941 participants in the post-consumerist lifestyle completed a 50 question survey covering topics of lifestyle, behavior, values, motivations, happiness, income, community and politics. Among their conclusions they found that simplicity

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movement participants viewed the individual as the primary mechanism for change. It is also found that 69% of participants viewed themselves as being a part of a movement which has meant they are forming a “group consciousness” necessary to activate further change. This group consciousness and collective identity that is arguably necessary for mass change to occur has begun in slow living with organizations like slowLab. slowLab is a non profit organization based in New York that works in collaboration with designers on what they call slow design. They have defined slow design using 6 principles: Reveal, Expand, Reflect, Engage, Participate, and Evolve. slowLab is a resource with diverse ideas evident in the curation of slow design projects that they share on their website. slowLab refers to their collaborators as slow design activists.

Describing oneself as an activist means by dictionary definition that: “The doctrine or practice of vigorous action or involvement by means of achieving political or other goals” Designers work with particular activist groups in helping them with their cause, but design as a tool for activism within itself is a complicated study. William Carroll and Robert Hacket co-authors of: “Democratic Media Activism Through The Lens of Social Movement Theory” describe the network of social movement in our modern world. They describe the importance for movements to have their own identity to become successfully recognized while maintaining enough flexibility to work along side and in collaboration with other organizations. Slow living is a lifestyle goal that will need action to reach the minds and lives of an audience. Current literature on communication theory, persuasive design and psychology are sources that can be applied to the learning of how to take action through design. Ann Taylor discusses in her article “Shaping Belief” that the audience has to be considered when communicating a message. Taylor writes that all

precedents: slow design

activism

appendix: c

design is meant to persuade an audience and that the primary deal of design is to induce action, to educate and to create an experience. “Shaping Belief” urges designers to pick an argument that will persuade a particular group.

To persuade a group to change their everyday routines is a very complicated and delicate task. BJ Fogg, author of: “Creating Persuasive Technologies: An Eight-Step Design Process.” simplifies this complicated undertaking by outlining the design process in 8 steps. The simplified steps urge one to focus on achieving small successes, rather than being ambitious and trying to tackle a complex problem that is too big to make any progress with. This is similar to author, speaker, educator and founder of desis (Design for Social Innovation Towards Sustainability) Ezio Manzini’s theory that change needs to happen through micro transformations. Changing the ingrained behaviors in a group is indeed difficult and baby steps towards larger goals is an appropriate and manageable approach. Jonah Lehrer, author of How We Decide, examines how people make decisions through the studies of neuroscience. Throughout the book Lehrer refers to neuroscience studies, and case studies regarding decision-making. The complexity of the human brain is synthesized for the reader. Lehrer also explains that statistics can have a negative effect in persuading people to make decisions as well as an overload in information. The goal is to avoid overwhelming the audience while using the appropriate method to introduce change.

The use of technology for change examined in Fogg’s writing is further explored in: “Theory Driven Design Strategies for Technologies That Support Behavior Change in Everyday Life.” In this paper a design strategy is proposed to help people break away from their normal lifestyles while opening them up to the possibility of adopting a new one. Different stages of mental readiness for change are categorized through these 5 states: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance. The designer has to be

persuasive design

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aware of which state their target audience is in before developing a strategy to communicate with them. When learning how to communicate with an audience language barriers and general misinterpreting are also things designers need to be aware of while designing. In knowing how to deal with these factors: “Interactive Aesthetics” written by Audrey Bennet is a valuable resource. Using the theory of Interactive Aesthetics (IA), Bennet proposes graphic designers use technology to facilitate participation from the client and the audience during the design process. This participatory design will ensure designers to successfully communicate and persuade an audience despite language barriers.

Throughout the research outlined in this literary review, it has become understood that the slow lifestyle as a movement has already begun to take form. At this point though, slow living is merely an inspiring and attractive idea that lacks the understanding and proper dissemination of ideas that it takes to truly take hold. Despite the fact that slow living has principles that most people want to apply in their lives many have been unable to. Using the tactics described by Fogg, Lehrer, Manzini, Bennet and others, slow living as a future goal has the potential to succeed. Most of the research we gathered was specifically centered around persuasive technology theories. These theories propose the use of technology as the primary medium in controlling behavioral change. There is the opportunity for using other methods to inspire behavioral change but the information has been near impossible to find in our research thus far. We want to know, what does it take for designers to intervene in the everyday lives of people for long-lasting positive change ?

At this stage what the slow living movement could do for the planet, communities and the quality of life for individual people, has yet to be realized. We will use design as a tool to change the relation people of Vancouver have with time so that they can live happier, more fulfilling and simplified lives.

conclusion

appendix: c

primary goalTries to balance her life in terms of school, friends, leisure. She does her best to juggle but her education comes first. Often she does not have time to relax or have available time to herself.

secondary goalLong term goal is to become a professional in the business field. She hopes to have time in the future to lead a more balanced life. She imagines being able to see family and friends more frequently once she has graduated.

descriptionNicole is a 20 year old student in her second of four years at the University of British Columbia. She’s enrolled in the demanding full-time Commerce pro-gram with hopes to become a successful business woman. She is a motivated and hardworking person with a prioritized mind-set towards her education and future. In trying her hardest to do the best that she can in her academic career she often overlooks her own well-being. With all the stress she suffers from anxiety and often feels ill. Being a social person she tries to make time for her friends, and will with enough coercing. It can be difficult for Nicole to get away from her regular routine seeing as she lives on campus. Consequently

nicole fairweatherA Single Female Student

d. personas

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(description continued)she has little to no time for her family, who feel she neglects them. Her family would hope to see her a few times a month as they do not live too far away.

Nicole grew up with her family in a suburban neighborhood on the outskirts of Vancouver. Both of her parents have been working since Nicole was a child, which lead her to become more responsible then most other children. Her mother owns and works full time at a small floral business in the city and her father is a contractor who also works long hours.

Having both parents work hard during her childhood, Nicole was brought up with certain ideas of how to spend her time. She saw that working to provide an income should be prioritized to lead a successful life. She saw her parents at the end of each day but they were often tired from hard days at work.

Nicole’s peers think of her as a fun-loving person that they don’t see enough of. Even when her friends do get to see her, it’s as though she’s mentally some-where else. When talking to Nicole the conversation eventually leads to her soonest deadline, her next project, and what she needs to get done by the end of the day. When she isn’t attending school, and has a more relaxed schedule she is a caring and easy going companion.

appendix: d

primary goalsRecently divorced he feels it is the beginning of a new chapter of his life. He is questioning everything he spends his time doing. He even wonders if he should value his job as highly as he once did.

secondary goalsFeels he needs to find more joy in his life. He is consciously beginning to make decisions based on happiness instead of having money that drives his feeling of success. His ex-wife drained a lot of the time and energy he could have been spending on himself. He can go into his future with a re-charged outlook.

description Gregory is 35 years old and lives in the heart of Downtown Vancouver in the Yaletown neighborhood. He works for an upscale real-estate agency where he has to manage a long list of demanding clients. He is micro-managed by his employer which limits his sense of privacy. With the changes in his personal life Gregory considers whether this is the kind of environment he wants to work for. He has more time to think about what he wants out of life now that he is a single person.

gregory carmichaelA Divorced Middle Aged Man

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(description continued)If Gregory could live the life he wanted he would spend more time with friends. He is attracted to leading a more spontaneous lifestyle. He would love to leave his phone at home for a day while he was grabbing a beer with a buddy. It is the little things in life that Gregory has missed out on enjoying for too long.

Gregory has a group of friends that has gotten smaller over the years. Most of them have moved on to living lives full of family that have been dedicated to work. Gregory has found it difficult to motivate himself during his life but has managed to find a good job. He wonders now if he was ever cut-out for the business he’s currently wound up in.

appendix: d

susan atkinsonA Married Middle-aged Woman

primary goalBalances her life around her three teenaged sons. Pours herself into the community and spends a large amount of her time organizing events, clubs and her family.

secondary goalIn her youth she loved to make pottery, but has not done so as a mother. She has not had the time to fit in what she considers a self indulgent hobby. In the future she imagines she will make pottery again and looks forward to it.

descriptionSusan is 45 years old and lives in a suburban neighborhood on the outside of Vancouver. She has been married for 20 years and has never pursued a career. Her husband works full time as an accountant and she always saw it as her responsibility to run the household as her mother did. Her sons play on several sporting teams which means Susan spends a lot of her time driving in her car around town.

Susan has to make a detailed schedule in order to coordinate the lives of her three sons. Often the family feels rushed having to make all of the practices and games, which makes them want to relax in front of the television with

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(description continued)dinner. Susan is disappointed by this habit and would prefer the family eat at the dinning room table.

Susan is a devoted mother who puts all of her energy into raising her children. She has always been responsible but has never had her own aspirations outside of her role as a mother. She is always thinking of others before herself, and is very involved in the community. She is a chosen leader in several community organizations because of her pulled together and giving nature. Her own scheduling controls her life as she never strays outside of a plan.

appendix: d

e. sketches

mind mapping

This is a mind map we created around Lifestyle Awareness: Slow Living (SA:SL). We put a large piece of paper on a wall and collaboratively brainstormed all of the areas of study related to our project. The main categories we developed were slow living, stainability, lifestyle, behavioural change, history, and awareness. From these categories we elaborated to include related literature, speakers, and other resources.

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community meeting living with nature

taking a break campaign

the sketch book

We have been synthesizing the material we have read by drawing them in our sketchbooks. We are interested in the behaviour of people within a community and so drew a community meeting. We also have learned about people who suddenly decide to live a different kind of lifestyle in which they live with nature. People who live in a city environment may need to take a break mentally from the business of their lives. That’s why we drew taking a break, which depicts a person sitting on the roof of a downtown office building. Our last idea is a campaign which would bring communication design into the realm of our project as a possible solution.

With our grad project we intend to introduce an approach to living that people will be able to adapt in their everyday lives. Our solution will be sustainable in that we will create durable design. The designed solution will be enduring as the changes Vancouver residents make towards well-being should be as well. We do not want to design a solution that will be rejected and ignored a few months after implementation, but rather become adopted and maintained permanently. However, we are aware that the lives people lead vary from one another, and that we cannot offer a universal solution and expect it to work in every instance. We aspire to having our ideas implemented in people’s lives, but we encourage they be adapted in a manner that will best suit the individuals current lifestyle.

Our research project employs an inspiring and effective message to the community of Vancouver which is to live a slow lifestyle rather than a fast paced one.

The objective for this project is to make awareness of the benefits to slow living, initiate realization in a community that change needs to be made, and to succeed in shifting people’s lives from fast paced to slow. We intend to fulfill these objectives by designing a solution that will educate and expose the slow living approach to the public. This will require people to reflect and engage in dialogue which will result in the initiation of change..

The slow approach we are proposing can be applied in many areas of our life such as exercise, hobbies, in the workplace, in our personal relationships

f. sustainability analysis

overview

strategyemploys an effective message

fulfills the objective

serves multiple purposes

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to one another and communities within cities. Its ideologies will help Vancouverites be more patient and calm while giving them an opportunity to spend more time for leisure. They will eventually make the essential realization that they don’t have to obsess over time and can enjoy each passing moment. In accordance with changing behavior, we hope that after engaging with our project people will start to connect with their community and feel a sense of belonging with their surroundings. This is inspired by David Suzuki’s opinion of our society as discussed in his novel: The Sacred Balance: Rediscovering Our Place in Nature, in which he describes has become ignorant of the natural environment due to living in a city (5). Surrounded by technology and manmade buildings, we have forgotten that nature provides us with food, water and oxygen. With our project we intend to inform and educate our community on the importance of awareness; to reconnect with our environment and to have more respect and care for what is around us. Though the medium is still unchosen for the proposed solution, we intend to consider and choose a format that is the most effective in communicating to our target audience. It will be a format that our audience is familiar with and the material will be sustainable.

As mentioned above, our project will be designed durably. The designed solution will be enduring as will the positive changes in Vancouver residents. We do not want to design a solution that will be rejected and ignored a few months after implementation, but rather become adopted and maintained permanently.

executionuses the most appropriate format

maximizes shelf life

appendix: f

We intend to use local vendors and source local materials to produce our design. As designers we realize that it is important to be aware of the materials that create our projects. We plan to ask the local vendors to explain the process in the conception of their product, the manufacturing, and the shipping of their materials. This will help inform us when we consider sustainable materials for our project. While considering the materials for our project, we will also be reviewing methods to minimize transportation and shipment of the required materials for our design. We wish to chose an option with the least amount of green house gas emission emitted during the transport.

distribution

end-of-useful life

accurately targets our audience

can be reused

avoids shipping by air

productionuses local vendors & sourcing local materials

minimizes transport & shipping

We intend to accurately target our audience with our proposed design solution by defining the user profile and designing a solution that will be appropriate to them.

In minimizing the amount of transportation and shipment needed to receive our material, we will avoid any shipment by air. This will reduce the amount of green house gas emission released into the environment.. With our proposed slow living concept, we aspire to have our ideas adapted and reused in a manner that will best suit the individual’s current lifestyle.

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g. visual reference: benetton ad

h. visual reference: breakaway

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i. visual reference: citta slow

j. visual reference: pop rocks

appendix

k. visual reference: sasa clock

l. visual reference: sloth

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m. visual reference: slowlab

appendix

Nicola Fuller-Design proposal

Documents

communication design

fastpaced lifestyle

form of slow design

design proposal2

slow movement

slower lifestyle

design industry

lifestyle goal