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Ashley Brooks_FINAL MVT 7-20 5PM.pdf (1.68 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

An Intersectional Lens: Using Participatory Design to Redefine Inclusivity and Foster Belonging in Community-Driven Civic Environments with Black Indigenous Women of Color (BIWOC)

Brooks, Ashley Milan
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1689766493539399

Abstract Details

2023, Master of Fine Arts, Ohio State University, Design.
Community-driven civic environments, such as public spaces, have a major influence on personal development and well-being (Delagran, 2016). But without inclusion of marginalized populations, some people risk being excluded, perpetuating cycles of inequality that limit understanding, collective collaboration, diverse inclusion, and social progression. When designed inclusively, community-driven civic environments can succeed at welcoming all kinds of people and needs regardless of age, race, gender, sexuality, or income (Latham & Layton, 2019). This thesis demonstrates a qualitative research experience that utilized co-design and service design approaches to curate a unique and inclusive design process that centered the wants and needs of Black and Indigenous Women of Color (BIWOC). Focusing on BIWOC experiences within public spaces led to contextual understanding of how they behaved and thought holistically, allowing their journey of spatial understanding and enjoyment to be considered through inclusive touchpoints. Through a series of interviews, surveys, and co-design sessions, American Black women shared and reflected upon their personal and professional experiences and collaborated to imagine what an inclusive space could be when they led the conversation. In conclusion, they created a variety of spatial offerings and service considerations that increased cultural representation, enhanced comprehensions of safety, fostered an environment of learning, and valued who they are holistically. It became evident that a lack of humanity could never be replaced by design aesthetics. Beyond these realizations, this research illuminated Black women as critical thinkers who are creative, sensually driven, self-aware, spiritual, and systems focused.
Elizabeth Sanders (Advisor)
Rebekah Matheny (Committee Member)
Treva Lindsey (Committee Member)
43 p.
Design; Public Policy; Womens Studies
Black Indigenous Women of Color (BIWOC), Intersectionality, Co-Design, Service Design, DEI

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Brooks, A. M. (2023). An Intersectional Lens: Using Participatory Design to Redefine Inclusivity and Foster Belonging in Community-Driven Civic Environments with Black Indigenous Women of Color (BIWOC) [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1689766493539399

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Brooks, Ashley. An Intersectional Lens: Using Participatory Design to Redefine Inclusivity and Foster Belonging in Community-Driven Civic Environments with Black Indigenous Women of Color (BIWOC) . 2023. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1689766493539399.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Brooks, Ashley. "An Intersectional Lens: Using Participatory Design to Redefine Inclusivity and Foster Belonging in Community-Driven Civic Environments with Black Indigenous Women of Color (BIWOC) ." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2023. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1689766493539399

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1689766493539399
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© 2023, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.