Showcasing London Undergrowth: Laura Dudek’s learning journey
Laura’s learning question:
How might Doughnut Economic theories and principles inspire new ways of co-existence in my local community?
My experience:
What I wanted, above all else in this learning journey, was to connect with a group of people who are motivated by similar interests, values, and ambitions. Particularly, the desire to challenge the status quo and spark meaningful change in our local communities. I feel like I found that in the London Undergrowth chapter.
The Doughnut Economics message is rooted in connection, generosity, and responsibility to both people and planet. Engaging with the book through a group helped me not only deepen my understanding through a shared learning experience, but also challenged me to put theories into practice. Had it not been for the support and structure of the group I don’t think I would have incorporated learnings quite so significantly.
The chapters of Doughnut Economics that felt most relevant to my learning question:
Three things I learned:
- Change is hard! And it can be slow. But small, consistent steps have the ability to inspire change in ways beyond our knowing.
- The thought of confronting a topic as big as mainstream economics seems beyond a single person’s ability. But the challenge is not meant to be embarked on alone, nor solved with a single action.
- Change is a process and adherence to sustainable principles and practices, such as those outlines by Kate, can help us become an example to those around us.
A project I’m working on:
I began a project during this learning journey that aims to represent the dreams and aspirations that Harlesden residents have for their community.
The project consists of two parts:
- A database of stories and conversations where residents share their visions for a regenerative future, inspired by principles from DE.
- A series of speculative artifacts that represent these shared visions. Artifacts will be distributed throughout the community as public art works/interventions to stoke conversation and reflection on desirable futures for the area.
Research:
I connected with 7 residents in my area. I aimed to speak with people who have diverse histories and relationships to the area, as well as lifestyles and demographics.
Semi-structured interviews:
- I introduced people to the project and DE aims.
- I asked interviewees a series of questions about the their aspirations
- I recorded responses
- I scanned responses for themes and extracted insights
Ethnographic inquiry :
- I observed people in their homes and places of work to see learn more about their day-to-day
Experience Prototyping
- I developed prototypes of designed artifact(s) that would enable the project goals.
- I ran these prototypes by my interviewees and got feedback
- Feedback indicated that provocative, physical object that had some sort of “interactive learn more” option, like a QR code, would be good.
Design
I am just beginning the design phase and plan to share project outcomes in September.
A question I’m leaving with:
How can we make ideas about change more actionable and sustainable in my local community?
