007 - DAY, GURU'S DAY

Today I presented my up-to-date research to Gurus we invited for the evening. They would listen to our ideas, provide feedback and (what I found important and most useful) was a completely fresh and different view point and opinion to our projects. They were able to pick up on points we wouldn’t have otherwise considered. The boards I presented :

I started all my presentations with a very similar opening : I was struggling for ideas. I had a theme, but nothing concrete. All of the previous projects I have ever done, had always had a solution to a specific problem or request. For example : create an innovative lighting system, or design a new packaging design for this whisky company.

With all these projects, I could see the end goal. I knew what I was creating and why. Without this clear vision, I been struggling to come up with a plan. I want to make something for a reason. I don’t want this project to be just for the sake of a grade at the end of the year. This would make me feel like I wasn’t using my time productively. I’d like to think that what I’ll do will have a purpose, or at the very least, start important conversations.

I’ve been researching into a topic that is incredibly relevant and that I think I could both learn a lot from and also provide something for : climate change. I have looked into the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, and at first, I thought I would pick one and see if I could find a solution for it. But looking at all the goals, I found that they were all important in different ways without any single solution. I also couldn’t pick one without feeling guilty about not tackling the other ones.

The 17 sustainable development goals (SDG's) to transform our world:

GOAL 1: No Poverty

GOAL 2: Zero Hunger

GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being

GOAL 4: Quality Education

GOAL 5: Gender Equality

GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

GOAL 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

GOAL 10: Reduced Inequality

GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

GOAL 13: Climate Action

GOAL 14: Life Below Water

GOAL 15: Life on Land

GOAL 16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions

GOAL 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal

Should I create something that is a solution to something? Or should I create something with the intention of raising awareness?

I spoke a lot about how the books I had read had enlightening themes :

Gender and the Environment – Nicole Detraz

“The effects of climate change are drastically altering ancient traditions, the culture and identity of these indigenous groups and local communities”

Climate Justice – Mary Robinson

“Scientific knowledge is supposed to be objective, but is subjective knowledge of privileged voices”

From all my research I have found that there is a serious lack of consideration towards marginalised, vulnerable people and those with disabilities during climate emergencies.

By the end of the day, I’d decided that I would like to create something with an embedded message with the aim to educate or start a conversation. This will perhaps utilise wearable technology or E-textiles.