Which Research Lens are you most interested in? Why?
I am most interested in an Empowerment research lens because I have been inspired, by our readings so far and my own previous work, to design with the goal of equity and justice. Although education was similarly appealing to me in its ability to teach an audience valuable information, I think that an empowering lens can do that while also focusing more on the desire of an audience to be better assisted and equipped. I came to Parsons, having worked a lot previously with survivors of trauma and assault, with the goal of empowering groups that are often left behind by our broken system.
Which Creative Focal Point are you most interested in? Why?
I want to focus on a Systemic-driven creative focal point because I am interested in understanding the systemic organization of our cultures before I start designing any work that will empower an audience. Just like Hendren points out in their article, it is the people in power within our society that have decided what is “normal” for years and in the process have put entire groups of people at a continuous disadvantage. It is important to me as a designer that I gain an understanding of the built world as it currently operates before I attempt to make a change that properly empowers the people who exist within it.
