Published papers by Tasmin J Donaldson
Co-designing digital information-seeking activities with and for the small-scale farmers of the Siyakhana Initiative, 2020
Information is paramount to empowering people and communities, laying the foundations for “equali... more Information is paramount to empowering people and communities, laying the foundations for “equality, sustainability and prosperity” as a critical driver of progress (Garrido & Wyber 2017:7). While only half of the world’s population has access to devices, let alone online services, the need to foster the growth of an information-empowered society is more significant than it has ever been (Garrido & Wyber 2017:7). Information Communication Technology (ICT) provides this mechanism, with mobile technologies playing a significant role; however, having access to information and having the ability to connect is meaningless if people cannot apply information to ‘real-world problems’ (Garrido & Wyber 2017:7,46). The following dissertation describes an interaction design (IxD) project that follows a Research Through Design (RTD) methodology. The study aimed to improve information-seeking activities with and for small-scale farmers, namely the farmers of the Siyakhana Initiative, using an experience-centred approach. The research leveraged a unique combination of activity-based models providing the theoretical underpinning of the study. The co-design process used a novel integration of contextmapping and IxD to identify small-scale farmer’s motivations and aspirations related to their information needs and information-seeking behaviours. The outcome of the study was the co-design of a prototyped concept using the affordances offered by digital technology to improve the way that small- scale farmers find, use and share information.
In this paper, we argue that the current environmental information system of Braamfontein is prob... more In this paper, we argue that the current environmental information system of Braamfontein is problematic as it is ethically unconsidered and overwhelmingly bias towards the interests of commercial stakeholders-over those of the residents, workers, students and visitors. While a business is justified to act in a conceited manner, we believe that information provided to the public in a public space needs to be more utilitarian, servicing the needs of the majority over those of the few. A brief review of current literature pertaining to the thematic concerns of the paper is discussed. These themes include: Experiential Graphic Design (XGD)-as a field of practice; the role of meaning and sense making; the commoditisation of public space; and lastly Umair Haque's economic theory of 'Betterness'. This theoretical review is followed by an analytical framing of Braamfontein as a problem ecology, primarily relating to XGD. The analysis applies the Firma Model, a meta-framework for design research, strategy and critique to holistically frame the problem, and thus identify concerns with the current information environment. Findings are discussed in relation to key concerns raised in the literature. The paper concludes by outlining key concerns evident in the current state of Braamfontein information environment and describes potential approaches for any future design interventions.
Unpublished papers by Tasmin J Donaldson
Whilst many traditional public libraries in South Africa are becoming irrelevant to various segme... more Whilst many traditional public libraries in South Africa are becoming irrelevant to various segments of society, there is potential for the role of the library to evolve, not necessarily just in the technological sense, but also to become better service systems for developing communities. The purpose of the study is to enhance the Siyakhana farmers’ day-to-day farming experiences by addressing their service needs and requirements of the Rhodes Park Library. It will apply a Co-Design approach within a User Experience Design framework, and will be encapsulated within a Research Through Design methodology, which will be used to reflect on the methods, practices and rationale utilised in the subsequent design research and practice. User Experience Design, as used in this study, is concerned with utilising Design Thinking processes in order to create appropriate digital solutions. Co-Design, as used in this study, is primarily focused on recognising and understanding the experience needs of the individual throughout the design thinking process. This study favours a Co-Design approach in that the design researchers are actively involved in engaging with various stakeholders and the primary users. Ultimately, this study aims to develop a digital service solution that meets the needs of the Siyakhana farmers. The digital prototype will go through iterative evaluation cycles to ensure the validity, feasibility and desirability of the designed solution. The insights gained within the design research process will hopefully contribute towards research being done within similar contexts, and specifically in the field of User Experience Design.
Information architecture is organising content or objects, describing them clearly and providing ... more Information architecture is organising content or objects, describing them clearly and providing ways for people to get to them (Fenn 2014). The following essay will discuss and critique information architecture within the context of Africa. Jeanne van Eeden’s article ‘Land Rover and Colonial Style Adventure’ and Achille Mbembe’s introduction to the ‘Africa Remix’ catalogue will be used to aid this discussion. Supplementary articles on information technology, information architecture and information systems will also be referenced throughout this discussion.
What’s in a name?
Half of the picture,
Half of the story...
The following essay will aim to discuss and critique the perpetuation of heteronormativity withi... more The following essay will aim to discuss and critique the perpetuation of heteronormativity within the topic of children, sexual knowledge and education. The essay will explore various technological forms within which teachers and parents are providing children with a means of accessing non-discriminatory information regarding sexual education. Readings from bell hooks, Melissa Steyn and Mikki van Zyl, as well as various other supplementary readings will be consulted within this discussion.
In this paper, I argue that the current information system of Braamfontein is problematic, and do... more In this paper, I argue that the current information system of Braamfontein is problematic, and does not cater for the information and experience needs of the users – as it is unsuitable, unconsidered and unsustainable.
As a product of urban regeneration over the past decade, Braamfontein’s urban renewal models, which are initiated by various stakeholders, aim to and are primarily concerned with maximizing economic growth and profits, thus posing an uninformed threat to the needs of the people who occupy the space, but also threaten the historical and cultural heritage of the Braamfontein. This ultimately results in the place losing its ‘meaning’ and subsequently shift interest toward an economic, business-centered environment.
While a business is justified to act in a conceited manner, I believe that information (digital & non-digital) provided to the public in a public space needs to be more utilitarian, servicing the needs of the majority over those of the few.
By using a research through design approach, various insights were gained and used to identify the corresponding information and experience needs. These needs were synthesized into the ‘Ultimate Experience model’, which represents an abstract solution space for catering for the users of Braamfontein’s needs.
From the solution space, one main concept emerged; this was the idea to create a design solution that allows for the creation of an innovative experience ecosystem that is particular to Braamfontein. This experience ecosystem will act as a holistic service platform that will encourage user and stakeholder engagement in the co-creation of meaningful information. This service platform, called ‘When in Braam’ or ‘WIB’ for short, will serve as a seamlessly integrated system of products and services with a variety of offerings that make experiencing the city more exciting, and make completing complicated tasks easier.
Subsequently, as per the requirements of the project, an interactive design prototype has been developed in an effort to represent one of the various services/products offered by the WIB concept – an application. The design and development of this application was aligned with the needs identified in the research phases to best represent the ultimate experience of the users of Braamfontein.
Keywords: Braamfontein, information system, co-creation, meaning, experience ecosystem, ‘When in Braam'.
Papers by Tasmin J Donaldson
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... Lyotard targets the Enlightenment's authoritative explanations of the world and ... of p... more ... Lyotard targets the Enlightenment's authoritative explanations of the world and ... of proving that aesthetic production today has become integrated into commodity production generally. ... Simpsons has not only aimed its religious satire at Christianity, but has dedicated entire ...
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Published papers by Tasmin J Donaldson
Unpublished papers by Tasmin J Donaldson
As a product of urban regeneration over the past decade, Braamfontein’s urban renewal models, which are initiated by various stakeholders, aim to and are primarily concerned with maximizing economic growth and profits, thus posing an uninformed threat to the needs of the people who occupy the space, but also threaten the historical and cultural heritage of the Braamfontein. This ultimately results in the place losing its ‘meaning’ and subsequently shift interest toward an economic, business-centered environment.
While a business is justified to act in a conceited manner, I believe that information (digital & non-digital) provided to the public in a public space needs to be more utilitarian, servicing the needs of the majority over those of the few.
By using a research through design approach, various insights were gained and used to identify the corresponding information and experience needs. These needs were synthesized into the ‘Ultimate Experience model’, which represents an abstract solution space for catering for the users of Braamfontein’s needs.
From the solution space, one main concept emerged; this was the idea to create a design solution that allows for the creation of an innovative experience ecosystem that is particular to Braamfontein. This experience ecosystem will act as a holistic service platform that will encourage user and stakeholder engagement in the co-creation of meaningful information. This service platform, called ‘When in Braam’ or ‘WIB’ for short, will serve as a seamlessly integrated system of products and services with a variety of offerings that make experiencing the city more exciting, and make completing complicated tasks easier.
Subsequently, as per the requirements of the project, an interactive design prototype has been developed in an effort to represent one of the various services/products offered by the WIB concept – an application. The design and development of this application was aligned with the needs identified in the research phases to best represent the ultimate experience of the users of Braamfontein.
Keywords: Braamfontein, information system, co-creation, meaning, experience ecosystem, ‘When in Braam'.
Papers by Tasmin J Donaldson
As a product of urban regeneration over the past decade, Braamfontein’s urban renewal models, which are initiated by various stakeholders, aim to and are primarily concerned with maximizing economic growth and profits, thus posing an uninformed threat to the needs of the people who occupy the space, but also threaten the historical and cultural heritage of the Braamfontein. This ultimately results in the place losing its ‘meaning’ and subsequently shift interest toward an economic, business-centered environment.
While a business is justified to act in a conceited manner, I believe that information (digital & non-digital) provided to the public in a public space needs to be more utilitarian, servicing the needs of the majority over those of the few.
By using a research through design approach, various insights were gained and used to identify the corresponding information and experience needs. These needs were synthesized into the ‘Ultimate Experience model’, which represents an abstract solution space for catering for the users of Braamfontein’s needs.
From the solution space, one main concept emerged; this was the idea to create a design solution that allows for the creation of an innovative experience ecosystem that is particular to Braamfontein. This experience ecosystem will act as a holistic service platform that will encourage user and stakeholder engagement in the co-creation of meaningful information. This service platform, called ‘When in Braam’ or ‘WIB’ for short, will serve as a seamlessly integrated system of products and services with a variety of offerings that make experiencing the city more exciting, and make completing complicated tasks easier.
Subsequently, as per the requirements of the project, an interactive design prototype has been developed in an effort to represent one of the various services/products offered by the WIB concept – an application. The design and development of this application was aligned with the needs identified in the research phases to best represent the ultimate experience of the users of Braamfontein.
Keywords: Braamfontein, information system, co-creation, meaning, experience ecosystem, ‘When in Braam'.