Another semester for the students of the Media Studies program is almost complete. With that, I’ll be reflecting on some of the topics we discussed in our classes.
To start, in the course “Machines of Knowledge ” we discussed an array of topics concerning, among other things, the changes in how content is generated, shared, and delivered in the current digital landscape, and the new issues that this raises. What I found particularly nice is how these issues tied to the topics discussed in last term’s course “Transformations in Digital Cultures”. Having developed an understanding of concepts such as participatory culture and user practices, it was rewarding to expand on those with new ideas such as that of “public spheres”.
Specifically, I was very intrigued by the concept of “agonistic public spheres” as Dr. Jingrong Tong discussed them. In the readings, Tong describes a public sphere related to the emotions of people. Agonistic public spheres get formed around the expression of (particularly negative) emotions, specifically by marginalized groups such as the lower class people in China. These online spheres allow them to put their narrative in place, and someone else (who does have the resources of time, money, or power to do so) can make it known to the larger public. I found this very interesting because I think it hints at what some people think “cancel culture” is doing, a topic I will discuss for my final paper for this course. I will be approaching it differently in the essay but found it interesting to draw connections between this idea of there being space online for ‘common people’ to express their opinions and frustrations and having the ability to be heard and have a significant impact with that.
Switching gears now, the other course this term was quite different in terms of content. In “Design Thinking & Maker Culture” we dug deeper into different approaches to the design process. Specifically, the topic I want to draw close attention to in this reflection post is that of the Double Diamond framework for the design process, which originated in product design practice. It outlines four stages for the design process: Discover, Define, Develop, Deliver. And, what I found to be most helpful, indicates the iterative nature of the divergent/convergent nature of different stages of the design process.
I bring up this particular concept, firstly, because it might be relevant for my thesis, as I am currently still considering an internship where there is a good chance that I could use this approach to find a solution to the client’s problem. But second, because I have already had a use for it! In the second selection round for UM’s PREMIUM program, I had to work in a small team for one hour to solve a case study. When, after the hour was completed, I was asked to reflect on the process, I was able to apply the structure of the double diamond on the general flow of what had happened in the past hour. This goes to show that what I am learning in these courses instantly applies not only to the topics of other courses but to my daily life as well. This is what I find most exciting about this Master’s so far!
Hi Marc!
This is a really nice reflection to both courses.
I think both of your ideas are feasible. Firstly, I find the combination of the agonistic public spheres with the “cancel culture” really interesting. I would be really curious to learn about the approach you might take and the methodology you would choose, apart from text analysis which is already being used. A digital ethnography to get a more qualitative approach would also fit. Perhaps, you can focus on a specific group of people to narrow down your research and focus on the way an agonistic public sphere is formulated according to the context.
Regarding the Double Diamond, I totally agree with you; I think this one should be applied to most of the problem-solving processes, as it highlights feedback and helps focus on the user’s needs. Especially during teamwork, feedback and reflection are essential. U can also combine this process with qualitative interviews for the feedback needed, that may also help create a user persona.