The idea that innovation and tech are progressive arms of science, expanding what is possible through the power of engineering and design, is fine. I agree.
However, both are wholly dependent and cannot be separated from the creativity that gives us the curiosity to explore, to come up with ideas, problem solve and find inspiration. Yet too often they are seen as different, the subjective versus the objective.
This blog is about embracing creative ideas – from the Arts or wherever they originate, so that we can unlock more flexible and compassionate thinking in tech, innovation and design, as well as in our relationships with the places we live.
A book written by Legacy Russell called Glitch Feminism, has been pivotal for me. It’s a Cyberfeminist manifesto – exploring how a glitch (a space or fracture between) – carves out new realms through which new possibilities and ‘landscapes of relations’ can emerge. Glitch Feminism can open different realities in which Othered bodies can navigate the world easier – on their own terms. I think it is applicable not just to people but to non-humans too.
In my work I try to embrace Legacy’s ideas. Glitch Feminism (GF) keeps me on my toes and hopeful and experimenting. It presents a challenge to be more wild in my approach to work, and to resist pressures to shape-shift into an appealing, efficient, formal and colder version of myself that professionalism invites.
This looks like:
- Embracing the in-between, looking beyond the black and white and into the messy middle. GF urges us to consider the in-between as a core component of survival.
- Making space and time to experiment and then following the ideas that emerge – especially if they are a bit weird. The digital sphere is a place for experimentation, a testing playground of a world through which we might then “dare to modify our own”. For me, I play and reorganise systems with lots of moving parts, exploring how outcomes could be delivered to better address areas of need – and exploring opportunities to deliver differently.
- Challenging the hegemonies I move through – GF presents an opportunity to challenge, to make space for new ideas and to create cracks in ‘efficient’ or ‘productive’ (capitalist notions) ways of working and being.
- Speaking out and sharing ideas, especially in conversations outside of the OnePlanet team’s walls. “As GFs we inject our positive irregularities into [these] systems as errata, activating new architecture[s]”. These ways of working won’t ripple out beyond OnePlanet without some bravery and conviction.
If we are serious about creating regenerative systems for all – then design and innovation and the digital realm needs to embrace ideas being shared outside of their industries. This can unlock opportunities to world-build differently, more playfully and compassionately. Glitch Feminism is the vehicle for me to do this, but I would encourage all to explore the myriads of creative and sensitive approaches found within the Arts – approaches that push back against hegemonic systems and makes space for different ways of being to thrive. Especially at work!