MATERIAL ENCOUNTERS BETWEEN ETHNOGRAPHY AND DESIGN: THE CASE OF LA ENCOMIENDA AND ITS STORIES OF ENCOUNTERING, CARING AND LISTENING

Abstract

To elaborate this article, we began with our experience as anthropologists in a participatory design project in which a textile bag with digital components called La Encomienda was created and used. The project sought to link groups of women belonging to different memory sewing circles in Colombia and a transdisciplinary research team that included professionals trained in design and anthropology. The bonding that took place during La Encomienda's travels was supported by practices of careful listening. Some of these were related to dialogues regarding experiences about the armed conflict and the possibilities of reconciliation in Colombia. Other practices emerged from the design process that accompanied that listening. In both cases, La Encomienda formed a variety of new relationships. In this reflection we focus on three types of stories that capture the ways in which those connections unfold in order to think carefully about design practices and the role that artifacts play in their configuration. These are stories of meetings, care and listening.