CoDesign: Colors of Nature
Project background:
The Cook County Forest Preserve (CCFP) is trying to increase the impact of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiative. There is an understanding of the value of spending time in outdoor spaces but not of why certain marginalized groups don’t feel welcome or comfortable in those spaces. This project seeks to amplify the voices of black and brown folks to better understand their preferences, perceptions, and impact within natural spaces.
Course:
Professor:
Duration:
Role:
CoDesign
Chris Rudd
Andre Nogueira
16-Weeks
Design Researcher
Codesigner
Research Method + Key Insights:
Research Method
Our research began with understanding the historical significance of the displacement of Black and Brown folks in natural spaces. We created an ERA map from the years 1900-2020 highlighting four main topics: Medical Safety, Outdoor Activities, Transportation, and Income.
In addition, we facilitated two 60-minute virtual codesign sessions. One with organizers associated with the Cook County Forest Preserve and the second with Black and Brown community members. Our goal for the first codesign session was to understand the perspective of organizers and the obstacles they have encountered in engaging the Black and Brown community. While our goal during our second co-design session was to understand:
Black and Brown community comfort levels at CCFP
Challenges they currently face in natural spaces
What does their “Playspace” currently look like?
What is their perception of nature and natural spaces?
Key insights
Accessibility to the green spaces
People have to make long journeys on foot or change multiple vehicles to reach the natural spaces. Spending long hours just traveling to the destination discourages them from opting to spend a relaxing day in nature. There is no public transport leading directly to Cook County Forest Preserve and since many don't own a car, they can't afford to keep visiting by cab.
Unfamiliar and Underprepared
People are usually unsure of what they should do when they reach the space. They don't have a lot of materials/equipment with them as compared to many privileged who can afford to. Many users are unfamiliar with these spaces and don't receive a positive experience due to a lack of guidance and experience company.
When users don't see people from their community, they get a sense that they don't belong in those spaces and it becomes a negative experience for them.
Unsafe
People have been victims of racial slurs and odd looks when in natural spaces. When there is no check to this behavior, people will refrain from choosing to revisit. Tedious and unwarranted interactions with the police officers are part of the experience which is discouraging.
Where did this lead us?:
Our research lead us to ask How might we increase the Black and Brown community’s connection to nature and their feeling of belonging in natural spaces in the Chicago and Chicago land area?
