Inviting Non-Human Stakeholders
This method encourages participants to consider perspectives beyond human-centric viewpoints by embodying non-human entities related to a specific problem or case. It fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of ecosystems, leading to more sustainable and harmonious solutions.
Use this method when you need to broaden the scope of problem-solving to include environmental and ecological considerations, especially when dealing with issues impacting natural resources or biodiversity.
Solves: Anthropocentric bias limiting creative solutions, lack of consideration for environmental impact, difficulty understanding diverse perspectives.
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Step 1: Setting the Scene (10 mins) - Introduce the case study using storytelling techniques, engaging participants' senses. Ask: “What do you hear, see, smell, taste and feel?” End with a future-oriented question: “What future do you envision for this place?”
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Step 2: Presenting Non-Human Perspectives (10 mins) - Present cards representing different non-human entities (e.g., bird, tree, river). Have participants select a card and read about the character's contributions, needs, and wants.
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Step 3: Embodying Non-Human Perspectives (20 mins) - Give participants time to silently imagine themselves as their chosen character, focusing on sensory experiences. Encourage them to jot down descriptive words or create drawings.
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Step 4: Embodying Your Character (30 mins) - Form groups of 3. Each person writes an opening question to engage in conversation with their character. Take turns embodying the characters, asking follow-up questions related to emotions and experiences, connecting the conversation to the case.
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Step 5: Bringing Perspectives Together (20 mins) - Invite groups to share insights gained. Collectively, write one sentence or statement summarizing their wish for the future of the case, considering all perspectives.
- Prepare diverse and relevant non-human character cards.
- Encourage participants to fully immerse themselves in the role during embodiment.
- Provide guiding questions to assist with reflection and conversation.
- Use physical movement or role-playing to further embody the characters.
- Incorporate data or scientific information about the non-human entities to inform the perspectives.
- Create a visual representation of the interconnectedness of the stakeholders.