Trish Mwenda, best Masters Student 2023, discusses her journey into futures and foresight, exploring Afrofuturism and African futurism, and her research on wearable technology for mental health intervention. She also shares her surprise and emotions upon receiving recognition for her work, her research on wearables for domestic abuse survivors, and her ideas on abuse, stress, anxiety, technology, wearables, and culture.
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Quick takeaways
The importance of making futures relatable to diverse cultures and designing concepts that align with the everyday struggles and experiences of different communities.
The value of student awards in providing validation and support for emerging futures practitioners.
Deep dives
The Power of Afrofuturism and African Futurism
Trish Moendar, a graduate from OCAD University, discusses the importance of Afrofuturism and African Futurism in the field of futures and foresight. She emphasizes the need to make futures relatable to diverse cultures and to design futures concepts that align with the everyday struggles and experiences of different communities. Trish's own work focuses on wearable technology and explores the intersection of Afrofuturism and Kenyan culture. She designed a speculative Afrofuturist wearable device to address mental health and domestic abuse in Kenya, using elements of Kenyan culture and psychological interventions.
Recognition and Validation in the Futures Community
Trish's work was recognized as the best piece of student work at the Association of Professional Futurists Masters Individual Student Award. She reflects on the importance of this recognition in validating her work and overcoming self-doubt. Trish highlights the value of student awards in providing validation and support for emerging futures practitioners.
Designing for Cultural Inclusion and Empowerment
Trish's creative practice centers around designing from a place of passion and using her skill set to bring ideas to life. She emphasizes the significance of designing for cultural inclusion and empowerment, drawing on Afrofuturism and African Futurism to explore how futures can be used as a framework to tell stories, bring awareness to social issues, and start important conversations. Trish discusses her focus on designing wearable technologies that create impactful solutions for marginalized communities.