Christine Valerio
DESIGN AS A TOOL OF INCLUSION
While we’re all unique individuals with our own interests, likes, feelings, thoughts and values, we all share the same basic human needs—the need to be social and the need to connect with one another. Our fast paced, youth-driven culture of constant digital connection has, in a way, separated us from the basics of personal interaction that our elders are trying very much to hold on to.
Christine’s work at VCFA focuses on intergenerational connection and integrating older adults deeper into the fabric of our society. She believes that design can be used as a tool to help generations connect better than they presently do. In her final semester, Christine developed a system of design experiences called With Me, which utilize design as a tool of inclusion to encourage meaningful interaction and intergenerational dialogue. They are designed to be simple, straight-forward interactions in hopes that each person is able to create their own unique experience as a synthesis of the influences and experiences that make up their lives. It’s not about age, it’s about our human desire to build meaningful relationships throughout all phases of our lives.
Photo: details of Talk With Me—an experience of 20 cards, each containing one word prompts to build conversation around. Participants alternate picking a card and talking about what that word has meant in their lives. What happens when two people talk together about some of life’s toughest words? Can connections between generations be discovered?
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