Week 11: User Experience

In this post I'd like to discuss & explain the user experience.
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The main idea behind this proposal is to get the users more involved and controlling over the spaces they inhabit, similar to how you rearrange furniture in your own home I wanted to bring that user created space concept into the public arena.

In order for this idea to work, it needs a few things; first it needs the space for it to happen, secondly it needs the materials or furniture if you will for users to customise the space, and lastly it needs the users to be engaged and motivated to making the space their own.

So the first two are easy, the space is provided by the dome structure and the materials are recycled from the renovation work initially and then from community resources and recyclables (for example council pickup). But the third, getting the users motivated is the real trick.

Initially the centre won't change much, people will still come day to day to do their shopping and visit the stores that remain (which at stage 1 is all except the 2nd floor of the main building). This area is where interested users can meet, design, create, learn, teach or even just watch what's going on. The idea is that the facilities and knowledge provided by this centre will entice these interested users initially into investing their time & knowledge into a project or two.

This addresses their higher level needs of creativity, problem solving, achievement, confidence and a range of other things they might not be able to attain anywhere else. There is also the opportunity for the users to engage in recycling materials for reuse.

Over time as the project gains momentum users shall develop more spaces, as well as refurbishing existing shops that become available. Almost all work can be done by users as there is no need to waterproof or weather shield the areas.

Sources: [Original Works]