Something I've learned about empathy in design is that there are certain steps in the process where it will take the wheel, and other steps where it will take the back seat.
Empathy primarily deals with emotions. It involves taking off our shoes and putting on someone else's. When I was working on my thesis project, I was also volunteering every week at a long-term care home, and I got pretty good at empathizing with the residents. I don't say this to boast though, because I was actually over-empathizing, and it was hindering my ability to think clearly about my thesis.
If you've ever visited a long-term care home, you might know what I mean. In my desire to make space for the sorrow, grief and helplessness that I often sensed there, these feelings began to seep into my own attitude towards my design work. Just like a few of the older adults that I worked with, it became increasingly difficult to envision a hope, a solution, or a way through the things that were in front of me.
Although it was a struggle, I slowly made it out of that headspace and managed to finish my thesis that year. Being able to reach that depth of understanding was life-changing, and my thesis wouldn't have been the same if I hadn't. Still, I think there are healthier ways to approach this as I continue to design.
What I'll take from this is to remember that after walking around in another's shoes, I need to put my own "designer" shoes back on. The goal of empathy in design is to understand, then do something about it.
Commenti