Short answer

Incorporate culturally significant artifacts and their associated rituals into design projects to strengthen community bonds and preserve cultural heritage, recognizing that space and time are deeply intertwined with relationships.

Field: Classic Design
Source: AUT Scholarly Commons (2011)
Method: Qualitative research, archival research, participatory observation, documentation (photography, mapping).
Evidence: Moderate effect

Traditional cultural artifacts, like Samoan 'Ie Tōga', can actively shape and define relational spaces ('Vā') within diasporic communities. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2011 study published in AUT Scholarly Commons. Using Qualitative research, archival research, participatory observation, documentation (photography, mapping)., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Incorporate culturally significant artifacts and their associated rituals into design projects to strengthen community bonds and preserve cultural heritage, recognizing that space and time are deeply intertwined with relationships.

Study

Classic DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Cultural Artifacts as Spatial Connectors: Activating 'Vā' Through 'Ie Tōga'

Traditional cultural artifacts, like Samoan 'Ie Tōga', can actively shape and define relational spaces ('Vā') within diasporic communities.

AUT Scholarly Commons · 2011

Key Findings

01The 'Vā' is a dynamic, non-physical relational space that is constantly activated and defined by human interaction and cultural practices.
02'Ie Tōga' (Samoan fine mats) are not merely objects but are imbued with genealogical connections and historical narratives that actively shape the 'Vā'.
03Ceremonial exchange and display of 'Ie Tōga' serve as a powerful mechanism for re-establishing and nurturing 'fa'asamoa' (Samoan ways) within diasporic contexts.
04The concepts of space and time are intrinsically linked in Oceanic cultures, influencing how relational spaces are perceived and created.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing community centers, cultural exhibitions, or digital platforms for diasporic groups, consider how traditional artifacts and their associated practices can be integrated to foster a sense of belonging and continuity.

Project actions

01Consider how objects in your design project can represent more than just their physical form, but also cultural values or relationships.
02Explore how rituals or ceremonies associated with objects can be incorporated into the user experience.

Method & Evidence

AimHow can the ceremonial exchange and display of Samoan 'Ie Tōga' activate and strengthen the relational space ('Vā') within a diasporic community?

MethodQualitative research, archival research, participatory observation, documentation (photography, mapping).

ProcedureThe research involved examining the historical and cultural significance of 'Ie Tōga' within Samoan communities, particularly in diaspora. It explored how the exchange and presentation of these fine mats actively shape the 'Vā' – a concept representing relational space, time, and connection. The study documented these processes through various forms of media.

ContextSamoan diaspora communities, cultural heritage, relational space design.

Variables

IVPresence and ceremonial exchange of 'Ie Tōga'.

DVPerceived strength of 'Vā' (relational space, connection, community bonding).

CVSamoan diaspora community context, cultural practices related to 'Ie Tōga'.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Deep cultural immersion and understanding.
+Exploration of intangible aspects of design (relational space).

Limitations

It can be difficult to objectively measure the 'activation' of a concept like 'Vā' or to isolate the impact of specific artifacts from other community influences.

Reliability & validity

Reliability could be enhanced through repeated observations by multiple researchers. Validity is strengthened by the in-depth qualitative exploration of a specific cultural phenomenon.

Think critically

To what extent can the principles of 'Vā' activation be applied to non-material cultural elements or digital artifacts in fostering community connection?

Design Principles

"Design for relational activation: Utilize culturally resonant objects and practices to create and strengthen intangible connections within a community."

Understanding how cultural objects embody and activate intangible concepts like 'Vā' offers designers a framework for creating culturally resonant and community-building experiences. This insight is crucial for designing spaces, products, or services that foster connection and preserve cultural identity.

What This Means for Your Design

Traditional items, like special Samoan mats, can help people feel connected to their culture and each other, even when they live far from home.

How to use in your project

1.Use this research to justify the selection of culturally significant artifacts or practices in your design project, explaining how they contribute to the intended user experience and community building.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the potential of culturally significant artifacts, such as Samoan 'Ie Tōga', to actively shape and strengthen relational spaces ('Vā') within diasporic communities. By understanding how these objects embody history and connection, designers can create more meaningful experiences that foster community and cultural continuity.

Source

AUT Scholarly Commons

The potential of Vā: an investigation of how ‘Ie Tōga activate the spatial relationships of the Vā, for a Samoan diaspora community

journal · 2011

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about cultural artifacts as spatial connectors: activating 'vā' through 'ie tōga'?: Incorporate culturally significant artifacts and their associated rituals into design projects to strengthen community bonds and preserve cultural heritage, recognizing that space and time are deeply intertwined with relationships. Evidence: AUT Scholarly Commons (2011).
Why does "Cultural Artifacts as Spatial Connectors: Activating 'Vā' Through 'Ie Tōga'" matter for design?: Understanding how cultural objects embody and activate intangible concepts like 'Vā' offers designers a framework for creating culturally resonant and community-building experiences. This insight is crucial for designing spaces, products, or services that foster connection and preserve cultural identity.
How can designers apply this research?: Incorporate culturally significant artifacts and their associated rituals into design projects to strengthen community bonds and preserve cultural heritage, recognizing that space and time are deeply intertwined with relationships.
What were the main findings?: The 'Vā' is a dynamic, non-physical relational space that is constantly activated and defined by human interaction and cultural practices.. 'Ie Tōga' (Samoan fine mats) are not merely objects but are imbued with genealogical connections and historical narratives that actively shape the 'Vā'.. Ceremonial exchange and display of 'Ie Tōga' serve as a powerful mechanism for re-establishing and nurturing 'fa'asamoa' (Samoan ways) within diasporic contexts.. The concepts of space and time are intrinsically linked in Oceanic cultures, influencing how relational spaces are perceived and created.
What research method was used?: Qualitative research, archival research, participatory observation, documentation (photography, mapping)..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2011 journal from AUT Scholarly Commons.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing community centers, cultural exhibitions, or digital platforms for diasporic groups, consider how traditional artifacts and their associated practices can be integrated to foster a sense of belonging and continuity.
What are the limitations?: The study is specific to Samoan culture and may not be directly generalizable to other cultural contexts without adaptation. The intangible nature of 'Vā' makes its measurement and design impact challenging to quantify.