Silent Harmonies - Healing with Participatory Art and Human-Centered Technology
Keywords: Art and Technology, Art and Design, Healing, Human-Centered Design, Sustainable Development
As part of the international event series ArtTech Fusion 2024 (ATF24) organized by the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), the discussion session “Silent Harmonies: Healing with Participatory Art and Human-Centered Technology” offered insights into the role of art and technology in the healing process. Leading speakers both domestically and internationally shared inspiring stories about this combination, aiming to promote sustainable development in modern society.
The discussion session “Silent Harmonies: Healing with Participatory Art and Human-Centered Technology”.
The special session “Silent Harmonies: Healing with Participatory Art and Human-Centered Technology” was chaired by Ms. Nurul Hanim Romainoor, a lecturer from the University of Science Malaysia, and featured speakers such as Professor Carlos Sena Caires from Saint Joseph University (Macau), Dr. Jose Rafael Martinez Garcia from the Singapore University of Design and Technology, and artist Datu Arellano from the Philippines. The chair and speakers shared fresh perspectives and emphasized the importance of technology and art in creating healing spaces for communities with the goal of sustainable development.
Human-Centered Design
In a world increasingly driven by the explosion of technology, the significant benefits that technology brings to improving the quality of life are undeniable. However, alongside remarkable advancements in healthcare, education, and entertainment, we also face the negative impacts technology has on human mental health. In her presentation, Dr. Nurul Hanim Romainoor emphasized the vital role of human-centered design in ensuring that technology not only serves material development but also contributes to the holistic development of individuals, including both physical and mental health.
Dr. Nurul Hanim Romainoor – Chair of the Special Discussion Session
The core perspective of human-centered design is not simply about creating technological products, but about placing people — with all their needs, emotions, and limitations — at the center of the design and development process. This means that users are not just data points or numbers in studies or experiments, but living individuals with emotions, mental and physical health needs, and limitations in their ability to use certain technologies.
Human-Centered Design in Technology
The application of human-centered design in technology, especially in healthcare devices, can make a significant difference in supporting human balance and well-being. A good technological product should not only be useful and effective in terms of function but also understand the deeper emotions and needs of the users. When users feel that technology is designed to support them rather than cause stress, insecurity, or discomfort, they will find it easier to use, thereby improving their quality of life in a sustainable way.
Dr. Nurul Hanim Romainoor shared examples of some fitness devices with poorly designed features that can cause stress for users.
A prime example of technology design failing to meet user needs is the current fitness devices. While these devices are intended to encourage people to maintain a healthy lifestyle, poorly designed features can have the opposite effect.
Many fitness devices today require users to adhere to unrealistic standards or push them into excessive activities, causing stress instead of promoting relaxation and health improvement. These devices can make users feel pressured when they fail to meet the targets set by the devices, which can negatively affect their mental well-being. Constant notifications about health metrics or recommendations can make users feel surveilled and lack control, increasing feelings of anxiety and stress instead of satisfaction and comfort.
This highlights that designs that do not consider the emotional and psychological needs of users can have negative consequences on their mental health. Therefore, applying human-centered design principles in these devices is crucial. If designers better understand the emotional and psychological needs of users, they can create products that not only enhance physical health but also support users in feeling calm and comfortable throughout the process.
Kampung Akuarium and the “Vertical Kampung” Project – A Symbol of Hope
One of the highlights of the discussion was the inspiring story of Kampung Akuarium, a community in Indonesia that was forcibly relocated, shared by Dr. Jose Rafael Martinez Garcia from the Singapore University of Design and Technology. The residents of this community fought to protect their right to live and preserve their cultural identity. The “Vertical Kampung” project is the result of these efforts — an architectural model that serves not only as a place to live but also as a symbol of unity and hope. For the community, it represents a significant step forward, transforming living spaces into a symbol of connection and spiritual strength.
The “Vertical Kampung” project is a clear example of the critical role that art and design play in preserving and promoting cultural values. Especially, the integration of art and design in urban models like this not only helps preserve traditional cultural elements but also regenerates and develops these values in a new context. With this project, art is not merely an element of decoration or aesthetics but becomes central to building living spaces, creating communities, and promoting the mental well-being of residents.
Dr. Jose Rafael Martinez Garcia from the Singapore University of Design and Technology shared about Kampung Akuarium and the “Vertical Kampung” project.
The artists and architects in the project skillfully integrated local cultural elements into the architectural design, helping the community not only feel comfortable with the new living space but also maintain and promote long-standing cultural values. Decorative details and local cultural symbols were subtly used in the building’s common areas, not only beautifying the space but also allowing each resident to feel a strong connection to the community and the values they are preserving.
The artists and architects in the project discussed the design of Vertical Kampung
In addition, Artist Datu, a well-known figure in the Philippine art scene, shared profound insights on how art can become an effective tool for healing, helping individuals overcome emotional wounds and regain balance in life. The stories, art projects, and real-life experiences that Datu presented not only captured the attention of the conference delegates but also opened a new perspective on the relationship between art, community, and mental health.
Artist Datu shared about the impact of art on healing the soul
Professor Carlos Sena Caires from the University of Saint Joseph, Macau, shared data demonstrating the impact of ArtTech on healing the soul
Students and the lesson on the connection between art and technology
The discussion session encouraged students not only to listen but also to engage in discussions about how art and technology can help address social issues. The speakers sparked students’ critical thinking, fostering creativity in how they perceive modern technological solutions. Through this, students not only gained a deeper understanding of the role of art in healing but also recognized that human-centered technology is the foundation for maintaining a peaceful society and promoting sustainable development.
Students listening to the speakers’ sharing
The discussion session concluded that art and human-centered technology have the potential to profoundly impact people’s spirits and emotions. Additionally, the speakers emphasized that while modern technology offers many conveniences, without a humanistic approach, it can have negative effects on mental health. Through vivid examples and real-life stories, attendees realized that art and technology are not only tools but can also become instruments in connecting communities, creating a sense of peace, and providing deep healing effects. The message about art and human-centered technology during the session left a lasting impression on the students. With newfound knowledge and motivation from “Silent Harmonies,” they will continue their creative journey, turning humanistic ideals into reality through community-driven and sustainable projects.
ATF24 – A Platform Shaping the Future for a Creative and Sustainable Generation
As part of the development trend in the ArtTech field, the annual ArtTech Fusion (ATF) activities are organized by ArtTech Hub (ATH), the units of the UEH School of Technology and Design (CTD), University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), in collaboration with domestic and international partners, with different themes each year.
2024 marks the 3rd edition of ArtTech Fusion, with the theme “New ArtTech for Future Generations,” aiming to inspire creative thinking and innovative actions in future generations, contributing to the development of a sustainable society.
Throughout the 3-day ATF24 journey (October 22-24, 2024), more than 30 academic and practical activities took place, including 05 keynote speeches, 10 special discussion sessions, 05 parallel research presentations, 05 workshops, 01 academic book chapter, 09 exhibitions, 01 heritage connection trip, and 01 tangible performance.
Authors: ThS. Trần Lê Quỳnh Anh, Phan Ngọc Thủy Tiên – University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City
This article is part of the series spreading research and applied knowledge from UEH with the message “Research Contribution For All – Nghiên Cứu Vì Cộng Đồng.” UEH sincerely invites readers to look forward to the next UEH Research Insights.
News, Photos: Authors, UEH Communication and Partner Development Team
Narrator: Thanh Kiều
