A Research Project on How Might We Better Understand SOLITUDE
date & Course jan - may 2023
Integrative Research & Development
Parsons School of Design
categories Media
research
Social impact
design thinking
System Thinking
methods survey
personas
Interviews
Empathy Map
Cultural Probe
THE MOMENT
60% of Americans sometimes or always feel alone (Cigna.com).
People’s habit of living has changed dramatically during the past decade. The pandemic, city migration, technological development, and leaving home at a younger age allows solitude to dominate people’s lives, voluntarily or involuntarily.
Some of us can be surrounded by plenty of people but still feel extremely isolated, while some others seek constant alone time for self-reflection. This research aim to comprehend how solitude is perceived, experienced, and how it intertwines with today’s evolving social structure.
Cultural Probe
THE CHALLENGES
A notable difficulty during was process was to ensure interviews and surveys were objective, constructive, without leading questions or assumptions. Deciphering the role technology plays in our ability to experience solitude presented a complex challenge. While some participants believed technology diminished genuine experiences of solitude, there were also indications that it provides a medium of interaction during times of isolation.
THE OUTCOME
The findings illuminate that the majority of young adults hold a generally positive mindset toward solitude. Many participants see it as a cherished time for self-reflection and relaxation. A significant insight drawn was that while solitude and loneliness can coexist, they aren’t synonymous. The project effectively encapsulate the essence of the research, emphasizing that solitude is an inherent part of human existence. It presents an authentic narrative of evolving nature of human connection, solitude, and self-reflection in a rapidly changing world.