Keywords: Art and Technology, Art and Design, Healing, Human-Centered Design, Sustainable Development.
As part of the international ArtTech Fusion 2024 (ATF24) series 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 healing processes. Leading domestic and international speakers shared inspiring stories on the integration of these disciplines to promote sustainable development in modern society.
The special session “Silent Harmonies: Healing with Participatory Art and Human-Centered Technology” was moderated by Dr. Nurul Hanim Romainoor from the University of Science Malaysia, featuring distinguished speakers including Professor Carlos Sena Caires from the University of Saint Joseph (Macau); Dr. Jose Rafael Martinez Garcia from the Singapore University of Design and Technology; and artist Datu Arellano from the Philippines. The session offered fresh perspectives while fostering awareness of the critical role of technology and art in creating healing spaces for communities towards sustainable development.
Human-Centered Design
In an increasingly technology-driven world, the immense benefits technology offers in improving quality of life are undeniable. However, alongside significant advancements in healthcare, education, and entertainment, we also face the adverse impacts of technology on mental health.
In her presentation, Dr. Nurul Hanim Romainoor emphasized the essential role of human-centered design in ensuring that technology serves not only material development but also contributes to the holistic development of individuals, including physical and mental health.
At its core, human-centered design is not merely about creating technological products but about placing humans—with all their needs, emotions, and limitations—at the center of the design and development process. This means users are not just data points or figures in studies or trials but living individuals with emotional needs, mental and physical health considerations, and limitations in using certain technologies.
Applying human-centered design in technology, especially in healthcare devices, can make a significant difference in supporting human balance and well-being. A well-designed technological product should not only be functional and efficient but also empathetic to the deep emotional needs of users. When users feel that technology is designed to support them rather than stress them, erode their confidence, or create discomfort, they are more likely to adopt it, thus sustainably improving quality of life.
A prime example of technology failing to meet user needs is current fitness devices. While originally intended to promote healthy lifestyles, these devices can have counterproductive effects when poorly designed.
Many fitness devices impose unrealistic standards or push users into excessive activities, causing stress rather than relaxation and health improvement. These devices may pressure users by setting unattainable goals, negatively impacting their mental well-being. Constant notifications about health metrics or recommendations can make users feel surveilled and lose control, heightening anxiety and stress rather than satisfaction and comfort.
This demonstrates that designs neglecting user psychology and needs can adversely affect mental health. Therefore, applying human-centered design principles in these devices is crucial. By understanding users’ emotional and psychological needs, designers can create products that not only enhance physical health but also provide peace and comfort throughout the user experience.
Kampung Akuarium and the “Vertical Kampung” Project – A Symbol of Hope
A highlight of the session was the inspiring story of Kampung Akuarium, a displaced community in Indonesia, shared by Dr. Jose Rafael Martinez Garcia from the Singapore University of Design and Technology. The residents fought to protect their right to live and preserve their cultural identity. The “Vertical Kampung” project emerged from these efforts—a model of architecture that is not only a place of residence but also a symbol of unity and hope.
For the community, this represents a major step, transforming their living space into a symbol of connection and spiritual strength. The “Vertical Kampung” project is a clear testament to the important role of art and design in preserving and promoting cultural values. Integrating art and design in such urban models not only helps preserve traditional cultural elements but also regenerates and develops these values in a new context.
In this project, art is not merely decoration or aesthetics but the core element in creating living spaces, fostering community, and promoting residents’ mental well-being.
Artists and architects in the project skillfully integrated local cultural elements into the architectural design, allowing the community to feel comfortable in their new living space while maintaining and promoting their longstanding cultural values.
Cultural motifs and local symbols were subtly incorporated into communal areas of the building, beautifying the space and fostering a deep sense of connection among residents and the values they are striving to protect.
Additionally, artist Datu, a renowned figure in the Philippine art scene, shared profound experiences on how art can be an effective tool for healing, helping individuals overcome psychological trauma and regain balance in life.
The stories, art projects, and practical experiences presented by Datu captivated the conference participants, opening new perspectives on the relationship between art, community, and mental health.
Students and the Lesson of Connecting Art and Technology
The session encouraged students not only to listen but also to engage in discussions on how art and technology can address social issues. The speakers stimulated critical thinking, inspiring students to view modern technological solutions creatively. Through this, students gained deeper insights into the role of art in healing and recognized that human-centered technology is the foundation for maintaining a peaceful and sustainably developing society.
The session concluded with the observation that art and human-centered technology have the potential to profoundly influence human spirit and emotions. The speakers emphasized that while modern technology offers many conveniences, without humanistic elements, it could negatively impact mental health. Through vivid examples and real-world stories, participants realized that art and technology are not merely tools but can serve as means to connect communities, foster a sense of well-being, and provide profound healing effects.
The message of art and human-centered technology resonated deeply with the students. Inspired by “Silent Harmonies,” they are motivated to continue their creative journeys, turning humanistic ideals into reality through community-oriented and sustainable projects.
| ATF24 – A Platform Contributing to Shaping the Future of Creative Youth Towards Sustainability In alignment with the development of the ArtTech field, the annual international ArtTech Fusion (ATF) series is organized by the ArtTech Hub (ATH) in collaboration with UEH School of Technology and Design (CTD) and both domestic and international partners, with varying themes each year. In 2024, the third edition of the ArtTech Fusion series is held under the theme “New ArtTech for Future Generations,” aiming to ignite and promote the creative thinking and innovative actions of future generations, contributing to building a sustainable society. Throughout the 3-day ATF24 journey (October 22–24, 2024), over 30 academic and practical activities are organized, including 5 keynote speeches, 10 special sessions, 5 parallel research presentation sessions, 5 workshops, 1 academic book chapter publication, 9 exhibitions, 1 heritage connection trip, and 1 tangible performance. |
Authors: MSc. Tran Le Quynh Anh, Phan Ngoc Thuy Tien – University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH)
This article is part of UEH’s “Research Contribution For All” series, disseminating research and applied knowledge with the message “Research for the Community.” We cordially invite readers to follow the next issue of UEH Research Insights.
News, images: Authors, UEH Communications and Partnership Development Department
