master in fine arts, emphasis in graphic design–uf, may 2011

 

SWIMMING AGAINST THE CURRENTS, ENTREPRENEUR WOMEN OF CHIRA ISLAND, COSTA RICA

 

My project explores the story of the Asociación de Damas de la Isla de Chira, Costa Rica, in three different ways: time, space, and voice. The development of visual materials to represent their story, illustrate one form in which design can serve as a tool for social change and development, through the incorporation of ethnographic methods and design research.

 

The importance of a story relies on its effect once it is told: a story produces empathy, it encourages solidarity, and opens spaces for discussion, collaboration, and empowerment. Any organized group, development initiative, company, practice, or product has a story that supports it.

 

Understanding the essence of a story can be the starting point to improve systems and messages. Since the main audience of my work is women in Chira Island, women in Costa Rica and Latin America, the use of different mediums to tell the story of the association is aimed to motivate other women to carry out their own initiatives of development.

 

The materials created are intended to be light-weight, portable, and easy to reproduce, to encourage their use in different times and spaces, where the women of the association carry out activities and meetings with other groups of women and organizations. Please click on the links of the menu to see the materials and learn more about the project.