Transforming Awareness through Drawing in Myriam Hadnes' Experimental Workshop

TL;DR

In an innovative workshop led by Myriam Hadnes of the Never Done Before community, participants experienced a unique way to "draw attention to their environment." This virtual gathering brought together people from Amsterdam to Boston, inviting them to see their surroundings through a new lens, and capture it using Piccles.

The Challenge

Traditional virtual workshops often struggle to engage participants deeply, leaving them disconnected from their environment and each other. Myriam aimed to create an experience that would not only engage participants but also heighten their awareness of their surroundings, fostering a deeper connection with the world around them, and with fellow participants.

The Piccles Activation

During the workshop, participants joined the virtual meeting and scanned a QR code to open Piccles. Then, in a bold move, they left their computers behind and ventured into their immediate environment, drawing what they observed.

Participants were instructed to focus on something large, something small, something alive, something dead, and something they'd never payed attention to before.

Interactive Engagement

This activity prompted participants to notice and capture the small details of their surroundings that they might usually overlook. From the intricate patterns of a leaf to the vibrant colors of street art, everyone visualized their world for others to see.

Building Connections and Conversations

After 30 minutes of exploration and drawing, participants returned to the Zoom meeting, bringing with them a colorful collage of their observations. This collection of drawings sparked a lively and creative conversation, as attendees shared their discoveries and insights.

Impact and Results

The workshop successfully heightened participants' awareness and appreciation of their environments. It also fostered a sense of connection and shared experience among the group, as they explored their diverse surroundings through each other's eyes.

Conclusion

Myriam Hadnes' experimental workshop with Piccles demonstrates the power of innovative, interactive activities in facilitation and design thinking. By encouraging participants to engage deeply with their environments and share their findings visually, Piccles helped transform a virtual workshop into a memorable and impactful sensory experience.