The demographic developments in Germany and Japan are characterised by rapid ageing and shrinking processes. At the same time, socio-economic disparities are growing and both societies are facing trends towards increased social alienation.On this backdrop, the research project explores opportunities for co-designing social media and networks in a Tokyo neighbourhood with the aim of regrowing and strengthening local community bonds.
Following a participatory mindset, local residents and interested non-designers are involved in the process of co-creating contextual ideas, scenarios, and prototypes that could support interaction and communication within the neighborhood.The project is part of an intercultural investigation: similar research approaches were undertaken beforehand in Berlin, Germany and informed the current project.
The project team consisted of Jan Lindenberg and Mariko Nakamura.
