Local Contexts
Indigenous Communities are one of the most highly documented cultures in history, however they are largely not the legal owners of their own cultural heritage and IP. The digital age has further complicated this, making taonga (treasured items) more accessible and continuing to perpetuate the cultural significance of these Indigenous materials.
A solution was needed to support Indigenous communities to repatriate knowledge and gain control over how data is collected, managed, displayed, accessed, and used in the future.
Role: Product Designer
Tools: Figma, Miro, Adobe Illustrator
Timeframe: 4 years
Deliverable: Internal Portal
Type: Agency Project
The Client
Introducing Local Contexts - a global initiative that supports Indigenous communities with tools that can reassert cultural authority in heritage collections and data. Through Traditional Knowledge and Biocultural labels they help Indigenous communities repatriate knowledge and gain control over how data is collected, managed, displayed, accessed, and used.
The Challenge
We collaborated with the Local Contexts team to prioritise Indigenous voices and decision-making within digital archives worldwide. Leveraging IDIA’s Culture-Centred Design (CCD) framework, we ensured the tool’s outcomes were informed and led by Indigenous people, integrating traditional protocols and knowledge systems into the digital space.
Key activities
Our IDIA team leveraged journey maps and flow charts to effectively understand and communicate user flows, detailing how users would navigate from point A to B. We developed detailed personas to identify key users (Indigenous communities, Institutions and Researchers) and engaged with current users to gain insights into their existing experiences.
Findings
Our research revealed that the navigation was too complex, making it difficult for users to understand the tool’s key features. Communities were limited in their ability to integrate labels into institutional archives, and institutions lacked the capability to collaborate effectively with communities through the tool. These insights were critical considerations in the development of the new solution.
These activities enabled us to seamlessly define and prioritise key features using an agile approach. Working within an agile framework ensured continuous collaboration, with each team member playing a critical role in delivering features efficiently and iteratively.
As the Lead Product Designer, I was responsible for shaping the visual identity and overall user experience. In close collaboration with the developer in Colorado, USA, we executed a comprehensive design process. This included user journey mapping, information architecture, wireframing, prototyping, and iterative research engagements, all tailored for clear and effective online communication.
Key questions
Throughout the development of this tool I had these questions in mind to ensure this tool worked effectively for our target audiences.
Does the experience empower Indigenous communities to feel valued and respected?
Solution: We used a typeface (BC Sans) that's responsive to most Indigenous languages ensuring that we represent and celebrate all languages respectfullly throughout the tool.
Image below showcases the design library*
Is the tool intuitive enough to enable users to find features and information easily?
Solution: We introduced a tab bar that showcases the four key activities for all account types being: Labels/Notices, Projects, Members, Connections
Does the tool empower communities to discover and find Indigenous materials and items currently in Institutional archives?
Solution: We introduced the ability for Communities to easily find Institutions that are open to collaborate and access public projects that have Indigenous Interests.
Results
The beta website was launched in 2021, marking the start of a series of impactful milestones. A significant highlight was the opportunity to meet in person for the first time in New York in October 2022, during the inaugural Local Contexts training with Indigenous groups from across the United States.
Since then, we have built a robust network of 216 Indigenous communities, institutions, and researchers from 13 countries, working together to strengthen cultural preservation and empower Indigenous data sovereignty.
We have successfully supported Whakatōhea and Manaaki Whenua in labeling 1,202 Indigenous items and collections. Additionally, we have established strong partnerships with leading organisations, including the Navajo Nation, Passamaquoddy Tribe, Whakatōhea, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Institution. These collaborations continue to reinforce our commitment to elevating Indigenous voices and cultural heritage.
Learnings
This project was initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, which challenged us to find effective ways to collaborate and work productively online. Driven by a shared commitment to empowering Indigenous communities and leveraging the power of technology, we successfully delivered a robust, user-centered solution that enables Indigenous communities to assert their rights and visibility within global digital archives.
Collaborators
John Moore
Miriame Barbarich
Madeleine Bell
Diana Lovette
Corrie Roe
Ashley Rojas
Felicia Garcia
Directors
John Moore
Miriame Barbarich
Maui Hudson
Jane Anderson
Stephany RunningHawk
Client
Local Contexts
Agency
Indigenous Design and Innovation Aotearoa (IDIA)
