Drawing inspiration from Alan Dundes's (1969) notion of folklore as "an autobiographical ethnography," the study explores the potential of folklore in enriching design research. Folklore is a treasury of narratives and traditions and embodies the very essence of a culture. Folklore acts as a site of resistance for the subordinated classes as counter-hegemonic elements could emerge within the folklore, challenging dominant ideologies and creating a sense of solidarity among the oppressed (Gibson 2015). We explore how folklore is disseminated, remembered, interpreted, and reinvented within our local communities, and how it is shared through a particular voice—whether in oral storytelling or through its reflections in visual culture. We also consider the significance of this folklore to future communities and how new technologies might influence its retelling or meaning.

By employing Mattelmäki’s, Vaajakallio’s, and Koskinen’s (2014) Empathetic Design framework, our research investigates how folklore can unite community members and contribute to contemporary social justice and speculative design. Through a series of focus groups and workshops, we visually explore the intersection of community, research, social justice storytelling, and technology in the context of folklore.

The research leverages digital storytelling platforms and augmented reality technologies to craft immersive experiences that empower communities in preserving and revitalizing their traditions, while also underscoring folklore's significance in design research and practice. The goal of this study is to develop innovative participatory design research methodologies and practices that provide agency to culturally diverse communities, empowering them to become co-designers.

Below is the flyer designed for this ongoing research.