Jenna Hall ''Assemblages of care – slow sensibilities for design in museums'
Jenna Hall is a designer, early career researcher and lecturer in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (MADA) at Monash University. Her practice-based research explores social engagement in museums through design, with a focus on the relationship between slow forms of engagement and social care.
About the session
This presentation will discuss slowness in design, reflecting on my PhD research project titled 'Assemblages of care – slow sensibilities for design in museums'. This practice-based research explores how slowness contributes to social care in the museum, examining the social, material and spatial dimensions of care through design. The session will invite discussion on possibilities for developing slow research within and beyond the museum. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to engage in a slow prototyping activity. Designed as an exercise in thinking through material making, the activity intends to foster conversations on designing, fast and slow.
Background description
Museums are complex and highly political spaces where social issues continue to be a point of contention. Critical discourse in museum studies has questioned the social responsibility of museums, the ethics of how collections were established, the inherent bias in historical narratives and the need to provide greater access for visitors with diverse needs. Contributing to the fields of museum studies and design, this project posits slowness as a key design consideration for facilitating inclusive and restorative museum experiences.
Event Details
- Date:
- 16 June 2025 at 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Description
Jenna Hall is a designer, early career researcher and lecturer in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (MADA) at Monash University. Her practice-based research explores social engagement in museums through design, with a focus on the relationship between slow forms of engagement and social care.
About the session
This presentation will discuss slowness in design, reflecting on my PhD research project titled 'Assemblages of care – slow sensibilities for design in museums'. This practice-based research explores how slowness contributes to social care in the museum, examining the social, material and spatial dimensions of care through design. The session will invite discussion on possibilities for developing slow research within and beyond the museum. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to engage in a slow prototyping activity. Designed as an exercise in thinking through material making, the activity intends to foster conversations on designing, fast and slow.
Background description
Museums are complex and highly political spaces where social issues continue to be a point of contention. Critical discourse in museum studies has questioned the social responsibility of museums, the ethics of how collections were established, the inherent bias in historical narratives and the need to provide greater access for visitors with diverse needs. Contributing to the fields of museum studies and design, this project posits slowness as a key design consideration for facilitating inclusive and restorative museum experiences.