Natasha Waine

The responses from my ‘Design Research Kit’, later articulated as an infographic poster, were that youths were primarily dissatisfied with the lack of personalised opportunities available to their situation. They felt it was important that services were more timely and created less complicated processes to access support. Additionally, participants indicated services would tend to act independently of each other or felt exclusionary. The kit explored creative ways of navigating barriers with the participants, from representing the complexity of accessing services by drawing nets of overlapping lines to gathering qualitative data via questionnaires. The poster represented these findings.

The campaign is united by the '@safe_place.' instagram that acts as a social space for input and dialogue. Youths may share their experiences with services, expressing what they thought could be bettered and what they appreciated about the community they engaged with. Posts are accompanied by data on Australian youth homelessness and messages of equity and inclusion as a reminder to support service providers. This prompts a space for services to listen to what youths are looking for and understand how youths wish to be treated.

These stickers are an opportunity to drive people to the hashtag; '#youthhomelessnesshelpau'. This prompts the audience's curiosity and need for investigation to start the important conversation as they navigate their way to the main hub, the 'Safe Place' instagram.

The mural draws attention to the kind of instability a homeless youth may be going through and encourages services to ensure the necessary support is offered to get them back on their feet. The words echo that for many youths, life might have seemed secure at one point and then a circumstance changed and tipped the balance, therefore there is a necessity for understanding and empathy from services.

This seated application is an opportunity for the viewer to place themselves in a youth's circumstance for a moment. It highlights how having to wait and being unsure of what will come only adds to the anxiety and stress of one's situation. This is only furthered by the fact youths must endure long lines and wait times when seeking support services. To place ones-self in a youth's shoes and experience the uncertainty of what the next day will bring, motivates services to ensure they meet the needs as quickly as possible.