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[Podcast] Silent Harmonies – Healing with Human-Centered Art and Technology 

6 January, 2025

Keywords: Art and technology, art and design, healing, human-centered design, sustainable development

As part of the international ArtTech Fusion 2024 series (ATF24) hosted by the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), the discussion session “Silent Harmonies: Healing with Participatory Art and Human-Centered Technology” provided a perspective on the role of art and technology in healing. Leading domestic and international speakers shared inspiring stories about this combination to promote sustainable development in modern society.

The special session “Silent Harmonies: Healing with Participatory Art and Human-Centered Technology” was chaired by Ms. Nurul Hanim Romainoor, Lecturer from the University of Science, Malaysia, with featured speakers including Professor Carlos Sena Caires from Saint Joseph’s University (Macau), Dr. Jose Rafael Martinez Garcia from the Singapore University of Design and Technology, and artist Datu Arellano from the Philippines. The chair and speakers shared fresh perspectives and promoted awareness of the important role of technology and art in creating healing spaces for communities to achieve sustainable development.

Figure 1. Discussion session on “Silent Harmonies: Healing with Participatory Art and Human-Centered Technology”

Human-centered design

In a strongly developing world, thanks to the explosion of technology, it is undeniable that technology brings great benefits in improving the quality of life. However, besides significant advances in the fields of health, education and entertainment, we  have to face the negative impacts of technology on human mental health. Dr. Nurul Hanim Romainoor, in his presentation, emphasized the important role of human-centered design in ensuring that technology serves material development and contributes to the comprehensive development of human beings, including physical and mental health.

Figure 1. Dr. Nurul Hanim Romainoor – Chairman of the special discussion session

The core idea – human-centered design – is not simply about creating technological products, rather, putting people – with all their needs, emotions and limitations – at the heart of the process of designing and developing technology. This means that users are not just a data point or a number in research or testing, but are living, emotional beings with mental and physical health needs and limitations in their ability to use certain technologies.

Figure 3. Human-centered design in technology

Applying human-centered design to technology, especially in healthcare devices, can make a huge difference in supporting human balance and well-being. A good piece of technology is not only useful and functional, but also understands the deep emotions and needs of its users. When users feel that technology is designed to support them rather than to make them feel stressed or frustrated, they are more likely to use it, improving their quality of life in a sustainable way.

Figure 4. Dr. Nurul Hanim Romainoor identifying some poorly designed fitness equipment that causes stress to users

A typical example of technology that is not designed for the user’s needs is today’s fitness devices. While the original purpose of these devices was to encourage people to maintain a healthy lifestyle, when designed improperly, they can have the opposite effect.

Many fitness devices today hold users to unrealistic standards or push them to excessive activities, causing stress rather than relaxation and health improvement. These devices can make users feel pressured to achieve their goals, which can affect their mental health. Constant notifications of health indicators or recommendations can make users feel monitored and have a lack of control, increasing feelings of anxiety and stress rather than satisfaction and well-being.

This suggests that a design that does not take into account the psychology and needs of users can have negative consequences for their mental health. Therefore, it is extremely important to apply human-centered design principles to these devices. If designers can better understand the emotional and psychological needs of users, they will be able to create products thatcan enhance their physical health and help them feel peaceful and comfortable throughout their use.

Kampung Akuarium and the “Vertical Kampung” project – A symbol of hope

One of the highlights of the session was the inspiring story of Kampung Akuarium, a community of displaced residents in Indonesia, shared by Dr. Jose Rafael Martinez Garcia from the Singapore University of Design and Technology. The residents have stood up to defend their right to live and preserve their cultural identity. The “Vertical Kampung” project is the result of those attempts – an architectural model that is not only a place to live but also a symbol of solidarity and hope. For the community, this is a big step transforming living spaces into symbols of connection and spiritual strength. The “Vertical Kampung” project is a clear demonstration of the important role of art and design in protecting and promoting cultural values. In particular, the combination of art and design in such urban models help preserve traditional cultural elements, recreate and develop those values ​​in a new context. With the mentioned project, art is not just decorative works or aesthetic elements, but it is the core part of building living spaces, creating communities and promoting the people’s mental health.

Figure 5. Dr. Jose Rafael Martinez Garcia from Singapore University of Design and Technology sharing about Kampung Akuarium and the “Vertical Kampung” project

The artists and architects in the project have cleverly integrated local cultural elements into the architectural design to help the community feel comfortable with the new living space, maintain and promote long-standing cultural values. Decorative details and local cultural symbols are subtly used in the common areas of the building to beautify the space and make each resident feel a close connection to the community and the values ​​they are protecting.

Figure 6. Artists and architects in the project discussing the design of Vertical Kampung

In addition, Artist Datu, a renowned name in the Philippine art scene, shared his profound experiences on how art can be an effective tool in healing and assisting people in overcoming mental trauma and regain balance in life. The stories, art projects and real-life experiences that Datu introduced have attracted the attention of the conference delegates and opened a new perspective on the relationship between art, community and mental health.

Figure 7. Artist Datu sharing about the impact of art on healing the soul 

Figure 8: Professor Carlos Sena Caires from Saint Joseph University, Macau sharing about statistics demonstrating the impact of ArtTech on healing the soul

Students and lessons on the connection between art and technology

The panel discussion encouraged students to participate in discussions concerning how art and technology can help solve social problems. The speakers stimulated students’ critical thinking skills and encouraged creativity in how they viewed modern technological solutions. On that foundation, the students have gained a better understanding of the role of art in healing and realized that humane technology was the foundation for maintaining a peaceful and sustainable society.

Figure 9. Students listening to the speakers’ sharing.

The discussion session concluded that humanistic arts and technology have the ability to strongly impact people’s spirits and emotions. In addition, the speakers emphasized that although modern technology brings many conveniences, if lacking humanity, it can create negative impacts on mental health. Through vivid examples and real-life stories, attendees can realize that arts and technology are not only means but can also become “tools” to support community connection, create a sense of well-being, and bring about profound healing effects. The message related to humanistic arts and technology in the session left a deep impression on the students. With new knowledge and motivation from “Silent Harmonies”, they will continue their creative journey, turning humanistic ideals into reality through community and sustainable projects.

ATF24 – A platform that contributes to shaping the future for the young generation of sustainable creativity

In line with the development trend of the ArtTech field, the international ArtTech Fusion series (ATF) is organized annually by ArtTech Hub (ATH) under UEH College of Technology and Design (CTD), University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) in coordination with domestic and foreign units with different themes each year.

2024 is the third time the ArtTech Fusion international series is held with the theme “New ArtTech for Future Generations” to inspire and promote creative thinking and innovative actions of future generations, contributing to building a sustainable society.

Throughout the 3-day ATF24 journey (October 22-24, 2024), there were more than 30 academic and practical activities including 05 Keynote Speeches, 10 Special Sessions, 05 Parallel sessions, 05 Workshops, 01 Book Chapter, 09 Exhibitions, 01 Heritage Connection Trip, 01 Tangible Performance.

Author: Tran Le Quynh Anh, Phan Ngoc Thuy Tien – University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH)

This article is part of the series spreading research and applied knowledge from UEH with the message “Research Contribution For All”. UEH cordially invites readers to read the next UEH Research Insights newsletter.

News and photos: The Authors, UEH Department of Communications and Partnerships