The inclusive graphic design as an empowerment tool of young black women

• Grant number: 15/26455-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2016
• End date: March 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Industrial Design - Visual Programming
• Principal Investigator: Fernanda Henriques
• Grantee: Cristina de Souza Corat
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Arquitetura, Artes e Comunicação (FAAC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

As a legacy of the patriarchal society, the Brazilian woman suffers daily oppression. For black women, discrimination occurs not only the in issue of gender but also race, being placed on the lower section of society, affecting the way they see themselves. Thus, this study aims to organize a theoretical basis related to the black feminist movement and develop a product of graphic design to raise awareness and support the empowerment of young black women. The research methodology is structured in two axes, one theoretical and one practical: Axis 1: a) Bibliographic and imagery research on the main subjects of inquiry (black feminist movement, aesthetics, and African-Brazilian culture and social and inclusive design with a focus on social integration); b) Research of social and feminist projects that use design as a communication tool. Axis 2: a) From national statistics, identify key factors of oppression of black women to investigate what actions are most effective for strengthening identity. b) Development of a workshop with 10 young women between 9 and 18 years old (who identify themselves as black) with the purpose of discussion about the black feminism; c) research on interaction design and virtual reality as a means of communication; d) Analysis of results and e) Development of specific graphic material for the research. As expected results, the aim is to develop a 360 animation, with an interactive, communicative and informative purpose of assisting the awareness and the ability of young black women to accomplish changes needed to evolve and strengthen themselves as individuals. This research will be developed in conjunction with the "Research Group on Inclusive Graphic Design: sight, hearing, and language."