Ringamåla
Role → Social Interaction Designer, Service Design & Rural Developer
Timeline → Feb 2021–May 2021
Client → Ringamåla Committee, & Karlshamn Municipality
Strategic Framework
















Abstract/Executive Summary
In the face of depopulation and dwindling services, Ringamåla—a quaint village within Karlshamn municipality—stood on the brink of decline. This project harnessed design methodologies to reimagine Ringamåla, striving for a revitalized community where enhanced connectivity, sustainability, and engagement reign. By mobilizing local stakeholders and applying principles of interaction, social, and service design, I embarked on a transformative journey to breathe new life into Ringamåla.

01
Project Overview
Objective:
Leverage strategic design to drive sustainable and humanitarian development in Ringamåla, addressing the challenges of depopulation and service decline.
Context:
Emphasize the strategic importance of revitalizing rural communities to foster resilience and sustainable growth.
Challenge:
Addressing the contemporary challenges of depopulation and service decline while preserving the village's rich heritage.
02
Inspiration and Motivation
Inspiration:
Driven by a deep connection to rural communities and an understanding of the universal challenges they face.
Motivation:
Inspired by the potential for design to effect positive change, utilizing principles of interaction design, social design, and service design.
Sustainability and Humanitarian Focus:
Highlight the project's inspiration drawn from the need for sustainable community development and the humanitarian goal of improving residents' quality of life.
Keywords:
Sustainable community development, humanitarian goals, improving quality of life, fostering resilience.
03
Methodology
Brainstorming, Interviews, Analysis:
Through engaging with the community and stakeholders, I gathered insights that informed our understanding and subsequent proposals. To ensure that the solutions are tailored to the actual needs and aspirations of the community.
Slicing the Elephant 5 Ws+:
Dissected the complex issue into manageable components, focusing on the village's specific needs and identifying key stakeholders. To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities, fostering a strategic approach to sustainable development.
Narratives and Inspirations:
The narratives of Mikael Olsson and Christina Malmbom serve as a profound reminder of the inherent strength and resilience found within rural communities. Olsson's approach to integrating refugees into the fabric of the village not only enriches the community's diversity but also revitalizes its spirit and unity. Similarly, Malmbom's dedication to preserving the centuries-old tradition of papermaking at Lessebo underscores the importance of cultural heritage as a cornerstone of community identity and economic renewal.
These stories highlight the essential role of community engagement, heritage preservation, and innovative thinking in rural development. Through their efforts, I see a blueprint for building stronger, more cohesive communities that honor their past while boldly facing the future.
04
Stakeholder Engagement
Engagement:
Invitations to stakeholders were uniquely crafted with an element of curiosity, including small bundles of sticks, which set a thematic tone for the upcoming meeting.
Outcome: One of the most poignant outcomes was a handmade crochet piece created by an elderly lady during the workshop, symbolizing her deep connection to the school and her fears of losing it. This visual representation of her feelings underscored the importance of the school to the community and added a deeply personal touch to the engagement process.
The Unity Bundle:
Used the metaphor of "The Unity Bundle" to inspire collective action and highlight community strength. To foster empathy, resilience, and motivate concerted efforts for the community's sustainable development.
05
Intervention Implementation
Co-Creation Workshop Facilitation
Stakeholder Engagement: Invited key stakeholders.
Workshops: Facilitated a conference meeting to discuss the school's future and explore collaborative solutions.
Activities: Proposed and implemented short-term and long-term activities to use the school as a community hub.
Outcome:
The intervention unified stakeholders, prevented the school's demolition, and initiated plans for sustainable development and community engagement. The project received positive community feedback and laid a foundation for continued growth.
06
Outcomes and Impact
The Ringamåla project significantly enhanced community engagement and resilience. The intervention successfully unified stakeholders towards a common goal, prevented the demolition of the old school, and set in motion plans for sustainable development and community engagement. Positive feedback from the community underscored the project's success in revitalizing Ringamåla. Plans for ongoing sustainable development and community engagement were set in motion, promising a brighter future for the village. This initiative highlighted the importance of community bonds in sustainable rural development and set a precedent for similar projects.
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