‘To understand the place of decolonization within design, it is vital to first get our terms straight: “Colonization” is rooted in indigenous peoples’ experiences of oppression—specifically, the seizure of native resources, as well as the embedding of Western ideology into society. ‘
I found this quotation from ‘Eye on Design’ article interesting, as it emphasized the necessity to coordinate my research effectively without any particular bias.
https://eyeondesign.aiga.org/what-does-it-mean-to-deconolize-design/
Applying decolonizing strategies to my investigation into Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui is essential to ensure that I represent these specific traditions and practices within their original context and without any specific bias.
My questions for the Feng Shui and Vastu experts were particularly aligned with analyzing how their practices could be incorporated into Western modes of existence.
I tried my best to develop questioning which raised awareness and respect for other traditions by asking the Vastu specialists to examine the role of Vastu within the Western hospital setting.
With this, Felipe Sbravate emphasizes the need for creatives to go ‘further beyond the small and still superficial practices such, for example, language representation, iconography, and cultural appropriation.’ I feel this is very essential when referencing imagery such as mandalas for my research as they are forms of sacred geometry and have relevant context elsewhere. Similarly, going forward, designing objects and games for patients using any form of symbolism from another culture will need to be analyzed accordingly to avoid cultural appropriation.