ART DIRECTION · DESIGN RESEARCH · PARTICIPATORY DESIGN
Kwento Klub: Design as Democracy

Project Overview

We are living in a time when democracy is in threat. In the Philippines, democracy faces a crisis marked by long-lasting corruption and social and economic inequality. Positing the question, “what role does the designer have in upholding democracy?”, this project investigates how design can engage Filipino migrants with issues of Philippine democracy. This project also illustrates the importance of designing from a pluriversal approach, exploring through the lens of Filipino research and culture and highlighting its relationality and interdependence. Within this context, this project uses a convergence of participatory design and Filipino research methods, focusing on kwentuhan (exchanging stories).

What is Kwento Klub?

Kwento Klub (Story Club) is a workshop-gathering that engages Filipinos with the topic of democracy through conversational storytelling and shared meals. Kwentuhan (exchanging stories) serves as a mode of democratic inquiry, aiming to co-produce democratic ideas through participants' collective and individual narratives.

Why kwentuhan?

Kwentuhan is more than just storytelling and chatting with people. It's a method of discovery that helps us understand others as well as ourselves. Since storytelling is deeply rooted in Filipino culture, Kwento Klub's emphasis on sharing stories creates a comfortable environment for participants to engage deeply with the workshop's themes.

Why share a meal?

Food is intrinsic to Filipino culture and often serves as a tool for building relationships, offering a peaceful and safe way to connect with others. It is a communication style that Filipinos value and embody. In sharing a meal, we create a relaxed atmosphere where participants feel comfortable and well-fed, leading to more vibrant and productive conversation.