Sophie Zhang
Intention
I am new to this topic and would like to learn about what is human-centered design. I would like to gain a new approach to understand the world. Also boost my creative confidence. Interested in how to apply HCD into re-designing empathy circle
John interviews Sophie
What was your experience of the Empathy Circle?
How do you feel as speaker?
I struggle with what to say and was not as relaxed, I have pressure to say something meaningful and not waste peoples time.
I tried to be open and share my thoughts.
Wanted to be speaking in a logical and clear way,, I was consciously trying to control my speech.
it was not completely freeform,
How did you feel while listening?
I like the listening part since it forces you to go into the other person's world, you get better at it.
listening is foundational and then empathy
What would help you to speak up spontaneous and how to freely express yourself?
more warm up exercises. to build trust, you need the relationship to build trust..
more introductions, it takes time to introduce.
John Interviewee Name: Sophie
Insight: Sophie feels the pressure to do it right during the empathic listening and feels the need to speak freely.
Feelings
stressed to do it well.
stress
Needs
ease
connected
Brainstorm
People dress in comfy clothes e.g. pajamas, can eat and drink while doing the exercise
Simple yoga poses, breathing exercise, meditation,
Each person share an embarrassing story of themselves
Improv exercise
Intention
I want to learn the methodology of HCD as a new way of thinking and use this tool to solve problems, e.g. improve empathy of myself and people around me
Circle
Sophie speaks to John
empathy will help people become more open minded and not just live in their world
live in a larger world and culture.
without empathy,. everyone comes from a different background.
that is what they a
they will be narrow minded because they will not understand other people, why
will just use their own set of assumptions to judge people.
without empathy - people are narrow minded and not tolerance
the person and self it helps you to be more open minded.
to get along and get along with people you need to be open minded.
empathy is more about my own personal development goal.
better myself as a more empathic person. and connect with people at different level
Sophie talks to Edwin
Edwin interviews Sophie
What comes up to you having done this Empathy Circle?
Sophie is more familiar to the structure and the form so she felt more relaxed.
Felt a little bit uncomfortable when John added some personal comments.
Instead of reflecting only back what was heard she had the feeling that John tried to start a “conversation”.
Sophie felt unsure if she should tell him about that in the moment.
Felt frustrated but in spite of having a rule continued to express herself.
I did feel a little frustrated that I was not being heard, also I have this wonder of whether I should break this rule and give feedback.
Edwin adds: As the speaker you can say whatever you want.
This is a learning experience.
Prefers to remain with the just-listening, to practice the empathic listening.
Edwin Interviewee Sophie
Insight: Sophie felt a little bit uncomfortable when John added some personal comments to his reflection, she did not feel fully heard and had questions about how to deal with that.
Feedback:
yes, capture it accurately
Feelings
frustrated
uncomfortable
unsure
confusion
Needs
feel heard
feel seen
clarity
How might we select the right topic/question to foster engagement and connection?
Brainstorm
Possible topics/questions:
1) what question/issue have you been thinking a lot recently?
2) What do you feel happy/confused/frustrated/angry about recently? why?
3) fear or anxiety?
engage on a personal level