Albert Einstein Institute (AEI)

Overview

Project Partner: Albert Einstein Institute

The Albert Einstein Institution (AEI) uses a Case Study Tool for individuals and organizations who have lead a campaign or struggle using strategic nonviolent action to reflect on their experiences. This tool was initially created using Google Slides which limited user-interaction. The Everett student team created an updated version of the Case Study Tool on Genially which allows users to input personalized responses, receive a copy of their responses, and reflect on responses to further study the use of strategic nonviolent action. 

https://www.aeinstein.org/

Project Description 

Tech Tools Used: Genially, UxCam

For this project, we looked through numerous digital platforms that allowed the customization of reflection forms. We decided on Genially as the platform for creating the new Case Study Tool on and referenced the original tool to build a draft. We conducted online user-testing using UxCam to ensure understanding of terminology and cohesiveness across audiences. Following online user-testing a final draft was completed and sent to AEI to aid in the progression of their mission statement to advance the study and use of strategic nonviolent action in conflict. 

Project Deliverables

We developed a Case Study Tool that guides users through eight sections about the nonviolent action campaign or struggle they lead: Introduction, The Campaign, 3) The Actors, Grand Strategy, Campaign Strategy, Tactics, Outcomes, and Insights. An educational guide was created following the completion of the Case Study Tool for AEI in the event that future edits need to be made. 

Project Outcomes 

With AEI's Executive Director, Jamila Raqib, the Everett student team created an online interactive Case Study Tool for the Albert Einstein Institution using Genially. We hope that the tool will be able to provide a more engaging and thorough reflection experience to aid in developing more education on the application and use of strategic nonviolent action in conflict. 

Project Milestones 

Our first milestone was selecting Genially, an online platform for interactive animated content, for creating the new Case Study Tool. Our next milestone was completing online user-testing using UxCam and meeting with individuals virtually to receive useful feedback. Our last milestone was completing a final draft of the Case Study Tool and sending it to AEI. 

Lessons Learned 

Heads 

After completing this project, we learned that there is more value in the planning process rather than the actual execution of any project. Reflecting on our experiences, this included frequently communicating with everyone involved, giving more than just verbal updates but showing our work and being open to redirection. Without any of these components, we learned the initial target can feel almost impossible to reach if the entire team is not fully engaged and clear on the plan. 

Our project partner expressed early on their concern with security and that many governments strongly disagree with their mission to spread the study and use of nonviolent action. Security was our team's top priority in selecting a digital platform to build the case study tool. Many governments actively restrict access to certain knowledge which is inhibiting individuals or organizations within those structures to access tools that could effectively assist them in reaching various goals within social justice. We now understand more of the severity associated with working in social justice. 

Hands

In order to apply the hands-on aspect of the Everett program to this project, our team did a good job on researching platforms that fit our partners needs even if it took longer than expected. We think the tech tool we produced is effective for serving the needs of our partner organization. While it cannot be used with audiences that do not have access to internet connection, it does allow for an interactive experience that is more personal to the specific user. 

For us, the biggest lesson was the process of learning about and creating our tech tool and being adaptable and not close-minded. We started this project with very little prior knowledge about creating tech. After running into many setbacks when deciding on a digital platform, we learned to truly embrace adapting to your current position and learning to look for the positives even when faced with challenges. Now, we feel more confident in our ability to navigate various platforms and what to look for when accessing a new digital platform. 

Hearts

When faced with a challenge during this project, we relied each other. Reassurances and reinforcement helped when we didn't feel as confident or lost motivation. Switching our digital platform tested our dedication to the completion of the project. At times, we felt that the perfect tool our project partner was looking for did not exist and we wanted to give up in proposing options that could possibly work yet did not meet all of our project partners requests. This being said, we enjoyed the this collaboration. 

Between the two of us, we were inspired to learn more about our organization and reach beyond our initial understanding of what AEI did. Fatima's passion towards our organization's mission statement kept us motivated. Our project guide stuck with us through all the ups and downs. Whenever we were faced with a new challenge, she did not let that deter our mindset in believing we could overcome it. She consistently pointed us in the direction of additional support even if it was outside of her own knowledge. 

UCSC Team

Sarah Krawczyk (she/her)

Psychology major with Education and GISES minor | Spring 2024

Fatima Hernandez Alatorre (she/her)

Community Studies with GISES minor | Spring 2024