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I have started this blog as a diary for an individual project “design for democracy”. I will share my thoughts and every idea that comes to my mind on this topic. I am an Iranian student, studying master of Strategic Product Design . I have started a research on social networking websites as I believe they are the most important means of communication in democratic movements. I have been living in Iran for 27 years, blogging since 2003. As an active member of social networking websites such as Orkut and Yahoo!360 I would say that the role of this kind of websites are basically crucial for people who live in developing countries. In Iran people are facing difficulties to have their normal public life (because of governmental restrictions) and social networking has appeared as a solution to deal with such condition.
Social networking websites, blogs and instant messaging are important tools for communication and crossing the lines of censorship. Restrictions are caused by governmental laws, traditional and religious concerns of conservative parts of society. Absence of free media and freedom of speech makes people to find their own way to share their ideas and concerns and also access to news. Social networking websites have become a substitute for some of social activities.
As a reaction to restrictions people, who did not find public areas secure, moved to underground.People drink, party and visit each other inside the houses. Cities in Iran have three different levels: One, the physical city with all the usual spaces and people. Second, the underground life with colorful houses, nice furniture and supporting and caring climate and the third, a cyber city made of chatrooms, blogs, profiles and messages crossing all over the city. Social networking websites provided an environment for young boys and girls to meet, date and hang out. Weblogs try to fill the gap of free media and also publications that can never get the permission to publish.
That is the life in Iran. My project is aiming the citizens of those virtual-cities in Iran. I would like to find a way to facilitate, so they can come up with creative ideas to deal with the harsh conditions of lovely Iran. My posts will be under three categories: Stories from Iran ( also from virtual cities), introducing designs that support democracy and sharing documents, researches or articles that are worth reading. Meanwhile, I will be working on my research about “creative facilitation through social networking websites” and will discuss and share my findings and thoughts with you.
Thank you for your support.
V
Greetings from AIGA Design for Democracy, owners of the trademarked name, “Design for Democracy.”
We are not mean or litigious people, but we are concerned since we have provided official guidance to election officials and governments on election standards that some may think your blog is an extension of our services and advice. We are also concerned that if we notify WordPress about this, they will turn off your site, which we would not wish.
Because you use the “4” we are not worried about your web address. We simply ask that you stop using “Design for Democracy” as the title of your blog.
We will appreciate your reply.