Harnessing Cultural Values to Shape Real-World Experiences a Dialogue at IGNITE
Shipra Bhutada and her team at UCC deserve commendation for organizing an impressive gathering of User researchers from all over India at the IT Hub in Hyderabad. The significance of the event was evident when Dr. Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana, graced the occasion with his presence. Dr. Ranjan emphasized the vital role of User researchers in building both public and private technological infrastructure in Telangana.
Dr. Ranjan’s support was further highlighted when he instructed his team from various departments to attend the entire conference and take note of innovative ideas worth pursuing. Although he was scheduled to leave for official duties, Dr. Ranjan decided to stay upon hearing the announcement of my dialogue and its topic. He listened intently to the discourse and later directed an official from his department to reach out to me to explore how the ideas surfaced during the dialogue could be implemented in Telangana.
Although I was initially invited to deliver an opening speech, I made it clear to the organizers that my approach to knowledge sharing involved an interactive dialogue format, encouraging audience members to contribute their thoughts, questions, and concerns. In line with this approach, I began the dialogue by asking, “How many of you remove your shoes before entering your home?” Almost everyone raised their hand. We then devoted a few minutes to discussing the cultural significance and practical considerations behind this tradition.
A thought-provoking moment arose when I asked how they felt upon entering someone else’s home where removing shoes wasn’t a concern. Several attendees expressed discomfort and a sense of conflict with their values in such situations.
Next, I inquired about the thoughts that crossed their minds while looking into the mirror as they prepared for the conference. Participants shared various questions related to the identity they hoped to project in a user researchers’ conference.
Seizing the opportunity, I encouraged them to consider designing contemporary rituals rooted in traditional values for real-world experiences rather than focusing solely on on-screen tasks. I emphasized the importance of engaging with communities and participating in the emergence of social imagination to inspire social innovation.
After a lively 35–40 minute dialogue, I introduced the Mindful Fusion framework with a simple message: This is my interpretation of what the world needs today. Let us strive to create a convivial future by adopting this framework, taking responsibility for promoting mindfulness in innovation, and holding tech companies accountable for doing the same.
