Empathy and Distance Learning

This chapter is based on a narrative produced in teaching, The Carefree Room Project (2020–1), which originated from the desire to promote conditions that increase and support students’ well-being in special situations (e.g. distance learning). The goal was to create new opportunities to promote open dialogue and a culture of cooperation through the means of art and science. The double diamond (Design Council, 2019), known for service design, served as the research process. The topics were approached with visualized empathy and narrative means. The group’s strengths and interests were mapped and harnessed as an asset for the project. The method helped the group’s external, open discussion and thus promoted the creation of the trust necessary for the joint planning of the participants. Along the way, the Carefree Room project grew into community workshops and an art exhibition.