Unpacking Hurry
Why are we always busy?
Why have we made it the norm
and, more importantly, why do we keep it?
With Unpacking Hurry, the normalization of the current hurry culture gets challenged, and infrequently asked questions like these get unpacked one conversation at a time. My experience with burnout has inspired me to create a purpose-driven card game that creates awareness through the use of deep and meaningful dialogues. It is helping young adults, specifically college students, converse and aims to break cycles of a hurried lifestyle and rush culture.
But the clock changed all that: it created artificial time – the slog of the nine-to-five all year long. We stopped listening to our bodies and started rising when our alarms droned their oppressive siren – not when our bodies were done resting. We became more efficient, yes, but also more machine, less human being”
Jacques Le Goff
Two kits have been developed. The original version is designed for those aware of their anxiety and in need of conversations. It provides questions and exercises for the stressed, suggesting different ways of thinking through the use of reflection cards. While in contrast, the second toolkit is created for the hurried. It is made to be informative and consists of merely conversation cards designed to stop and reflect briefly.
Both have been developed by gaining knowledge about the history and biological theory of hurry. The additional expertise from those in the creative and coaching field adds a level of professionality that makes these toolkits actual working games. The kits have been collaboratively developed with my target audience through conducting sessions. A cycle of feedback and change got maintained through collaborative participatory research.
I believe by talking about stress, we can create awareness which leads to breaking the cycle of hurry. Conversations might seem insignificant when the goal is to reach society as a whole. However, the more you are fully present, you recognize that the most powerful moments are often the smallest ones. The most meaningful often aren’t the extravagant works but the small conversations you have with people you care about.
From work, work, work, and eventually rest towards the balance of work, rest, work, rest. I envision Unpacking Hurry being used during coaching sessions, lying around in coffee places or on the table at home. It will result in a healthy job, college, and school culture. But more importantly, healthy people: families, teachers, and students…
Unhurrying might be a lifelong journey that requires constant self-reflection— making your way through forests, plains, seas, and mountains. Unpacking Hurry encourages you to start your climb today.
Interested in starting your climb, or considering a collaboration?
You can contact me via nadineritzema@hotmail.com.
I would love to have a conversation!
Project details
- Year
- 2023
- Programme
- Bachelor – Graphic Design
- Practices
- commercial
- Minor
- Branding