Following my tutorial, I realised that although my original proposal focused on neurodiversity as a broad area of investigation, it lacked a clearly defined context for exploring the topic. My proposal centred on the changing understanding of neurodiversity and questioned the implications of viewing neurodivergence as a form of human diversity rather than a deficit. While I remain interested in this discussion, my tutor encouraged me to consider what genuinely interests me on a personal level and where my previous design work naturally leads.
Reflecting on both my portfolio and the projects I have completed throughout the MA, I recognised that travel has been a recurring theme. Whether through designing products for backpackers, creating accessible travel resources, or exploring how people navigate unfamiliar environments, travel has become an area that I repeatedly return to. My tutor suggested that this intersection between travel and neurodiversity presents a far richer opportunity than exploring neurodiversity in isolation.
This feedback helped me understand that, at this stage of the project, I should not be deciding on a design outcome. Instead, I need to narrow the subject area, allowing the eventual design solution to emerge through research. As discussed during the tutorial, it is important to separate the research topic from the final design process. Rather than asking "What am I going to design?", I should first ask "What specific challenge within this subject am I trying to understand?"
One particularly useful piece of feedback was to identify several possible scenarios within the broader topic and investigate each before committing to a direction. Examples discussed included navigating unfamiliar places, physical comfort during travel, shared accommodation such as hostels, and the broader experience of travelling as a neurodivergent person. Exploring these themes independently should help reveal which area offers the greatest potential for both academic research and a meaningful design response.
Following the tutorial, I have decided to shift my research away from neurodiversity as a standalone subject and instead focus on the relationship between travel and neurodiversity. This still aligns closely with my personal interests and values, but provides a clearer framework for investigation.
This tutorial marked an important turning point in my project. Initially, I needed to decide on a product or service as quickly as possible. However, I now understand that the priority is to define a meaningful area of enquiry before considering any design outcomes. By narrowing my subject while keeping the design process open, I will be able to develop a project that is both more focused and more thoroughly grounded in research.