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CDW2025 Fieldwork Research Methods
Theme: Infrastructuring in the Post-Human Fūdo
During Days 1 to 3 of Circular Design Week 2025 (CDW2025), fieldwork was conducted across Kyoto and Shiga. Throughout these three days, the primary focus for sharpening our senses was "Time." Much of our daily thought and behavior is dominated by "Chronos" (clock time) prevalent in modern society, which produces the economic value that sustains a modern linear economy. However, it can be said that economic activities governed by Chronos time have marginalized the diverse practices based on subjective senses of time. As we strive to realize circular economic models, it becomes a vital endeavor to re-examine "Kairos" (pluralistic time based on subjective and qualitative senses), which challenges these underlying assumptions. In this fieldwork, we aimed to step back from Chronos time and attune ourselves to the plural temporalities held by the myriad entities—microorganisms, flora and fauna, landforms, buildings, infrastructures, and machines—that weave together the "post-human" fūdo.
Process
Day 1 (Fushimi): Participants first experienced the "Genkan (Entrance) Methodology," followed by research and output (Rapid Making) in the field of Fushimi.
Day 2: Participants split into the Kameoka team and the Nagahama team to continue their research based on the methods experienced on Day 1.
Day 3: After sharing the insights gained on Day 2, each team collaborated to produce a single "Kannō Booklet."
The Kannō Method
The objective of this fieldwork was to distance ourselves from modern Chronos time and become conscious of the plural temporalities (Kairos) that emerge within various relationships. To achieve this, we developed the "Kannō Method." Drawing inspiration from the Neo-Confucian principle of Kannō-Ichiri (感応一理, the unified principle of sensing and responding), this original research methodology builds upon methods of Visual / Sensory Ethnography—the expertise of collaborator Professor Sarah Pink—and Participatory Design, practiced by Professor Yoko Akama.
Practicing "Kannō" requires a process of collecting, fermenting, and maturing over time—much like the fermentation of pickles. First, participants open their five senses to "smell," "listen," and "taste," allowing themselves to move in directions that resonate with them to "collect" objects or moments of interest. Next, they record these through physical findings, photography, or notes, allowing time to pass before reflecting on them again. Finally, these reflections are shared through dialogue with other participants and group members.
This iterative process—repeated many times and eventually converging into formats like videos, postcards, and booklets—constitutes the experimental "Kannō Method" tested during this program.
Additionally, the "Genkan (玄関, entrance) Methodology" conducted at the start of Day 1 serves as a technique to help the Kannō Method settle into the body and mind, making it slightly easier to shift one's consciousness toward Kairos time. In the Fushimi fieldwork, experiencing the Ohitaki-sai (お火焚祭, fire-burning ritual)—a sacred rite at the Gekkeikan sake brewery—acted as an exercise in "crossing the threshold" (Genkan) to reset the participants' mental and physical state.
Group Work
During the three-day fieldwork, participants were organized into groups of 4 to 5. Before beginning their research, each group set a "Lens" (point of entry) for Kannō. Choosing intuitively from five categories—Anticipating, Trusting, Caring, Moving, and Repeating—they organized the Kairos time they experienced in the field by exploring the nuances, broad meanings, and Japanese translations of these terms.
To draw out individual "Kannō," mutual inspiration among group members is essential. In this fieldwork, three roles were introduced: Maker, Watcher, and Asker. By assigning these roles within the group, participants could direct their attention to things they might not have noticed or felt when thinking alone.
Full details of the CDW2025 fieldwork program and the Kannō Method are documented in the Research Guide distributed to participants. We invite those interested to take a look.
Reflection Notes
As a new initiative for CDW2025, an exploratory project titled "Reflection Notes & Generative Archive" was designed by three CDW fellows (Koki Kusano, Natsumi Tabusa, and Ō Hirano).
The fieldwork dealt with "Kairos time"—a topic emphasizing the plurality of each participant's subjectivity and senses—and practiced the Kannō Method as an approach. Guided by this focus on multiplicity, the team sought to create documentation and archiving processes that were equally pluralistic. This gave rise to the 'Reflection Notes & Generative Archive' project.
Using AI (NotebookLM) and LINE chat, the team designed tools and interactions for use during the fieldwork, which were actively utilized by participants throughout the three days. A column by the design team regarding this initiative is available for those interested.