Re-evaluating Science and Technology trough the lens of Arts and Graphic Design. A case study in La Spezia.

摘要

The Human society is getting more and more involved with scientific and environmental issues both in terms ofconsciousness of good practices or participation in legislative decision-making processes. A common effort topreserve our planet is asked every day, for example through recycling practices, reduction of pollutant emission,use of alternative energies and awareness of risks natural and human-induced hazards.In addition, public opinion is often involved for issues of scientific interest (e.g. genetically modified organismsGMO). Unfortunately, the Eurobarometer (Eurobarometer Special 419 Report, Public perceptions of Science,Research and Innovation, 2014) indicates, especially for the Italian population, a low interest in science andtherefore a lack of confidence in the potential of the research. It is hence important for people to be informed ofthe progress made by science and the importance of the researchers’ role. Education, awareness and disseminationof scientific results and issues must be made through simple and appealing channels that must reach all levels ofsociety and age groups: from children to older people. A common and comprehensible language for everyone canbe found in Graphic Arts.For this reasons, the working group for science dissemination of La Spezia has increased, in recent years, closerelationship with some artists (especially graphic designers). The collaboration between two different worlds (artand science) has allowed us to see an unusual approach and to translate concepts developed in images whicheveryone can understand also under an emotional point of view. Different techniques and tools based on the targetto be reached have been employed.1. Conferences. Gender differences issues in science professions and more generally in society has beenaddressed through interactive conferences and round tables during the European Researchers’ Night 2015 andother occasions for general public. Arguments and questions were described and imprinted in the minds of thepublic thanks to the support of speed painting and visual scribing, which made it more understandable, interestingand direct.2. Edutainment activities. Two games have been build up for children aged between 7 and 13 years as a part of theEuropean Researchers’ Night activities (2011 and 2014-2015): a great board game with questions and drawingsrelated to marine ecology and environmental protection and a memory game through which children can learnnotions on Earthquakes, Volcanoes and Environment. Children’s learning is facilitated if bound by game, and inthis case images are more direct than words.3. Surveys. A graphic questionnaire has been created in order to understand science perception and/or stereotypesin children who do not yet know how to read and write.In all these cases the relationship between researchers and artists has been extremely constructive andfruitful: researchers had to simplify their object of study in order to be able to disclose concepts that have beenthen translated into a simple and easy language.