=== Gathering Online === Due to the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic measures, it can be beneficial to plan events to happen 100% online, then improvise if something can happen in person. A few notes from discussions with FoAM network members during autumn 2020. ---- =="Start where you are." == * What are your strategies for survival given the current condition? ---- ==What works for you in online gatherings?== For example: * gathering people from around the world * more focus and intimacy, less social mingling * fostering a sense of belonging to a distributed community * don't need ice-breakers as much. people are happy to jump into conversations. ---- ==What are the "essential services" in online gatherings?== For example: * clear purpose, instructions and rules of engagement * tested (and retested) setup * good hosts (prepared, knowledgeable, engaging everyone, keeping the rhythm) * a redundancy of competent and agile technical support staff * interesting worthwhile content and inspiring speakers * more regular check-ins to make sure people are comfortable, engaged, connected ---- == DIVERSITY == * redundancy of modes of engagement/channels of communication. have multiple alternatives to engage with people with connectivity problems. redundancy in modes of engagement - be prepared to change mode/direction of conversation. have backup plans if things go wrong (what is the minimum? text based chat, sms, letters) * a range of formats (keynotes, guided discussions, chill-out rooms, physical education...) ---- == "we're struggling with this together" -> so "let's try stuff" == How do we want to be together? * how do you like to connect with people when you can't be physically co-present? * what kind of place can we create together? what are its qualities? ---- == Design process == Think about: * How can you simplify the design? What is the minimum that would make it work? * What are the most appropriate platforms for the purpose, content and atmosphere? * Pick the appropriate platforms and Play With The Medium. (eg. for some things Zoom is the best there is. for others it might not be - be clear what the purpose of each session is, and decide on the platform accordingly). * How can the participants be more engaged? (eg. moving between formats, contents, group sizes) * How can you make the experience lighter, surprising and more playful? ---- == A few playful examples == * How could the participants 'make the space' together? * online multiplayer games * connected performances (multiple camera angles, sonic experiments, ambient webcams...) * create a map (d&d, choose your own adventure...) * VR, AR experiments * listening spaces (cameras off) * "no talking" spaces * sharing a familiar situation remotely - people engaged in the same physical activity (kitchens, bars, reading rooms, fitness rooms...) * togetherness through physical objects - DIY kits sent by post beforehand * silence is sexy * embrace the glitch & delay * think about having sufficient breaks (some with activities) ---- === Commit, prepare, then improvise (and+and) === * Be clear on the purpose and code of conduct for the gathering and each of the sessions, yet make your goals more flexible/adaptive (min-max) * Spend enough time planning and crafting clear instructions, then be ready to improvise when things don't go as planned * Trust in people's capabilities to self-organise when the purpose and rules of engagement are clear (instructions are important, but don't micromanage). * Some things you design might not work. How could you incorporate the 'not working' as part of the process, rather than seeing it as a failure?