The ipsum Method

Our processes are defined by three key elements:

Self-reflection
The starting point for dealing with the world is dealing with oneself. ipsum encourages reflecting on the own viewpoints and perspectives and to develop a conscious manner of dealing with them. In this context. curiosity is the driving force.

Exchange with others
What individuals learn about themselves can be made visible to others in the group. The participants receive the opportunity to exchange their views and perspectives with one another. ipsum enables mutual learning processes.

Diversity of perspectives
In ipsum all the people involved are being heard and seen, especially those who appear silent or invisible. Through the diversity of perspectives, recognition for oneself and the others can be achieved. Perspectives are changed and various viewpoints combined. The diversity of perspectives is no longer perceived as an obstacle or a threat, but as a driving force for social change.

This enables us to...

...negotiate and discuss.
The equal consideration of all participants’ images, stories and perspectives brings with it the possibility to discuss and negotiate – everything that really matters. New ideas, strategies, and propositions for better ways of living together arise.

...create social change.
ipsum brings about social change. The people involved can move from a position of perceived incapacity to a place of agency and the ability to negotiate. Differences become transparent and negotiable, common ground is celebrated and brought to use.

Our Method Box

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Our methods are diverse, since each target group has different needs and possibilities. Depending on the project phase, our methods aim to yield different results. We combine different methods and means of expression to address all the participants’ senses.

Photography is our most important medium. It can be used efficiently and on a low-threshold level in most projects.

Our work is always situational, participatory, and process oriented, so everyone involved can experience the joy of community and feel how much can be moved together.

Here are some examples from our method box:

Photography
generative picturing,
pinhole camera,
photo therapy,
photovoice,
reflexive photography,
photo interviews

Multimedia:
soundscapes,
interviews,
features,
video portraits,
video collages,
one shots

Body work:
drama pedagogy,
dance,
body mapping,
yoga,
acroyoga,
walking

Dialogical work:
Freirian practice,
non-violent communication,
storytelling,
scenario processes,
future lab,
mapping processes

Biographic work:
memorial work,
biographic interviews,
research and learning journals,
autoethnography