commit d1f9a74e39f5cce28db46567f4365a9292b4b68b
parent b0705be5217cffead6ca840679996eea7bf98045
Author: ugrnm <ultrageranium@bleu255.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Jun 2025 11:14:52 +0200
observe first
Diffstat:
2 files changed, 45 insertions(+), 7 deletions(-)
diff --git a/observe_first.mdwn b/observe_first.mdwn
@@ -0,0 +1,45 @@
+Before taking action, it’s important to first observe. What are current
+relations? What is valuable and beautiful? What is needed? What problem are you
+trying to solve? Is it a social issue? Does it even require technology? If not,
+refer to Principle "Not Doing". If technology is necessary, what is its
+purpose, and who will benefit?
+
+In permaculture, before working on a piece of land, it’s essential to observe
+it over time, ideally through at least one full seasonal cycle. This process
+helps reveal insights about what can be done with minimal intervention, using
+limited resources and energy. Similarly, permacomputing involves carefully
+observing a problem or situation to create space for evaluating what needs to
+be done and how.
+
+Observing can also relate to sensing the world—where computing can play a key
+role in strengthening ecosystems through citizen sensing and science projects.
+Careful observation—gathering data on air quality, water, biodiversity, local
+temperatures, and more—can help citizens collect the evidence needed to
+advocate for a healthier environment. These projects gather data on pollution,
+biodiversity, weather, and more, which can then be used to push for a healthier
+environment for both humans and non-humans.
+
+
+What can YOU do?
+----------------
+
+**With or without a computer**
+
+* Before starting any project, meeting, software development, or action, take time to do nothing and simply observe the situation from multiple perspectives. Ideally, include all stakeholders (human and non-human) in the process.
+* Join or start a citizen science or sensing project.
+* Once data is collected and evidence is gathered, collaborate with others to take action (e.g., file a lawsuit against a polluting factory, data center, or airport).
+
+**When creating and maintaining software, digital tools or infrastructure**
+
+* Take time to observe the problem alongside the people you're designing for.
+* Incorporate sensors and data on surrounding environment into support systems
+* Assess whether the problem you're trying to solve genuinely requires computation at all. (See [[not doing]]).
+
+
+Principle in action & examples
+------------------------------
+
+* varia project 'stock taking sense' https://another.varia.zone/
+* Frisse wind project https://www.frissewind.nu/
+* citizen sensing project, using air quality data to enhance position of citizens when addressing problems in their environment
+* https://hollandse-luchten.org/ The UAV toolkit, an Android application making use of your smartphone's sensors for airborne science, by Then Try This https://fo.am/publications/grassroots-remote-sensing-toolkit/ and https://fo.am/activities/uav-toolkit/
diff --git a/observe_first_before_taking_action.mdwn b/observe_first_before_taking_action.mdwn
@@ -1,7 +0,0 @@
-What can YOU do?
-
-With or without a computer: - Before starting any project, meeting, software development, or action, take time to do nothing and simply observe the situation from multiple perspectives. Ideally, include all stakeholders (human and non-human) in the process. - Join or start a citizen science or sensing project. - Once data is collected and evidence is gathered, collaborate with others to take action (e.g., file a lawsuit against a polluting factory, data center, or airport).
-
-When creating and maintaining software, digital tools or infrastructure: - Take time to observe the problem alongside the people you're designing for. - Incorporate sensors and data on surrounding environment into support systems - Assess whether the problem you're trying to solve genuinely requires computation at all. (See Principle 3b).
-
-Principle in action & examples - varia project 'stock taking sense' https://another.varia.zone/ - Frisse wind project https://www.frissewind.nu/ - citizen sensing project, using air quality data to enhance position of citizens when addressing problems in their environment - https://hollandse-luchten.org/ The UAV toolkit, an Android application making use of your smartphone's sensors for airborne science, by Then Try This https://fo.am/publications/grassroots-remote-sensing-toolkit/ and https://fo.am/activities/uav-toolkit/
