Unraveling the Materiality of a Pedestrian Bridge: A Study of Sticky Encounters

• In Event: Qualitative Inquiry and the Technologies of Today

Abstract

This research uses GeoCaching to explore interactions between humans and more-than-human material through a posthumanist lens. Specifically, it examines the interconnectedness between a human and pedestrian bridge, emphasizing care-based, anti-colonial perspectives rooted in local environments as vibrant dwellings inhabited by diverse entities. “Stickiness” serves as a means of communication, connecting humans and the more-than-human world. The study’s sticky capacity showcases playful analytic approaches to data that inspire curiosity and exploration. Preliminary findings suggest GeoCaching’s potential to foster sustained attention to places, engaging individuals in immersive experiences. By delving into the sticky interactions between humans and more-than-human entities, this research contributes to the broader discourse on posthumanist approaches toward understanding human-environment relationships.

Author

• Shagun Singha, Arizona State University