Vol. 1 No. 1 (2023): Transformational Experiences Beyond Borders: Partnership Development for Sustainable Futures
Research Session 7: Architecture & Design

Artefacts of Transformation: Memorabilia’s Role in Transformative Experiences

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  • Barbara Neuhofer,
  • Brian Hill
Barbara Neuhofer
Salzburg University of Applied Sciences
Brian Hill
Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24135/7es.9

Published 2023-12-01

Keywords

  • Memorabilia,
  • Artefacts,
  • Transformation,
  • Post-experience,
  • Transformative Experience,
  • Actor Network Theory
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Copyright (c) 2024 Barbara Neuhofer & Brian Hill

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Current research on transformation has been primarily interested in triggers and the process of transformation. Yet, few studies have looked into examining what happens in the aftermath of a transformative experience, and how transformation takes effect. More work is needed to understand the measurement of transformation in the post-experience stage. This study aims to
fill this gap by zooming in on the role of artefacts, namely ‘memorabilia’, in transformation. Through a mixed-methods approach of an anticipated 15 qualitative in-depth interviews followed by a large-scale survey, memorabilia are examined as a physical artefact of transformation. Grounded in actor-network theory, this research seeks to contribute to an understanding of the role of memorabilia in a person’s life and offer critical implications on how to intentionally design and offer memorabilia in the realm of transformative experiences.

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