In memory of absence: The resilience created from disappearances in Mexico.

Abstract

Understanding the challenges that search collectives face on a daily basis led to the search for a way to raise public awareness and show respect for the efforts of these groups in the search for their loved ones. Given the sensitivity of the issue of enforced disappearance, several comprehensive methods were employed to ensure responsible handling of information and to support the project. Initially, extensive research was conducted to gain a thorough understanding of the issue. Subsequently, the information was synthesized to visualize what was learned and identify the issues surrounding this topic. It was at this point that it was decided to address the lack of visibility of the search collectives, such as the search mothers, and the stigmatization they face in their struggle against a government that ignores them. After defining the focus of the project, we proceeded to develop a first prototype of an interactive memorial. To enrich this idea, experts in information design, interaction design, museography and in various fields related to disappearance, such as legal, psychological and research, were consulted. Following these consultations, the project underwent several adjustments, moving from focusing specifically on search collectives of searching mothers to addressing the broader issue of disappearance and search collectives in general. In this way, it evolved from being a memorial to becoming an interactive tour, as presented in this document. The interactive tour addresses the issue of disappearance and search groups through its 10 activities. In these, the user has the opportunity to receive information, reflect personally, observe the clear example of resilience and strength that are the searchers and that their work goes beyond just investigating, the user who visits the tour is invited to change their way of seeing and addressing this situation that exists in Mexico. The media fidelity prototype was developed in Unity and is accessed through a computer. It allows users to explore a three-dimensional space and interact with the 10 activities designed. A total of 10 tests were carried out: 5 with the first prototype and another 5 after implementing changes based on the comments received during the tests and the observations of the experts consulted.