November 15, 2023

Wattanapume Laisuwanchai

CO-FOUNDER / EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR of Eyedropper Fill

Bangkok-based Multimedia design company specializing in experiential design and interactive design. We use a transdisciplinary approach to experiment and cross-collaborate between skills and media such as moving Image, interactive design, exhibition design and installation art. Our aims are to transform information to experience that expands from screen to tangible reality and to immerse in the moment. Along with their vision to push forward the realms of new media, they also commit to educate, drive and inspire young people by sharing their experiences and processes in numbers of a workshop and talk in universities in Thailand.

https://www.eyedropperfill.com/about/

Eyedropper Fill has designed a toolkit to assist working professionals in the 25-40 age group based on a survey conducted in Thailand. The survey revealed challenges related to burnout and communication gaps between different generations.

In the Thai work culture, power imbalance and unequal distribution of authority contribute to burnout. The concept of collaboration might be mentioned, but the power dynamics do not align. The prevailing culture emphasizes hierarchy, where those in higher positions hold more power, leading to challenges in effective communication.

Addressing these challenges, Eyedropper Fill initiated a mental health project (พาใจกลับบ้าน Conne(x)t Homecoming) over the past two years. The survey results indicated that burnout is a significant concern, highlighting the need for strategies to improve workplace culture and communication, especially across different generations.

Wattanapume Laisuwanchai

Thoughts from Wattanapume after I shared my project with him:

Creating a shared power space would likely be the most effective solution. This space could serve as a platform where individuals can engage in empathetic sharing and where the voices of those who feel oppressed can be heard. This could involve a setup where subordinates express their thoughts and superiors actively listen, fostering an environment of mutual understanding.

In such a space, individuals who have experienced oppression could share their stories, and leaders could empower them by providing support and encouragement. The goal is to create an atmosphere where voices are heard, and collective empowerment can contribute to positive change. This approach recognises the power dynamics in Thailand, emphasising the importance of shared authority and mutual respect.

Organising pain-sharing sessions is a group support system. When individuals can express their feelings, share their experiences, and encounter others who have gone through similar struggles, it creates a sense of awareness within themselves. These sessions can be a platform for catharsis, fostering a supportive environment where individuals can relate to one another and gain insights into their own emotions and challenges.