At Sticky Situations, we utilize participatory design methods to facilitate, co-ordinate
and implement community-driven projects. Our work is grounded in community capacity
building and action research. Collaboratively we assist communities and stakeholders to
identify goals and to build the skills and confidence needed to create change.
Our team diversity is core to our success, approaching projects with a broad range of skills,
positionalities and all-round tenacity. Our work is supported by solid research processes and
practices and we are committed to practices and processes that enhance sustainable long-term
transformation and equality.
Being involved in a large variety of projects in and around the city of Johannesburg,
Sticky has been built solid relationships with a large number of individuals, organizations,
local government departments and businesses who are invested in exploring urban challenges,
developing solutions and working towards creating positive changes and outcomes.
Take a look at our projects page.
Sticky Methodology
Our participatory methodology aims to bring in already active civil society and
stakeholder groupings all together into collaborative spaces and into discussions, to
explore urban challenges and solutions together.
In undertaking most of our work, at the outset, the Sticky team will undertake a social
and spatial audit of an area. This audit is usually done through mapping exercises that
plots places, people and processes within, around and across a defined space. Having a thorough
understanding of an area, of key activities, actors and users, potential stakeholders as well as
those not utilising a space, is imperative at the outset to determine the process each
individual and unique project will follow.
The exact participatory methodologies can only be defined once a database of neighbourhood
groups and activities are mapped, followed by initial consultations. This is because processes
need to emerge together with stakeholders and users to ensure buy-in of the overall plan.
A range of participatory methodologies can be used depending on what initial mapping tasks
reveal and could include: mapping, focus groups, workshops, meet and greet events, local
‘hanging out’ and ethnographic observations.
All stakeholders and users need to be given a platform or opportunity to come together and
give input and feedback about the events, programmes and processes that can be put in place
within a defined area, ensuring and contributing to the success and sustainability of a project.
Whilst engaging on the ground, the Sticky team also liaises with City officials and departments
relevant to a project. Capacity building should happen both on the ground and also within institutions,
building bridges of understanding and co-operation within a holistic and creative participatory approach.
Some of our Collaborators
– Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo
– Johannesburg Development Agency
– City of Johannesburg, Directorate of Arts, Culture & Heritage
– Australian Consulate
– Market Theatre Foundation / Windybrow Arts Centre
– Wits University / Wits Enterprise
– University of Sydney
– Columbia University
– IFC (International Finance Corporation)
– Boundless City
– WASSUP Diepsloot
– Platinum Sketch
– South African Cities Network
– Myat Hart Architects
– The Coloured Cube
– The Trinity Session