Rathlin’s Visual Minutes

Challenge

From 2014 to 2023, ten visual minute boards captured Rathlin’s oral histories, community goals, and environmental efforts. Commissioned by RDCA and partners, these reflect evolving island narratives. How can past co-design practices and sustainable approaches inform future design thinking in the context of climate change, green transition, and net-zero goals?

Approach

The research used a qualitative, arts-based approach, analysing visual minutes as community-generated data. Semi-structured interviews with those involved provided further insight. Visual and thematic analysis revealed key patterns, values, and aspirations. Grounded in co-design and participation, the method acknowledges these recordings as a rich form of place-based knowledge and insight.

Outcomes

A regular presence on Rathlin built trust and strengthened local relationships. Thematic analysis informed a printed booklet timeline of the island’s evolving story. Supporting materials contributed to other wider project activities, including a workshop at St. Mary’s school and presentations at DRS 2024 and NIG 2025 conferences.

Learnings

Rathlin’s co-design processes, seen in the visual minutes, provided valuable insights for the Future Island–Island project. These visuals revealed resilience, sustainability, and empowered local participation, showing how creative methods help communities express their history and aspirations in ways that connect locally and beyond.

Impact

The project revealed Rathlin’s history of co-design, resilience, and sustainable practices. Insights and analysis informed policy-focused work across the wider project by grounding it in community experience. It demonstrated how stories of public engagement through creative methods promote participatory practice and inspires place-based approaches to sustainability and long-term strategic planning.