The method of participatory "time machine" can be seen as another device and way of travelling through time. It aims to the understanding and the collective “reconstruction” of the historical path of a place or development, while prioritizing the value of experiential knowledge and highlighting the narrations and perceptions of local community members. It refers to the collaborative creation of historical timelines together with local stakeholders, to record, visualize and discuss the local history. The participatory time machine can be implemented during physical meetings/ workshops with members of the local community and results to timeline diagram(s) on a common board, possibly combined with the corresponding map (see Figures 1, 2). The diagram(s) are used by the participants to add notes with ideas, events, narratives, sketches, etc. according to the period and the thematic category. The participatory “time machine” process can be understood as an adaptation of collective storytelling methods and can be proven useful in research projects that engage with local history, specific development trajectories or the historical dimensions of a phenomenon. Designed and implemented as an interactive process, it enables the blending of personal stories and memories with historical landmarks and events, towards a collective understanding of the past. Thus, among the benefits of the method are the community engagement and the emergence of neglected memories, identities, and facets of history.
Tags/ keywords: Method, Qualitative methods, Participatory Processes, (Hi)story, Local knowledge.
