by 
As a second year Service Design learner, I was invited to wrap up the first semester of our MA Service Design learners with my Walkshop.
Right next to our campus there is this small forest that still feels calming, even with all the industrial noise around it. When you walk in, you hear birds, leaves cracking, and your pace just slows down. Every time I go there with a group, I realise how much I enjoy organising these walks. Thanks to the Master Service Design of the HSLU which definitely helped me find this new skill and pleasure.
In my project, the guidance is meant to be almost invisible, working through small physical prompts people use on the way. But during the Walkshops, I’m still the one creating the structure and holding the space.
This one was called “Walking as Pausing.” The main tasks, especially at the end of their busy semester, were to break the sitting loop and clear the head. I tried to create a space where they could get a bit lost in time, like kids again — touching things, smelling things, listening, paying attention. Someone brought sweet-smelling tree resin, others found sticks to chew, one person recorded the sound of fast walking through the leaves, and another drew the whole collection of findings on paper. Very simple things, but they made the group really open and relaxed.
Everyone connected different feelings to childhood memories, and it is always exciting for me to see how quickly everyone’s inner kid shows up — curious, silly, chaotic and full of joy.
A really good day. Thanks to the whole Service Design team for the energy and openness!
