In a large survey in the netherlands, 50% of young people reported having experienced street harassment in 2020/’21. And while interventions in the Netherlands aim to address the problem, they fail to effectively involve youth. This graduation project has contributed to a better understanding of how youth (12-17 year old) perceive street harassment and created a design intervention in the context of Rotterdam.

The project used a Research through Design approach, with participatory design moments and feminist theory, including the matrix of domination to analyse and evaluate power dynamics in street harassment and interventions.

Initial research and literature revealed that street harassment is influenced by a complex interplay of numerous contextual factors. Street harassment cannot be solved through a "single solution" but requires systemic change across all domains of society. The criminalization of street harassment in July 2024 opens up new opportunities for interventions and norm change, but will in itself not change the problem.

Collaborations with a youth hub in Rotterdam and a school in Delft facilitated engagement with potential harassers. The focus was on group dynamics rather than individual experiences, due to the fluidity of roles in different contexts. From these creative sessions, the research shows how street harassment among youth is intertwined with their search for identity and belonging. Between ages 12 and 17, youth take up different roles, testing boundaries and identities in public spaces. The street serves as an important space for independent identity formation, both free from expectations but also with potential dangers.

The final design of this project is an interactive installation: Street Exploration. This public intervention invites youth to explore the impact of their voice through mirrors and a projection on a wall. The installation captures your comments and the projection changes in size and colour accordingly: positive statements make your shape grow, while negative remarks make the projection shrink. This dynamic experience makes youths' input visible, encourages reflection on your projection bias, and promotes positive public interactions. The installation also incorporates mirrors designed by youth, showcasing examples of street harassment, thus fostering a public dialogue between youth and society. This intervention can be used on events and leaves a lasting mark on the neighbourhood.

Furthermore, this research highlights the challenges of youth participation in design research. Their perspectives do not always align with what researchers want to know, and barriers exist in collaborating with youth hubs and schools. Researchers must adopt mindful, adaptable approaches to effectively engage young participants.

Ultimately, Street Exploration contributes to street harassment prevention by visualizing the impacts of your words, it empowers youth to explore social identity, without harming others, bridging the gap between youth and society.