Continuum

The CONTINUUM project began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when global isolation underscored the need for connection and understanding. Developed in partnership with Multicultural NSW and supported by the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee, the project sought to amplify the voices of terrorism survivors through a trauma-informed, storyteller-centred digital storytelling platform.

Our goal was to create a living, breathing platform that not only honoured people’s lived experiences of unimaginable terror and violence, but also fostered broader community resilience against hateful influences and promoted harmony and hope.

At the core of CONTINUUM was an intentional, collaborative, co-design process with terrorism survivors (who came to be known as our project “Storytellers”), counsellors, police, academics, creative partners, and technical developers from across Australia. The Storytellers shaped the project’s identity, which emerged as a reflection of their lived experiences. The name “CONTINUUM” itself, chosen through Storyteller consultation, encapsulated their journey of healing and resilience as part of an ongoing story, rather than a singular traumatic event.

We began the project with a series of design workshops that proved instrumental in building the foundation of the platform. These sessions focused on designing a digital repository with storyteller input shaping the user experience, information architecture, and narrative tone.

Trauma-informed approaches were central, ensuring that everyone involved in the project—including storytellers and the creatives they collaborated with—were cared for.

After the design phase, we crafted a digital space that was visually engaging, easy to navigate, and deeply respectful of the trauma it addressed. Storytellers collaborated on multimedia content creation, including spoken poetry, reflective video essays, and visual storytelling. These formats empowered storytellers to share their narratives in ways that felt meaningful and accessible to them.

To ensure accessibility and safety, the technical team implemented features like a “safety exit” and content warnings. Feedback from user testing validated the platform’s inclusivity and emotional sensitivity, while iterative improvements based on storyteller insights enhanced its functionality and user experience.

We developed a pilot suite of tools, including conversation cards, facilitator guides, and program planning templates, extending the reach and impact of the incredible stories shared. These resources provide communities with practical tools to engage with the narratives and encourage empathy, understanding, and resilience in their own contexts.