Kindness Vending Machine

Institution: University of Ottawa

CSWB plan priority / Ottawa's 2023-2026 Term of Council priority: Discrimination, marginalization and racism

Project Term: Winter 2025

Course Code: SCS3530

Professor(s): Jean-François Chapman

Group Member(s): Christelle Skaf, Claudia Mallet, Alec Legault, Herman Kalonji, Rusha Beya, Chloé Monette and Jonathan Constant

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Objective(s): Our aim with this project is to create a space where a simple gesture can transform people’s everyday experience, instilling a dose of positivity and hope into the lives of those who are confronted with hatred and negativity. By exchanging negative words or expressions for positive and affirmative messages, we not only offer immediate support, but also encourage people to reflect on the impact of their words and actions. We understand that emotional well-being is often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, especially for those facing discrimination or hostile behaviour. Our project aims to remedy this by offering a visible and interactive reminder that kindness and positivity are always accessible. This initiative is intended to be a breath of fresh air for those who feel marginalized or isolated, reminding them that they are valued and that their community cares about their well-being. By creating positive meeting points, we hope not only to mitigate the immediate effects of hatred, but also to inspire long-term change in attitudes and behaviour. The idea is to cultivate a culture of empathy and mutual respect, where every small gesture of kindness builds up to form an expansive ripple of positive change across the community.

Potential for Impact: In the short term, our project offers an immediate and tangible intervention that positively affects the urban atmosphere. By introducing an interactive device that replaces negative words with positive ones, we create an opportunity for individuals to reflect on the impact of their words and experience first-hand the power of positive discourse. This experience can elevate the overall mood and encourage more caring interactions, while raising awareness of the importance of choosing words that reinforce rather than divide.

In the long term, the potential of this project goes far beyond a simple vending machine. By getting people used to recognizing and rejecting hateful words, we can hope for a significant reduction in discriminatory behaviour and an increase in respectful communication. By integrating multilingual and multicultural messages, we also foster greater understanding and acceptance of the diverse cultures that make up Ottawa, which is crucial in such a diverse city. These changes can contribute to a more harmonious and inclusive social climate, where tolerance and respect become the norm rather than the exception. Ultimately, the project aims to create a lasting culture of kindness and mutual respect, which is essential for a vibrant and cohesive community.