Phase 1 research

My partner Kanika and I were especially interested in understanding who this project is meant to serve and what their most pressing needs are. To answer that, we spent several weeks conducting rigorous research—reviewing national survey data and speaking with Jay Cannonier, Cornell’s coordinator for those seeking to learn more about farmworker housing.

Much of our early work focused on mapping out the complex network of stakeholders shaping the farmworker housing landscape in the U.S. We used tools like Mural boards and hand sketches to organize our thoughts.

We learned that ownership structures vary, that some support exists for building additional housing but remains insufficient, and that the housing needs themselves differ depending on the type of farmworker. Seasonal agricultural workers often require temporary, flexible accommodations, whereas permanent livestock workers need more stable, long-term housing.

This process also demanded close communication and collaboration between Kanika and me as we designed and refined the project website. Beyond the technical work, the experience gave us both a much deeper understanding of the challenges and dynamics surrounding farmworker housing.

-Jamie Wei