ViewSwap

ViewSwap is the OMXUS dispute resolution mechanism. When disputes cannot be resolved through deliberation, participants engage in ViewSwap: a mandatory exchange of circumstances for a defined period (typically one week). Each party lives the other's life—their home, their routine, their constraints.

The Mechanism

The mechanism creates embodied understanding that argument cannot achieve. Most disputes arise from failures of empathy. ViewSwap makes comprehension unavoidable.

The ViewSwap process — from dispute impasse through life exchange to resolution

How It Works

1. Dispute reaches impasse — Normal deliberation has failed
2. ViewSwap invoked — Either party or mediators can request it
3. Swap period begins — Typically 7 days
4. Each party lives the other's life — Home, routine, constraints
5. Reconvene with mediators — Both parties now understand each perspective
6. Resolution emerges — Usually the dispute dissolves or compromises become obvious

Worked Example: Factory Noise Dispute

Consider a dispute between a factory operator and nearby residents over noise pollution.

Before ViewSwap

The factory operator believes:

• "They knew the factory was here when they moved in"
• "We create jobs and economic value"
• "The noise isn't that bad"
• "Complaints are unreasonable"

The residents believe:

• "We have a right to quiet enjoyment"
• "The noise ruins our sleep and health"
• "The factory doesn't care about us"
• "They should just fix it"

During ViewSwap

The factory operator:

• Lives in the resident's home for one week
• Experiences the noise at all hours
• Tries to sleep, work, relax with constant industrial sound
• Understands the lived reality of the complaint

The resident:

• Shadows the factory operator for one week
• Sees the production constraints
• Meets the employees whose livelihoods depend on operations
• Understands the economic pressures and technical limitations

After ViewSwap

Both parties reconvene with mediators. The conversation changes:

The factory operator now says:

• "I had no idea how loud it was at night in that bedroom"
• "I understand why they're upset"
• "We need to find a solution"

The resident now says:

• "I didn't realize how many people depend on those jobs"
• "The technical constraints are real"
• "I understand it's not simple malice"

Resolution

Solutions that were previously unthinkable become possible:

• Operational hours shift to reduce nighttime impact
• Sound barriers are installed with shared funding
• Compensation structures are established for remaining impact
• Ongoing communication channel prevents future conflict

Why It Works

Embodied Understanding

You can argue with words forever. You can't argue with experience.

When you've:

• Slept in their bed with the noise
• Felt their stress about payroll
• Walked their morning routine
• Faced their constraints

...you understand in a way no argument creates.

Perspective Breaks Assumptions

Most disputes are built on incorrect assumptions about the other party:

• "They're selfish"
• "They don't understand"
• "They're doing this on purpose"
• "They have easy alternatives"

ViewSwap destroys these assumptions by revealing reality.

Shared Experience Creates Connection

After ViewSwap, the parties have:

• Lived in each other's world
• Met each other's people
• Faced each other's problems
• Shared vulnerability

This creates connection that enables resolution.

When ViewSwap Applies

ViewSwap is appropriate for:

• Neighbor disputes
• Business-community conflicts
• Resource allocation disagreements
• Land use conflicts
• Environmental disputes

ViewSwap is not appropriate for:

• Situations involving danger
• Clear violations of principles
• Cases with power imbalances that can't be equalized
• Urgent matters requiring immediate resolution

Practical Considerations

Duration

Standard swap: 7 days

Shorter swaps (3-4 days) for:

• Simple disputes
• Time-sensitive matters
• Mutual agreement

Longer swaps (14+ days) for:

• Complex situations
• Deep-rooted conflicts
• When understanding requires more exposure

Logistics

• Mediators coordinate the exchange
• Both parties agree to terms
• Safety protocols are in place
• Support is available if needed
• Confidentiality is protected

Consent

ViewSwap is "mandatory" in the sense that:

• It's the designated dispute resolution mechanism
• Refusal to participate indicates bad faith
• Community pressure encourages participation

But it cannot be physically forced.

Connection to OMXUS Principles

Principle	ViewSwap Implementation
Cannot Affect Individual Freedom	Voluntary participation, no punishment for refusal
Justice = Prevention Only	Resolves disputes, prevents escalation
Non-Maleficence	No harm mechanism, only understanding
Transparent Accountability	Swap process is witnessed and recorded

See Also

• Principles
• Justice as Prevention
• Getting Started
• Main Page