Mapping the technology footprint in design for social innovation

Abstract

Technology and design are increasingly recognized as important drivers of social innovation (SI). While new-age technologies can disrupt the realm of social innovation through resource-efficient solutions and multiple outcome benefits, the appliction of design thinking approaches and techniques can enhance the potential for SI through human-centered participatory processes and a socially shared vision and impact. Despite extensive research focusing on SI practices driven by technology and design respectively, few studies have concentrated on the synergistic effects of technology and design in the field of SI. This paper addresses this gap through an exploratory study on the incorporation and role of technology in the practice of design for SI. By applying the mapping approach to a sample of 81 Design-enabled Innovation (DEI) pilot projects in the DESIGNSCAPES project, the distribution, hosts and manifestations of technology footprints are identified, taking into account the multi-phase innovation processes and multifaceted role of design. Our findings suggest that in design-supported SI, technology can be integrated in a systematic and conventional manner across a range of domains related to people, interactions, contexts, and artefacts and that its interaction with design actions is highly dependent on the different roles of design, followed by a further discussion of a conceptual argument regarding the possible role of technology in supporting design for SI. Based on these findings and results, the article concludes with the limitations of the study and possible theoretical and managerial implications.