Design For Social Innovation Research Articles

Co-designing with and for Small and Remote Communities: Reflections on Transformative Innovation, Servitisation, and Agonism.

Within the conceptual framework of design for social innovation and democracy, this paper reports on implementing participatory processes in regenerating public spaces in semi-rural contexts, questioning the meaning of transformative innovation, servitisation, and agonism in non-urban contexts. This inquiry argues for exploring a reassessment of how we enact participatory public space regeneration strategies through their application in a remote context. The latter has been untouched by all the bottom-up initiatives and movements that have swept through European urban centres over the last fifteen years; returning to the urban space with these reflections could provide an opportunity to explore new perspectives, even in a saturated context, questioning the models of metropolitan practices. By challenging the paradigm of innovation as the only direction associated with a valid process of improvement and change, this paper delves into the urgency of looking at co-design processes through the lenses of decoloniality, relationality and agonism, creating moments of reflexivity inside the research team and with the local community. Our reflections and learnings stem from “Human Cities / SMOTIES, Creative Works with Small and Remote Places”, a participatory design project that examines community engagement methods for co-designing public spaces and transformations in European rural areas, specifically Albugnano, a small town in northern Italy. Setting the Albugnano community as an experimental ground, the case study addresses the lack of valorisation of tangible and intangible heritage, depopulation and social fragmentation by unpacking narratives, nurturing social imagination, and collectively envisioning and designing potential regenerative transformations.

Collaging together-apart: building trust and hope in social innovation and design pedagogies

ABSTRACT This article explores how relationships of care, trust and hope might be fostered in a social innovation design course at a South African university of technology. Rather than shy away from the challenges of our uncertain world, the paper proposes feminist pedagogical strategies that seek to nurture students’ capacity for trust and hope, rather than overwhelm and despair, through carefully curated collaborative-collage-making processes. By interweaving Bracha Ettinger’s theory of matrixial trans-subjectivity and Karen Barad’s agential realism, the generative role that arts-based practices offer social innovation design pedagogies is made explicit. The paper will show how collaborative artworking activated a co-affective encounter in which students and myself, rather than drowning in overwhelm, discovered new educational imaginaries and Hope-full renewals.

Service Design for Social Innovation: A New Path for the Development of Government Public Services Based on the TB4D Model

Public service is related to everyone’s life and future and directly feeds back on the development of society and the country. How to better shape and develop it is a critical issue for both individuals and groups. As the primary provider, the government plays a vital role in its creation, development, and transformation. In recent years, with the rapid development of human society, this field has been placed in the midst of new challenges. These are the difficulties that government departments urgently need to solve, and the traditional solutions have shown apparent inadequacies. Service design, as a powerful responder, is gradually emerging and playing an important role, influencing a series of dimensions from service innovation to social policies. The application of service design in government public services holds significant social value. However, related research remains in its infancy, needing a systematic theoretical framework. This paper focuses on government public service design and carries out systematic design research on it in order to realize the corresponding social and academic value. This paper established a theoretical framework for government public service design centered on the TB4D model, based on an in-depth study of the relevant literature, nearly 30 representative industry case studies, and three practical projects conducted by the author. The model integrates the TSLC operational mechanism model, the Behavior-Organization-Policy operational content model, the “3 + 1” development mode, and the method reference guide for government public service design based on the Double Diamond design process model. The letters and numbers in the model’s name sequentially represent these four components. Specifically, the TSLC operational mechanism model derives its name from the initials of four parts: trans-dimensional cognitive and thinking mode, systems thinking, learning interactive innovation process, and cultural regeneration and value shaping. The “3 + 1” development model denotes three forms of development centered on internal design capability and the form of joint development focused on external design capabilities. The TB4D model combines both theory and practice, yet to better illustrate its overall performance, this paper reverted to the practical domain. It quantitatively evaluated 20 complete projects, calculating the mean value and 95% confidence intervals to verify the model. The results demonstrate that the model is valid and possesses high industry representativeness, effectiveness, and universality. The organic operation of the model will provide systematic, innovative solutions to address the problems and challenges faced in the public service field, promoting the sustainable development of society. Since research in this area is still at an early stage, the theoretical model proposed here emphasizes its intrinsic principles and universal logic. It aims to provide foundational theoretical support for the development of this field and systematic guidance for relevant practices. As the industry evolves, the model’s content can be further refined and enriched to better reflect contemporary characteristics. Additionally, because this model serves as a foundational framework for the entire field, it can be further expanded to develop sub-models with local characteristics when applied to different regions.

Development Strategy of Rural Revitalization from the Perspective of Social Innovation: A Case Study of Jiyingweigong in Xiamen

Rural revitalization, as one of Chinas important development strategies, has attracted widespread attention in recent years. The Jiyingweigong project in Gangtou Village, Xiamen, takes public welfare as its core, creating a micro-ecosystem where public welfare and business interact, successfully activating the overall development of Gangtou Village. Based on the theory of social innovation design, this study summarizes the research path of social innovation design driving sustainable development of rural revitalization through the combing and summarizing of classic rural innovation cases. By applying the method of social innovation design, this study deeply analyzes the development strategy and effect of Gangtou Village. Social innovation design thinking, as one of the engines driving social change, plays a key role in rural revitalization. It is concluded that social innovation design, as a concept of transformative innovation, can systematically and reasonably address economic, cultural, ecological, and other issues in rural areas in both theory and practice, helping local areas to obtain sustainable endogenous power.

Sparking Dynamic Dialogue on Everyday Solutions through Solution Mapping Cards

The contemporary world is amid a dynamic and transformative phase characterised by fundamental shifts, leading to complex environmental, socioeconomic, healthcare, and social challenges. This convergence of multifaceted requires a holistic and innovative approach to ensure a sustainable and harmonious global future. Design for social innovation has introduced novel expertise and methodologies, leveraging the dynamics inherent in social systems to create impactful solutions by actively engaging stakeholders to understand contextual perspectives and minimise knowledge gaps. Solution Mapping Tools facilitate communities to delve into the significance of local needs and assets in addressing everyday societal challenges. Incorporate within these tools, Solution Mapping Cards foster dialogue and understanding by transforming abstract concepts into tangible representations. The main topic resulting from this article revolves around the evolving nature of design thinking, the role of designers in addressing complex problems, and the practical implications of using tools such as Solution Mapping Cards.

The seeding process from computing to design for social innovation: a systematic literature review

O presente artigo apresenta uma revisão silstemática da literatura sobre o conceito de seeding, que foi inicialmente elaborado na área da computação, por Gerhard Fischer e pela equipe do Center for LifeLong Learning and Design, e sucessivamente integrado à área do design. O conceito é usado para denominar processos participativos de difusão da inovação, não apenas abertos, mas apropriáveis pelas pessoas às quais se abrem (comunidades de designers, desenvolvedores e usuários). Logo, trata-se de processos passíveis de evoluções autônomas, contínuas e potencialmente infinitas. De forma metafórica, o conceito de seeding remete a sementes projetuais concebidas para a disseminação da inovação. Progressivamente, o conceito começa a aparecer nos setores em que atuam as organizações associativas e as administrações públicas, demonstrando seu potencial para a evolução do discurso da inovação social. A revisão permitiu recolher as diversas compreensões do conceito e aprofundar sua aplicação no design. O principal resultado da revisão foi a compreensão de sua aplicabilidade no campo do design para a inovação social. De fato, o conceito de seeding resultou especialmente relevante para compreender e praticar processos de projetação aberta e participativa de inovações sociais que possam ser disseminadas livremente na sociedade e apropriadas autonomamente pelas comunidades alcançadas. Finalmente, o artigo apresenta as Casas Colaborativas porto-alegrenses, caso que ilustra as elaborações conceituais do processo de seeding, bem como sua aplicabilidade no design para a inovação social.

Design as/for Common(s): Decolonial Participatory Experiences for Post-Capitalist Resilient Future(s)

The catastrophic effects of the Anthropocene are evident. Manifestations of crisis are not only environmental, but also economic, social, political and ethical: combined with the dystopian imaginaries of the future, they suggest the need for a paradigm shift. The Commons are seen as an alternative for a transition to a post-capitalist economy. Yet, Design for social innovation is understood as a humanitarian action and remains linked to the logic of commodification; reason why some call for decolonizing Design from Western abstractions. The focus is on the relationship between Design and Commons, with particular attention to decolonial thinking. Following an action research approach that consisted in “inhabiting” the oasis of Chenini in Tunisia as a Commons in crisis, the idea was to understand the role of Design in the paradigm shift from an extractivist growth economy to a resource economy; Design as attached to situations rather than objects.

DESIS in China：An Interview on Design Education and Social Innovation Design

DESIS is a leading advocate and organization for social innovation and sustainable design, actively promoting international exchange and communication in design education for over a decade. Since its establishment in 2009, DESIS-China has had a significant impact on the field of social innovation design and design education in China. The Journal of Design Service and Social Innovation invited Associate Professor Miaosen Gong from the School of Design at Jiangnan University for a special interview. The interview covered various topics including the establishment, development, and organizational structure of DESIS, the remarkable achievements of DESIS-China in the field of social innovation, the differences in social innovation between Eastern and Western contexts, the influence of DESIS on design education in China, and the prospects for the future development of DESIS. In this study, based on research and analysis from different perspectives, a relatively comprehensive understanding of DESIS is formed, highlighting the practical effectiveness of DESIS-China in the Chinese design education community while promoting the global dissemination and exchange of Chinese social innovation concepts.

In Conversation with Ezio Manzini: Design for Social Innovation—What We’ve Learned So Far

Gjoko Muratovski and Ezio Manzini discuss and reflect on the impact of the idea of design for social innovation towards sustainability. In this wide-reaching conversation they cover topics that range from defining the field, to the challenges of working in this area, reflections on successful and less successful examples of social innovation, the history of the DESIS Network and its legacy, and advice to emerging designers interested in working in this field.

“Self-Driven Power” in the Sustainable Social Innovation Design of Ageing Districts—Based on an Investigation into the Southern Spring Town Historical District in Wuxi

This study examines the problems faced by decision-making regarding sustainable social innovation through field research in “villages on the urban fringe,” represented by the Southern Spring Town Historical District in Wuxi. On the premise of protecting urban diversity and cultural recognizability, the “wicked problem” factors that affect the protection and innovative design of the historical district and their framework are analysed by comparing the explicit and implicit factors of the district. This study finds that the residents of this district have undergone spontaneous renewal and changes driven by increasing foreign tourists. These changes are not the result of guidance by government planning and management, nor are they promoted by designers. Additionally, the residents of the Southern Spring Town Historical District generally recognize the unique value of the district’s historical and humanistic landscape. Self-driven power makes the residents’ meaning of environmental protection increase. They actively engage in catering and cultural business activities with Jiangnan regional features. Worries over the district’s lack of successors no longer exist, and a new hope for sustainable development has been gained. We believe that before using planning tools and design thinking to solve the problem of ageing historical districts under the trend of sustainable development, it is necessary to have a deeper understanding of the actual operation of such districts and their real needs and to allow time and space for local residents to solve the “wicked problem” through self-regulation to ultimately achieve the long-term goal of district preservation and sustainable development in a balanced manner.

Research on the design strategy of Dong cultural resources transformation based on social innovation

The cultural resources in the Dong ethnic areas are very rich, but it is difficult to convert them into commercial capital, which makes some areas of the Dong ethnic group still impoverished. Through the method of social innovation design, this research explores the current situation and existing problems of resource development in the Dong nationality area, uses the unique culture of the Dong nationality to improve local social capital, allows more ordinary Dong nationality compatriots to participate in the process of cultural resource transformation, and joins the entire social innovation activities at the same time middle. This design strategy utilizes the cultural resources of the Dong nationality, strengthens social capital from the three dimensions of trust, organization, and network, improves the conversion rate of cultural resources of the Dong nationality with the help of social capital, and finally realizes the mutual transformation of the three major capitals of society, culture and economy. This transformation can increase the endogenous motivation of the Dong people to create wealth, improve their ability to resist risks, and help rural revitalization in the Dong areas.

Scaling social innovation: Ownership, documentation, infrastructuring elements and rehearsing new practices

Today, co-designing for social innovation is explored in many western democracies to transform political agendas and develop sustainable societies. For social innovation to have a radical and wide-reaching impact on society, scaling is crucial. Scaling social innovation after ending a project requires a focus on making innovations sustainable in the long run and how they can foster organizational or institutional transformation. Despite increased interest in design for social innovation and scaling, little attention has been given to how the scaling of social innovation unfolds in practice over a longer period. A qualitative study was conducted following the continuation of a social innovation project called SeniorInteraction, which ended in 2012. Through interviews and field visits, we examined the attempts at scaling by different public and private partners and citizens after the project ended. The social innovation concept in question is an open exercise community in public parks for senior citizens supported by the local municipality. The research provides a deeper understanding of scaling in practice and identifies four important drivers for scaling social innovation: ownership, documentation, infrastructuring elements and rehearsing new practices. Additionally, we discuss challenges related to the way we understand and evaluate the scaling of social innovations.

Incorporating the Co-Creation Method into Social Innovation Design to Promote Intergenerational Integration: A Case Study of a Public Square.

With the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the world, there is an increased focus on intergenerational relationships, community mental health issues, and well-being in community contexts. This paper assesses the effectiveness of a co-creation approach for intergenerational integration at the theoretical level. The study used a collaborative co-creation design method in the community design process to explore whether the participation of community residents of all ages in addressing community issues promoted communication and alleviated stereotyping between the various generations. This study was conducted in Shanghai’s Hongqiao New Village square, where we conducted participatory research and co-creation workshops in response to the demand for the use of the public space as a location for social interactions. The results showed that intervention in community creation through collaborative design is conducive to promoting friendly relations among different age groups, forming a sense of social security and thus enhancing social well-being. Finally, this paper combines practical cases and theoretical models of collaborative co-creative design approaches to promote the intergenerational integration of communities and is summarized from the input and output parts as well as the influencing factors and constraints of the collaborative co-creative. In addition, it provides new ideas on how to improve intergenerational relationships and form a positive and sustainable community mental health environment in the future.

Mapping the technology footprint in design for social innovation

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.

Design for Social Innovation: A Systemic Design Approach in Creative Higher Education toward Sustainability

The role and responsibilities of our creative Higher Education are evolving in our ever-changing society. Systemic design thinking equips our design students with the means to promote sustainable development objectives via engagement, community building and discourse. This study reflects on interdisciplinary resource recovery projects for the City of Adelaide (CoA) during a final-year systemic design course in the Product Design programme at the University of South Australia. Since 2015, the core design team has collaborated with external partners outside of HE sectors, including NGOs, local councils, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government and the South Australia (SA) government, to promote social innovation towards sustainability. Systemic design is one of the core courses of the Bachelor of Design, Product Design programme within the faculty of Creative, University of South Australia. In this course, system thinking combined with project-based learning (PBL) was adapted and illustrated to demonstrate good systemic design practice for social innovation. This study was focussed on how we can collaborate on a variety of interdisciplinary projects to contribute to the realisation of the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from a human-centred systemic design perspective.

Design for Social Innovation: A Value Creation for Intensifying Interior Design’s Social Compact

Design for Social Innovation: A Value Creation for Intensifying Interior Design’s Social Compact

A participatory approach for empowering community engagement in data governance: The Monash Net Zero Precinct

Abstract Data governance is an emerging field of study concerned with how a range of actors can successfully manage data assets according to rules of engagement, decision rights, and accountabilities. Urban studies scholarship has continued to demonstrate and criticize lack of community engagement in smart city development and urban data governance projects, including in local sustainability initiatives. However, few move beyond critique to unpack in more detail what community engagement should look like. To overcome this gap, we develop and test a participatory methodology to identify approaches to empowering community engagement in data governance in the context of the Monash Net Zero Precinct in Melbourne, Australia. Our approach uses design for social innovation to enable a small group of “precinct citizens” to co-design prototypes and multicriteria mapping as a participatory appraisal method to open up and reveal a diversity of perspectives and uncertainties on data governance approaches. The findings reveal the importance of creating deliberative spaces for pluralising community engagement in data governance that consider the diverse values and interests of precinct citizens. This research points toward new ways to conceptualize and design enabling processes of community engagement in data governance and reflects on implementation strategies attuned to the politics of participation to support the embedding of these innovations within specific socio-institutional contexts.

The Heuristic Method applied to Design for Sustainability in Urban Agriculture

This article presents a study to identify heuristics that allow expanding social cohesion in urban agriculture initiatives. For this, two ex-post-facto case studies were carried out from Rotterdam (Netherlands) and Geneva (Switzerland). Another objective of the research is to reflect on the use of these heuristics in Service Design and Design for Social Innovation. The Heuristic Method is presented with the grounded theory approach and the steps of the method for identifying the heuristics. Finally, the contribution of this research is in the proposal of meta-actions for its conversion into Design actions based on the ten identified heuristics.

Projetando para o planeta: estamos fazendo o suficiente?

Design has always expressed itself through its cultural intervention in society, accompanying or inducing technological innovation, changing behaviours and shaping the artificial world in which we live, imbuing it with new meaning and sensemaking.
 Regarding design for social innovation, there is now a new wave of social innovations more concerned with the environment, with younger generations taking the lead and taking to action. And there is also a general perception that society and companies are more active and participatory in actions to defend the planet, but are designers following these changes?
 Given the unpredictability of events and the speed of change, designers should be more proactive than never. Designers have the ability and capability of observing the world and finding solutions to problems, to anticipate other problems, and more importantly, to devise opportunities to innovate and avoid future problems. Are we doing enough?
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 *Text of the conference: "Designing for the planet: Are we doing enough?" Delivered on 22 November at the 9th BID_Ensenanza y Diseño Meeting (Madrid). Meeting organised by DIMAD in the framework of the BID, held at the Central de Diseño de Matadero Madrid, Spain.
 

Project-based communities: lessons learned from collaborative city-making experiences

ABSTRACT This article argues that if we want to discuss the contemporary community, we may look at them as being formed by a set of projects that continue to contribute to its ongoing existence in order to remain active. To offer a concrete example of this argument, the article is based on the work done by the authors over several years in the field of Design for Social Innovation, on a research line entitled ‘Design for Collaborative Cities’, forming part of the international network Desis Network and the Polimi Desis Lab. In order to observe the relationship between communities and projects more closely, a particular context is referenced, which can be generalised in terms of similar urban contexts. This is a case of urban regeneration, which also leads to the regeneration of the community that lives there and has realised the power of change not only through associations rooted in the territory but also through informal ‘social street’ groups, a typical Italian phenomenon for getting to know one’s neighbours. The case study refers to a transformation that has occurred in the last few years in Nolo, a semi-peripheral neighbourhood of Milan, Italy.