Supporting change : exploring the potential of speculative design for science research : design lessons from within AgResearch : an thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Design, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
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Date
2021
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Massey University
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Abstract
We are living in increasingly uncertain times and the burden of sustainability is great. The call for transformation towards sustainability is nowhere louder than in New Zealand’s agri-food sector. As the reconciliation between social, cultural, environmental and economic domains continues, there is a need to shift away from a vision of disaster to one of hope. Existing narratives of change need to be challenged to allow space for desirable futures to flourish. Currently, there is pressure for science research to deliver real-world impact. Speculative design can help steer the direction of science research to deliver on it’s ambition for impact by identifying desirable futures to work towards. Within this practice-based research, a speculative design approach is explored as part of science research programme development. Speculative design can enable collective dreaming about possible futures to guide present-day decisions with future aspirations and development towards transformation. With tenets in sustainability transitions theory, this project reinterprets design concepts like the Ethnographic Experiential Futures cycle and Experiential Futures Ladder to generate sustainability scenarios with a live science programme. The role of design(er) and the potential of a speculative design approach is investigated within a science research organisation. Lessons from this research are synthesised into a prototype toolkit for aid strategic thought and generate speculative visions of transformation within AgResearch. Design is used throughout this project to challenge the status quo of how science research is conducted, specifically in the initial stages of research programme design and organisational strategy development. By creating hopeful visions that challenge the current mindset and compel action towards sustainability within a science research organisation, design can play a crucial role in sustainability transitions by intentionally leveraging organisational strategy as an intermediary for catalysing long-term visions of change.
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visioning, speculative design, scenarios, science research, sustainability transitions, mindsets and paradigms, design and science collaboration, designers agency, workshops, alternative proteins, toolkit