Appreciating Emergence
Unpacking Transformation Processes through the Lens of Emergence
Master Individual Research Project Feb 2020 – June 2020 // Coached by prof. dr. ir. Caroline Hummels, prof. dr. ir. Pierre Lévy // In collaboration with RISE // Experts in RISE: dr. Ambra Trotto & dr. ir. Jeroen Peeters
This research has been an inquiry in the wicked impacts of complex societal transformation processes. By unpacking various design processes within the context of systemic change through the lens of emergence, this research proposed three themes that might offer an alternative vocabulary for appreciating, detecting & describing repercussions within such design processes. These themes are (1) a sensitivity towards one’s own perspective, in relation with the other, (2) the ability to utilize friction, and (3) recognition of continuous evolvement through disequilibria.
The themes were extracted from both literature research and discussions with professionals in the field of design research, systemic change, philosophy and social innovation. The discussions were facilitated through a virtual environment. This virtual environment was designed in a way that would steer the conversations towards specific directions, whereby the researcher and the participant were able to co-create a visualization of their conversation. The visualizations were used in the thematic analysis of the work, as well as ways to explore how different transformation processes might be visualized.
For more information about this research, please refer to my research paper.
Reflection
This project has formed the base for my graduation project, as it proposed themes that I have re-iterated upon later. The aesthetical qualities used to facilitate the discussions also inspired me to develop this in more detail, as can be seen in my graduation project.
