7 - Explore status quo | DesignLab | University of Twente

Explore status quo

What: A Connect and Relate exercise, to understand perspectives and values
Goal: Gain deeper understanding on societal challenge
Duration: 30 mins

Introduction

Gain a deeper understanding on the societal challenge by reflecting on the existing rationales governing experiences, practices,or/and policies.

How it works

When thinking of the societal challenge you would like to address:

What are the current predominant values for [topic/theme] (status quo) informing practices and visions?
What are the consequences of this status quo from different perspectives?

Brainstorm stakeholders - Focus on 4-5 important stakeholders. Incorporate various actors from the quintuple helix
Think of tensions and complementarities (among actors) -keeping it at the value level-
Think of different levels (i.e. micro (experiences), meso (practices), macro (policies))

Tip(s) for moderator

Talking about 'rationales' can be quite abstract. Use the list of values if participants are stuck. Ask questions like: do you perceive that any of these values are influencing what is going on in relation to the challenge?

Output

Formulation of main rationale and discourse around a societal challenge and understanding its influence at micro, meso and macro levels.

Download(s)

Next step(s)

Exploring alternative rationales, part of 'Understand and Frame'.

Overview

Other methods and tools to 'Connect and Relate':

1 - Storytelling archetypes

2 - Understanding values and perspectives

3 - Stakeholder map

4 - Futures wheel: Identify stakeholders

5 - Stakeholder cards

6 - Your experience 'garden'

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