2 - Exploring alternative rationales | DesignLab

exploring alternative rationales

What: An Understand and Frame exercise, to reframe the challenge
When: After 'Explore status quo'
Goal: Reflect on status quo and rationales governing our current practices in relation to a societal challenge.
Duration: 30 mins

Introduction

Reflect on the status quo and the rationales governing our current practices in relation to a societal challenge.

How it works

Exploration and definition of alternative rationales and perspectives in the context of your challenge.

What other alternative values exist that could inform practices and influence futures?
How could these values challenge existing assumptions and perspectives on your challenge?
(i.e. new actors in the network, new opportunities, new challenges)
Summarise what this alternatives rationale is about (come up with a max. of 3 (at least 2)).

Tip(s) for moderator

To carry out this exercise, first work on the 'existing rationales' exercise, to understand the baseline and status quo. To formulate different rationales, use the list of values for inspiration, asking participants to pick a different value and explore how the rationale or challenge would change if that value was governing at the micro, meso and macro levels.

Output

New alternative rationales based on other values that help you to see the challenge with a fresh pair of eyes.

Download(s)

Next step(s)

Alternative futures based on alternative rationales, part of 'Imagine and Ideate'.

Overview

Other methods and tools to 'Understand and Frame':

1 - What brought us here?

3 - Value mapping

4 - Framing and reframing with metaphors

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