EXPLORING IMPLICATIONS FOR DESIGNING FOR SOCIOTECHNICAL TRANSITIONS: TAKING REFLEXIVITY AS A MATTER OF SCALE

Abstract

There is increasing interest of design for paradigmatic and sociotechnical changes, in which the significance of actor is recognized. However, design studies that aim to connect actors at the micro level and sociotechnical systems at the macro level is limited. Based on institutional theory in sociotechnical theory, this paper proposes reflexivity as a useful concept to be associated with matters of scale in Design. Based on literature review, we explore the ways “cultivating reflexivity” has been applied in critical design, norm creative innovation and service ecosystem design. This preliminary work seems to suggest an evolution in the application of reflexivity, from a focus on individuals and their own critical attitudes, to the facilitation of a more reflexive design process to the facilitation of collective feedback loops of reflexivity and reformation of institutions and their socio-material manifestations, pointing toward a very relevant area of study for Design and sociotechnical transitions.