Co-positioning design for sustainability transitions, practice theory and transitions theories: towards dialogue and collaboration

Abstract

This paper examines the integration potential of three bodies of knowledge that theorise and strategise about sustainability transitions and societal change: design for sustainability transitions (DfST), transitions theories (TTs) and practice theory (PT). After presenting an overview of their particular conceptions of change, narratives of change and foci of interventions, we comparatively assess: i) the dynamics of societal change that they highlight; ii) the scopes of change that they target and iii) the phases of change with which they actively engage. Our findings suggest that DfST, TTs and PT undertake distinct and yet equally relevant and necessary lenses and practices to understand and steer sustainability transitions. We argue that there is a need for establishing dialogues and collaborations between these three approaches, linking their activities, processes, learnings and propositions in order to initiate the formation of an aligned sustainability transitions research.

Envisioning desirable futures in small-scale fisheries: a transdisciplinary arts-based co-creation process

“…Arts-based creative practices also enhance understanding through making with our hands (Langley et al 2018); they enable the integration of diverse types of knowledge (Tengö et al 2014, Delgado and Rist 2016, Leavy 2020, Chambers et al 2021, and allow participants to explore what needs to be created and dismantled (Hyysalo et al 2019, Fry andTlostanova 2020). Moreover, collective visions can lead to alignment in terms of values and goals, necessary for systems-level transformation (Bui et al 2016, Öztekin andGaziulusoy 2021).…”

Towards Systemic Innovation Programmes for Sustainability Transitions: A Comparative Study of Two Design-Led Cases

“…Consequently, the emergence of a new role for design becomes evident, which includes the planning and facilitation of systemic innovation in sustainability transitions, even suggested to take the form of human agents mediating transition efforts explicitly [47] (p. 4). A further linking of design and transitioning is explored with socio-technical skills [48], design for sustainability transitions [49], and transition design [50]. With this new role, it becomes imperative that designers gain new operational insight by interfacing with the strategic, governing influence of transition management.…”

“…As grand challenges exist on a continuum (Figure 1), scoping of systemic intervention must orient itself to the current landscape's macro trends. Gaziulusoy and Ryan identify several roles of design in such strategic orientation, including "Systematising problem framing" and "Solving methodologies dealing with wicked problems" [49] (p. 1305). Accordingly, Pereno and Barbero's framework suggest that design tools, such as double-flow scenario methods and MLP design model, are applicable to "collectively identify problems, build alternative visions and establish the strategies required to implement them" [51] (p. 125).…”

“…. " [49] (p. 1305) contribute vital insight to the project group when engaging with subsequent future processes. Hence, such explorations include sociopolitical developments distinctively present in Stimulab, where projects are anchored in overarching policy processes that concede current governmental white papers and ministerial implementation strategies.…”

Practices in transitions: Review, reflections, and research directions for a Practice Innovation System PIS approach

“…SNM may be used for all innovations but is especially suited for sustainable technologies and mobility systems that offer environmental and social benefits undervalued in the marketplace . I could also have discussed connections to other disciplines and intervention points, such as design for sustainability transitions, practice theory and transitions theories (Öztekin & Gaziulusoy, 2020).…”