Constructive Design Research

As part of the Constructive Design Research course at Eindhoven University of Technology, I co-authored a paper titled “Participatory Storytelling and Mutual Understanding in Multistakeholder Projects.” The research explores the potential of storytelling to foster mutual understanding in multidisciplinary teams. In this project, we delved into how shared vision-making through participatory storytelling exercises can improve collaboration and alignment among team members with diverse backgrounds, ultimately driving better project outcomes.

The research process involved developing a toolkit for conducting participatory storytelling workshops. These workshops encouraged team members to switch perspectives, imagine future scenarios, and collaboratively narrate stories. We analyzed the impact of these exercises by comparing individual and group visions before and after the workshops. Our findings revealed that storytelling facilitates greater mutual understanding and aligns team members’ long-term goals, particularly in addressing complex, real-world challenges.

Key Skills Developed

This project allowed me to hone several essential skills:

• Design Research Methodology: I developed a robust understanding of design research methodologies, focusing on how creative processes can foster collaboration in multidisciplinary settings.
• Critical Analysis and Synthesis: Synthesizing data from storytelling sessions and reflecting on how different perspectives can converge into a unified vision was a key part of our approach.
• Collaborative Team Dynamics: Through this research, I gained practical experience in fostering collaboration, using storytelling to help teams navigate differences and build shared understanding.

The Constructive Design Research course emphasized working with complex, wicked problems, encouraging creative, user-centered approaches that bring together diverse perspectives—a crucial skill for any design researcher or practitioner.

By undertaking this project, I not only developed my research and facilitation skills but also contributed to a growing field of inquiry on how participatory methods can be leveraged to solve societal challenges through design innovation.