Collaborative translation from and into practice

Whitham, Roger and Perez Ojeda, David and Galvin, Elizabeth (2024) Collaborative translation from and into practice. In: DRS2024: Research Papers :. DRS2024 Boston: Design Research Society Conference 2024 . Design Research Society, USA. ISBN 9781912294626

Abstract

This paper explores how collaborative design methods can facilitate the translation of situated knowledge embodied in expert practice. We draw on a long-term collaborative research project with a major national museum in the UK aimed at catalysing sustained transformation in the practice of staff members. We describe two interdependent translational modalities of our collaborative design research intervention. Firstly, a mode of collaborative translation from staff member’s existing practice into shared language, prototypes and tools. Secondly, a mode of collaborative translation into the situated practice of staff, resulting in new shared behaviours and capabilities. We describe the methods used in this work, the outputs produced and the unfolding impact on practice that resulted from these interventions. We discuss the potential of collaborative design methods to facilitate translation research that treats impact on practice as a means and measure of success.