Short answer

In projects involving non-human stakeholders, embrace uncertainty and use it as a catalyst for deeper exploration and more nuanced design solutions, rather than trying to eliminate it.

Field
User-Centred Design
Source
Academic Publication (2023)
Method
Research through Design (RtD)
Evidence
Moderate effect

Designers can leverage ambivalence as a productive force in multispecies design by adopting a 'diffractional' perspective that acknowledges and values interdependencies and differences. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Academic Publication. Using Research through design (rtd), researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: In projects involving non-human stakeholders, embrace uncertainty and use it as a catalyst for deeper exploration and more nuanced design solutions, rather than trying to eliminate it.

Study
User-Centred DesignRecentModerate effect

Embracing Ambivalence: A Diffractional Approach to Multispecies Design

Designers can leverage ambivalence as a productive force in multispecies design by adopting a 'diffractional' perspective that acknowledges and values interdependencies and differences.

Academic Publication · 2023

01

Key Findings

  • 01Ambivalence is an inherent and valuable characteristic in multispecies design.
  • 02A 'diffractional' perspective, which emphasizes interdependencies and differences, can guide design in complex multispecies environments.
  • 03Collaboration and negotiation with domain experts (beekeepers, ecologists) are crucial for understanding and addressing design challenges in multispecies contexts.
02

Application

Design takeaway

In projects involving non-human stakeholders, embrace uncertainty and use it as a catalyst for deeper exploration and more nuanced design solutions, rather than trying to eliminate it.

How to apply

When designing for ecosystems or other living systems, actively seek out and document points of ambivalence. Use these as starting points for further research and iterative design, rather than as problems to be solved immediately.

Project actions

  • 01Identify and document moments of uncertainty or conflicting ideas in your design process.
  • 02Consider how your design might affect or be affected by non-human elements or environments.
  • 03Seek out diverse perspectives from experts or users who understand the non-human context.
03

Method & Evidence

AimHow can designers navigate ambivalence and foster interdependence when designing in multispecies contexts?
MethodResearch through Design (RtD)
ProcedureThe researchers engaged in a design project (Turner Boxes) to create a technological network for interacting with wild bees. They reflected on design choices concerning electromagnetic fields, feeding practices, and human intervention, analyzing these negotiations alongside insights from beekeepers and ecologists. This analysis was extended through feminist epistemologies to develop a 'diffractional' design standpoint.
ContextMultispecies design, urban ecology, human-bee interaction

Variables

IV["Design approach (e.g., ambivalence-embracing vs. solution-focused)","Inclusion of multispecies perspectives"]
DV["Nuance of design outcomes","Responsibility of design","Effectiveness of design in complex systems"]
CV["Specific multispecies context being designed for","Available domain expertise"]
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Highlights the value of uncertainty in design.
  • +Offers a novel perspective ('diffraction') for complex design challenges.

Limitations

It can be challenging to objectively identify and analyze 'ambivalence' within a design project, and defining 'multispecies context' can be broad.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of findings related to 'ambivalence' might be subjective. Validity could be strengthened by triangulating findings with multiple case studies in different multispecies contexts.

Think critically

How might a purely 'solution-oriented' design approach fail when applied to complex ecological or multispecies problems, and what are the ethical implications of such failures?

05

Design Principles

"Design for interdependence by acknowledging and valuing the inherent complexities and differences within multispecies systems."

In complex design projects involving non-human entities, such as urban ecosystems or animal interactions, traditional user-centred approaches may fall short. This research suggests that instead of striving for definitive solutions, designers can find value in the uncertainties and tensions inherent in these multispecies contexts, leading to more nuanced and responsible design outcomes.

06

What This Means for Your Design

When designing for nature or animals, it's okay not to have all the answers right away. The uncertainty and different viewpoints can actually help you create a better design.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Discuss how moments of ambivalence in your design process led to specific design decisions or explorations.
  • 2.Explain how you considered the interdependence between different elements (e.g., user, product, environment) in your design.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This design project embraced ambivalence as a productive element, drawing inspiration from research that suggests a 'diffractional' approach to multispecies design. By acknowledging and exploring the inherent uncertainties and interdependencies within the design context, particularly concerning the interaction between [mention your specific elements, e.g., user and technology, or product and environment], the design evolved to better accommodate the complexities of the system.

09

Source

Academic Publication

Turner Boxes and Bees: From Ambivalence to Diffraction

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about embracing ambivalence: a diffractional approach to multispecies design?
In projects involving non-human stakeholders, embrace uncertainty and use it as a catalyst for deeper exploration and more nuanced design solutions, rather than trying to eliminate it. Evidence: Academic Publication (2023).
Why does "Embracing Ambivalence: A Diffractional Approach to Multispecies Design" matter for design?
In complex design projects involving non-human entities, such as urban ecosystems or animal interactions, traditional user-centred approaches may fall short. This research suggests that instead of striving for definitive solutions, designers can find value in the uncertainties and tensions inherent in these multispecies contexts, leading to more nuanced and responsible design outcomes.
How can designers apply this research?
In projects involving non-human stakeholders, embrace uncertainty and use it as a catalyst for deeper exploration and more nuanced design solutions, rather than trying to eliminate it.
What were the main findings?
Ambivalence is an inherent and valuable characteristic in multispecies design.. A 'diffractional' perspective, which emphasizes interdependencies and differences, can guide design in complex multispecies environments.. Collaboration and negotiation with domain experts (beekeepers, ecologists) are crucial for understanding and addressing design challenges in multispecies contexts.
What research method was used?
Research through Design (RtD).
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2023 journal from Academic Publication.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When designing for ecosystems or other living systems, actively seek out and document points of ambivalence. Use these as starting points for further research and iterative design, rather than as problems to be solved immediately.
What are the limitations?
The findings are specific to the context of designing for wild bees and may require adaptation for other multispecies design challenges.