Short answer
Design engagement artifacts not just for clarity, but also with an awareness of how they might be leveraged or subverted within existing power structures.
- Field
- Innovation & Markets
- Source
- Loughborough University Institutional Repository (Loughborough University) (2014)
- Method
- Qualitative case study with process tracing.
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Material artifacts used in public engagement processes can act as 'boundary objects,' mediating power imbalances and influencing decision-making by translating information across diverse stakeholder interests. This innovation & markets research insight is drawn from a 2014 study published in Loughborough University Institutional Repository (Loughborough University). Using Qualitative case study with process tracing., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design engagement artifacts not just for clarity, but also with an awareness of how they might be leveraged or subverted within existing power structures.
Boundary Objects Mediating Power Dynamics in Public Engagement
Material artifacts used in public engagement processes can act as 'boundary objects,' mediating power imbalances and influencing decision-making by translating information across diverse stakeholder interests.
Loughborough University Institutional Repository (Loughborough University) · 2014
Key Findings
- 01Boundary objects are not neutral; their effectiveness is contingent on how they are used by participants with varying power.
- 02Power struggles between social groups actively shape and are shaped by the boundary objects used in engagement.
- 03The translation of information through boundary objects influences decision-making and goal alignment within engagement processes.
Application
Design takeaway
Design engagement artifacts not just for clarity, but also with an awareness of how they might be leveraged or subverted within existing power structures.
How to apply
When designing public consultation materials, consider how different stakeholder groups might interpret and use these materials to assert or defend their interests.
Project actions
- 01When designing for public engagement, consider the power dynamics between different user groups.
- 02Analyze how your design choices might empower or disempower certain stakeholders.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a nuanced understanding of the role of artifacts in social processes.
- +Applies a theoretical model (Latour-Callon) to analyze real-world engagement.
Limitations
The specific 'boundary objects' studied might be unique to the infrastructure development context.
Reliability & validity
The study's validity relies on the accurate application of the Latour-Callon model and the interpretation of observed interactions. Reliability might be a concern due to the qualitative nature and potential for observer bias.
Think critically
How can designers proactively design 'boundary objects' that aim to equalize power dynamics rather than reinforce existing ones?
Design Principles
"Boundary objects are dynamic mediators of power and information, requiring context-aware design and facilitation."
Understanding how these boundary objects function is crucial for designers and project managers involved in public-facing initiatives. It highlights that the effectiveness of engagement tools is not inherent but is shaped by how they are used within existing power structures, influencing project adoption and stakeholder satisfaction.
What This Means for Your Design
Think about how the things you design for people to talk about (like maps or questionnaires) can actually change who has the most say in a project, depending on who's using them.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the social impact of design artifacts or the challenges of user research in contexts with power imbalances.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights that the material artifacts employed in public engagement processes, termed 'boundary objects,' are not neutral conduits of information. Instead, they actively participate in and are shaped by power struggles between social groups, influencing decision-making outcomes. Therefore, when designing for public interaction, it is critical to consider how these objects might mediate power dynamics and affect goal alignment among diverse stakeholders.
Source
Loughborough University Institutional Repository (Loughborough University)
The translation of power: A study of boundary objects in public engagement processes
journal · 2014
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about boundary objects mediating power dynamics in public engagement?
- Design engagement artifacts not just for clarity, but also with an awareness of how they might be leveraged or subverted within existing power structures. Evidence: Loughborough University Institutional Repository (Loughborough University) (2014).
- Why does "Boundary Objects Mediating Power Dynamics in Public Engagement" matter for design?
- Understanding how these boundary objects function is crucial for designers and project managers involved in public-facing initiatives. It highlights that the effectiveness of engagement tools is not inherent but is shaped by how they are used within existing power structures, influencing project adoption and stakeholder satisfaction.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Design engagement artifacts not just for clarity, but also with an awareness of how they might be leveraged or subverted within existing power structures.
- What were the main findings?
- Boundary objects are not neutral; their effectiveness is contingent on how they are used by participants with varying power.. Power struggles between social groups actively shape and are shaped by the boundary objects used in engagement.. The translation of information through boundary objects influences decision-making and goal alignment within engagement processes.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative case study with process tracing..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2014 journal from Loughborough University Institutional Repository (Loughborough University).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing public consultation materials, consider how different stakeholder groups might interpret and use these materials to assert or defend their interests.
- What are the limitations?
- The study's findings are specific to the context of Hong Kong's infrastructure development and may not be universally generalizable without adaptation.