Short answer

Incorporate digital storytelling as a method for gathering qualitative insights and fostering empathy during the design and implementation of organizational changes.

Field: Innovation & Design
Source: Research Commons (University of Waikato) (2012)
Method: Action Research / Case Study
Evidence: Moderate effect

Leveraging digital storytelling can foster more equitable and participatory approaches to organizational change by surfacing shared values and human experiences. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2012 study published in Research Commons (University of Waikato). Using Action research / case study, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Incorporate digital storytelling as a method for gathering qualitative insights and fostering empathy during the design and implementation of organizational changes.

Study

Innovation & DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Digital Storytelling as a Catalyst for Human-Centric Organizational Change

Leveraging digital storytelling can foster more equitable and participatory approaches to organizational change by surfacing shared values and human experiences.

Research Commons (University of Waikato) · 2012

Key Findings

01Digital storytelling can be a personally transformative process for individuals.
02Sharing life experiences through stories can empower individuals to participate in organizational transformation.
03A humanistic and critical theory perspective emphasizes the importance of communication, equality, justice, and freedom in redesigning organizations.

Application

Design takeaway

Incorporate digital storytelling as a method for gathering qualitative insights and fostering empathy during the design and implementation of organizational changes.

How to apply

When initiating a change project, consider facilitating workshops where stakeholders can create and share digital stories about their experiences, hopes, and concerns related to the change.

Project actions

01Consider how personal narratives can inform the design of user experiences.
02Explore how different forms of media can be used to communicate complex ideas or emotions related to a design.

Method & Evidence

AimHow can digital storytelling support organizational change?

MethodAction Research / Case Study

ProcedureThe researcher participated in a digital storytelling workshop, engaging in a 'story circle' to capture and refine a personal narrative. This process involved creative reflection using familiar images and music to explore the essence of a significant life experience and its connection to organizational dynamics.

ContextOrganizational change initiatives, social change, humanistic approaches to management.

Variables

IVDigital storytelling intervention

DVPerceived support for organizational change, participant engagement, transformation of perspectives

CVOrganizational context, type of change initiative, participant demographics

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Emphasizes the importance of human experience and emotional connection in design.
+Provides a qualitative method for understanding complex social dynamics within organizations.

Limitations

The subjective nature of storytelling can make it difficult to quantify results or generalize findings. Ethical considerations regarding privacy and consent are paramount when collecting personal stories.

Reliability & validity

Reliability is low due to the subjective nature of storytelling. Validity is high in capturing the subjective experience and emotional impact of change, but may be limited in generalizing to objective outcomes.

Think critically

To what extent can subjective personal narratives be reliably integrated into objective design decision-making processes?

Design Principles

"Embrace narrative and personal experience as fundamental components of effective communication and change management."

This approach moves beyond purely structural or top-down change initiatives by acknowledging the social and relational aspects of organizational transformation. By enabling individuals to share their experiences and perspectives, it can build empathy, trust, and a collective understanding, leading to more humane and innovative outcomes.

What This Means for Your Design

Telling personal stories using digital tools can help people understand each other better and make changes in their workplaces that are fairer and more helpful.

How to use in your project

1.Use storytelling as a method for user research to uncover deeper insights into user needs and motivations.
2.Incorporate narrative elements into design proposals to better communicate the intended impact and user experience.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the power of digital storytelling in facilitating organizational change by emphasizing humanistic values and communicative action. By engaging participants in sharing personal narratives, it fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives, leading to more humane and innovative outcomes. This approach can be adapted in design projects to uncover user needs and build consensus through shared experiences.

Source

Research Commons (University of Waikato)

Critical Story Sharing as Communicative Action in Organisational Change

journal · 2012

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about digital storytelling as a catalyst for human-centric organizational change?: Incorporate digital storytelling as a method for gathering qualitative insights and fostering empathy during the design and implementation of organizational changes. Evidence: Research Commons (University of Waikato) (2012).
Why does "Digital Storytelling as a Catalyst for Human-Centric Organizational Change" matter for design?: This approach moves beyond purely structural or top-down change initiatives by acknowledging the social and relational aspects of organizational transformation. By enabling individuals to share their experiences and perspectives, it can build empathy, trust, and a collective understanding, leading to more humane and innovative outcomes.
How can designers apply this research?: Incorporate digital storytelling as a method for gathering qualitative insights and fostering empathy during the design and implementation of organizational changes.
What were the main findings?: Digital storytelling can be a personally transformative process for individuals.. Sharing life experiences through stories can empower individuals to participate in organizational transformation.. A humanistic and critical theory perspective emphasizes the importance of communication, equality, justice, and freedom in redesigning organizations.
What research method was used?: Action Research / Case Study.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2012 journal from Research Commons (University of Waikato).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When initiating a change project, consider facilitating workshops where stakeholders can create and share digital stories about their experiences, hopes, and concerns related to the change.
What are the limitations?: The research is highly subjective and relies on the researcher's personal experience and interpretation. The effectiveness may vary significantly depending on the organizational culture and the willingness of participants to share.