‘Each project in this publication consists of a microcosm of deep-rooted problems asking for a new approach. We’ve only just got started.’

That’s according to Professor Kees Dorst in his preface to the publication SOCIALDESIGNFORWICKEDPROBLEMS (SDFWP), presented at the recent Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven.

SDFWP explores the role that social design plays in tackling persistent social problems. For the project, various social designers, artists and organizations spent half a year developing new approaches to so-called wicked problems. The publication discusses three projects according to the social, economic and health themes. Among the key terms used in the publication are wicked problems, socials design, frame creation and change management.

After briefly reflecting on the main findings of the research programme, the authors discussed the findings with the audience. Comments and questions corresponded with the title of the publication’s last chapter, entitled ‘Unfinished’. As SDFWP has started to outline guidelines and theory with regard to the process of social design, remaining questions call for further research: who should listen to this discussion and to the results of the research? And how can you get parties to connect with social designers if those parties yet have to acknowledge they’re dealing with a wicked problem?

You can read the publication online: http://issuu.com/hetnieuweinstituut/docs/sdfwp/3?e=0/9720658

An English-language edition is available from November 3.

SDFWP blog: http://socialdesignforwickedproblems.hetnieuweinstituut.nl

The publication presentation took place during the series DAE TALKS in partnership with DOEN, Taco Goudswaard and Twynstra Gudde.

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