Exploring differences in design context construction within social innovation collaborative initiatives

Design has shifted from product manufacturing to tackling systems’ complexities in social innovation, focusing on participatory and human-centered design. Despite tools developed to enhance participation, differing perspectives complicate co-creation, necessitating better ways for interdependent thinking and communication. Designers must be embedded within the same social and cultural contexts as others, engaging in long-term participation. Establishing a design context that transcends temporary action but with a joint vision and tasks achievement is crucial. This study identifies varying levels of designers’ involvement and the differences of design context construction. Three modes are illustrated: (1) patching-based, (2) intertwining-based, and (3) expanding-based design context construction. This study advances design theory, encouraging designers to engage in multi-level collaboration.