The DESIS (Design for Social Innovation and Sustainability) Philosophy Talk #2.1 discussed the role of storytelling in social design during the Cumulus (International Association of Universities and Colleges of Art, Design and Media) Dublin Conference 7-9 November 2013 in the National College of Art and Design, Ireland. Among other experts, Crucible Studio’s director Mika ‘Lumi’ Tuomola provided a commentary.
“Emerging practices of design for social innovation are showing the relevance to make more extensive use of videos and narratives. Storytelling as such is becoming increasingly important for a variety of reasons. But what does storytelling mean? How can we make best use of it within the context of design for social innovation? Can storytelling be seen as that which facilitates the possibility for a public space to be opened up, where the commons can be re-destributed and where both dialogue and action can be shared and eventually lead to the construction of a higher quality public domain? Can it lead to the establishment of the pre-conditions for participation, condivision and dialogue to take place and lead to the co-design of a more participative society? How can this eventually happen? How can we exclude a manipulative character in the way we make use of storytelling? “