Outline of the thesis 22

CHAPTER 1: Introduction

This  introduction  sets  out  the  problem  of  the  thesis:  while  professional  designers  have   been  participating  in  processes  working  towards  social  change  and  sustainability,  there   is  still  in  design  a  lack  of  theory  and  methodology  that  is  able  to  support  a  deeper   understanding  of  the  complexities  and  implications  of  the  interactions  that  involve   community  contexts  and  an  extended  network  of  relations.  This  study  suggests  a   methodology  to  guide  reflection  by  designers  and  artisan  producers.  In  doing  that,  it   aims  to  contribute  to  the  identification  and  creation  of  opportunities  for  individual  and   collective  wellbeing.  The  methodology  also  aims  to  support  work  and  research  

practice.  I  draw  evidence  from  two  case  studies  of  my  experience  in  the  Amazon   rainforest  for  an  application  of  the  reflective  methodology.  In  doing  that,  I  examine  the   process  of  social  innovation  in  the  Amazon  rainforest,  a  phenomenon  which  unfolds   from  the  materiality  of  the  natural  rubber.    

CHAPTER 2: Local and global symbiosis: materiality and ecology of the rubber from the Amazon rainforest

This  research  is  placed  within  the  specific  Amazonian  rubber-­‐tapping  context.  By   exploring  the  materiality  and  the  ecology  of  the  rubber,  it  is  possible  to  form  a  holistic   view  of  the  multiple  connections  that  create  the  networks  within  and  without  the   rainforest,  and  between  them.  Transformations  and  the  transport  of  this  material   throughout  history  up  to  present  day  gives  signs  of  the  interdependence  and  

interlacing  of  the  local  communities  and  global  markets,  which  imply  social,  political   and  environmental  complications.  These  two-­‐way  flows  of  influence  and  pressure   between  the  local  and  the  global  have  defined  the  formation  of  communities  with  a   shared  identity  linked  to  the  material.  This  scenario  demonstrates  how  sustainability  is   a  complex  and  overarching  issue  combating  stagnation,  and  cannot  be  reduced  to  a   series  of  isolated  actions.  This  chapter  provides  an  account  of  initiatives  of  social   innovation.    

CHAPTER 3: Enhancing capabilities through the materiality of the artefacts

This  chapter  contemplates  the  philosophical  and  practical  ethos  of  capabilities.  This   action-­‐oriented  theory  is  catalysed  by  people’s  proactive  engagement  in  creating   opportunities  and  generating  social  values.  Creative  exploration  of  the  materiality  of   the  rubber  demonstrates  how  social  innovation  also  emerges  from  individuals  and   communities  in  the  Amazon  rainforest,  giving  signs  of  self-­‐reinvention  through   handicrafts.  In  this  scenario,  design  also  becomes  relevant.  This  context  begins  to   discuss  interactions  between  designer  and  artisan  producers  on  entailed  opportunities   and  challenges.  

CHAPTER 4: Encounters, practices and methods  

This  chapter  examines  the  interaction  of  designers  with  local  artisan  producers  by   presenting  evidence  from  interviews  with  eight  designers  and/or  social  entrepreneurs   about  their  experiences  with  artisan  producers  and  their  communities  in  different  

parts  of  the  world.  By  looking  at  the  issues  of  difference,  and  the  challenges  and   opportunities  of  the  collaborative  practice  within  the  community  context,  this  chapter   attempts  to  establish  whether  capabilities  can  be  enhanced.  It  also  intends  to  provide   an  understanding  of  the  significance  of  design  and  the  roles  of  the  designer  working   with  local  artisan  producers  –  with  the  intention  of  contributing  to  social  change  and   wellbeing.  Further,  it  investigates  methods  employed  by  designers  in  their  work  with   small-­‐scale  artisan  producers.  

CHAPTER 5: Reflective methodology on interaction and capabilities

In  response  to  the  research  question,  this  chapter  proposes  a  new  methodology  in   order  to  promote  better  and  deeper  understanding  of  interaction  between  designers   and  artisan  producers  within  the  community.  The  reflective  methodology  aims  to   contribute  to  enhance  individual  and  collective  capabilities.  The  reflective  

methodology  combines  Activity  Theory  (Engeström,  2001)  and  the  theory  of  

capabilities  (Sen,  1999).  A  phenomenological  perspective  is  brought  to  the  discussion   of  the  written  reflection  of  the  designer.  

CHAPTER 6: Reflective methodology applied to design research

This  chapter  applies  the  reflective  methodology  to  Case  Study  1.  It  comprises  a   reflection  upon  my  experience  in  field  research  as  participant  observer  and  

collaborator.  By  applying  the  reflective  methodology  in  a  post-­‐rationalization  of  the   case  study,  I  was  able  to  test  and  improve  that  methodology.  The  artisan  producer  

who  has  developed  rubber  shoes  is  an  example  of  a  bottom-­‐up  social  innovation,   illustrating  the  theory  of  Chapter  2  and  providing  a  closer  approach  to  this  challenging   phenomenon  in  the  Amazon  rainforest,  as  introduced  in  Chapter  2.  Through  the   reflective  methodology,  I  reflect  upon  the  context,  the  research  experience  and  its   consequences  over  a  period  of  time.  

CHAPTER 7: Reflective methodology applied to design management

Case  Study  2  brings  my  professional  experience  to  reflection.  The  fieldwork  occurred   within  another  community  in  the  Amazon  rainforest.  In  this,  I  worked  for  the  

implementation  of  a  new  method  of  production  and  the  development  of  a  design  work   to  simultaneously  support  production  and  promote  it.  The  application  of  the  reflective   methodology  led  me  to  reflect  upon  the  enhancement  of  capabilities  by  the  multiple   stakeholders  involved  in  efforts  and  disseminating  social  innovation.  

CHAPTER 8: Reflecting on the methodology and findings

The  application  of  the  reflective  methodology  in  the  two  case  studies  proves  its  utility   for  use  within  different  situations.  The  chapter  examines  findings  about  and  insights   into  the  use  of  the  reflective  methodology.  This  chapter  also  discusses  the  roles  of  the   designer  from  these  experiences  and  examines  findings  emerging  from  analysis  of  the   case  studies  through  the  reflective  methodology.  An  important  finding  concerns  the   function  of  the  rubber  as  a  pivotal  boundary  object  in  the  process  of  social  innovation   of  local  communities  in  the  Amazon  rainforest.  Through  this  understanding,  this  

material  connects  communities  from  within  and  without  the  rainforest,  forming  a   complex  network  of  relations.  

CHAPTER 9: Final considerations

This  concluding  chapter  discusses  key  features  and  findings  of  this  research.  It    

reviews  the  key  contribution,  brings  evidence  of  originality,  discusses  the  limitations  of   the  research,  points  towards  future  researches,  and  suggests  some  further  

applications  for  the  reflective  methodology.