Re-shaping Participation in the Field of Architecture through Service Design. Challenges in Knowledge Transfer Regarding End-user Needs in Interdisciplinary Design Processes Involving Architect and Service Design Expertise

Abstract

Abstract

This paper aims to understand the phenomenon of knowledge transfer between architects and service designers during participatory design processes in architectural design projects. While the relationship between planners and end-users in participatory design is well-researched, little is known about the interdisciplinary interactions within the design teams. The findings of this paper are based on 18 interviews of architects, interior architects, and service designers, touching upon themes such as their experiences of mutual collaboration, roles, attitudes, and challenges, including knowledge transfer. These interviews were analysed using the open-ended Grounded Theory Method (GTM) to mitigate contamination with the authors' professional experiences and to understand relationships and interactions between the key actors: architects and service designers. Based on the findings, the intensive and continuous forms of collaboration and the personal capabilities of the key actors significantly increased successful interdisciplinary knowledge transfer.