Figurations of spatiality and temporality in participatory design and after – networks, meshworks and patchworking

Abstract

In recent years, many have combined actor–network theory (and after) and collective design. In this emerging field that we call participatory design and after, many have proposed and appropriated figurations such as networks, fluid, fire, thing and meshwork. In this paper, we argue that figurations do not only contribute to knowing the world, they also intervene in the becoming of worlds. This recognition of the performative character of figuration suggests that knowledge-making and world-making are inseparable, and makes it very important to be careful what figurations we imagine, articulate and use. In order to continue the work done in ANT and collective design that focuses on uncertainties, boundary-making, complexities and time, we propose the figuration of patchworking. What we particularly find generative with the figuration of patchworking is that it figures design as entanglements in multiple temporalities. Through the figuration of patchworking, we offer an approach that allows for understanding and working with multiple and overlapping collectives. This means to refigure how and where to draw the boundaries of co-designing in technological societies.

Keywords:

• ANT
• participatory design
• figurations
• feminist technoscience
• patchworking
• temporality

Acknowledgements

This text builds on our joint doctoral work at Malmö University and could be finished, thanks to our postdocs at Umeå University. We thank all the collaborators on the way! We are also grateful for the generative feedback from reviewers and editors of this special issue.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. Cat’s cradle is a string game, where strings are passed on from one pair of hands or limbs to another – or several participants collaborating – in order to generate patterns. It is and has been widespread across the globe in different versions. It allows for playfulness and creative development of string figures with everyday materials that are not costly.

2. This section of the paper builds on research done during our collaborative and practice-led PhD, especially the paper presentation ‘Threads Becoming to Matter through Collective Making’ which was made for the conference ‘Crafting the Future’ in 2013.

3. Swedish Travelling Exhibitions was to become a consulting public agency rather than continuing to produce travelling exhibitions.