From conflict to catalyst: using critical conflict as a creative device in design-led innovation practice

Cyberspace is global; it allows for an unimaginable number of actors and
interactions. The internet can be a place for creativity, fun and community,
yet it is also a vehicle for criminal and damaging behaviour. It is, therefore,
not surprising that on topics of cybercrime there are many stakeholders with
contrasting perspectives. If, in a design-led approach to wicked problems, it is
vital to involve people from diverse backgrounds, it is important to consider
how to make the process of generating ideas based on frames accessible to
them. A collaboration with a regional law enforcement agency provided the
context for research into participatory design approaches that considered the
question: what design-led approach and resources construct and present
critical human conflicts as creative stimulus for participatory design events?
This paper explores the challenges, limitations and value of a ‘Creative
Tensions’ device that aimed to help participants develop solutions by offering
‘frames’ that they can ‘look through’, that may well deviate from their own
experiences. Using a set of semi-structured interviews, this research presents
an analysis of the device (its production, context and use) detailing practical
steps and resources that support the development and use of frames in a
multi-disciplinary multi-stakeholder participatory design event.