Narrative as a design tool in fragile contexts

Drawing on its definition of research by design, the research will be composed of three main parts and the structure intends to address the issue through three different methodological approaches that develop in parallel and mutually influence each other. They include the theoretical study, the observation of relevant case studies and an auto-reflective approach that involves my “learning by doing”. The emerging knowledge generates mutual influences that can be described as follows: the “making” generates the perimeter within the field of study is circumscribed and recognizes relevant case studies, allowing to focus the gaze of my doing. Practicing an auto-reflexive observation (Schön 1983) and observe others auto-reflexive practices represent the most appropriate way to investigate the effectiveness of the project in fragile contexts. My previous and ongoing experience has affected my field of research interest and represents the opportunity to experiment with the project in action. The comparison with “real processes” allows me to practice the designer and the researcher’s dimension at the same time and investigate design tacit knowledge. The purpose is to recognize and trace the tacit knowledge produced in the practice, experimenting and observing ways to make it available even to other situations and subjects.