Currently, there isn’t a comprehensive value reference that people involved in design projects can quickly access to build a shared understanding of values. There is also no comprehensive and authoritative guidance for choosing appropriate approaches towards working with values in design projects. In its Value Language & Methodology Project the Delft Design for Values (DDfV) Institute takes steps towards filling this gap by developing a toolbox.
The aim is to help students, practitioners, policymakers, and researchers to design for/work with values without having to search for appropriate ways to do this, and by avoiding potential misunderstanding, miscommunication or confusion about values or design. The toolbox provides easy access to appropriate methods for different types of value-related (design) activities, as well as important theoretical foundations.
Why is this project important?
At the DDfV Institute, we use Design for Values as an umbrella term that encompasses a diversity of design approaches, theoretical backgrounds, considered values, and application domains. And we believe that designing for values requires a transdisciplinary approach involving different academic disciplines (design, engineering, social sciences, philosophy) as well as citizens, societal stakeholders and industry.
Our comprehensive understanding of design for values creates opportunities to learn from each other and make an impact, but also raises challenges. Actors from different disciplines may for example have their unique understanding of values, and misunderstandings may arise. And people who are new to designing for values may have a hard time getting an overview of what it entails and what resources are available.
What have we done so far?
The first phase of this project took place from May to September 2024. After a kick-off meeting, we started with a literature review followed by an iterative process of developing prototypes. The resulting draft toolbox includes:
- An introductory guide
- A value dictionary
- An overview of methodologies
- A canvas / workspace
In September 2024 we organized a series of meetings at different Faculties of TU Delft to discuss this toolbox with researchers in different engineering fields and in that way gather feedback and collect ideas.
Next steps
We are currently discussing what our next steps will be. But one thing is certain: we would love to involve more people:
- Are you a members of the DDfV research community? This project presents a unique opportunity for you to showcase your own value-related work as part of the toolbox.
- Or are you or your organization a potential user of this toolbox and would you like to be engaged in further co-designing and testing it?
Please contact us to explore how we could collaborate!
