4 =a mnmyvwx Cc Oo

mo Mm wm Hw

Figure 2: Discussion around the string mapping activity.

of the implementation and maintenance of
our design. It is important to remember that
co-design as a dialogical tool and strategy is an
integral part not only in the design phase, but in
the execution of outcomes, bearing in mind all
of the stakeholders. Moving forward we intend
to continue utilizing co-design strategies with
families, researches and the PAFN. These are
integral tools of stewardship, and we recognize
that as designers, we should work with those
in positions of power to implement designs,
to support this endeavour beyond our initial
involvement and ensure they are prepared for
pivots and feedback.

CONCLUSION

Over the past three years we have contended with
the question: “How might design (and designers)
foster communication and enhanced knowledge
exchange between diverse members of the
Autism Community, to better support families?”
During this time our collaboration with the PAFN
has undergone 3 distinct phases, each illustrating
a different way in which designers can support
and facilitate social innovation. Throughout this
research and design process we have played a
critical role as dialogic collaborators in triggering
and supporting a co-design process within the
autism community. In essence, we have begun
to fulfil the roles of expert designers that Manzini
describes: “[expert designers] should feed the
conversation with visions and ideas (using their
personal skills and specific cultures), listen to
the feedback from other interlocutors (as well

as, more in general, listening to feedback from
the whole environment in which they operate),
and then, in view of the feedback, they should
introduce new, more mature proposals into the
conversation” [11]. As expert designers on this
project, we started by listening to the community,
we fed the conversation with new ideas, and we
are now working to support the development and
implementation of the collectively established
vision; ultimately seeking to enhance knowledge
exchange and support for families in the autism
community.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Many faculty and students at Emily Carr
University of Art + Design have contributed to
this work over the past three years. We would like to
acknowledge the contributions of: Jonathan Aitken
(past HDL Director), Caylee Raber (current HDL
Director), Deborah Shackleton (Dean of Design
and Dynamic Media), and the following research
assistants — Stacie Schatz, Ateret Buchman,
Natalia Franca, Zora Trocme, Amanda Roy, Dina
Smallman, Juliana Forero, Lauren Low and Rach-
elle Lortie.

Funding for this project between 2015-2018 has
been provided by: Pacific Autism Family Network
Foundation, Michael Smith Foundation for Health
Research, Emily Carr University of Art + Design,
University of British Columbia, University of Victoria,
BC Institute of Technology, and Bc Children’s
Hospital Research Institute.

REFERENCES

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