Re-thinking designing

The objective of the current research work is to explore experiences as ground for work and workplace design. The study was undertaken between 2008-2010 in a research project called the Future Factory . The research involved exploring alternative futures through a design lab approach. The initial phase consisted of context mapping, as explorations of user experiences through interviews and observations. The resulting material was portrayed as Personas . These fictional characters were used both to communicate and to explore experiences in collaborative activities. A group of young people developed future scenarios. The scenarios were characterized as the positive Utopia and the negative Dystopia , used to discuss implications and alternative futures. Subsequently these tools were used in a series of Future Workshops with project interest groups. This research contributes to practice with methods, tools and guidelines for a reflective and innovative work and workplace design.