Think or Swim (?) | An experimental communication and public engagement | Dutch Design Week

At Provincie Noord-Brabant - Hét platform voor klimaatadaptatie (Province of North Brabant - The platform for climate adaptation) , we believe in harnessing diverse perspectives to tackle complex challenges like climate adaptation. During the Dutch Design Week 2017, we had the opportunity to engage with the public in a dynamic and innovative way as part of the "Think or Swim" project. This blog post reflects on our approach, key findings, and the impact of our engagement activities.

Project Overview:

Event: Dutch Design Week 2017

Location: Ketelhuisplein, Eindhoven

Dates: October 21 - October 29, 2017

Collaborators: Students from Design Academy Eindhoven, various Zuid-Nederland stakeholders

Our objective was to delve into how creative and diverse public perspectives can shape climate adaptation strategies. Through interactive engagements, we aimed to uncover unique insights and foster innovative solutions.

Interactive Engagement Approach:

1. Stand Design and Activities:

Our stand was designed to stimulate interaction and creativity:

• Interactive Challenges: Visitors participated in thought-provoking exercises, such as proposing solutions for water management through the lens of their personal interests, like fashion or engineering.
• Open Dialogue: We facilitated conversations that allowed individuals to share their personal experiences and ideas regarding climate adaptation, promoting a deeper understanding of public perspectives.

2. Creative Workshops:

• Personalized Problem-Solving: Participants were encouraged to use their expertise and passions to address climate issues, leading to fresh and innovative approaches.
• Feedback Collection: We gathered qualitative feedback to identify common themes and insights, which enriched our understanding of public motivations and ideas.

Key Insights and Learnings:

1. Diverse Perspectives:

The engagement activities highlighted the value of integrating various interests and expertise. For instance, a fashion enthusiast's take on water management provided a unique perspective that traditional approaches might overlook.

2. Communication and Terminology:

We observed that technical terms like "ruimtelijke adaptatie" were often unfamiliar to the public. Simplifying language and framing issues in relatable contexts improved engagement and understanding.

3. Pattern Recognition:

By analyzing the feedback, we identified recurring themes and innovative ideas that can inform future climate adaptation strategies. This approach demonstrated how public engagement can drive meaningful solutions.

Impact and Applications:

1. Enhanced Solutions:

The insights gained from public interactions have contributed to a more nuanced understanding of climate adaptation needs and potential solutions.

2. Future Directions:

The experience underscores the importance of clear communication and the value of diverse perspectives in addressing complex issues. These principles will guide our future engagement efforts.

Conclusion:

The Dutch Design Week provided a valuable platform for engaging with the public and exploring creative approaches to climate adaptation. By embracing diverse perspectives and simplifying communication, we gained insights that will shape our ongoing efforts to tackle climate challenges.

Credits:

• Contributors: Hét platform voor klimaatadaptatie, Design Academy Eindhoven students, Zuid-Nederland stakeholders
• Special Thanks: Dutch Design Week for hosting and facilitating our engagement activities