Overlapping research and design phases through participatory strategies

This paper explores the implications, with regard to service design education, of a project in the second semester of the Service Systems Design Master’s program at Aalborg University in Copenhagen.
The learning objective of this project is to develop student capabilities in the design and deployment of service concepts within a systemic environment. Topics introduced as part of the program’s curriculum in this semester that contribute to engaging students in this type of thinking include both technical (production systems, IT systems) and social (user participation and social innovation) aspects.
As the case study is discussed, note will be taken of the influence of this educational
approach in the design team’s choices throughout the project process. Through this
exploration, a discussion can be held on the opportunities and challenges presented to students as they attempt to combine the various aspects of a design education focused on
systemic thinking.